Author: Julia Valdez

What virtual assistant skills and qualities should I look for when looking for my next team member?

Hiring for a position is more than just looking for people with the right sets of hard skills to complete the tasks. You need more than a content writer who can churn out excellent articles quickly. You want more than a graphic designer who is proficient in 3 different art tools. These hard skills are great, and necessary, but you also need hires to have certain soft skills. This is what helps you to work well with them. 

In this post, we are going to talk about qualities to look for in pretty much every hire regardless of the position, and why they are essential. 

The Changing Landscape of Virtual Assistant Skills

Earlier the concept of hiring remote or hybrid employees was a new concept and business owners found it difficult to expect results from them.

Now it’s a thing of the past! Hiring virtual assistants has become the new normal, as 70% of companies have turned to VAs as they bring a pool of different skill sets. 

Being only good at their job, like creative writing or administrative work, is not enough anymore. VAs need to develop specialized skills like technical know-how or better decision-making skills to deliver results. 

There is also an increase in demand (62%) for VAs with specific skills in various industries as they bring fresh ideas to the table.

The evolution shows the aggressive changes in workplace demands, technological advancements, and the shift to remote-first business models. 

Essential Skills of a Virtual Assistant to Look For

As a business owner, you need a virtual assistant who can help your business grow with their unique skills. You need to look for a strategic partner rather than just a task manager. Here are the top skills and qualities of a virtual assistant to look for when hiring:

1. Communication Skills

First on our virtual assistant skills list is probably the most important – communication. Imagine what would happen if hires did not pass information clearly or concisely. The work pipeline would get clogged up. Individual team members would get confused about tasks. Misunderstandings would occur frequently and nothing would get done properly. 

Beyond speaking the same language, there are several signs that a person is a good communicator. 

• Listens well and is attentive
• Takes notes
• Asks good questions
• Clarifies
• Can speak back instructions
• Relays instructions accurately
• Can give clear instructions

2. Computer Literacy

VAs naturally need to be able to navigate the digital space well. This includes software, apps, tools, and search engines. They typically need to know how to do video conferencing, emails, and the like. They Should also be familiar with the tools in the Google and/or Microsoft suites. At a minimum, they need to be adept in the technologies needed to accomplish their job.

A great VA will keep learning how to increase productivity. They will also take steps to become more effective by using new tools and even automation. Additionally, freelancers also need to know how to navigate virtual assistant websites and freelance marketplaces. 

3. Creativity

These qualities don’t just apply to positions that require creative virtual assistant skills. For instance, you don’t need to be a graphics designer, content creator, editor, or advertiser. Innovation is not job specific.

VAs can exercise their creative muscles together with their problem-solving skills. This way, they can come up with new ways of accomplishing tasks. 

4. Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills go hand in hand with communication skills. VAs need to be able to interact and deal with people at different levels. Most VAs you hire will go under a manager. You will also hire some to be these managers. Either way, they need to be able to work well with others. They must do this to be able to complete projects and attain common goals. Arguably, the best at this are VAs that have worked with several different companies with different cultures. 

They know how to:

• Adapt to personalities and teams
• Identify strengths and weaknesses
• Build connections and rapport

5. Attention to Detail

Virtual assistants need to be detail-oriented. They do this when checking emails, entering data, and creating content. They also apply this skill when assessing the job description and rundown of roles and responsibilities.

Some of the best virtual assistants are those who can spot mistakes that their superiors make. Then they can point them out, ask if it was intentional, and make suggestions to solve them. These qualities should be valued. Attention to detail shows that the VA takes initiative, takes responsibility, and cares about the job being accomplished well. 

6. Time Management Skills

Time management is essential, not only in the case of getting things done in an efficient time frame. It’s more than just meeting a deadline. For VAs, there is another layer. 

A lot of VAs are hired from overseas. This means they don’t always have the same time zone as the hiring company. They need to be able to accomplish their tasks. Then, they must allow room for questions and other concerns they may not be able to ask at any time of day. 

7. Decision-Making Skills

Nobody enjoys working with passive actors. VAs need to be able to think on their feet. This is based on their prior knowledge, prior experience, and given SOPs and instructions. A VA should take initiative and shouldn’t be overly reliant on their managers for every decision. 

