5 myths about working with VAs: debunked
When it comes to working with virtual assistants (VAs), there are all sorts of myths out there that can make it seem like more trouble than it’s worth. Fortunately these simply aren’t true, and VAs can actually provide plenty of benefits to your business.
Do you want to know more about what working with VAs is really like? Here are 5 of the biggest myths about VAs: debunked.
Myth #1: Anybody can be a VA
Many people think that, as long as you have a computer and an internet connection, you can be a VA. This might be off-putting to people looking to hire a VA, who might be concerned about working with someone unqualified, unprofessional or likely to disappear halfway through a job. Of course, this isn’t true. Being a VA is a business that requires investments of money and time, and therefore professional VAs take their work very seriously. Furthermore, VAs who work for agencies such as Get Ahead are thoroughly vetted to make sure they have the skills to reliably deliver high-quality work.
Myth #2: VAs are all the same
While it might be true that many VAs can turn their hands to all sorts of different jobs, it is not the case that all VAs are interchangeable. Each VA has their own unique training and professional background, and is therefore able to provide different services and specialisms to your business. That might mean you need to spend a little time finding a VA who is the best match for your particular job, but your efforts will be rewarded when you find someone with the skills you need.
Myth #3: VAs only do admin
Speaking of specialisms, there is a common misconception that all VAs are only administrative or personal assistants. While there are VAs who do work solely in these areas, there are also countless other specialisms that a VA can have. For example, VAs can work in blogging, events organisation, PR, social media management, web development and video editing, just to name a few. Whatever service your business needs, chances are you can find an expert VA to provide it.
Myth #4: It’s difficult to communicate with VAs
Because VAs are by definition ‘virtual’, many people believe that it is difficult to communicate with them, but this does not have to be the case. There are countless freely available tools that make remote working easy: as well as phone calls and emails, VAs can stay in touch via online messaging and conferencing services such as Skype, Slack and Zoom. As long as there are suitable tools in place, there’s no reason that communication should be a problem.
Myth #5: VAs are more expensive than employees
It’s easy to assume that you can’t afford a VA without really considering the costs, but compared to employees, VAs can actually save your business money. This is because VAs come ‘ready made’: they’re already trained and have all the equipment they need, so you won’t need to pay for a computer, office space, lighting, heating or any of the other benefits you would give to a regular employee. You can simply hire the VA for as long as you need them and then stop once the job is done, knowing that they will still be available to take on more work in the future.
Whatever the job, we have a qualified, professional VA who can help you with it. Please give Get Ahead VA a call on 01483 332220 or email us at office@getaheadva.com. We pride ourselves on being the staff you don’t see, but the difference you do.
