Choosing the right type of VA can feel like a daunting task with all of the options available in the marketplace.
And we don’t just mean selecting which of the amazing VA businesses offering their services you might work with.
Your decisions run deeper than that.
In fact, you are actually spoiled for choice as there are plenty of different VA varieties that could suit your needs.
Let’s take some time to look at what type of VA support is out there so that you can make the best choice for your business.
What is the Best Type of VA to Work with?
Types of Virtual Assistants
There are plenty of options to select from when choosing a type of VA. Some may be better suited to your needs than others. So, it’s important to make careful considerations before jumping in boots and all!
Here is a rundown on some of the most popular types of VA:
1. Premium Agency
A premium VA agency is your most comprehensive VA option. An agency will have a number of different VAs working with them. Some will be based all in one location and some will utilise the expertise of overseas VAs as well as local ones.
That’s how we roll here at Admin Army. Our VAs are based in a number of different locations around the world, so we can serve your needs in a variety of timezones!
A premium agency offers the highest level of service and has huge depth in their skill level. With a number of different experts on the team, they are likely to be able to service all your business needs in one place. Most premium agencies will be able to cover everything from basic admin tasks to more in-depth and specialist work.
The great thing about working with an agency is that there is plenty of cover if your allocated VA has time away from their desk for sickness or downtime.
2. Solo Freelancer
A solo freelancing VA is someone who is contracting their individual services. They usually work by themselves and will use their own time to complete your work.
As they are generally the only person in the business, the big thing to consider when choosing a solo freelancer is whether they have the capacity to take on your workload. You’ll also want to check that they have the necessary skills that you need.
This can all be discussed in a discovery call where you can check if you vibe well together and if you think you’d both be a good fit to work together. Make sure you discuss clear expectations on timeframes and delivery outcomes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
3. Outsourcing Sites
Outsourcing sites can be the perfect place to find a VA for one-off or project tasks. Sites like Fiverr, Upwork or Freelancer let you browse enormous creative marketplaces that are packed full of talented VAs from all over the world.
You can search for individual VAs within their databases or post a job with a specific task and let potential options come to you. Usually a cost effective option, these sites are great for sourcing a VA for a specific task or project. You can find help with everything from filing and data entry to content creation and web maintenance.
Successful outcomes will rely on a great job brief on your part and making sure you set achievable milestones throughout the project. And, if you find a VA that you liked working with, you can save their details in your profile to contact them about further work in the future.
Local or Offshore?
There is probably a VA in every corner of the world. So, should you choose one based in New Zealand or further afield?
The key thing you should be looking for when hunting out the perfect type of VA is not necessarily location. Sure, it may feel easier to communicate with someone in the same timezone as you, but with today’s technology, you can connect with people on the other side of the world as if they were sitting right next to you!
There can be benefits to working with someone outside of New Zealand. If they are operating from a different timezone, they can be working during your downtime. That way, when you log back on during your working hours, the work is ready and waiting for you.
The things you should be most focused on are whether your VA has the right skills for your particular task and whether you connect and communicate with them well. Every other consideration should be secondary!
So, are you ready to find your perfect VA? As we’ve just discussed, there are plenty of options available when selecting the type of VA that suits your requirements.
If you want someone to wage war on admin or bookkeeping tasks, then Admin Army could be the perfect solution to your outsourcing needs. Have a chat with our team today, to see if our expert team are the right fit for your business.