Since the pandemic, the number of virtual assistants has significantly risen. Companies are becoming more open-minded to the idea that they can get the best talents not only in their locality but worldwide. Despite that, there are still myths about virtual assistants that can cause the wrong impression.
Common Myths About Virtual Assistants
Virtual Assistants can only handle mundane tasks: This myth often states that virtual assistants are only for basic admin tasks but in reality, virtual assistants are stigmatized into that role. It’s a general field for anyone doing anything to assist a client virtually but it’s usually the complex tasks they handle like Content Creation, Copywriting, Automation, Web design, CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and many more!
Virtual Assistants provide a lower quality of work: This is simply a hasty generalization. In any kind of role, there is always a risk that employees will deliver unsatisfactory results. It is unfair to single out virtual assistants on this matter. A virtual assistant is not inferior to an in-office employee. Many professionals who can deliver high-quality work classify themselves as virtual assistants.
Virtual Assistants do not do well in communication: It is not uncommon to have some mishaps in terms of communication, but what workplace does not? It again happens everywhere, and we are in the modern world where communication can be done at our fingertips in real-time video conferences, instant messages, and other cloud-based collaborative tools that have made communication between clients and virtual assistants very efficient.
Common weakness of being a virtual assistant
We guess that others would say that it would be the lack of physical presence which may affect tasks that require more hands-on work. Also, there are time zone differences which may hurdle communication and delay project turnaround. But what virtual assistants lack in physical presence, they make up in productivity. Coffee breaks and conversations around the water cooler in the office also affect productivity in the office. Since virtual assistants often work alone, they can tunnel focus on their tasks. Although it is a challenge to wake up at night and sleep during the day, it is the time management skills of virtual assistants that keep them thriving in such an environment.
How can you trust a virtual assistant?
This one has always been a hit or miss if we just solely base it on interviews and resumes. What most clients do in this case is establish clear communication channels to promote regular check-ins with their virtual assistants. Another great way to oversee the progress of your virtual assistant is to use project management tools to keep track of what is done and what is still in progress. Making sure to write a detailed contract, and conduct a thorough background check, especially on their online profiles can put a client’s mind at ease and keep their trust.
The reality of being a virtual assistant is far from easy money as most people call it. A successful virtual assistant involves being able to manage a diverse range of tasks that often require a high level of skills in organization and management. Sure, it can offer the perk of improved flexibility and variation but with that comes the demand for strong communication skills and adaptability to various work expectations and cultures. Virtual assistants have become integral parts of businesses, households, and personal life with their services and support. It is crucial to debunk the myths surrounding them to not be ill-informed about the subject. If you are convinced that a virtual assistant can change your life or improve your business, book a call with us now!
