There’s a common misconception that virtual assistants are only affordable by big companies looking to outsource projects. In reality this is not the case with more freelancers, sole traders and SMEs now working with virtual assistants as a really flexible solution to their business needs.
Once your business has reached a point of stability many business owners find that they no longer have the time to be creative and expand their business further. They are becoming bogged down by he increasing amount of administrative stuff that needs doing to keep the business operating in an organised and coherent manner.
So why hire a Virtual Assistant rather than a physical assistant in your place of work? There are many benefits to hiring a Virtual Assistant:-
It can take months to find the right new physical employee. They need to be suitably qualified and fit in with your team and culture. If it is your first hire you need to be sure they match your personality as you will be spending an awful lot of time together! In addition you will need to spend vast amounts of time on interviewing, hiring and setting up a job specification and processes.
With a Virtual Assistant you can have the help you desperately need in your business on board within 24 hours - freeing you up to concentrate on the things you love doing and why you started your business in the first place. Virtual Assistant companies will match you with the right person and if, for any reason, you feel you have not 'connected' with your VA they will be able to assign another person to you with no fuss, stress or worry.
It is also worth remembering that a physical employee will cost you more than just their salary. You need to factor in training costs, National Insurance and Tax, Holiday and Sickness pay plus essential office equipment they will need - phone, laptop, desks, stationery, office space etc, all of which you will need to supply.
Need credit control? General admin? Sales support? Transcription? There are a huge array of administrative functions that you can outsource to your VA. Remember though that just because a VA is great at general admin and chasing up your overdue invoices, it doesn't follow that they will be great at managing your social media accounts and keeping prospective clients engaged. Likewise an assistant who is great at Social Media would probably not be so great at transcribing that important business telephone conversation you need right now. Different strands of admin work require totally different skill sets. Look for a company that can offer specialists in the area you are looking to fill.
A good Virtual Assistant will already have at least a couple of years experience of working remotely. This means they will know the tools available to make working remotely with you seamless and will be able to advise you accordingly.
Congratulations! If you are even thinking of hiring a Virtual Assistant or getting some extra help then it means your business is growing which is great news. Beware of letting things get out of control before you take on extra help by outsourcing the repetitive but essential tasks you hate to a Virtual Assistant today.
Hiring a Virtual Assistant will leave you with more time and energy to focus on the things that you want to focus on such as developing your business, creating new products or services, selling, getting some well earned time back to spend with your family and friends or to take that longed for holiday at last.
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