Getting a new assistant is a big step in any business. Hopefully, it means that the business is growing well, and the budget can incorporate an extra expense. However, in the digital era, you now have a choice to make. You need to decide whether you need a personal or a virtual assistant. Read on as we discuss the benefits of both.
What Is the Difference Between Virtual And Personal?
The main difference is that a personal assistant provides their services in a face-to-face capacity, working physically alongside you. Meanwhile, a virtual assistant is known for working remotely and completing work that involves the use of emails, phones and internet applications
Another key difference is how they work with businesses in terms of employment. A virtual assistant usually works on a freelance basis, meaning that they can also work with other companies. Whereas personal assistants tend to be PAYE employees or working with an employment contract.
Availability
Required availability will play a crucial part when a business considers whether to pick a personal or a virtual assistant. The following factors should be considered:
- Hours Available
Many virtual assistants can work any hour of the day. However, the price can increase during unsociable hours. Personal assistants will require you to agree beforehand the hours they’re needed. This of course is likely to determine if they’re interested in the position.
On-call 24/7
Most independent virtual assistants won’t be available 24/7. However, those that operate through an agency can sometimes offer this. On the other hand, a personal assistant is very unlikely to be available 24/7.
Permanent or Temporary
Virtual assistants can easily be assigned permanent or temporary work. Many virtual assistants take work on a single assignment basis. Personal assistants are generally less flexible. While they too can be contracted to work either permanently or temporarily, once the hours needed have been agreed upon, it can be hard to change them.
What Tasks Can They Complete?
Firstly, let’s look at the strengths of personal assistants:
- Can directly work with clients, meaning training can be provided easily for specialised tasks.
- Provide one-on-one assistance.
- Can be monitored and managed without hassle, great for when priority work comes in and needs attention.
- Great for completing any ad-hoc tasks that need to be done in person.
Now, let’s look at what virtual assistants are good at doing:
- Completing marketing tasks (eg scheduling social media posts)
- Answering emails
- Basic customer service
- Booking appointments
- Following up with clients and customers
How To Decide Which One to Use
There are key questions that you can ask yourself to determine whether you will prefer one or the other. What tasks do you want them to be responsible for? What are your weaknesses that need someone’s help? What processes do you have that can be delegated to the assistant for completion? Once you’ve got the answers to these questions, then the best choice should stand out. If not, you may want to review the questions again and refresh all the points we’ve discussed!
Final Thoughts
Technology has opened up many options for businesses. When you need an assistant, you can look at the needs of your operation and find someone to fit. Ultimately, you can minimise wastage and maximise flexibility – which can help your business become even more profitable. With the money you save, why not look at investing in the crypto markets with great sites such as Bitcoin x
