Virtual Business Owners Community - FAQ Center
  • F.A.Q: Questions for Companies Interested in Doing Business with Military Spouse and Veteran Virtual Business Owners

    Q&A for private companies, corporations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations interested in contracting or outsourcing to military spouse and veteran-owned firms.

    1. Are there any statistics or forecasts available on Virtual Working or Virtual Outsourcing?
    2. Any recommendations on how to evaluate a Virtual Business Owner?
    3. Do you offer a Request for Proposal System to submit our project requirements?
    4. I'm concerned about privacy and confidentiality.
    5. Do Virtual Business Owners work on long-term and short-term projects?
    6. On an average, how much does a Virtual Business Owner charge?
    7. How can our company benefit from working with a military spouse or veteran-owned Virtual Business?
    8. What kind of products or services do Virtual Business Owners offer?
    9. What is a virtual business owner?
    10. How can we reach military spouse and veteran-owned companies through this site?
    1. Are there any statistics or forecasts available on Virtual Working or Virtual Outsourcing? - Top

    Yes, a forecast by George Washington University suggests:

    Virtual Assistants - Another name for this is virtual outsourcing. These are highly skilled and knowledgeable office professionals who provide administrative support and specialized business services from an outside location. The industry is growing rapidly. It is expected to be a $130 billion industry by 2008, but it could be larger.

    Click here to view online - Updated: February 22, 2005
    2. Any recommendations on how to evaluate a Virtual Business Owner? - Top

    Evaluating a prospective contractor is a good thing. Consider the following during your evaluation phase:

    - Visit the company's website
    - Establish contact
    - Length of time in business
    - Types of clients
    - Types of tasks or projects
    - Request letters of recommendation or reference
    - Depth of experience
    - Request a web conference or teleconference
    - Request a web-based or onsite presentation - Updated: February 26, 2005
    3. Do you offer a Request for Proposal System to submit our project requirements? - Top

    No. We do however, offer a searchable database directory of military spouse and veteran-owned virtual business owners whom you can contact directly with your requirements.

    If you wish to share your outsourcing, telecommuting, or contracting opportunities with our community members on a regular basis, Click here to contact the VBO Community Director.
    - Updated: February 26, 2005
    4. I'm concerned about privacy and confidentiality. - Top

    Virtual Business Owners understand the importance of their client's privacy and confidentiality. Most virtual business owners establish privacy and confidentiality agreements with their clients during the negotiation phase of the business relationship. - Updated: February 26, 2005
    5. Do Virtual Business Owners work on long-term and short-term projects? - Top

    Yes. - Updated: February 22, 2005
    6. On an average, how much does a Virtual Business Owner charge? - Top

    Virtual Business Owners typically charge by the hour. We recommend that you contact the business directly as each company may offer a different hourly rate schedule. - Updated: May 29, 2006
    7. How can our company benefit from working with a military spouse or veteran-owned Virtual Business? - Top

    A Virtual Business Owner typically works as an independent contractor. Clients of a Virtual Business Owner never have to worry about paying:

    - annual salaries
    - workers compensation
    - benefits packages
    - 401k contributions
    - vacation and sick leave
    - unemployment insurance

    Why? Because virtual business owners only bill for time-on-task or time-on-project. This alone is a huge cost savings to potential clients. - Updated: May 29, 2006
    8. What kind of products or services do Virtual Business Owners offer? - Top

    Virtual Business Owners are experts in their particular field, industry, or market. The breadth of products and services can range from corporate gift management to high profile personal security services. Click here, to check out a comprehensive listing. - Updated: May 29, 2006
    9. What is a virtual business owner? - Top

    Broad Definition:
    A virtual business owner is a self-employed entrepreneur who uses Internet technology, telecommunications, and productivity software to deliver products and services to a dispersed client base.

    More Defined and Descriptive Definition: A virtual business owner is a self-employed business professional who typically works from his or her home-office, offering an array of products or business support services, to other companies or professionals over the Internet. - Updated: February 26, 2005
    10. How can we reach military spouse and veteran-owned companies through this site? - Top

    1. Visit the main VBO homepage located at http://www.vsscyberoffice.com/vbo
    2. Locate the Outsource to a Military Spouse or Veteran-Owned Virtual Business Owner
    3. Click "Search Directory"   - Updated: February 26, 2005

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