Business owners can multitask and switch gears quickly, especially in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship.
However, a growing number of entrepreneurs are now delegating various business functions to outsourced providers for increased productivity.
A virtual assistant (VA), for instance, helps business owners handle time-consuming and repetitive tasks. Read on to know more – including the common misconceptions about hiring a VA.
What Is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant provides technical, creative, or administrative assistance while working remotely.
Business owners usually delegate a variety of tasks to their VAs, giving them more time to focus on other core business functions.
Having a virtual assistant can be beneficial, especially if you want to save time, improve efficiency, and increase productivity.
Typical Tasks Delegated to a Virtual Assistant
You can delegate the following tasks to your virtual assistant:
- Scheduling appointments and meetings;
- Managing email and calendars;
- Online research;
- Social media management;
- Creating presentations;
- Making travel arrangements.
Aside from these tasks, virtual assistants can provide more specialised services depending on your business needs.
Common Misconceptions About Having a Virtual Assistant
Having a virtual assistant on your team presents many advantages. However, there are still many misconceptions about it.
Let’s take a look at some of them:
Misconception #1: Only Big Businesses Can Hire a Virtual Assistant.
You don’t need to wait for your business to grow big before you can hire a virtual assistant.
Many small businesses and individuals outsource a number of their administrative tasks. By doing so, they have more time to tackle new projects and manage their to-do lists.
Misconception #2: Virtual Assistants Are Unreliable.
A lot of people still don’t understand how someone who works remotely can be productive
However, studies actually show that remote workers have a 29% productivity increase and a 53% improved focus compared to their onsite counterparts.
Moreover, you can partner with reputable outsourcing providers such as Remote Staff. This ensures that you’re only hiring from a qualified pool of candidates.
Misconception #3: Having a Virtual Assistant Is Expensive.
A good number of small business owners think that hiring a VA is costly.
However, having a virtual assistant is actually more cost-effective than a full-time employee onsite.
Since a VA works remotely, you also don’t need to spend money to provide them with office space, equipment, and other overhead expenses.
Misconception #4: Virtual Assistants Aren’t Skilled Professionals.
People mostly think that a virtual assistant is equivalent to an online secretary.
In reality, virtual assistants are versatile professionals who specialise in different industries. These may include e-commerce, accounting, digital marketing, and real estate, among others.
Misconception #5: It’s Difficult to Find the Right Virtual Assistant.
It’s always challenging to find qualified candidates, especially if you only rely on traditional job posts.
Fortunately, Remote Staff has been providing AU entrepreneurs and business owners with skilled Filipino professionals for the last 16 years and counting.
Thus, if you’re looking for the right virtual assistant, Remote Staff has got you covered! Call us today or request a call back and let’s get started.
Syrine is studying law while working as a content writer. When she’s not writing or studying, she engages in tutoring, events planning, and social media browsing. In 2021, she published her book, Stellar Thoughts.