We live in exciting (and scary!) times where technology is at its peak. With the exponential growth of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, trying to imagine what the digital space would be like in the next 20 years is truly unimaginable! In truth, virtual reality has now become an actual reality.<\/p>\n
Be it education, astronomy, real-estate and even medicine, virtual assistance has swept in and made a phenomenal impact in almost all walks of our life. Slowly, we are starting to live in a world where virtual reality is dominating and gaining precedence over physical reality. Yes, it can get intimidating but let\u2019s not forget the exhilaration!<\/p>\n
These days whenever the term \u201cvirtual assistance\u201d crops up, our mind instantly conjures thoughts of Siri, Cortana, IBM Watson and other similar AI enabled software.<\/p>\n
But, the term \u201cvirtual assistants\u201d still continues to stand for a group of people who can assist you with all your business endeavors from a remote location or by working virtually. This article is going to solely speak about virtual assistants (sorry Siri, Cortana, but you\u2019re already way too popular) versus in-house assistants.<\/p>\n
Unlike Artificial Intelligence software, Virtual Assistants aren\u2019t programmed with any software based on formula, coding or logic. They, however, possess brains and consciences that can be used to create such programs, codes, and logic.<\/p>\n
Just like your in-house business staff, virtual assistants also nurture emotions and aspirations for the growth and prosperity of your business. To them, the possibility that they haven\u2019t or probably won\u2019t ever meet you face to face makes no difference in their dedication and enthusiasm towards your business.<\/p>\n
In my entire span of career in the virtual assistance space, I have come across so many \u2018virtual\u2019 business relationships that seem to have more solidity than that of physical ones.<\/p>\n
I have seen many people who hire Virtual Assistants consider them as a part of their organization and remember to thoughtfully gift and wish them during Christmas, New Year, Birthdays; just the way we usually do with our in-house staff. In reality, time and distance have truly become relative!<\/p>\n
In case, you\u2019re thinking of hiring an assistant and aren\u2019t clear whether to go for someone who would work in-house or remotely; here are some of the advantages of both listed below to help you decide!<\/p>\n
No Work Space Needed:<\/strong>\u00a0If you are an entrepreneur who has just begun their start-up business, or an employer who has space crunches or just someone who doesn\u2019t like having people around you when you work, Virtual Assistants are a godsend.<\/p>\n You do not have to worry whether they have a computer, or a desk, or even air conditioning for that instance! Virtual Assistance companies ensure that your assistant works in a highly-secured area with technologically advanced infrastructure.<\/p>\n No bonus or incentives:\u00a0<\/strong>No, you don\u2019t need to pay a dime more than the plan you subscribed to. No bonuses, no incentives, no provident funds, no allowances that are heaped on you sneakily.<\/p>\n Of course, if you\u2019d like to sometimes reward your assistants for exemplary work, then sure go ahead!<\/p>\n No Payments for Vacations or Leaves:\u00a0<\/strong>If your assistant goes on a leave or is away sunbathing in some exotic location, you do not need to pay for that idle time. Sounds amazing, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n The best part? Virtual Assistance companies also have the provision of backups who can fill in for your assistant when they are unavailable. That way, there is no delay in any of your work and your process is left unhindered.<\/p>\n Flexibility with working hours:\u00a0<\/strong>VAs can work effectively during your off hours. So, while you are asleep, your assistant can get all your work done so that you wake up on top of things.<\/p>\n The most effective practice is to assign all your pending tasks to your remote assistant which you weren’t able to complete throughout the day. That way, you don\u2019t need to spend another extra day working on pending tasks.<\/p>\n