Admit it: sometimes you wish you were as intelligent as Tony Stark to have someone like J.A.R.V.I.S. at your side to sort your business’s schedule, plan out appointments and calculate taxes. Well, while we might not have that kind of technology today to wait for us on hand-and-foot, there is such a thing as a virtual assistant, which is the next best thing to living like Iron Man.
Many are convinced that virtual assistants are the future, and the reality is that a good majority of professional relationships are starting off as virtual. Having a full-time, physical assistant can certainly have it perks, but hiring a virtual assistant may be a better option in most cases. Too often do entrepreneurs wait to get the help they need because they assume that hiring a full-time assistant is the only choice they have; however, this is not the case at all.
Cost
There are plenty of perks to using a virtual assistant. While cost-effective, flexible, and with the commitment to learn, a VA can accomplish nearly anything a full-time assistant can while not actually being required to show up at the office. In addition, because virtual assistants and independent contractors do not have to go through the same employment procedures that a full-time employee would, you are only required to pay them for services rendered. So, in a sense, hiring a VA can be much less expensive than a full-timer, as you only need to pay them when you actually need them— no valuable time lost.
You also won’t need to worry yourself about withholding income tax, superannuation, Worker’s Compensation insurance, new computer, or office equipment or timely payroll processing or PAYG statements. And, since your VA won’t be hired as a full-time employee, you will not be responsible for providing them with health benefits or sick and vacation days.
Training & Space
One of the biggest perks of hiring a virtual assistant is that he/she is already skilled enough and is accustomed to an online working environment, therefore, that time saved by eliminating formal training will give your business the opportunity to get the important tasks done more quickly.
While there is a slight chance that you’ll need to communicate what your business is all about, it’s less likely that you’ll need to worry at all about their skills and qualifications.
How much money would you say you spend on each new employee that joins your business? Depending on what their responsibilities are, the average cost of hiring a new employee is usually in the thousands of dollars. Not only do you have to consider their yearly salary; you’ll also need to think about the equipment a new employee will need to fulfill their duties.
On the other hand, with a VA, those expenses go completely out the window. They will (and should) usually have their own reliable computer and internet connection.
Learning How to Delegate
Contrary to popular belief, having an assistant isn’t all about barking orders at someone. It’s more like inviting someone you trust to contribute to your success, and delegating is a crucial art you’ll need to learn if you’re going to hire a virtual assistant.
For many,finding a new employee that fits with the team you already have can take some time, something that you don’t normally have, which is precisely where a VA can help. As a professional, hiring a VA can be a wise investment, as a skilled assistant is something definitely worth paying for.
Dean Olsen, an enthusiastic writer who dedicates his time to researching topics on the progress of communication within technology and its relation to business practices. You can read more of Dean’s work on his blog at GlobalTollFreeNumber.com
Paul Sylvester
