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Red Owl Business Services, LLC.
  • Frequently 
    ​Asked Questions

What Questions Do You Have?

We aim to address common inquiries regarding hiring virtual assistants, undertaking technology projects, participating in our VIP Day sessions, and exploring our technology training options. Whether you're seeking to streamline your business operations, enhance your digital presence, or optimize your tech proficiency, we're here to provide clarity and guidance. Below, you'll find comprehensive answers to queries frequently posed by our clients, empowering you to make informed decisions and embark on your journey towards greater efficiency and success.

Virtual Assistant FAQ

What exactly does a virtual assistant do?

At Red Owl Business Services, we understand the myriad challenges small business owners face in juggling multiple tasks to keep their operations running smoothly. That's where our Virtual Assistants step in, offering invaluable support tailored to your unique needs. Whether you require administrative assistance or technological prowess, our team of dedicated professionals is here to lighten your workload and elevate your business. For detailed descriptions of the services provided by each type of Virtual Assistant, we invite you to explore our Services page.

How many hours do I need a virtual assistant?
Understanding the right amount of support your business needs from a virtual assistant hinges on the specific tasks you're looking to delegate. Take a moment to reflect on the responsibilities you'd like to offload and gauge the time you currently invest in them. Utilizing free tools like Toggl can help you accurately track the hours spent on various activities, providing valuable insights into your workload. By compiling this data in a spreadsheet, you'll gain a clearer understanding of your VA requirements. In our experience, most clients find that 15 to 20 hours per month suffice to address their needs effectively. Our retainer minimum starts at 10 hours per month, ensuring flexibility to accommodate your business demands.
What problems do virtual assistants solve?

It's a common sentiment among entrepreneurs that the passion driving them into business isn't typically found in bookkeeping, email management, social media upkeep, or tech troubleshooting. While these tasks are essential to any business, they might not align with your personal strengths or interests. That's where Virtual Assistants come in. By entrusting your less-than-thrilling-yet-crucial responsibilities to a VA, you free up time to focus on what truly ignites your passion and expertise. Rest assured, our dedicated team of VA's is here to efficiently handle those tasks while keeping you informed every step of the way.

When do virtual assistants work?

Just like you, virtual assistants structure their work schedules to align with their clients' needs. Many VAs maintain a consistent timetable, ensuring reliable availability for their clients. Some may balance their VA duties with a traditional job during the day, attending to client tasks in the evenings and weekends. Others may devote full business hours in their respective time zones to serving their clientele. When you engage a VA's services, they will transparently communicate their work hours and availability, including dedicated times for addressing your tasks. While it's acceptable to set deadlines for task completion, it's important to recognize that VAs, like you, are independent contractors with personal commitments beyond work. Respecting their need for downtime to attend to family, community engagements, and personal pursuits fosters a mutually beneficial working relationship.

How much does it cost to hire a virtual assistant?
The cost of hiring a virtual assistant can vary depending on several factors, including their level of experience, skill set, and geographic location. Generally, virtual assistants based in the Philippines or India tend to have lower hourly rates compared to those based in the United States. On average, you might expect to pay between $3 to $10 per hour for a VA from the Philippines or India, whereas VAs in the United States typically charge between $20 to $60 per hour or more, depending on their expertise.

While hiring a VA from a different country may seem cost-effective, it's essential to consider potential challenges such as time zone differences. This can result in difficulties scheduling meetings or conducting real-time communication, particularly if you rely heavily on video calls. Additionally, language and cultural barriers may impact effective collaboration and understanding.

Ultimately, the decision to hire a virtual assistant should consider not only cost but also factors such as communication, cultural compatibility, and the specific tasks you need assistance with. Evaluating these factors alongside cost considerations will help you make an informed decision that best meets your business needs.

Technology Project FAQs

How do I know if I need to hire someone to set up new technology for my business?

If you lack the expertise or time to effectively implement the technology, or if it requires specialized knowledge beyond your team's capabilities, it's advisable to hire a professional. Additionally, if the technology is critical to your business operations and any mistakes during setup could have significant consequences, hiring an expert ensures a smoother and more reliable implementation process.

What should I look for when hiring someone to set up new technology for my business?

Look for professionals with relevant experience and expertise in the specific technology you're implementing. Check for certifications, client testimonials, and examples of past successful implementations. Communication skills are also vital, as the technician should be able to understand your business needs and effectively communicate the setup process and any potential challenges.

How long does it typically take to set up new technology for a business?

The timeline for setting up new technology can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the technology, the size of your business, and any customization or integration requirements. A professional technician will provide you with a realistic timeline based on these factors, ensuring a thorough setup process without unnecessary delays.

What are the potential challenges or risks associated with setting up new technology for my business?

