Staying productive is crucial for success. Yet, with a myriad of tasks demanding attention, finding time for core activities can be challenging.
Enter the Virtual Assistant (VA) – a game-changer in the quest for productivity.
You might have heard of the term due to the increase of companies delving into outsourcing – but what exactly is the role of a VA?
What does a VA do?
Virtual Assistants, once confined to handling administrative tasks, have evolved into indispensable assets for businesses over the recent years. They offer research support, social media management, customer service, content creation, payroll and bookkeeping and much more.
VAs have redefined the business landscape and studies have shown that it can save as much as 78% in operating costs. Got a task you need outsourced? A VA has already probably streamlined it for you.
How does having a VA save you money and time?
A VA’s skillset is very diverse and you would need to find out what you would need. Here’s a tool called “Where to Start with Outsourcing,” to get you started. Once you go through the exercise, you can then identify the skill sets your VA needs to have to help increase your productivity.
Regardless of what VA you choose to hire, there are some key advantages that are applicable to all:
1.) Time Management Improvement
VAs can significantly improve your time management. According to an Asana report, repetitive tasks cost businesses as much as 19 working days per employee, annually. By outsourcing these tasks to a VA, you liberate your entire team for high-priority activities, core functions, and strategic goals. This not only enhances efficiency and reduces stress, but it also means you can turn these 19 days into very productive days.
2.) Cost-Effectiveness
Another major benefit of outsourcing is its cost-effectiveness. Comparing the costs of hiring a VA versus in-house staff reveals significant savings associated with outsourcing repetitive tasks. This feature is what makes VAs such an attractive option for businesses of all sizes.
3.) Zero Downtime
Despite concerns about time zone differences, leveraging VAs in different regions, like the Philippines, can ensure seamless operations, especially in customer service. With a VA working while you’re off-duty, customer inquiries get immediate attention, enhancing satisfaction and loyalty. This advantage extends beyond customer service to tasks like content creation, data entry, and research. Simply delegate tasks, and have them completed by the time you clock in. Moreover, VAs are flexible in schedule; as long as you’re openly communicating your goals and timing needs, they can accommodate, ensuring smooth workflow regardless of time zone differences.
Interested in What You Can Achieve with Outsourcing?
Already convinced? If you’re ready to try outsourcing, it’s good to note that you should integrate it into your team slowly but surely. Integrating a VA seamlessly into your workflow requires clear expectations, efficient communication channels, and the right tools for collaboration. Project management platforms like Asana or Monday.com, coupled with communication tools like Loom or ScreenPal, facilitate smooth collaboration and training. Providing regular feedback fosters improvement and builds trust in the partnership.
Ready to supercharge your productivity with a virtual assistant (VA)? Book a call with our team to deep dive into your everyday workflow. Let’s uncover the tasks and functions best suited for outsourcing, ensuring you maximize efficiency and focus on what truly matters. Schedule your consultation now and unlock your business’ full potential!