Virtual Assistants – 10 Reasons why you need one as a small business
Here are 10 Reasons you need a Virtual Assistant as a small business…
As a small business owner, these days, you need to be savvy. Savvy in how to maximise the use of your time to ensure the smooth running and growth of your business. With recent advancements in technology and a shift in how we work, a virtual assistant can be key in making sure a small business succeeds. This is by getting the help they need, at the time they need it, without over committing their resources.
So what is a virtual assistant?
Well, plainly put, a virtual assistant is a self employed personal assistant who works remotely. A virtual assistant can be in the same geographical area as you or can be on the other side of the world. A virtual assistant is contractor who will work with you to get the work done rather than an employee who will work for you.
So what are the 10 reasons you need a virtual assistant as a small business owner?
- Frees up your time
As a small business owner your to-do list is likely to be long. There are many duties to fulfill in order to ensure the smooth running of your business as well as making sure your business is growing. It is unlikely you are getting to the bottom of your to-do list any time soon so you ignore the tasks that could actually help your business grow. Taking on a virtual assistant will help free up your time. They will take basic tasks off your hands so you can focus on revenue producing tasks and ultimately growing your business.
2. Cost effective
You only pay a virtual assistant for the work they do. No need to pay for breaks, holidays, sick leave or chats around the coffee machine. If it takes a virtual assistant an hour to complete the tasks, that is all that you pay for. You either pay a set fee per month for a set number of hours (a retainer) or on an hourly basis for the work done. They will report on what work they have done for you in this time so you can keep on top of it. Ultimately they are more productive than an employed personal assistant for the time paid.
3. Flexibility
If your work is seasonal or inconsistent, a virtual assistant can provide the flexibility you need that a fixed employee couldn’t. Hours can be reduced or increased per month according to your needs and you only pay for the hours worked.
4. Choose the best virtual assistant fit
There are a lot of virtual assistants out there, some are more experienced than others. Some specialise in niche areas. Whatever you are looking for, there should be a virtual assistant that suits you best. This person will be great to work with along with having the skills to complete all that you need them to. Choose wisely and you will have a support for life.
5. Adds a variety of skills
As a small business owner, you are likely to wear many hats. You may provide a service that your clients buy but you also operate a business, do the marketing, finances, social media among lots of other tasks. Let’s face it, you are unlikely to be an expert in all areas. A virtual assistant is likely to have a different skill set to you. For one, they will be more proficient in business administration as that is what they do best. Some will also come with additional skills that will help make your business stronger. In the long run a virtual assistant takes the pressure off you to be great at everything.
6. Increases efficiency
A virtual assistant is likely to be more skilled in areas with which a small business owner would struggle. This is most likely because they have done this task many times over and know the most efficient way of doing it. Therefore they will do the same task faster than you could do it which both saves you time and money.
7. Supports business growth
A virtual assistant is likely to have experience in many different businesses and has seen the best practice along with worst practice. Using your virtual assistant’s knowledge of different practices and strategies can guide you and give you different strategies to grow your business.
8. They get you
Many virtual assistants in the UK are self employed and are themselves a small business owner. They feel your pain and they understand what it takes to make a business a success. Their business is successful when they help you make your business a success. They have a stake in your business so they will do their very best for you.
9. A right hand person
Sometimes being a small business owner is lonely. Especially if you are a sole trader. A virtual assistant can be a support and sounding board for you for your business. Their experience and knowledge can give you a different perspective on your business.
10. Better work life balance
If you are working from early in the morning to late at night, Monday to Sunday, you are not getting any relaxing time. Time away from your business is important so you can de-stress and enjoy your life. Delegating tasks to a virtual assistant can free up more time for you to spend on you.
