No matter the size of your business, sometimes you just need a little extra support to achieve your goals and ensure you maintain a healthy work/life balance. However, it can be difficult to know whether you should hire a virtual assistant or a freelancer.
Both options offer their own set of advantages and potential drawbacks. Our advice would be to determine the scope of the project at hand and outline the different tasks you need taken care of.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both freelancers and virtual assistants so you can make an informed decision.
A Closer Look at Freelancers
Freelancers are specialized individuals who offer skills like copywriting, video editing, accounting, graphic design, and more. While they usually work from home, you can find freelancers who can meet face-to-face and spend some time in the office if need be. However, you should keep in mind that remote workers are 13% more likely to stay in their job than those working onsite.
Pros
- Specialized skills
- Hire them for long- or short-term projects
- Great for scaling up your business
Cons
- Depending on the freelancer, rates can be quite costly
- Freelancers may have other commitments so you may experience inconsistencies
Best for: Once-off, short-term projects with defined goals and objectives.
A Closer Look at Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants are remote workers who can handle a variety of admn-heavy tasks, such as replying to emails, data entry, setting reminders, and planning your schedule. They are typically hired on a long-term basis and become an integral part of your team.
Pros
- Consistent ongoing support
- Broader skillset
- Cost-effective option for long-term work
- Scalable services
- Grow with your business over time
Cons
- Don’t typically have specialized skills. If they do, you’ll need to pay more.
- Can be challenging to find the right fit for your business.
Best for: Long-term support for managing day-to-day operations.
Are you ready to hire a virtual assistant? VAssistMe can help pair you with the perfect VA for your needs thanks to our extensive database. We invite you to contact us to arrange a free consultation, where you can ask any questions you may have and we can tell you more about how a virtual assistant can help your business.
