Despite its growing popularity in a variety of industries, many company owners are unfamiliar with virtual help. Here are 15 myths regarding virtual assistant services that have been debunked:
ONLY USE IT FOR ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
One prevalent misconception regarding virtual assistant services is that it primarily handles administrative and regular chores. Although outsourcing administrative tasks is essential, don’t assume that’s the only thing virtual assistants can perform. Many VAs specialize in different professions. VAs go out of their way to study more and train themselves in certain sectors like marketing, web design, and business management since their trade is their business.
Furthermore, as more individuals value the flexibility of working from home, even competent and experienced professionals in a variety of professions are pivoting to become their own bosses by becoming full-time virtual assistants. This implies that firms may now hire employees with years of expertise and training in a certain industry.
ONLY BIG COMPANIES NEED IT
Remote employees are clearly beneficial to businesses with a large number of clients and transactions that span the world. However, many individuals are unaware that virtual support may benefit startups, home-based firms, and solopreneurs. Remember that you don’t have to recruit a complete staff of remote workers; you can start with one and expand as your company grows. In fact, hiring a virtual assistant to handle some of your company tasks might be one of the finest investments you can make. If you’re not overworked, you’ll have more time for your executive responsibilities and a healthier mental state.
HIRING IS A LONG, EXCRUCIATING TASK
When you consider employing a virtual assistant, you probably envision combing Upwork for competent applicants. You consider the tedious responsibilities of screening applicants, arranging interviews, and other aspects of hiring and recruitment. Fortunately, this isn’t the only method to collaborate with a virtual assistant. For one reason, there are other Upwork options for business owners who want to hire more quickly and easily. Another option is to cooperate with a recruiting agency and delegate the recruitment process to them. YourDailyTask is a remote employment firm that focuses on delivering virtual assistance to organizations. The foundation for remote recruiting and onboarding is part of the company’s virtual assistant services package.
IT’S A SECURITY RISK
Remote cooperation necessitates the sharing of high-value and sensitive information across the internet. When working with a virtual assistant, it’s natural to be concerned about security. Fortunately, you may take steps to safeguard your company. You can deal with a recruiting firm that checks people before employing them and keeps track of VA activities. You may also have your VA sign nondisclosure and non-compete agreements to safeguard your intellectual property while they are working with you.
IT’S DIFFICULT TO WORK WITH A VA
It’s simple to understand how virtual assistance may be difficult. Communication may be slower and less convenient, and collaboration may be more difficult. The good news is that there are now several tools and methods designed specifically for distant collaboration. Furthermore, several studies have found that working from home makes freelancers happier and more productive. This simply means that they are more likely to perform and exert their best efforts. Understand how to bid virtual working connections goodbye.
VAs CAN’T BE TRAINED
While many virtual assistants have years of experience and fields of specialty, it doesn’t imply they won’t require assistance to be productive at work. Although VAs may already have the skills and expertise for some activities, they nevertheless require education, debriefing, and upskilling. Some of the duties you wish to assign may be specific to your operations and industry. It is critical to fully teach your virtual assistant on your procedures so that they can be more successful and productive. Many staffing companies also provide basic and advanced training for VAs, which is another reason to consider working with one.
ALL VAs HAVE THE SAME LEVEL OF TRAINING AND CAPABILITY
Some virtual assistants have little to no job experience, while others are specialists in their field. If you need a highly trained individual to execute a certain job, don’t assume you can’t locate one remotely. YourDailyTask, for example, provides top virtual assistant services in areas such as digital marketing, IT and content creation, and creative design.
IT WON’T WORK WITH YOUR LINE OF BUSINESS
This misconception is strongly connected to the belief that virtual assistants can only undertake mundane chores. You are well aware that there are VAs that specialise in certain areas. You might be shocked to learn that more and more sectors now have their own virtual assistant services. Most virtual assistants are natural e-learners. This implies that electronically teaching people for activities specific to your organisation or sector will be less difficult than you would assume.
IT’S JUST AN EXTRA BUSINESS EXPENSE
Although there are clear benefits to working with a VA, hiring one is just an added expenditure, right? Wrong. On the contrary, if you opt to work with a personal virtual assistant, you may potentially save money. To begin with, if you engage with a hiring agency, you will no longer have to bother about payroll.
IT’S ONLY FOR SHORT-TERM PROJECTS
The advent of virtual assistance gave rise to the term “gig economy.” Despite the fact that the phrase is strongly tied to remote working, it suggests that virtual help is just for short-term projects or jobs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many VAs work as independent contractors, with no contractual obligations to a specific client. This does not, however, imply that they are not in it for the long haul. In reality, the majority of people would prefer a long-term professional relationship.
IT’S A TEMPORARY BUSINESS SOLUTION
This misperception may also be connected to the incorrect belief that VAs are only useful for short-term or menial jobs. If the expanding corporate effect of virtual support is any indicator, it is here to stay. As a result of the epidemic, many firms have shifted to online operations, emphasizing the need and necessity for virtual help.
VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS MAY DERAIL YOUR OPERATIONS
Another misconception regarding virtual assistants is that they are incapable of meeting deadlines and finishing work. However, several polls show both part-time and full-time VAs are more productive while working from home. People do better when they operate within the confines of their own place and timetable. Furthermore, many VAs understand the necessity for online work and are thus well-prepared to meet deadlines and overcome remote work obstacles.
HIRING THE RIGHT VA IS A HIT AND MISS
The danger of not employing the correct individual for the position exists in both traditional and virtual employment. One advantage of employing a virtual assistant is that you may work with a staffing service to prescreen and train the applicant before you meet them. Some employment organizations additionally provide a service trial period during which clients can choose another VA if their initial option was not suitable.
VAs MAY NOT REPORT THEIR HOURS CORRECTLY
When working with someone remotely, it’s natural to have concerns regarding proper billable hours. Fortunately, there are several methods for ensuring openness while using virtual support. You may obtain character references before hiring, utilize programs like ScreenMeter, Time Doctor, RescueTime, SnapLogger, and TimeSnapper to monitor and track your VA’s activities, and collaborate with a full-service staffing business that can provide extra managerial services.
VAs WILL LEAVE YOU HIGH AND DRY
When you’re up to your eyeballs in work, you don’t want to be left in the dark. Employee turnover, on the other hand, is less expensive and less common with VAs. Remote employees recognize the need to locate a customer and, in general, prefer a long-term working relationship. Clients may also create a contract to specify the minimum length of work and avoid abrupt departure or leave of absence.
Now that you’ve dispelled these misconceptions, it’s much easier to choose the best virtual assistant services for your company. Hire a VA with realistic expectations, and you will be more likely to benefit from this working arrangement.