News Summary

TRENTON — Six jobs may seem to not leave much time for family, but for Missy Tincher, it works perfectly.

In the morning she has a cup of coffee and kisses her 9-year-old daughter, Tessa, goodbye as she goes to school. While working, she can take care of daily errands, and she's at the door when Tessa gets home. Tincher said her career wardrobe consists of sweats and T-shirts.

Tincher is part of the new phenomena known as virtual assistants. She has started her own business, My Miss Assist.

"So many companies are downsizing now because of the economy but they still need the help," Tincher said.

Virtual assistants do the job of administrative assistants but can cost a company much less. Virtual assistants provide their own equipment and supplies in their own office. Companies don't have to provide costly benefits packages like sick days or health care, Tincher said.

In any given week she said will be transcribing conference meetings or insurance claims for two different offices, collecting orders for juicers through a customer service group, and answering questions for eHow.com.

The key to keeping it all straight and getting the work done is good scheduling, Tincher said.

"I just have to keep my calendar updated," she said. "There is really no set time except for the customer service call center, and I set those hours. I can work around my schedule."

For the most part, Tincher said the pay can be generous at $25 to $75 an hour depending on your computer skills. The key is marketing.

Tincher said she markets her services on job board Web sites as well as on a site she created. She also sent out flyers to local businesses.

"You have to watch for scams. Foreign accountant jobs are usually false. Stick with job boards you know and trust," Tincher said.

With 27 years of experience and good time management, she said she has been able to start a new career and spend more time with her family.

"(My daughter) loves me being here when she gets home from school," Tincher said. "And during the day I am having time to do what I need around here."

To find out more about Tincher and working as a virtual assistant, go to www.mymissassist.com.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jlander@coxohio.com.

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