VA vs PA – which one is right for you?

So the paperwork is building up, making up your schedule is taking up your leisure time, you need to do research but don’t have the time, you need to continue to deliver good customer service but running out of time to network, onboard new clients and set appointments. Does this sound familiar?

Right then, you need some support to do the admin side of your business, but how do you find someone?

Do you work with someone virtually? Or do you need someone next to you?

 

Let’s have a look at some comparisons to help you make up your mind between working with a Virtual Assistant or a part-time employee:

Space & Equipment 

Do you work from home or do you have office space of your own? So, looking at a part-time employee you will need:

• Office big enough for two
• Extra desk & chair – don’t forget you will need to do a DSE
• Computer/laptop – again set at the correct height etc
• Stationery
• Good lighting

Working with a Virtual Assistant:

• Has own office with correct lighting for them
• Has own desk set up to their requirements
• Has own laptop/computer or both
• Has own stationery – you will just need to provide anything branded

Pay

So what do you need to consider when working with a part-time employee, you will have the task of having to work out and do the extra work of the following, unless you pay your accountant extra to do this:

• PAYE
• National Insurance
• Pension contributions
• Paying when you are not busy – contracted hours mean you are committed
• Holiday pay
• Sick pay
• Agency fees to cover leave

Working with a Virtual Assistant:

• Pay a monthly invoice with only the hours worked

 

Software

So, you probably have the software set up that you need and it’s working fine, what if you add a second person into the mix?  Will you need additional software? Extra logins that mean an extra premium to pay?

Working with a Virtual Assistant?

• Share you log-ins through LastPass with your VA for access and they can do the work for you
• Your Virtual Assistant may be able to recommend something to streamline how you currently work

Each Virtual Assistant will have different skills and experience in different industries which may be their niche, but all are skilful enough to make these transferable and it may be beneficial to you to chat to a couple with your job list to make sure that you will be a good fit.  A good Virtual Assistant will take the time to talk to you and through your requirements before committing to work with you – yes it will be like interviewing but you will be talking to a fellow professional!

Let’s sum up some of the benefits of working with a Virtual Assistant:

• Reduced labour costs & overheads
• Increases productivity
• Increases flexibility
• Improves your work quality
• Brings in skills that your business needs
• Tax deductible

Has this helped you with pointing out the advantages of working with a Virtual Assistant? I hope so and if you are in the position that you are needing an extra pair of hands, it costs nothing to have a chat.