8. Project/Task Management Skills

Hiring a VA for a management position can be tricky. A manager needs to be able to organize teams and tasks well. This includes having skills in project management software like ASANA, Trello, Zoho Projects, etc. 

These individuals can:

• Create and organize workflows
• Plan tasks in advance
• Communicate goals, milestones, and deadlines
• Delegate tasks
• Communicate with individuals and teams 
• Set up meetings 
• Execute tasks together with the team
• Track progress
• Review results before submitting the final output

9. Independence

The best virtual assistants possess independence. They take initiative and apply knowledge-backed improvisation, which is important.

This is especially true in a long-distance working relationship. Managers can’t hold the hand of VAs forever. Sure, there are some types of VAs, like followers who require guidance, training, and mentoring. However, this should only be a temporary arrangement. VAs should eventually be able to work alone effectively without the need for frequent check-ins or updates. 

10. Organization

A freelancer needs to be self-organized. Organization is a quality that can be observed in several places. They should be able to manage their time and set goals, plan, and manage workflows and teams.

If you hire anyone who cannot stay organized, you will be in trouble. This lack of discipline will soon seep into their work!

11. Growth-Centered

One of our favorite and essential interview questions for job candidates is, “What do you value more, money or growth?”. This question gauges whether your hire is more interested in receiving a paycheck than in growth opportunities. People that choose the latter are often more ambitious. This also means that they are more likely to care for the work they do and the business they work for. 

12. Integrity and Honesty

You need to be able to trust a job candidate you intend to hire. You need someone who delivers on the brief. This includes any promises they have made to you about their capabilities. You should be hiring someone who does their job with consistent quality. Plus, this should be backed up by consistent morals.

A flaky team member can be a nightmare. Look for someone who exudes an air of professionalism. This is most likely someone who will keep their word. You can count on this type of person to accomplish the tasks you assign them. Moreover, you can count on them to take care of your company.

Even if they make a mistake, most people would rather their hires be upfront about it rather than try to hide it. Most people prefer honesty about their capabilities to a “fake it ’til you make it” attitude. 

13. Research Skills

A lot of VA positions require at least basic research skills. VAs should be able to find information from credible sources. They need to be able to recognize what information is essential. Part of these skills is also the ability to condense and summarize the gathered information. This is particularly useful for roles such as content writing and marketing. 

14. Customer Service Skills

These skills are essential for VAs that interact directly with customers. This can be through email, live chat support, comment sections, review pages, and the like. Customer service is among the virtual assistant skills that require interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. All of this must be paired with a patient attitude of service and empathy. 

Questions have varying levels of depth. A customer service VA needs to be able to quickly provide a solution regardless of the complexity of the problem. 

15. Problem-Solving Skills

Problem-solving occurs when knowledge meets wisdom, critical thinking, and initiative. An excellent VA is not just able to recognize a problem. They use logic, creativity, and intuition and assess the situation to come up with one or more solutions. We give extra points to a VA who can think on the spot for problems that require immediate attention. 

16. Self-Learning Capabilities

Self-learning is one of the overlooked skills for virtual assistants to have. The ability to teach yourself is so valuable because it shows that you are adaptable, flexible, eager to learn, and focused on growth.

A VA who continues to increase their knowledge, expand their skillsets, and is motivated to pursue continuing learning and training, is someone you want on your team. 

17.  Great Attitude

Last but not least on our virtual assistant skills list is a great attitude. This quality is often overlooked but is essential to a positive and peaceful work environment. No matter what comes their way from the job or within their personal life, a VA that maintains a great attitude is a light to everyone around them. When there is an issue that requires solving, this VA is a team player who encourages others, keeps morale up, and pushes forward until the job is done. They are patient, respectful, kind, upright, positive, hard-working, and responsible individuals. 

Specialized Skills for Virtual Assistants

Evolving landscapes are making virtual assistants level up their skills to meet the unique demands of various industries. Below we’ve given you an overview of the specialized skills required for VAs in different sectors.

