Virtual Gurus

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of Harness Energy

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Harness Energy supports worldwide Clean Energy Development by providing field services for pre-construction resource assessment and post construction resource measurement.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

• Provide administrative support across multiple business units

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

Referral

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Virtual Gurus were assigned to this project?

6-10 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Virtual Gurus is providing part time support across a number of our operations. We have support on document processing so that we can deliver final project packages on time. We have executive admin support to help with high level items, scheduling and expense reporting. We also have a large national workforce and we have administrative support to help organize and process a number of incoming documents and checking in with our workers.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

We have been able to grow and streamline our national workforce and have seen an increase in output and client deliverables. We have streamlined our project packages and are now consistently delivering on time project closeout documentation. The general administrative support has been invaluable in giving our executives precious time back to focus on the things that really important to our business!

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

All of the VG's that we have worked with have been excellent. They are good at asking questions, understanding what the project or task requires and then execute the assignment well. We have a complex business and having talented folks supporting our core team provides high value. In addition the VG's have helped create, document and streamline processes making things more efficient as well as providing the requested work.

What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Virtual Gurus has been extremely accommodating to work with! It is obvious that they are trying to deliver high value for us as their client and constantly looking for ways to be supportive and improve. I think the service and value they offer is in a nice sweet spot that we haven't found with other fractional administrative support companies. Their people are all fantastic that we've worked with which makes a huge impact.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

We have provided feedback looking for more robust reporting functionality (we have 6 VG's currently working with our teams) and keeping track of everyone's hours can be a challenge.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Real Estate Agent of Wood Buffalo Property Group

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Real Estate Team: 4 Real Estate agents that work under Royal Lepage True North Realty under the team name Wood Buffalo Property Group. We guide and support customers in the purchase and sale of a home.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

• Social Media Support
• Marketing Support
• Administrative Tasks

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

Online Search

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

• High ratings
• Pricing fit our budget
• Good value for cost
• Company values aligned

What was the size of Virtual Gurus’s team?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Assistant partakes in non licensed required activity, social media post creation/sharing, administrative tasks, and marketing. Specifically, creating advertisement for active listings and continually sharing those posts to local groups as well as Instagram posts to accompany facebook advertising.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Our team has consistently placed in the top 1% of Royal Lepage agents across Canada for the last several years. Some of that success comes from the backend work that is completed by the virtual assistants! Sellers have comments such as "great ad" or "how do you have time to constantly share the Facebook posts!"

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

They've been very responsive to any questions or concerns that we have. The virtual assistant assigned has shown consistent ability to complete tasks and follow direction.

What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email
• Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Incredible value for the cost. I would suggest this service to any real estate agent and or similar profession that requires help on the backend.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

I can't pin point anything specifically that we have been unhappy with.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am the owner of a mental health service that operates solely online. We offer all individual sessions and group programs to individuals seeking mental health services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Virtual Gurus?

We needed someone to revamp the website, help us get established better in social media, and help us maintain a presence in social media.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

They were very responsive, the customer service is outstanding and the monthly cost was built upon what I needed. Their expertise in the areas where I needed help was truly excellent.

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

During the initial meeting with the VA we discussed my goals, what I struggled with, and how I would like help in certain areas. Then he offered some suggestions and recommendations that I had not considered. This was all very helpful!

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked with the initial consultant who was helpful in getting me interviews with potential VA's. Then I have worked with two VA's. All were great!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

YES! I have already gained many more followers on social media and have increased my business goals!

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Wonderful! We have a great rhythm of meeting and reviewing things through email. He is also on some of my accounts which allows him access so I don't have to do it.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are truly customer friendly. If you have a problem, they are very responsive and helpful in solving it.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

None that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm the owner of a private practice called Hope Blooms Counselling. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Virtual Gurus?

Tara H., my assistant at Virtual Gurus helped me get my business started, from my website, to social media to assistance with content and letter writing, she was by my side helping me through it all.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

Tara H. had experience in the areas I was needing assistance with (and areas that weren't my strengths).

Describe the project in detail and walk through the stages of the project.

After a kick off meeting, Tara got to work on the content and photos for my website. From there, she prepared some social media posts and helped me navigate the process of beginning my own small business. She was so helpful throughout each step of the journey.

How many resources from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked with Tara H. and she was amazing! As well, the Virtual Guru staff who helped contact me with Tara were also very helpful, kind and friendly.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

I have received many compliments on my website and my social media posts. I wouldn't have had the success I have had without Tara's assistance.

How effective was the workflow between your team and theirs?

