Thinking about finding a virtual assistant in Manchester? You’re right to do so. In today’s fast-paced business environment, managing administrative tasks can be a time-consuming challenge, especially when you’re extremely busy.
Nevertheless, you still can’t afford to let the day-to-day tasks fall to the wayside, which means finding a virtual assistant is often an essential task.
But you may be asking, “How can I find a virtual assistant near me?”, “What are the services that they typically provide?”, “What are the benefits of finding an assistant?” Here’s what you need to know.
What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant or ‘VA’ is a professional who provides administrative, technical, creative, or specialised support services to businesses or individuals from a remote location. This means they could be assisting you from the other side of the country, facilitated by technology.
Usually, businesses do not hire virtual assistants as employees; instead, they hire them as freelancers or contractors. As a result, virtual assistants are usually cheaper to hire than traditional assistants or secretaries.
They’re also more flexible – if you only need full-time support for a few months and then part-time help thereafter, your virtual assistant can agree to these terms, which you would otherwise need to renegotiate when writing an employed assistant’s contract.
Hiring a virtual assistant does mean, however, that you need to be aware of IR35, a set of rules about tax deductions for off-payroll workers.
Why hire a virtual assistant near me?
Enhance productivity and focus on core activities
By delegating routine and time-consuming tasks to a virtual assistant, businesses can free up valuable time for their core activities, strategic planning and development to boost productivity overall.
Access to diverse skill sets
One of the primary advantages of hiring a virtual assistant is gaining access to a diverse pool of talent and skill sets. And if one assistant can’t do a specific task that you need them to do, there will always be someone else who can.
Possible jobs a virtual assistant will be able to do include:
- managing emails
- scheduling appointments
- planning business trips
- social media management
- content creation
- bookkeeping.
Cost-effectiveness and flexibility
Virtual assistants operate on a flexible model, typically charging for the actual hours worked or basing rates on agreed-upon tasks. This is typically cheaper than hiring full-time staff – plus, you don’t have to pay for benefits.
Furthermore, virtual assistants work from home and use their own equipment, so you won’t have to pay for office space, equipment or software.
The flexibility offered by virtual assistants can also be extremely beneficial. Whether you need assistance for a few hours a week or require support during peak seasons, virtual assistants can adapt to your fluctuating business needs without the constraints of working traditional office hours.
Global talent pool and plentiful support
Virtual assistants operate remotely, which means that you have access to a global talent pool unrestricted by geographical boundaries. This diversity will enable you to find the right match for their specific requirements, regardless of location.
Furthermore, a virtual assistant can offer near round-the-clock support, especially if you work with assistants in different time zones. This availability ensures tasks can be addressed promptly, even outside your regular business hours.
How can I find a virtual assistant near me?
At Accounts Direct, we offer comprehensive back-office services that take day-to-day work away from businesses so they can focus on their core activities.
Wondering “how to find a virtual assistant near me”? Get in touch with us today to get access to the best service in Manchester.