Why you should avail of managed virtual assistant services

Hiring virtual assistants (VAs) is proving to be an effective strategy to boost a company’s efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Many businesses tend to hire individual freelancers to handle these tasks.

However, there is a growing need for more skilled professionals to manage complex tasks. The industry has answered back with managed virtual assistant services, which offer a range of additional benefits compared to hiring solo VAs. 

In the 508th episode of the Outsource Accelerator Podcast, Pavel Stepanov, founder and CEO of Virtudesk, touches on the benefits of a managed virtual assistant service. 

What are managed virtual assistant services? 

Managed virtual assistant services involve outsourcing administrative and operational tasks to a team of virtual assistants. These VAs work remotely under the supervision of a dedicated team or service provider. 

This arrangement contrasts with hiring a freelancer or independent virtual assistant, who are not overseen by a third-party provider. 

The provider is responsible for recruiting, training, and managing the VAs’ day-to-day activities, ensuring that the team delivers high-quality results. 

Opting for managed virtual assistant services means that you’re not just hiring a single person to work on a task. You’re accessing a comprehensive support system designed to ensure your business runs smoothly. 

Managed service providers handle time-consuming activities like onboarding, performance monitoring, and continuous training. The virtual assistants can focus on delivering results. 

Manage virtual assistants cover a wide range of functions, including: 

• Administrative support
• Customer service 
• Social media management 
• Data entry
• Digital marketing 
• Content creation
• IT support

Benefits of managed virtual assistant services

The benefits of embracing managed virtual assistant services are multifaceted and have the potential to transform the way businesses operate in the modern landscape.

These benefits include: 

1. Enhanced productivity and focus on core tasks

A key advantage of using managed virtual assistant services is the ability to delegate routine tasks. This allows your in-house team to focus on higher-priority activities that directly contribute to business growth.

You won’t need to worry about the quality of work, as the provider ensures that tasks are completed on time and to a high standard. 

Pavel says “If you’re focused on running a business, obviously it’s best to work with a company that’s been around for many years and knows what they’re doing.” 

2. Cost efficiency

Managed virtual assistant services offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional hiring models. 

Hiring in-house staff involves multiple overhead costs, such as salaries, office space, equipment, employee benefits, and other related expenses. 

Managed VA services eliminate the need for these costs. Virtual assistants work remotely and are typically employed as contractors by the service provider.

Additionally, businesses save on costs associated with recruitment, training, and onboarding.

Pavel acknowledges that this benefit is what most clients think of first.

“It’s not a secret what [their] wages are. There are several components to the value proposition, [and] price or rate is one of the most important ones.” 

3. Access to a skilled workforce

With managed virtual assistant services, companies can more easily tap into a diverse pool of specialized skills and expertise. 

Managed service providers carefully vet their VAs, ensuring that they have the required proficiencies and experience to deliver results. They maintain these VA teams so that businesses can leverage a broad spectrum of talents. 

Many are also continually trained and updated on the latest tools and best practices. 

Pavel emphasizes his company’s priority in this facet. 

“The training aspect is also very important, and we do have in-house training. We have our online academy where all the virtual assistants are being trained on all the materials, all the major CRMs and everything.” 

4. Scalability and flexibility

Managed virtual assistant services offer businesses unparalleled scalability and flexibility. 

As your company grows, you may need to increase the number of VAs supporting your operations. There may also be times when you need to add new areas of expertise. 

This strategy’s flexibility gives companies the ability to quickly adapt to shifting market conditions and take advantage of new opportunities.

Pavel brings up the relevancy of offshoring during hard times like an economic recession. 

“Offering services that are workable is very central because we can maneuver the waves of the recession.”

Additionally, managed VAs allow for flexibility in terms of working hours and time zones. This is especially valuable for organizations that rely on customer services that need to be available around the clock. 

5. Enhanced data security and confidentiality

When dealing with sensitive information, businesses need to ensure that data is handled securely and complies with privacy regulations. 

Managed service providers implement strict security protocols so that your information remains confidential. These can include data encryption, secure servers, and regular audits.

The VAs provided by managed services are also trained to follow data privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or industry-specific compliance rules.

Pavel notes the importance of cyber insurance, which Virtudesk provides. 

“If something goes wrong with your data and your freelancer messes up, what are you going to do? 

Well, here with us, you have peace of mind.” 

6. Improved customer service and satisfaction

Managed virtual assistant services can elevate the quality of customer service and enhance overall customer satisfaction. 

Virtual assistants are trained to interact with customers professionally, respond to inquiries promptly, and resolve issues efficiently. 

With a seamless and personalized customer experience, businesses can build stronger relationships with their clientele and drive loyalty and repeat business.

7. Ongoing support and monitoring

A significant advantage of managed VA services is the ongoing support offered by the service provider. 

Unlike freelancers or independent VAs, managed services ensure that VAs are monitored regularly for performance. The provider tracks key performance indicators (KPIs), offers ongoing training, and steps in to resolve any issues that may arise. 

This level of oversight ensures that the VAs continue to meet your expectations and maintain high levels of productivity.

If there’s ever a problem with a VA, the provider can quickly address the issue or replace the VA with another suitable professional. 

“Let us offer you the management service because we’ve been doing it for a long time. We know what to look for [and] we know how to manage the VA.” Pavel concludes.