The Virtual Assistant (VA) industry has come a long way, and changed a lot in recent years, particularly with the rise of remote work and work-from-home setups. With more businesses operating virtually, the demand for VAs has skyrocketed, changing how we think about employment and opening up new opportunities and challenges for everyone involved.

 

 

I’m going to explore how the VA industry is evolving, the pros and cons of hiring VAs locally versus internationally, and whether a local VA is really just another contractor.  Is our terminology changing too?

We’ll also explore how VAs are becoming more mainstream, even in larger corporations.

 

The Rise of Remote Working and Its Impact on the VA Industry

 

Initially VAs were the ‘go to’ support option for Digital Nomads and startup entrepreneurs. But the COVID-19 pandemic sped up the adoption of remote and hybrid work, pushing businesses to rethink their operations. With staff working from home, companies quickly saw the perks of flexible work setups, like cutting down on overhead costs and tapping into a global talent pool. This shift naturally spilled over into the VA industry, where businesses started looking for specialized skills without worrying about location.

 

We really started to see a more ‘blended’ workforce start to emerge, that challenged our approach to staffing and how we integrate a broad range of staffing options.

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VAs have always handled everything from admin tasks and customer support to digital marketing and niche consulting. But this seems to be expanding now with VAs becoming an integral part of the organisation’s team.

Whilst their flexibility and scalability have always made VAs a go-to option for both startups and established businesses, the VA industry has become a crucial part of the modern workforce, helping companies of all types and sizes run more smoothly and effectively in an increasingly virtual world.

 

From Startups to Mainstream: The Growing Popularity of VAs

 

VAs a decade ago were almost exclusively supporting startups and entrepreneurs looking to get the most bang for their buck without hiring full-time staff. These smaller businesses and solo entrepreneurs loved the idea of outsourcing admin and support tasks, allowing them to focus on growing their businesses. VAs offered the agility and flexibility needed to scale up quickly.

But things have changed. VAs are now becoming mainstream, with larger companies starting to see their value. While VAs are still more common in smaller firms, big corporations are beginning to use them more and more.

At Virtual Done Well, we’ve seen an increased demand for VAs from the Corporate Sector.  Particularly in areas such as accounts and customer service.

 

Corporate Adoption of VAs: Roles and Applications

 

Larger organisations are starting to use VAs in a range of roles. Here are some areas where VAs are making their mark:

 

1. Administrative Support: VAs help with scheduling, email management, travel arrangements, and other admin tasks, freeing up executives and teams to focus on bigger picture stuff. A VA is perfect for the role of Personal Assistant or Executive Assistant.

2. Customer Service: Many companies outsource customer support to VAs who handle inquiries, solve issues, and provide information to customers. They often work in multiple languages and across different time zones. This is probably a more ‘traditional’ use of VAS that we are familiar with in large Telco call centres for example, often based in India of the Philippines.

3. Digital Marketing: VAs skilled in social media, content creation, and SEO are now helping larger businesses boost their online presence and reach target audiences more effectively.

4. Data Entry and Management: VAs manage data, conduct research, and keep databases up-to-date, ensuring accurate information.

5. Project Management: Experienced VAs can be seen overseeing projects, coordinating tasks, and managing timelines, providing valuable support to project managers and teams.

6. Specialised Roles: Some organisations are hiring VAs with niche skills, like graphic design, software development, or legal research, to meet specific project needs.

 

 

Employing VAs in these roles helps big and well as small companies stay agile and responsive in a fast-changing business environment. Outsourcing certain functions lets them cut costs, boost efficiency, and access a wider range of talent.

 

Hiring a VA: Local vs. International

 

When it comes to hiring a VA, businesses often weigh the pros and cons of hiring locally versus internationally. Each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks.

 

Pros of Hiring a Local VA:

 

1. Cultural and Language Familiarity: Local VAs get the cultural nuances and language, making communication much easier.

2. Time Zone Alignment: Working in the same time zone allows for real-time collaboration and quicker responses.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Hiring locally often simplifies legal and tax issues, ensuring compliance with local laws.

 

Cons of Hiring a Local VA:

 

1. Higher Costs: Local VAs usually charge a lot more due to the cost of living and market demand in their area.

2. Limited Talent Pool: The talent pool might be smaller, especially for niche skills, limiting the choices.

 

 

Pros of Hiring an International VA:

 

1. Cost Efficiency: VAs from lower-cost countries will cost less, whilst still receiving a competitive local income, offering significant savings for businesses.

2. Diverse Skill Sets: Access to a global talent pool allows businesses to find VAs with specialized skills that might be scarce locally.

3. 24/7 Availability: VAs in different time zones can offer round-the-clock support, ensuring continuous operations.

 

Cons of Hiring an International VA:

 

1. Cultural and Language Barriers: Differences in culture and language can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

2. Time Zone Differences: Coordinating work across different time zones can be tricky, potentially causing delays.

3. Legal and Security Concerns: Navigating international laws and ensuring data security can be more complex when hiring overseas.

 

Are Local VAs Just Contractors?

 

A common question is whether hiring a local VA is just like hiring a contractor. While there are similarities, some key differences exist.

Both VAs and contractors offer specialized services on a contract basis, or more commonly now, a fixed salary arrangement, perhaps through an offshore office or local agency. But this may be without some of the perks of local/traditional employment.

 

Legal and tax considerations also differ depending on the VA’s work location and employment model.

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So where is the VA Industry Headed?

 

The VA industry is changing fast, driven by the rise of remote work and the growing demand for flexible, cost-effective solutions. What started as a trend among startups and entrepreneurs is now becoming mainstream, with larger businesses jumping on board.

But I think it’s all wrapped up in the changing face of our workplaces and work culture.  I’ve always disliked the term VA as I don’t think it really encompasses what a VA/client relationship can or should be.

 

 

My VAs are just part of my team like anyone else. An integral and very important part of the team, who have tasks and responsibilities, and degrees of autonomy and authority just like anyone else.

I think of them just as team members who are working remotely, like many of us do.  They just live in another country, have much better language skills than me and some unique skills that I will never master.