Hiring a Virtual Assistant to Grow Business

It seems like the virtual world is becoming increasingly real these days. Virtual reality is, well, a reality, and virtual meetings can be held from anywhere in the world. For business owners, the use of virtual assistants (VAs) has also become more prevalent, allowing companies to complete administrative tasks and more through networking technology.

If you want to know how to hire a virtual assistant to grow your small business, or you just want to know what a virtual assistant is, we’ve got all the answers you need below:

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is a person or service that can be hired to manage social media, customer service, or project management without being a full-time employee. A virtual assistant is like a contractor who can help with various tasks, but the difference is that virtual assistants are known for working remotely.

Virtual assistant services may be hired to work on specific projects or provide general administrative help around the office. Some business owners also hire VAs to handle things like online customer service via email, remote call answering and forwarding, or social media messaging. A virtual assistant or virtual assistant service is usually a contract position, and the VA is not viewed as a regular employee for tax purposes and does not receive company benefits.

Are Virtual Assistants Actual People?

It’s important to note that some virtual assistant services use actual humans who serve as VAs. Other providers offer the use of technology in the form of chatbots and automation to serve as virtual assistants. The latter can be customized to perform functions based on your business goals, branding, and more. The former provides access to a live human who can handle more complex tasks requiring logic and reason.

The reason it’s important to make this distinction because businesses have varying needs when it comes to VAs, so knowing the difference is vital if you plan to hire a virtual assistant. If you’re trying to figure out how to hire a virtual assistant to grow your small business and choose the wrong type, you may waste resources. For some tasks, a live human may be a better approach. For others, automated VA services may be the way to go.

How VAs Integrate With Teams

Virtual assistants integrate with teams through the Internet in most cases, meaning they do not operate on-site. Team members may have a centralized portal to communicate with your company’s virtual assistant, but you may also choose to integrate your VA directly into the systems your business uses.

For example, administrative support is one of the skills virtual assistants often offer. You may need to add a virtual assistant to your company’s email system to allow the VA to send and receive emails on your company's behalf. Conversely, the VA service provider may have a call center where virtual assistants can field phone calls for your company and transfer them directly to your office if necessary.

Considerations When Looking to Hire a Virtual Assistant

When it comes to how to hire a virtual assistant to grow your small business, there are several factors to keep in mind. Before you decide, it’s a good idea to think through your options to find the right solution. Below are some considerations when looking to hire a virtual assistant:

Work With a VA Service Management Provider

First, the hiring process may be as simple as contracting with a company that manages virtual assistants. These companies take care of all of the vetting for you and provide access to a competent professional who can then be trained to handle your specific tasks. Hiring a virtual assistant on your own can be challenging, and this is why many small business owners simply work with VA service providers to take care of the hiring process.

Contracting With a VA on Your Own

You may also choose to look for a VA on your own. This can be handled in the same way you search for traditional employees, but just remember that your candidate pool is now worldwide.

Because VAs work remotely, you aren’t tied down to a specific location. This can, however, pose a challenge as it means that you may need a larger budget to advertise your opening.

Consider Your Compensation

Next, you’ll need to think about your compensation offer. Many virtual assistants work for an hourly rate.

This rate may be based on availability. In this arrangement, you will pay for a certain number of hours of service availability, even if the virtual assistant has nothing to do to fill each hour.

You might also structure your compensation to only pay for certain services. A good VA may specialize in certain tasks instead of being a “Jack of all trades,” and specialized virtual assistants may be more expensive.

Set Clear Expectations

Lastly, you’ll want a clear idea of what your VA needs to do and how they will integrate and interface with your team. Clear communication and a light onboarding process can make the transition smoother for everyone.

The Benefits of Working With a Virtual Assistant

While it’s great to know how to hire a virtual assistant to grow your small business, there’s a more important question: Why would a small business owner hire a VA in the first place? Working with a virtual assistant provides many opportunities to grow your business while possibly saving money, and many business owners find VA services easy to work with.

If you’re wondering what you can expect to get out of partnering with a virtual assistant, below are two of the top benefits:

As-Needed Services Without the Commitment

Suppose you were trying to figure out how to increase brand awareness for your company. Traditionally, you would need to hire a marketing expert to join your team to help with tasks.

This could mean a lengthy onboarding process and a commitment to regular compensation and company benefits. By hiring a virtual assistant, you can receive as-needed services without the additional obligations that come along with a full-time employee.

VA Services Offer Flexibility

Virtual assistants also provide flexibility for business owners. If a project comes along that only needs extra hands for a short duration, a virtual assistant can be a great option to fill in the gaps without bringing on a full-time team member.

Is a Virtual Assistant Right for Your Business?

Although VAs come with a number of benefits, they aren’t for all businesses. Consider the pros and cons of hiring a virtual assistant, and consider where you see your company in the future. A wide view of your plans can help you determine whether a VA is the right choice or whether you need to add full-time staff.

Contact E-Marketing Associates to Learn More!

At E-Marketing Associates, we’re always investing in new ways to help our clients stay ahead and achieve long-term business growth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to see how we can take your digital presence to the next level!

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