As your small business grows, you’ll likely wonder: should you hire an in-house employee or bring in a Virtual Assistant (VA)? Each option has its perks, but deciding depends on your unique needs, budget, and management style. Surprisingly, even small businesses now benefit from hiring executive assistants, which used to be exclusive to big corporations. Why Executive Assistants Aren’t Just for Fortune 500 Companies Anymore.
1. Cost-Effectiveness: Saving Money vs. Long-Term Investment
Employees: With employees, you’re covering not just salaries but also benefits, office space, and equipment. This can be worthwhile if you’re in it for the long haul, but the costs add up fast, especially for small businesses.
Virtual Assistants: With VAs, you’re only paying for the tasks you need—no additional costs for benefits or office space. This makes them budget-friendly, especially if you’re looking for part-time or project-based help.
Verdict? If you’re watching your bottom line, a VA gives you the help you need without straining your budget.
2. Availability: Always There vs. On-Demand Help
Employees: Employees are there during your business hours, ready for meetings, brainstorming, or quick tasks. They’re woven into the daily rhythm of your business.
Virtual Assistants: VAs bring flexibility. Many work across time zones, handling tasks when you need them, though they might not always be available for an instant response.
Verdict? If you need someone you can reach out to at a moment’s notice, an employee fits better. But if flexible, project-based help works, a VA could be just right.
3. Skills: Broad Knowledge vs. Targeted Expertise
Employees: An in-house employee can handle a range of tasks and learn about your business from the inside out, adapting as your needs change.
Virtual Assistants: VAs often have specialized skills, whether it’s social media, bookkeeping, or admin support. Plus, they bring experience from working with different clients, so they can jump in with expert know-how.
Verdict? If you need specific skills without a full-time commitment, a VA is the way to go. For someone who can juggle multiple roles and grow with your company, an employee might be better.
4. Training Needs: Deep Dive vs. Ready-to-Go
Employees: Onboarding an employee takes time. You’ll be showing them the ropes, setting expectations, and building up their understanding of your business.
Virtual Assistants: VAs are used to jumping in quickly and often come with specialized experience. They usually need minimal training, especially for specific, project-based tasks.
Verdict? For immediate, experienced help, a VA is the way to go, but an employee is valuable if you want someone who grows with your business. Why Executive Assistants Aren’t Just for Fortune 500 Companies Anymore.
5. Management Style: Hands-On Guidance vs. Independent Work
Employees: If you like being hands-on, an in-house employee can be a good match. They’re used to regular check-ins, feedback, and more guidance as they grow in their role.
Virtual Assistants: VAs typically work more independently. They take projects and run with them, checking in as needed but without daily supervision.
Verdict? If you prefer delegating tasks with minimal check-ins, VAs fit the bill. But if you like to stay closely involved, an employee might be a better fit.
Making the Choice
Choose an Employee if you need someone fully embedded in your company culture, available full-time, and open to continuous collaboration. Opt for a Virtual Assistant if you want a flexible, budget-friendly alternative that delivers project-based expertise. And if you’re a small business owner wondering if an executive assistant is too “corporate,” think again! Why Executive Assistants Aren’t Just for Fortune 500 Companies Anymore.
Ultimately, there’s no “one size fits all.” Think about your business needs, budget, and preferred management style to find the right fit.
