The way the world of work is changing, the notion of having an assistant is a perk or a luxury is a backward way of thinking. There’s a saying that: “If you do not have an assistant, you are the assistant.” This means that entrepreneurs, executives, or professionals in general, are prone to juggling numerous responsibilities which can be overwhelming. 

This led to the rise of virtual executive assistants. Now, the executive level of support does not need a premium price tag. Virtual EAs are also known to be highly organized and reliable in managing the multitude of tasks that come with important and high-stakes roles. The advancements in remote work enable seamless collaboration, communication, and task management between executives and their virtual assistants, regardless of their physical location.

In this blog, we’ll explore more on the need for virtual executive assistants, examining how they offer crucial support to executives and the advantages they bring to demanding roles. As well as the transformative effects they bring on modernizing executive support and boosting operational efficiency in today’s businesses.

Key Takeaways

– Delegating to a Virtual Executive Assistant is now easier and more cost-effective.

– Working with an assistant has been a strategy that allows C-suiters, busy professionals, and business owners to focus on what truly matters.

– Hiring a virtual EA is a common approach when transitioning into building a virtual team for those seeking to streamline their workflow using digital tools and platforms.

– Professionals engaging in important work demand a virtual EA in order to fully accomplish both repetitive and occasional tasks, which can be achieved through effective and efficient workload management.

The Rise of Virtual Executive Assistants

The demand for virtual EAs started gaining momentum over the last decade, with a significant boom in 2017 when companies began recognizing the impact of employing virtual assistants due to their cost-effectiveness and the array of services they offer. Rising labor costs, inflation, and talent shortages even made this change.

Then the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and virtual assistance as businesses had to adapt to new ways of operating and surviving during this time. It continued to grow exponentially even when the pandemic subsided. Because of remote work, there has been access to a global talent pool that allows businesses to find the best talent they need.

When it comes to hiring an executive assistant in the US, the costs can be substantial.  In-person executive assistants typically ask for an hourly rate of $62-$72, which only covers their salary. However, this figure does not account for additional expenses such as office space, equipment, internet, electricity, and benefits, which can significantly increase the total cost. covers their salary

Having a virtual executive assistant, who can work anywhere in the world, offers a more cost-effective solution. The majority of virtual executive assistant wages currently range up to 75% less than those assistants based across the United States, depending on their experience and the specific job requirements needed by the company executive. This rate is all-inclusive, covering the virtual assistant’s equipment, internet, and workspace expenses.

The key advantage of virtual executive assistants lies in their ability to provide the same high-level support as their in-person counterparts but at a significantly lower total cost to the employer. By eliminating the overhead expenses and inflexibility associated with onsite employees, virtual assistants offer a more economical solution for executive support.

Slack No More

Virtual executive assistants help you to be the true professional that you want to be. Working with one offers an array of advantages which promotes efficient delegation, and allow you to concentrate on strategy and growth management.

Promotes accountability: Working with a virtual Executive Assistant develops your leadership delegation skills as you regularly challenge your grit and dedication as an entrepreneur. Between 28-35% of high-earning executives use a virtual assistant. 

When someone feels accountable, you’ll feel more motivated to show up at work, make sure things are running smoothly and take more ownership of your responsibilities. 

Increased productivity: Virtual Executive Assistants make task delegation easier by acting as dedicated resources for various responsibilities. When you, as organizational leaders, employ a virtual executive assistant, your productivity increases significantly. This allows executives to focus on essential tasks and initiatives, enhancing overall productivity. 

By assigning tasks to your assistant, you can focus on the core aspects of your role, resulting in greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Financial security: Hiring a virtual Executive Assistant is often more cost-effective than employing a full-time assistant. Since they work remotely, virtual executive assistants eliminate the need for physical office space, cutting overhead costs. Additionally, their flexible, on-demand availability allows executives to adjust support based on workload demands. This affordability makes dedicated assistant services accessible to businesses of all sizes. 

