If you’re a business owner, then chances are you may be in need of some assistance. One obstacle that many business owners try to figure out is whether or not they should outsource their work to a virtual assistant or, instead, look into hiring someone internally. While there are some differences between hiring in-house and outsourcing, you may be shocked about some of the similarities that these both have as well.

Virtual assistants are a great way to have a dedicated person to handle your tasks. They work from the comfort of their homes, freeing up your time to focus on more important things.

Many people believe that the biggest difference between hiring a virtual assistant and hiring an internal is that the latter has a lot more experience in the field.  This is certainly not true as many virtual assistants are former Executive Assistants from the corporate world who are able to handle tasks that require more complex knowledge. They have started their own business to bring their knowledge and skills to your business.

This even includes hiring a virtual assistant, whether you’re planning to outsource some work to them or planning to hire one in-house like a regular assistant, there are some similarities. So here is what you need to know!

Hiring a virtual assistant is the same as hiring internal

The Responsibilities Will Be the Same

Regular in-house assistants and virtual assistants have a lot of the same duties. Even though one of the biggest differences would be that an in-house assistant is most likely working at an office, the virtual assistant will be doing things virtually. One is utilising the power of the internet to work from anywhere, while the other is working directly in the physical location of the office. Regardless of the location of the assistant, the still responsibilities will be applied. Some of the tasks that a virtual assistant is expected to do just like an in-house assistant can include:

  • Project Management
  • Responding to emails
  • Taking calls
  • Scheduling appointments and meetings
  • Making travel arrangements
  • Managing accounts

While these are only a few, there are plenty of other responsibilities that virtual assistants can easily do. The same can also be said for a virtual CFO too. Thanks to the bigger welcoming of remote work, it allows for Virtual CFO in Australia but honestly anywhere around the world too.

The Selection and Interview Process

Whether you’re planning to outsource some work or hire a helper in-house for your virtual CFO, there is going to need to be a selection and interview process. You can’t just easily hire someone without knowing their capabilities and experience right?  While it is known that hiring in-house can be very costly (company benefits, vacation pay, sick days, etc), outsourced workers including virtual assistants don’t necessarily get these sorts of benefits with your company.

Plus, when it comes to hiring someone in-house you’re expected to train them as well which is costly. Regardless of what’s costly and what’s not, you need to interview candidates to see who might be the best fit for the position.

Hiring a virtual assistant is the same as hiring internal

Virtual Workers Can Still Be a Part of the Team

Virtual assistants are becoming more popular in the workplace. The trend is expected to continue as technology continues to improve and become more affordable.

There are many reasons why hiring a virtual assistant is a good idea. Virtual assistants can help with administrative tasks and they can also be used for marketing campaigns.

Just because a virtual assistant doesn’t work directly under you, doesn’t mean that they can’t be a part of the team. It’s all about their dedication and determination. It’s best to know that virtual assistants and other virtual workers do not need to have some sort of disconnection just because they’re outsourced or not working physically in the office. As long as they do their job greatly, showing pride in what they do, the barrier of a screen shouldn’t get in the way of that. They’re a part of your business’s team and family.

Amy Martin
Amy Martin

With over 20 years of experience as an Executive Assistant, Amy Martin leads the Business Support Team at Total Eclipse Agency.

Offering impeccable attention to detail, and an innate skill at streamlining business operations, Amy’s background encompasses both corporate and government sector support and she brings this knowledge and skill set to your business via our Business Support Services.