Many VA's offer holiday cover. We have always called ours 'Business Babysitting. This was coined by one of our clients when she came back to a safe well organised office and no problems.

How is your business safeguarded

Answering the phone, handling -mails and faxes and dealing with clients directly. Your client can enjoy their holiday with complete peace of mind whilst you keep their clients happy.

Well the service is set up as follows:

* Normally a weekly charge for any 7 days you are away. This is for full cover, 9 to 5 or the hours agreed. You can have your telephone forwarded to the VA's number and so that part of the cover is seamless.

* If there is no telephone answering required you will probably be charged a per item amount for other admin work you need.

* Ancillary charges should be agreed with the client before the holiday starts and charged at cost. These items are such things as postage, phone calls, large print runs or mailings.

Now is the time to start letting your clients know that you offer this service. With the ability to order inexpensive business cards via the net, there is nothing stopping you from ordering 250 for this specific purpose with a calendar on the back. The client is much more likely to keep the card and of course will be reminded of your service each time they use it.

Once your clients have tried this service you will find that they automatically book you when they book their holiday, you become an integral part of their break and rest from daily work.

Working with your clients, you know their needs and also the worries they have about their business. They may be very similar to the ones you have regarding your own. Offering this service will bring you in an income at the worst part of the year - the holidays. You will get known as the 'Virtual Assistant Business Babysitter'