subject: Virtual Assistant Vs. On-site Employee [print this page] In this economy businesses are turning to virtual assistants to get that extra work done. Hiring a virtual assistant can mean better quality work for a lot less money. Most VA's have been in management or higher in the corporate world for many years across all industries. Their knowledge, along with their business etiquette and professionalism are superior to most on-site employees.
Because virtual assistant's are typically more skilled, more resourceful, and better connected than the on-site member of staff, the clients need to dedicate far less time to each task to get the same or better results, and in much less time than for the on-site employee.
On average; a virtual assistants can accomplish the same tasks in less than 500 hours annually versus the 2,080 hours of an on-site employee. Your employee's 8 hour day can be crunched into 3-4 hours with a Virtual Assistant.
With a virtual assistant you do not pay for long lunches, trips to the bathroom, socializing, smoke breaks, insurance, office furniture, or technical equipment and supplies. You pay for the work that is done.
Some business owners tend to choose on-site employees over VA's just because they need to see the actual work is being done, and that the hourly amount they pay for is in fact earned. VA's pride themselves on their quality and timing. Most reputable VA's will offer live webcam feeds, or hourly screen shots and updates to ensure the client of our dedication and professionalism.
When considering hiring a VA, ask them for their resumes, their experiences, and their expertise. Make sure they offer a free consultation. Ask them for their website, if they have a refined, user friendly, informative, and professional site this helps you understand the competency and organization of the VA.
The average cost of a VA is $20-70 per hour. Keep in mind that there are many independent VA's out there that charge much less. You can also find ones that charge flat and daily rates and not hourly. Look for ones that offer some examples on their sites so you know the quality of their work before you contact them.
Look for a service that can promise you an administration solution service that provides virtual office support. A service that helps you meet deadlines, catch up on overdue to-do's, stay ahead of the game, impress the boss, turn some heads, or just take some you time.