Common challenges include compatibility issues with existing systems, data migration complexities, and unexpected technical hurdles during the setup process. To mitigate these risks, ensure thorough planning, clear communication with your technology provider, and contingency plans in case of any setbacks.

Do I need ongoing support after the initial setup?

While some technology setups may require minimal ongoing maintenance, others may benefit from regular updates, troubleshooting, and technical support. Discuss your ongoing support needs with your technology provider during the initial setup phase to determine the level of ongoing assistance required and any associated costs. Check out our Ongoing Support Service.

Technology Training FAQs

What types of technical training services do you offer for businesses and their staff or contractors?

We provide a diverse array of technical training services designed to align with your business's unique requirements. Our offerings encompass training programs focusing on software applications, website maintenance, standard operating procedure development, and the utilization of any systems we assist in setting up for your business. Each training program is meticulously crafted to empower your team with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize their performance and enhance operational efficiency.

How do you customize technical training programs to suit our business needs?

Our approach to customization is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of your business ecosystem. We initiate the process with a meticulous assessment of your business requirements, taking into account the diverse skill levels of your employees and the specific objectives you aim to achieve through training. By delving into the intricacies of your organization, we gain invaluable insights into the challenges you face and the goals you aspire to accomplish.


Drawing upon this foundational assessment, we craft tailored training programs that resonate with your unique needs and aspirations. Our training services are not limited by geographical constraints. For businesses located in New Mexico, we offer the flexibility of conducting in-person training sessions at your preferred location, ensuring convenience and personalized attention for your team. For businesses across the United States and Canada, we provide seamless online training options, leveraging virtual platforms to deliver engaging and interactive learning experiences.


To enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of our training, we also offer supplementary resources such as technical manuals and recorded video instructions. These resources can be seamlessly integrated into a Learning Management System (LMS) within your business, facilitating ongoing learning and development opportunities for your employees beyond the training sessions. With our comprehensive approach to customization and versatile delivery methods, we empower your team to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Can you accommodate the training schedule to fit our business hours and employee availability?

Yes, we understand the importance of minimizing disruptions to your business operations. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your business hours and employee availability, including evening and weekend sessions if necessary. Our goal is to ensure minimal impact on productivity while maximizing the effectiveness of the training program.

How do you measure the effectiveness of the technical training programs you provide?

We employ various assessment methods to gauge the effectiveness of our training programs, including pre- and post-training evaluations, participant feedback surveys, and performance metrics tracking. By analyzing these metrics, we can identify areas of improvement, track skill development, and ensure that the training aligns with your business objectives.

What ongoing support do you provide after the completion of the training program?

Our commitment to your success extends beyond the completion of the training program. We offer ongoing support and resources to reinforce learning, address any additional questions or challenges that arise, and provide guidance as your team applies their newfound skills in the workplace. Whether through follow-up sessions, documentation, or remote assistance, we're here to support your continued growth and success.

VIP Day Session FAQs

What is a VIP Day Session, and how does it differ from regular consulting services?

A VIP Day Session is an intensive and focused collaboration between our team and yours, typically lasting 4-8 hours. Unlike traditional consulting services spread out over multiple sessions, a VIP Day Session allows us to delve deeply into a specific aspect of your business, such as developing a social media calendar, crafting a comprehensive business plan, or optimizing your technology stack, all within a condensed timeframe.

How do I determine if a VIP Day Session is right for my business?

VIP Day Sessions are ideal for business owners or teams seeking rapid progress and tangible results in a specific area of their business. If you have a pressing project or task that could benefit from concentrated focus and collaborative brainstorming, a VIP Day Session may be the perfect solution to jumpstart your initiatives.

What is the typical structure of a VIP Day Session?

While the structure may vary depending on the nature of the project, a typical VIP Day Session involves an initial consultation to define goals and objectives, followed by focused work sessions with breaks for discussion and feedback. We collaborate closely with you throughout the day to ensure alignment with your vision and objectives.

Can VIP Day Sessions be conducted remotely or in-person?

We offer the flexibility to conduct VIP Day Sessions either remotely or in-person, depending on your preferences and logistical considerations. Remote sessions are conducted via video conferencing platforms, providing convenience and accessibility, while in-person sessions offer the opportunity for more personalized interaction and collaboration. The cost will vary depending on which option you decide to utilize - remote or in-person.

How much does a VIP Day Session cost, and what is included in the price?

The cost of a VIP Day Session varies depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Please contact us for a customized quote based on your specific needs. Our pricing typically includes pre-session preparation, the VIP Day Session itself, post-session follow-up, and any necessary documentation or deliverables. Remote sessions are, of course, less expensive than the in-person option which will include travel and accommodation costs.