The term virtual assistant has only been around for a few years.
Many business owners are still somewhat unfamiliar with it.
Some have an idea of what it means, but may not fully understand the differences between an administrative and a virtual assistant.
As a business owner, you might be wondering which one you should hire.
I spent almost thirty years going down the administrative career path, and am now a professional virtual assistant.
I consider myself an expert in both fields and, as such, will attempt to clarify some of the differences for you.
Any good manager knows better than to underestimate the value of a good admin assistant.
Their skills and hard work are what help a business to be successful.
Without them, most business owners would find themselves floundering.
Even if they have good administrative skills themselves, they don't necessarily have the time to perform that function.
Below is a list of some of the advantages of hiring an administrative assistant: · On-site presence; able to greet visitors/customers; · Keep up with day-to-day activities within the office; · Most are proficient in word processing, spreadsheet applications, etc.
; · Convenience of sitting in on meetings to take minutes.
Some of the disadvantages might include: · The cost of hiring an employee is usually two to two and a half times their salary; · They take time off, often without prior notice or authorization; · They get paid for a certain amount of unproductive time on the job; · They need to be "managed".
Now, let's explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a virtual assistant.
Some of the advantages include: · Expertise in all of the same things as an admin assistant; · Many have specialized training in things such as: internet marketing, social media marketing, affiliate marketing, SEO, competitive analysis, email marketing, set up shopping cart, set up auto responders, and so on; · Most work on a contract basis; you only pay for time on task; · Most are business owner's themselves and work with you as a business partner rather than work for you as an employee.
Some of the disadvantages might be: · Lack of physical presence in the office; · Charge a higher hourly rate than you would usually pay an employee.
As a business owner, of course, only you know what your business needs are.
I recommend interviewing both types of assistant to assess what each can contribute to your business.
Just as you might interview several candidates for an administrative assistant position to ensure you get the most qualified person to meet your needs; you also should interview virtual assistants to assess their level of expertise in the areas you need assistance with.
Although some are general virtual assistants, many specialize in a particular area.
It might be that you need both; an administrative assistant to work in the office either full or part time, and a virtual assistant to work on projects that require specialized training and expertise.
I hope you have found this to be helpful in distinguishing and choosing between an administrative and a virtual assistant.
Which ever one (or, perhaps both) you decide will be of the most benefit to you, I wish you success in your business.
Many business owners are still somewhat unfamiliar with it.
Some have an idea of what it means, but may not fully understand the differences between an administrative and a virtual assistant.
As a business owner, you might be wondering which one you should hire.
I spent almost thirty years going down the administrative career path, and am now a professional virtual assistant.
I consider myself an expert in both fields and, as such, will attempt to clarify some of the differences for you.
Any good manager knows better than to underestimate the value of a good admin assistant.
Their skills and hard work are what help a business to be successful.
Without them, most business owners would find themselves floundering.
Even if they have good administrative skills themselves, they don't necessarily have the time to perform that function.
Below is a list of some of the advantages of hiring an administrative assistant: · On-site presence; able to greet visitors/customers; · Keep up with day-to-day activities within the office; · Most are proficient in word processing, spreadsheet applications, etc.
; · Convenience of sitting in on meetings to take minutes.
Some of the disadvantages might include: · The cost of hiring an employee is usually two to two and a half times their salary; · They take time off, often without prior notice or authorization; · They get paid for a certain amount of unproductive time on the job; · They need to be "managed".
Now, let's explore some of the advantages and disadvantages of hiring a virtual assistant.
Some of the advantages include: · Expertise in all of the same things as an admin assistant; · Many have specialized training in things such as: internet marketing, social media marketing, affiliate marketing, SEO, competitive analysis, email marketing, set up shopping cart, set up auto responders, and so on; · Most work on a contract basis; you only pay for time on task; · Most are business owner's themselves and work with you as a business partner rather than work for you as an employee.
Some of the disadvantages might be: · Lack of physical presence in the office; · Charge a higher hourly rate than you would usually pay an employee.
As a business owner, of course, only you know what your business needs are.
I recommend interviewing both types of assistant to assess what each can contribute to your business.
Just as you might interview several candidates for an administrative assistant position to ensure you get the most qualified person to meet your needs; you also should interview virtual assistants to assess their level of expertise in the areas you need assistance with.
Although some are general virtual assistants, many specialize in a particular area.
It might be that you need both; an administrative assistant to work in the office either full or part time, and a virtual assistant to work on projects that require specialized training and expertise.
I hope you have found this to be helpful in distinguishing and choosing between an administrative and a virtual assistant.
Which ever one (or, perhaps both) you decide will be of the most benefit to you, I wish you success in your business.
Source...