Virtual assistants provide a budget-friendly solution, costing 78% less than full-time, in-house staff. On average, a virtual assistant in the United States earns $4,000 per month compared to a full-time employee.

Strategic Focus: Delegating tasks to an assistant allows you to focus on high-impact, strategic activities that drive organizational growth and success. By freeing yourself from routine tasks, you can concentrate on strategic planning, business expansion, and client relationship management. 

This approach ensures informed decision-making and better alignment with your organization’s goals. Corporate leaders spend about 16 hours per week on administrative duties like scheduling meetings (which take about 25 minutes each) and managing emails (around 3 hours daily).

Empowerment: This enables you to build relationships. When you invest in your Executive Assistant’s growth, you demonstrate your trust and confidence in one’s abilities. This, in turn, strengthens the bonds within your partnership and creates a positive work environment where you both feel valued and motivated to contribute at each other’s best. When you are open to listening to your assistant’s ideas, concerns, and feedback, you can build rapport and create a culture of open communication and collaboration.

Testing the Theory

When it comes to building a virtual team, hiring your own executive virtual assistant first is the best way to test your delegation styles and techniques. From here, you can gauge what would work best for you and your business. This first step is a practical way for you to understand how effectively you can distribute tasks, communicate your expectations, and empower your team members.

There are several reasons why starting with an executive virtual assistant is a smart move for business leaders considering a virtual team:

Refine your delegation skills: Collaborating with a virtual assistant allows you to practice and perfect your task delegation techniques. You’ll learn how to clearly communicate assignments, set realistic expectations, and provide constructive feedback – all crucial skills for managing a larger virtual team down the line.

Evaluate your management style: Working one-on-one with a virtual assistant will give you valuable insights into your own management style and readiness for leading a remote team. You can identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement before expanding your virtual workforce.

Try new processes and tools: Your virtual executive assistant can help you establish and test systems, processes, and tools for efficient communication, project management, and collaboration. This groundwork will create a solid foundation for a seamless transition when you decide to grow your virtual team.

Experience the benefits firsthand: Collaborating with a virtual assistant provides direct experience with the advantages of remote work, such as increased productivity, reduced overhead costs, and access to a broader talent pool. This experience will inform your decisions about the future of your virtual team.

Foster trust and strong relationships: A thriving virtual team is built on a foundation of trust and strong relationships. By starting with an executive virtual assistant, you can focus on building a robust working relationship and establishing trust, setting a positive example for future virtual team members.

Minimize risks: Hiring a single virtual assistant is a low-risk approach to testing the virtual team concept. If challenges arise or the arrangement doesn’t work out, it’s simpler to make changes or part ways with one assistant than with an entire team.

Hiring an executive virtual assistant first allows you to test the waters, refine your management skills, and lay a strong foundation for a successful virtual team. This approach empowers you to make informed decisions, minimize risks, and position your business for long-term success in the remote work landscape.

It’s Time For More Time

Partnering with a Virtual Executive Assistant for optimal support is a process that requires patience, dedication, and effective communication. It’s important to recognize that building a fruitful collaboration with your Virtual EA takes time and effort. As you develop a comprehensive delegation plan that clearly outlines tasks, responsibilities, and expectations, you set the stage for success.

The key to maintaining productivity and alignment lies in regular and transparent communication. Encourage a collaborative environment where both you and your Virtual EA can openly discuss challenges, share ideas, and seek clarity when needed. This proactive approach not only enhances efficiency but also strengthens the partnership over time, fostering trust and mutual understanding.

As you invest time and energy into building a solid working relationship with your virtual executive assistant, you’ll grow more confident in your decision to embrace this innovative staffing solution. The benefits of increased productivity, streamlined processes, and the ability to focus on core business functions will become increasingly apparent, validating your choice to take this transformative step.

If you want more opportunities your way, find your ideal assistant with Kayana today. Schedule your FREE Strategy Call to get started.