Over the years, technology has rapidly advanced far beyond our expectations. Thanks to this, companies have changed the way they define “assistant.” As modern technology slowly takes over how we complete our daily activities, more and more business owners are looking into the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) technology and virtual assistants (VAs).
The benefits of hiring a virtual assistant cannot be overstated. You can significantly reduce your operational costs while gaining better quality output when you outsource a virtual assistant. Several companies have used this strategy to scale their brand.
However, since these assistants are human, there are certain limitations, unlike AI programs that can run for as long as you program them.
While both AI and virtual assistants are accessible through an online platform, they’re not the same. Both come with their own sets of advantages and disadvantages where their differences may or may not benefit you.
To determine which option is best, you must first learn their differences and how you can use them to suit your business.
What are AI Assistants?
An AI assistant is a virtual program or application built to understand natural voice commands. The system uses a specialized AI program that allows it to complete tasks on your behalf without the need for another staff member to manage them. These apps can be accessed through devices like laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
AI assistants provide a wide range of benefits that you can use to help run and manage your business better. Here are a few of the major ones.
Information acquisition
AI assistants can provide you with any information you need regarding your business in an instant. At the same time, it can also generate reports and analyze complex data more quickly.
Generates to-do lists
They can help manage tasks that you need to complete daily. Through these functions, your priorities can be arranged automatically, which can help smooth out your day-to-day operations.
Provides 24/7 service
Since AI assistants are a program, they don’t sleep and can run all day and night. That means you can use the system as you please without having to worry about time constraints.
Enhances e-commerce marketing
AI assistants can also be programmed to answer the queries of your customers in the form of chatbots. Through these tools, you can improve your customer relationships by providing support at any time, especially if you’re running an online store.
Popular and commonly used AI assistants include Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana, Google Assistant, and Amazon’s Alexa. These tools help you automate many aspects of your businesses, including your office appliances.
What are Virtual Assistants?
Virtual assistants are individual contractors who offer administrative services from a remote location. In most cases, you can outsource them through a virtual assistant company, such as Outsource Access.
Some companies choose to hire VAs for their convenience and low costs. However, they can also provide you with the following benefits.
Wider access to experts
When you need to hire a VA, you can look beyond your local area for additional staff in your company. This allows you to scope the globe for an assistant who has the right skillsets for your needs.
Flexible contracts
Virtual assistants can be hired on a case-by-case basis. These contracts can range from permanent, semi-permanent, project-based, or hourly setup.
Timezone flexibility
Having a VA in a different timezone allows you to increase your business’ efficiency by having someone to complete tasks even when you or your in-house team aren’t working. As a result, the quality of your overall output can improve.
Ease of operations
A virtual assistant can help you handle small and repetitive tasks, enabling you to focus on your core responsibilities. At the same time, they can manage other aspects of your business, such as recruiting new employees and making financial reports—it all depends on what specialty skill you need from your VA.
Businesses commonly use virtual assistants to cut operational costs when they need additional staff to handle other tasks. In some cases, they hire on a contractual basis during peak seasons.
Get the Best Help for Your Business
Modern technology is evolving faster than we realize, which can be challenging to adapt to at times. However, with help from AI and VAs, running a business with fewer staff members has become less of a bane and more of a boon. While the two options are frequently mistaken for one another, both can provide your business with plenty of benefits.
To learn more about your online assistant options, reach out and partner with the experts. Contact Outsource Access, a trusted outsourcing and virtual services firm, to help you get started on redefining your business.
