Although many Virtual Assistants are offering event planning services, when Virtual Assistants are able to team up with Event Planners, the events that they can produce together are phenomenal. Rather than viewing Virtual Assistants as “competition”, Event Planners need to realize what a valuable asset they can be to the success of their event planning business. By having a Virtual Assistant working on the administrative tasks, it frees the Event Planners to focus on the actual event and co-ordinating all the components necessary to make event day run smoothly. Here are samples of some of the ways that Virtual Assistants and Event Planners are able to work together:

1. Mailouts – A Virtual Assistant is able to handle all aspects of your event mailouts including creating the invitations, coordinating the printing, preparing the documents for mailing and ensuring the documents are mailed on time.

2. Database Creation and Management – A Virtual Assistant can prepare a database and maintain that database including organizing the data by event and/or by client and can also maintain your personal contacts as well as business contacts. They can input all the data in one location so that you no longer need to shuffle through several spreadsheets trying to find just the right information.

3. RSVP Tracking – Once the invitations have been sent, a Virtual Assistant can track your RSVPs and call those that do not respond so all you are left to worry about is the actual number of attendees at the event.

4. Research – A Virtual Assistant can research any and all things that you might need researched including possible locations, data for handouts, possible attendees, and the list goes on.

5. Compilation of Giveaways/Gifts – Not only can a Virtual Assistant make phone calls to collect items for you to give to your attendees, but he/she can also put those together and make them look awesome!!

6. Attracting Sponsors/Speakers – A Virtual Assistant can make calls on your behalf to potential speakers or sponsors and take care of sending them information packets about your event.

7. Preparation of Materials for the Event – From information packets to handouts and other materials, a Virtual Assistant can not only prepare the documents, but can also arrange for printing and compilation of the documents.

8. Follow Up – A Virtual Assistant can take care of following up with your attendees, speakers and sponsors with thank yous and surveys.

9. Marketing Assistance – As an Event Planner, you not only have to worry about the events you are planning, but also about your business and attracting new clients. A Virtual Assistant can help you with preparation of marketing materials such as newsletters, blogs, a web site, marketing packages, etc.. He/she can help you attract the clients so you can concentrate on impressing them and landing the next deal.

10. Writing/Editing/Formatting – A Virtual Assistant can be a second set of eyes for all the materials that will be provided to your attendees. He/she can make them look nice, check for errors and omissions and make sure that you are putting your best foot forward.

Once you begin to see a Virtual Assistant as a team member as opposed to competition, you will soon see how your business can blossom and thrive.