Need an Extra Hand? The Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Executive Assistant

As a business coach, I often hear the statement, “I just wish I had more time in my day!” Though it’s not quite possible to add additional hours to a day, there is another way — bringing on an extra hand to help with the superfluous, yet mandatory, tasks! But what if you don’t have the resources to hire a full-time assistant? Or worse, what if you don’t have the budget to hire an assistant at all? The good news is that there is an alternative option – hiring a virtual executive assistant. A virtual executive assistant is a professional who provides administrative and executive-level support to businesses remotely. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of hiring a virtual executive assistant, their qualifications, the tasks they can handle, how to find and manage one, and the costs associated with hiring one.

What is a Virtual Executive Assistant?

A virtual executive assistant is a professional who provides administrative and executive-level support to businesses remotely. This means they do not need to be physically present in the office. The virtual executive assistant works with the business owner to manage administrative tasks such as:

• calendar management
• Scheduling
• email management
• project management support
• Research
• customer service, and more. 

Virtual executive assistants are typically highly organized and detail-oriented, as well as have excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Executive Assistant

Hiring a virtual executive assistant can provide many benefits to a business. First and foremost, it can help a business owner save time (more on that below) and money. When you hire a virtual executive assistant, you don’t have to worry about managing and training a full-time employee, or paying for office space, equipment, or benefits. 

Additionally, virtual executive assistants can provide a business with flexibility and scalability. You can hire one for the amount of time you need, and you can easily scale up or down depending on your business needs.

Another benefit of hiring a virtual executive assistant is that they can free up the business owner’s time to focus on more important tasks, such as growing the business. This can help business owners increase their productivity and efficiency, as they can delegate mundane and time-consuming tasks to their virtual executive assistant. 

What are the Qualifications of a Virtual Executive Assistant?

Ever since the onset of COVID, virtual executive assistants are a “dime a dozen”. That said, there is a difference between mediocre and great ones! 

To differentiate between the two, there are a few qualifications to look for. First and foremost, virtual executive assistants should have excellent communication and problem-solving skills. They should also have strong organizational skills, as they need to be able to manage multiple tasks and projects at once. Additionally, they should have some knowledge of the industry in which they are working, as well as be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures.

Virtual executive assistants should also be tech-savvy and have experience using various software programs, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, project management software, and email management software. They should also be able to multitask and be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Finally, they should be trustworthy and ethical, as they will be handling confidential information.

How to Find a Virtual Executive Assistant

Finding a virtual executive assistant can be a challenge, as there are many different ways to do so. One of the easiest ways is by working directly with a company specializing in providing virtual executive assistants such as Virtual Gal Friday. Why? Ultimately, companies like Virtual Gal Friday do the grunt work when hiring a professional and trustworthy virtual executive assistant. Additionally, they have backups in case your assigned virtual executive assistant is sick or takes a vacation, therefore you are NEVER left high and dry. 

That said, you can also search through online job boards or freelance websites, or even reach out to your network on LinkedIn.

How to Manage a Virtual Executive Assistant

Once you have found the right person, it is important to manage them effectively. (Yet another perk to working with a company like Virtual Gal Friday – aside from the initial general direction, the company will manage them for you!) To do so: 

• set clear expectations
• provide clear instructions
• communicate regularly
• provide feedback as needed
• set milestones and deadlines 

Regardless of who you end up working with, you will need to provide your virtual executive assistant with the tools and resources they need to do their job, such as access to the company’s systems and software.

The Costs of Hiring a Virtual Executive Assistant

The cost of hiring a virtual executive assistant will vary depending on the type of work they are doing, their experience, and the number of hours they are working. It’s important to note that you will be responsible for additional costs such as software and equipment unique to your company. 

Ultimately, hiring a great virtual executive assistant will end up paying for itself. Why? Well, it frees up your time (and/or your employees’ time) to focus on landing new clients and creating programs or products that will bring in additional revenue! 

Final Thoughts

Hiring a virtual executive assistant can be an excellent way for a business to save time and money while increasing productivity and efficiency. Virtual executive assistants are typically highly trained and experienced professionals who can provide a company with high-quality services. When hiring one, it is important to look for someone who is professional and reliable, a good communicator, tech-savvy, and trustworthy. The cost of hiring a virtual executive assistant will vary depending on the type of work they are doing and the hours they are working, but it will end up paying for itself! 

With the right virtual executive assistant, businesses can maximize the benefits of hiring them and make their business more successful. So, if you’re desperately in need of more time in your day, consider hiring a virtual executive assistant.

For more business advice and direction, schedule your complimentary discovery call today!