After the global pandemic, it has been proven through statistics that the rise and need for Virtual Assistants (VAs) continue to become rampant. The growth from 2021 at a rate of 2,054 M USD has been forecasted to grow at 23% in the coming years, which is impressive for a recently peaked role.
The great thing about Virtual Assistants is that they thrive with technological advancements; the more a business leans towards maximizing automation and online transactions, the higher the demand for these roles comes to service. Admittedly, the expansion of the e-commerce industry has become vital due to the reduced operating costs and further maximization of business capital.
Traditional barriers and practices have become obsolete since the inclusion of Virtual Assistants has come into play. Hiring a VA to work remotely trims expenses tremendously rather than hiring employees to work in the office, which serves as an added cost since the need for operational equipment and space are necessary.
Another aspect would be the number of people working on a specific project compared to an individual capable of doing all of it. These are just some examples of how VAs can become an asset to your business and how they are slowly molding the virtual realm.
The Adaptation Of Virtual Assistants
During the pre-pandemic era, the role of virtual assistants was limited to administrative tasks focusing on calendar management and emails. Today, they are far more capable of doing a variety of work since they have acquired different skills through continuous development. Virtual Assistants have proven capable of adapting to other skill sets, given proper training and proactive communication.
On top of learning different skills, they are also allowed to maximize and utilize a wide range of tools, specifically AI and machine learning. They are at the forefront of using these tools to improve the quality of work they are given. Several online businesses have begun to incorporate project management and marketing services into their workflow, which is what Virtual Assistants thrive in.
Redefining Business Operations
Looking at how businesses and industries have evolved over the years, we see that technology has revolutionized them. Virtual Assistants can perform at a rate wherein they showcase and highlight digital tools that enhance their effectiveness. Several businesses have opted out of hiring VAs since they believe their current practices are good enough; they need to learn that what they are doing can quickly be done through AI or tools mastered by VAs.
Another reason hiring VAs can become advantageous to businesses or redefine their operations is the integration of global talents. Since VAs work remotely, you can hire someone from across the globe with different skills and perspectives. These VAs are also cost-effective without compromising company quality, reducing overhead while improving quality.
Challenges and Considerations
Like any other venture, hiring VAs comes with challenges and considerations that shouldn’t be overlooked. Some are building trustworthy relationships, tracking productivity, security and intellectual property, time difference and management, and building company culture.
These challenges shouldn’t be hindered because they are similar to any thriving business. Taking action when faced with these scenarios is pretty simple; for example, building trustworthy relationships can be resolved through active communication and collaboration. Time differences and management can also be considered throughout the hiring process.
On the other hand, tracking productivity can be managed through several online tools that VAs are accustomed to working with. Lastly, remote employees and VAs are open to welcoming company culture; being transparent and open about this practice can help them adapt or at least accept what has already been rooted in any business.
Don’t Forget The Human Touch
Virtual Assistants can seem like the integration of tools and systems that are beyond what a business is capable of ingesting. However, the truth behind hiring Virtual Assistants is that a business is given the opportunity to embrace technological advancements without the loss of the human touch. Simply put, even if an artificial intelligence is produced, the need for a human to maneuver and control it becomes apparent.
VAs practically work like an advanced tool wherein they are the ones responsible for learning the ins and outs of a specific tool and proposing how to integrate it within the current operational system. They can also be hired to utilize a specific tool and how it can further benefit the cause of the business they are working for. Needless to say, hiring VAs will not only serve as a cost-effective solution, but they are also the reason behind further growth.
Conclusion
Virtual Assistant services offer so much more than meets the eye, no matter what line of business or scale the company is at. As long as there is a skill or need for VAs to take advantage of, it is assured that they will be on top of it. The more tools, AI integration, and machine learning progress over time, the more skills these VAs are willing to take under their belt. Finding the best VA to fit your business needs is around the corner.