As any growing business will know, there comes a time when you need to expand your team. If you want to continue on an upward trajectory, you need to look at bringing an assistant on board. But what kind of assistant do you need?
For many small businesses, there isn’t a need for a permanent employee. They inevitably look to hire a remote team member, and that typically means a Virtual Assistant. But not all Virtual Assistant businesses are the same and hiring the right one will depend on what kind of help you’re looking to get.
With many advertising themselves as Virtual Assistants, Admin Consultants and Online Business Managers, it can get a little confusing. So here’ a brief breakdown of what each one means and how to find the right fit for your business.
Virtual Assistant (VA)
A Virtual Assistant provides administrative assistance to your business. Working remotely and on a self-employed basis, they’re available in a role that resembles a combination of the traditional receptionist, secretary and administrative assistant. This means they can generally carry out any administrative tasks you need them to do, including answering the phone, scheduling appointments, sorting out your emails and inbox, sorting out holidays and travel arrangements, typing up meeting minutes etc. You simply let them know the tasks you need completing and outsource it to them to do for you.
Many Virtual Assistants can also specialise in creative and technical tasks. This can include website and social media management, bookkeeping and blog writing.
Admin Consultant (AC)
An Admin Consultant can provide similar services to that of a Virtual Assistant, however, there are a few key differences. Rather than assisting you, an Admin Consultant works in collaboration with you, as an independent consultant.
They specialise in specific administrative elements of your business – such as marketing campaigns, bookkeeping or accounting. An Admin Consultant can oversee the day-to-day activities in your office and ensure you’re using the right administrative systems and strategies that will benefit the business and make the workflow more efficient. They can also carry out specific administrative duties, based around their specialised areas.
Online Business Manager (OBM)
An Online Business Manager isn’t as task orientated as a Virtual Assistant or Admin Consultant. They’re more project and management orientated. They’re able to help you run your business, so you can concentrate on strategic growth. An Online Business Manager can take a look at your business and help bring more structure to it, in the form of workflows, systems and processes.
They can help you ensure the right person is doing the right thing, at the right time. They’re also great at managing the four areas of your business – projects, people, operations and metrics.
As any growing business knows, there comes a time when you need to think about bringing an assistant on board. By understanding the differences between the three main types of Virtual Assistant, you’ll be in a better position to pick the right one for your needs.
If you’re looking to outsource the administration and bookkeeping, as well as the tools and systems needed to support your business, book a call and let’s talk. I can set up the tools and systems you need, to support your business whilst it grows. And, with your back-office managed, you can free up your time to focus on what you do best. Simply book a 20-minute discovery call with me to discuss how I can help you.
