Virtual Assistants Vs Regular Employees
Statistics show that one could save over $60,000 per year in business expenses by hiring a virtual assistant.
Although the assistant's hourly rates are usually higher that the employee's rate, you save the cost of benefits that would have been applied to the employee's wage.
The main advantage of hiring a virtual office assistant is that you don't need to pay taxes or create a benefits package.
Using the services of a virtual office assistant will save you time and money.
Virtual assistants are independent contractors who pay their own taxes.
You don't have to worry about health or dental insurance, sick days, pensions, payrolls and other expenses.
In addition, you don't need to provide extra office space or equipment.
These independent contractors work from home and use their own office supplies, including printers, faxes, and computers.
They earn their income by being very productive and delivering value to their customers.
Their schedules are flexible and you only pay for the time they work on your projects.
Most of them provide assistance on weekends and evenings.
On the other hand, a regular employee needs physical office space, a computer, a cell phone, and office supplies.
When you hire a "real" employee, you need to pay unemployment insurance and workers compensation premiums.
A virtual assistant is paid only for the hours she works for you.
He or she can handle your seasonal or periodic projects.
Another advantage of hiring virtual assistants is that you don't have to provide additional training.
If you run a real estate business, you can hire a virtual office assistant specializing in this field.
If you have an ecommerce website, you can choose one who is familiar with search engine optimization and web marketing.
Most assistants are able to design marketing materials, handle customer inquiries, set up databases, and update websites.
Some of them specialize in graphic design, call center support, desktop publishing, or technical writing.
Some virtual office assistants can even help customers schedule doctor's appointments, book hotel rooms, or plan holidays.
The fees you pay for their services are negotiable.
The way you work with a virtual assistant is different to the way you would work with a regular employee.
You need to make a list of tasks and ask your assistant to handle them.
These independent contractors go above and beyond the normal assistant's duties to increase your productivity and grow your business.