Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be a transformative decision for your business. It can free up your time, allow you to accomplish more, and facilitate growth by offloading tasks that you dread. For me, that meant delegating social media posts, admin work, and similar tasks I couldn't stand. When I first hired a VA, it honestly changed my life.
Yet, despite the potential benefits, not everyone needs to rush into hiring a VA. That might sound like I'm trying to puncture your balloon of enthusiasm. I can almost seem like that guy who turns off the music at 9 PM at a house party. But hear me out—what I'm about to say could shift your approach and ensure you get much better value for your money.
Many people think they need a VA when, in reality, they might not. Instead, what they actually need is cost-effective talent from overseas, or what we might call Virtual Staff.
The Misconception Spread by Course Sellers and YouTubers
There's a prevalent myth, often propagated for clickbait by course sellers and YouTubers, that hiring someone from overseas, especially from countries like the Philippines, automatically means you’re hiring a VA. This misunderstanding could prevent you from hiring the great talent truly suited for your needs.
For some of you, especially those who need general help—like coaches or consultants—an all-around VA is perfect. But for many others, and this could include you, what you think you want isn’t really a VA but rather a specialist.
The Real Need: Virtual Staff, Not Just VAs
The term "VA" has been thrown around so loosely that it’s lost specificity. If you hear advice like "hire an accountant VA" or "hire a digital marketing VA," take a step back. These roles are not truly "assistant" roles; they are specialized professional positions. What you're looking for are not VAs but virtual staff—professionals like digital marketing managers, assistants, accountants, or bookkeepers.
Here’s the point: If you're looking for anything other than an assistant, you’re not actually looking for a VA. You’re looking for a Virtual Staff member—a specialist who can fulfill specific roles that you might traditionally fill locally.
Hiring Virtual Staff: A Strategic Approach
When you place a job ad locally in the United States, the process and expectations are clear. Similarly, when you use platforms like VirtualStaff.ph, you’re not just accessing help; you’re tapping into a pool of part-time and full-time talent at unbeatable rates. This means you can slash costs while hiring capable professionals suited for specific tasks within your business.
So, before you hire what you think is a VA, assess your actual needs. Do you need an assistant, or do you need a specialist? This differentiation will help you not only save money but also ensure that you’re adding the most suitable and effective members to your team.
In the end, it’s about aligning your hiring strategy with your business needs. Making the right choice from the start will position your business for success and growth, ensuring that every team member, whether a generalist VA or a specialized virtual staff member, adds real value.
For more insights on the financial aspect of hiring virtual staff, explore our Ultimate Salary Guide for Building a Team in the Philippines.
If you're considering hiring your first VA, check out How to Hire Your First VA.
To understand more about the distinction between a Virtual Assistant and Virtual Staff, read this article.
And if you're curious about the cost implications of hiring, learn about whether you should pay $320 per month for a VA in this detailed analysis.
