The virtual assistant industry is booming. It's one of the fastest-growing segments of the outsourcing industry. Virtual assistants perform various tasks for companies, from essential administrative work to complex intellectual tasks. Virtual assistants can help you streamline your workflow, manage your calendar more effectively, and free up time so that you can focus on the things that matter. They aren't just suitable for small businesses; even large corporations like Google use VAs regularly. Here are five reasons why virtual assistants will be the future of outsourcing:
They're more affordable than ever before
The technology that powers virtual assistants has only become more inexpensive as time progresses. This is partly due to the rise of cloud computing; software-as-a-service providers have made it easier than ever to source virtual assistant services. Additionally, more affordable telecommunications lines have lowered the data transfer cost, while cheap and reliable international travel has dropped the price of sourcing virtual assistants in other countries. Moreover, the advent of cryptocurrencies and blockchain has reduced the cost of payment by making it easier than ever for clients to pay for services. Payment providers like PayPal and Stripe have made it easier for clients across the globe to pay for services. In contrast, blockchain-based payment providers have made it easier for providers in low-income countries to get paid (because cryptocurrency payments are not attached to a particular geographic location).
Virtual assistants are highly skilled and educated.
Though most people think of virtual assistants as call-center workers who take out the trash, the industry has grown and evolved dramatically in recent years. Many virtual assistants are highly skilled in their fields and have relevant degrees in the humanities and sciences. Moreover, many virtual assistants have a mix of skills across different industries. For example, a virtual assistant might manage your social media marketing campaigns while writing and distributing your newsletters. When hiring a part-time team member specializing in just one field, is much harder to do.
They can help you build a remote workforce.
Virtual assistants are often located in low-income countries, so they're ideal candidates for remote work. This makes them perfect for bringing on board early in your business as remote workers who can help you scale your efforts as your company grows. Furthermore, depending on where your virtual assistants are located, they may be in different time zones than your core business employees. This can help ensure the communication and understanding that come from collaborating with people working in different time zones. As your company grows and you have more in-person employees, you can slowly transition to hiring remote workers for tasks that don't require in-person meetings.
They offer the opportunity to learn more about your business.
Some of your business's tasks may not be as glamorous as others. In these cases, hiring a virtual assistant can be a great solution. With a virtual assistant, you can outsource the less exciting parts of your business — like administrative paperwork, data entry, and other mind-numbing tasks. This can allow you to focus on more important and exciting aspects of your business. Moreover, the more your business relies on virtual assistants, the more insight you'll gain into the day-to-day workings of your company. This will help you make better-informed decisions and make you a more effective manager.
You don't have to hire a full-time team member or contractor.
Some businesses are careful about hiring full-time employees but need additional hands on deck. They may also be wary of bringing on a contractor who may need to be around longer to earn their keep. We've all heard the saying, "Hire slow, fire fast." Many businesses take it to an extreme and take a long time to hire new employees. A virtual assistant can help you solve a staffing problem quickly and easily. Because they are self-contained and often work remotely, it's much easier to fire them if they need to be fixed.
Bottom line
When it comes to outsourcing tasks, no one is a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the work you have to get done, you'll consider hiring a virtual assistant, a remote worker, or contracting with a freelancer. They're affordable, flexible, and easy to manage and can help you stay efficient and focused on the things that matter most.