Best Virtual Assistant Companies
In this fast-paced industrial world, business owners always look for new ways to streamline operations. Many proactively seek opportunities to maximize their workdays to improve productivity and boost sales. A popular way to do this is by partnering with virtual assistant (VA) companies.
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VA companies provide various office management services, such as administrative work, communications, appointment setting, data entry, travel planning, and payroll management. With the significant growth in the demand for their services in recent years, finding the best virtual assistant companies can be challenging. Firms.com partners with the best firms from various industries. Keep reading to know more.
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Five things to consider when partnering with virtual assistant companies
Choosing a virtual assistant company requires ample research and consideration. You want the arrangement to work out favorably and find the right assistant for your business, so be ready to put in the work when finding a virtual assistant company. Take these factors into consideration:
1. Hiring process
Participate in the hiring process and don’t leave everything for the VA company to decide. Once they’ve shortlisted candidates, request to meet and interview the applicants as well. Ask questions and try to establish rapport until you find someone cut out for the job.
2. Expertise
Remember your list of non-negotiables and communicate them with the VA company. Provide the hiring team with as much information as possible so they understand what you need. If a VA company specializes in specific skills or services, be sure they align with what you’re looking for.
3. Scheduling
Many virtual assistant companies offshore talent from other countries, which means your VA likely resides in a country with a different time zone. If you’re okay with offering flexible time to your assistant or meeting halfway through the workday, it might be easier to attract applicants. However, you may have time-sensitive tasks and prefer your assistant to work the same hours as you, so clear that with the VA company from the start.
4. Budget
You will deal directly with the virtual assistant company, so factor their rates into your budget. Partnering with an outsourcing team might cost more than directly hiring a remote assistant, but this makes the screening process simpler and faster.
5. Reputation
With the boom of the VA industry in recent years, many companies claim to have expertise in virtual assistant services. Research as many options available to you as possible. Ask people you trust for recommendations, and look into the reputation of the company you’re thinking of partnering with.
FAQs on best virtual assistant companies
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How do virtual assistant companies help businesses?
Businesses and corporations, whether small, medium, or large, all benefit from the services of virtual assistant companies. Virtual assistants have a wide range of expertise, making them ideal hires for almost any industry. These are some of the ways virtual assistants help businesses:
They help organize and prioritize daily tasks.
One of the most common tasks of virtual assistants is scheduling and travel planning. They take charge of appointment setting and ensure your schedule aligns with your business goals. Sometimes, the VA decides which tasks to prioritize so you can work on the more high-value or urgent ones.
They free up time for other important work.
Administrative tasks can take up a considerable chunk of your time and prevent you from accomplishing more at work. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a sole proprietor or a CEO of a huge corporation. Virtual assistants help free up your time by taking over the time-consuming admin tasks so you can allot your time to more important things like marketing research, checking out competition, or planning business strategies.
They save money for the business.
Having an experienced VA on your team is like having the equivalent of multiple individuals on your staff with little to no training needed. They provide value and expertise, which benefits your business in the long run. You cut back on repeated onboarding and training costs and can focus on other business dealings.
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How do you choose a virtual assistant company for your business?
While it’s a good thing that virtual assistants bring a lot to the table, you still want to hire someone who fits your needs. Keep these tips in mind when looking for a virtual assistant company:
1. Evaluate your current needs.
Take time to assess your workload and find possible opportunities for office support. Assess your strengths and weaknesses and look into augmenting them with the services of a virtual assistant. Do you need help with scheduling? Do you need assistance in answering phone calls and responding to emails? Understanding your needs can make finding a suitable VA for your business easier.
2. List down essential skills.
A virtual assistant who is well-versed in everything you need is a dream hire. But let’s face it — it’s a rarity. Instead, you can list down essential skills you think are non-negotiables for your remote assistant. The list may include email management, cold calling, appointment setting, bookkeeping, or ghostwriting. Then, you can train them on other technical skills they may be lacking.
3. Choose your preferred communication platform.
Communication is vital to every job, but more so if you’re working with someone on the other side of the world. Several factors come into play, such as time zones and public holidays. Establish your preferred means of communication from the get-go. Ensure your potential VA is adept in the program and comfortable in the setup.
4. Define contract terms.
Are they going to be an independent contractor or a full-time employee? What benefits are they getting, and what is their work schedule like? Put everything into writing and have them sign the contract before agreeing to anything. Providing clear contract terms can protect both parties.
5. Establish a budget.
Determine how much you’re willing to pay your online assistant hourly or per project. Set up a payment scheme that works for both parties. Remember that industry rates vary depending on location, experience, and skillset.