Addressing the concerns of outsourcing to a virtual assistant

Many people hesitate about outsourcing to a virtual assistant for numerous reasons. Of course, you should think carefully about handing over key parts of your business to someone else. Like you would certainly think carefully before taking on a new member of staff.

So there are concerns you may have and questions you will want to ask. Fortunately, we have the answers to our most common queries. Here they are below…

“I’m worried about the cost of outsourcing to a virtual assistant”

Chances are, if you’re considering outsourcing, you’re currently dealing with a heavy workload. If you continue to struggle, it won’t be a sustainable business. Or if you hire an employee, this can be a much greater expense. Plus you’ll have to navigate the minefield of employment law, and pay for HR consultancy to help with the procedures. Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to pay your employee a salary and contribute to other benefits such as their pension.

These costs aren’t required when outsourcing to a virtual assistant. You only pay for what you use – there are no complications and no hassle. So not only will you be saving time, but you will be saving money as well.

It’s quicker and easier for me to do it

That might be true the first time your virtual assistant does something for you. But consider how much of your own time you spend on repetitive tasks. Tasks that could be delegated to someone else. 

How many times per month or per year are you doing that same task? How much time would you save if a virtual assistant did it? It’s even better if you can delegate the tasks you don’t enjoy doing and often put off.

I’m not sure anyone else can do this

We’ve often heard this concern from single-person business owners. A virtual assistant will have experience and training in a wide variety of areas so will therefore carry out your required tasks professionally and to a high standard. We can assign the most suitable team member to your specific task. They’ll learn your systems, ask questions about the way you work, and they’ll complete tasks in exactly the same way that you work. They might even be able to suggest better ways of doing something – to tick things off faster and cost you less.

My business involves confidential information, so it won’t work

All virtual assistants ensure complete confidentiality in everything they do. They will also sign a non-disclosure agreement if required. Regarding personal data, you should share a data processing agreement before commencing work which covers how you expect them to process data, so this won’t be a concern.

How can I manage people remotely?

You’ll likely need regular contact with your virtual assistant, particularly at the beginning. We encourage that, so they are available anytime during office hours. The idea is that they feel like a member of your team in the sense that they’re always contactable, but you only pay when they are actually working on a task for you.

Technology makes it incredibly easy to communicate. Your virtual assistant will be flexible on your preferred ways of communicating. We also encourage regular catch-up sessions to create a strong and long-lasting relationship of trust.

By outsourcing to a virtual assistant, you’re choosing reliability and experience. Just ask our existing customers!

Still not sure about outsourcing to a virtual assistant? Then give us a call on 01638 741079, or come in and have a chat. We would be delighted to answer your questions, and tell you anything else you would like to know.