Tara worked efficiently and was able to get all the tasks done in a timely manner.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I have been very impressed with Virtual Gurus excellent communication and quality of team members.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Nothing that I can think of.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an executive of Friday Law

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Provides legal services.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

• reduce the time I was spending on administrative tasks
• get organized
• inbox zero

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

Online Search

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

Close to my geographic location

How many teammates from Virtual Gurus were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

• email management
• calendaring
• project management assistance

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• I feel more organized
• business is functioning more smoothly
• my virtual assistant, Michelle, is kind, consistent and helpful

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Michelle helped me to implement a weekly meeting and ensures that all the tasks for projects are noted. She has helped me to set up a new project management system.

What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They helped me find a great virtual assistant with the skill set I sought. Michelle is a great fit for my team.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

I wish I could hire them to be a company recruiter or to interview employees I intend to hire.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Communicator & Leader of Symmetry Public Relations.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a highly specialized communications agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

Support general administrative tasks to keep a functioning and focused team.

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

Referral

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

• Good value for cost
• Referred to me
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Virtual Gurus were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

I brought in my Virtual Guru Kaela to support my business during a time of great need! I was looking for a virtual assistant that could help me with inbox and calendar management. I find myself doing lots of different jobs – so having additional support to help me stay on top of things is greatly appreciated!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• 0 error inbox management 
• 0 error calendar management

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

VG provides an excellent online platform for selecting candidates and ultimately managing your virtual assistant talent. I met with my assistant regularly to delegate tasks. I'm provided with a delegation framework to support me in figuring out how to utilize the service best.
What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I met candidates very quickly, I was provided with excellent onboarding tips and tricks, and I was provided with an excellent virtual admin who has been a great fit for my small team.

Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

Nothing at this time.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am an Executive at Graham-Pelton.

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are a fundraising Consulting firm that provides our clients with strategies to elevate philanthropy.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

• help with calendar
• help with inbox

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

Other

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

Pricing fit our budget

How many teammates from Virtual Gurus were assigned to this project?
2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

We hired VG to help with calendars and inbox management.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Michelle was able to get my inbox in a much more manageable state. She helped file back emails and has started to help with my calendar.
Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Everything has been done well and in a timely fashion.

What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

quick study
Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

no

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Agency Owner of Real Family Travels

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Real Family Travels is a full service Travel Agency.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

• Administrative Assistance

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

Online Search

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

• Great culture fit
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from Virtual Gurus were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Our VA is responsible for inbox management, travel Itinerary management, invoicing and client care / support.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Our VA reduces the number of hours spent on administrative tasks by 40-60%

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Ongoing support continues to be done very well.

What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The online platform to record hours and tasks is great!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

I had expected regular check-ins with our account manager. So far - there haven't been any. The virtual assistant that has been matched to us is fantastic!

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of Sparktank Franchise Marketing

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Marketing

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

• Virtual Assistance

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

I've worked with them before

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

Great past experience with them

How many teammates from Virtual Gurus were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

My experience working with Judy at Virtual Gurus was great! She was organized and a great communicator. She helped with various miscellaneous admin tasks in addition to the bookkeeping support!

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Getting work done on time. Regular communication and updates.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Yes work was always done on time and communication was very prompt.

What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They're organized, helpful, and good team members!

Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

No I was happy with everything.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Owner of an advertising & marketing company

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Storytelling and facilitation services

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire Virtual Gurus to accomplish?

• Social media support
• Website transfer support
• Newsletter support

SOLUTION

How did you find Virtual Gurus?

Online Search

Why did you select Virtual Gurus over others?

Great culture fit

How many teammates from Virtual Gurus were assigned to this project?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Find a VA that could assist with scheduling and putting together 2 social media posts a week..

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Sadly, no outcomes were met by the team after trying numerous virtual assistants.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

The. did not deliver items on time. Went through 3+ VAs and they couldn't respond in a week or quit and the staff never informed me . Staff also did not always respond in timely fashion.

What was your primary form of communication with Virtual Gurus?

• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Sadly not much

Are there any areas for improvement or something Virtual Gurus could have done differently?

Could have strong customer service support. And not fabricate hours used that client orassistants agreed with based on their documented records in the portal.

Company Responses

The vendor responded on August 2, 2023.

Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. While we respect your perspective, we would like to address some of the points raised.
We have dedicated considerable time to thoroughly justify the billings made, hours utilized, and payments to virtual assistants on your behalf. We have also taken the initiative to provide free hours, process refunds, and extend an additional refund as a gesture of goodwill, aiming to resolve the matter satisfactorily.

We understand that our services may not fully align with your expectations and preferences. We genuinely want all our clients to have a positive experience, and we appreciate your feedback in this regard.

Should you wish to explore other options that better suit your requirements, we respect your decision and sincerely wish you success in all your future endeavors.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation throughout this process.