Have you considered hiring a virtual assistant? Virtual assistants are widely used to help with simple, repetitive tasks that are easily processed via email. Hiring a virtual assistant is a great way for your business to free up valuable time that can be better spent on other, more important tasks. Here are some of the key benefits of virtual assistants.
Low Cost Labor
Virtual assistants often provide labor at rates well below the salary that you would have to pay an in-person assistant. This is because virtual assistants are often located in developing countries such as India or the Philippines, where wage rates are below minimum wage in the United States. Even if you end up with a virtual assistant that is located in the United States, you will avoid the cost of benefits and office supplies that accompany a full-time employee.
The rate that you secure will vary by website and by provider. Some websites allow you to negotiate rates, and it is possible to find virtual assistants for as little as $2 per hour. Keep in mind, however, that the cheapest virtual assistants are often not of the highest quality. One of the most reputable websites, AskSunday.com, provides rates that range from $13.50-$14.00 per hour.
Off-Peak Hours
Virtual assistants can provide around-the-clock service. When you leave the office, you can email a task to your assistant and have it in your inbox the next morning. Of course, the time that your assistant is available to work depends on the assistant’s physical location. If you want your assistant to work primarily during your workday, look for someone in your same geographic region. If you want someone to work while you are off the clock, look for someone on the opposite side of the globe. You can even find teams of assistants that will provide service twenty-four hours per day.
Streamlined Hiring
Hiring a full-time employee takes a lot of time and resources. You must post a job ad, interview, hire the correct person, and spend weeks or months training them. Hiring a virtual assistant is a much quicker and less painful process. There are a variety of websites that simply the process, such as AskSunday.com, oDesk.com and eLance.com. These websites allow you to search for a virtual assistant, interview candidates and process payment. The hiring process can be done in a few hours or a few days, depending on how specific your hiring needs are.
For many business owners, a virtual assistant is an excellent way to free up time spent on repetitive tasks and to focus on the more important issues. If you are spending a lot of time on small tasks, try out a virtual assistant to see if you can increase your businesses productivity.
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