For busy executives looking to offload administrative tasks to focus on higher-value work cost-effectively, offshore virtual assistants are an increasingly popular option.
Especially as the world has become more comfortable with remote work, the idea of hiring people in far-flung locations is not nearly as daunting as it once was.
Working with a VA in Manila isn’t much different from working with one in San Francisco when everyone is working remotely.
There are two options for hiring an offshore virtual assistant: managed and unmanaged services.
Several unmanaged VA options exist, including hiring a freelancer via platforms like Upwork or using a virtual assistant agency that keeps a "bench" of candidates, enabling you to choose the best fit for your business. Typically, these agency models are simply connecting you with a pre-vetted contractor.
What all unmanaged VA models have in common is that the VA's onboarding, training, and performance management fall on you. Typically, there isn't a management layer in your experience.
In a managed virtual assistant model, the service provider is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and compensating the assistants. They typically offer a management layer that includes value-added services such as delegation consulting, documentation, ensuring service continuity, and security. Most, but not all, managed VA services offer their assistants paid time off and health benefits.
Customers in a managed model generally pay the service provider a flat monthly fee that encompasses all aspects of their service.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to hiring a virtual assistant. The best model for you will depend on your unique needs, your team's structure, and how embedded you want your assistant to be in your tech stack.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of each model.
The primary reason for directly hiring an offshore virtual assistant is cost. A service provider will add fees to the assistant’s hourly rate. However, the rates VAs charge can vary, as can those of managed service providers. There are other advantages to the direct-hire model.
The disadvantages of directly hiring an offshore VA involve time and risk.
Related Reading: 4 Types of Virtual Assistant Services
Managed virtual assistant services can save time and reduce many risks linked to hiring an offshore VA. The main benefit is having a team that supports your VA, making the service fully ready for use.
You Don't Have to Manage Another Employee
This can be significant because executives turn to remote assistants in the first place because they have more administrative work than they can or should manage. We often hear executives say, "I just want someone to come in and make it work."
With a managed service, the provider handles all these functions through an account manager who partners with you to enhance productivity.
No hand-holding is required.
You Have a Team Behind the Team
With a managed service such as Prialto, you're not just hiring an independent contractor. You're hiring an entire support team that includes:
You Achieve Scalability
This is especially advantageous for larger businesses and enterprises that are increasingly adopting managed virtual assistant services. It's much easier to expand or reduce staff as business needs fluctuate. Hiring office workers takes roughly 40 days and costs $4,000.
If you want to increase your VAs via a managed service, you can hire them in just a few days. You can also build a team that works well together to support your executives.
You Don't Have To Worry About Security
Allowing an independent contractor or freelancer to access your work on a BYOD computer poses clear security risks. What is the security level of the PC and the home network it connects to?
Finally, personal security. Is the individual trustworthy?
Managed virtual assistant services utilize secure facilities, computers, and networks, and conduct background checks on all VAs. To take it one step further, Prialto is SOC-2 compliant and all assistants sign NDAs.
Related Reading: What to Know About Virtual Assistant Security Risks
You Have Access to a Vast Tech Stack
A managed VA service employs hundreds of VAs experienced with nearly every tech platform businesses use. CRMs, marketing automation tools, prospecting software, scheduling, travel arrangements, expenses, invoicing, and more.
If a VA requires training or a refresher course, the responsibility falls on the service provider. With an unmanaged VA service, any knowledge or experience gaps are your responsibility.
Managed virtual assistants aren’t for everyone. Here are some of the reasons a managed service might not work.
Recommended Reading: Proven Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant
No single solution suits all businesses. Managed VA services are perfect for executives who are overwhelmed by repetitive tasks and don't have enough time to focus on their company.
The tasks that VAs can handle for you include:
Managed VA services typically work on a monthly retainer basis, meaning you pay for a set number of hours each month. They are not ideal for one-time projects such as quarterly reports or creative tasks that involve new design, writing, or intensive graphic work.
If you're considering hiring a virtual assistant, here are some questions to ask a service provider.
Want to learn more about what it's like to work with Prialto's managed virtual assistant service? Contact us today.