Amazon Virtual Assistant Skills

Amazon virtual assistants need unique supporting skills to help sellers manage and optimize their online store. 

• Conducting product research and creating compelling listings to enhance your visibility and sales.
• Keeping an accurate track of inventory, forecasting demand based on historical data, and coordinating with suppliers to maintain the stock.
• Taking the forefront in the customer experience by handling inquiries, managing reviews, and ensuring a positive buying experience.
• Manage and create your pay-per-click advertising campaigns to bring targeted traffic.

Real Estate Virtual Assistant Skills

A virtual assistant working in the real estate industry must be skilled in streamlining operations and enhancing client interactions. Some other key skills include:

• To provide support about property values VAs should have detailed knowledge about real estate terminologies, regulations, and market trends.
• Efficiency in managing schedules like meetings or property showings and handling documentation to ensure smooth transactions.
• A keen eye for potential clients, managing CRM systems, and conducting follow-ups to nurture client relationships.
• Marketing property listings, utilizing social media platforms to promote properties, and engaging with potential buyers. 

Ecommerce Virtual Assistant Skills

An ecommerce business has multiple stores on different websites, and VAs should be able to support them across various platforms. 

Furthermore, they should possess skills like:

• Making product descriptions detailed and SEO-friendly for enhanced visibility.
• Awareness about order fulfillment processes, shipment tracking, and managing stock.
• Enhancing customer experience by addressing their inquiries and resolving any issues they have.
• Executing effective email marketing campaigns, managing social media, and utilizing SEO to drive sales.

• Using website analytics to interpret sales and provide customer feedback to make an informed business decision and strategy.

Medical Virtual Assistant Skills

A basic skill as a medical assistant is providing administrative support to healthcare professionals to ensure efficient practice management.

• Thoroughly understand medical terms and documentation to manage patient records and communications accurately.
• Coordinating appointments, managing calendars, and sending reminders to reduce no-shows.
• Processing insurance claims, understanding medical billing codes, and managing patient invoices.
• Adhering to HIPAA regulations and maintaining patient confidentiality. 
• Facilitate smooth operation by effective communication skills. 

How to Evaluate Virtual Assistant Skills

There are certain key performance indicators (KPIs) for virtual assistants that can be used to assess their effectiveness, efficiency, and how much they can contribute to your business goals. 

• Task Completion Rate: Assign a small task similar to their role to measure the VA’s efficiency in completing tasks within an expected time frame.

• Accuracy and Quality: Review the task to assess the quality of the VA’s work, especially for tasks requiring attention to detail.

• Response Time: Stimulate communication scenarios to evaluate their quick response to emails, messages, or requests.

• Technical Skills: Assess their knowledge about tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and project management platforms like Asana or Trello.

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: A resourceful thinker with the capability to handle any challenges in a specific industry.

• Credentials and Experience: Check for relevant certifications, such as Google Analytics, and also examine their portfolio for relevant tasks they’ve done.

• Ethical Fit: A VA should align with your company’s values and culture to adapt and make ethical choices.

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common queries business owners have during their process of hiring virtual assistants.

Are Specialized Skills Necessary for All Virtual Assistants?

Any specialized virtual assistant skills depend on the scope of their role. For common administrative work such as email management, scheduling, or data entry, basic organizational and communication skills are sufficient.

However, for industries like e-commerce, real estate, or healthcare, specialized knowledge like industry software, regulations, or marketing strategies are crucial.

What Are the Best Resources for Virtual Assistant Skills Training?

In changing times, various resources are available for virtual assistants that can help them build new skills or improve their existing skill sets. Some popular ways include:

• Online Learning Platforms: Websites like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer technical skills, project management, and communication courses.
• Industry-Specific Certifications: Programs like Amazon Seller Virtual Assistant (ASVA) training or HubSpot Academy for marketing skills.
• Software-Specific Tutorials: Many freelancer tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, QuickBooks) offer free tutorials and certifications.
• YouTube and Blogs: Free content from industry experts sharing tips and tutorials.

Can Virtual Assistant Skills Be Tailored to Specific Outsourcing Tasks?

Yes! In fact, virtual assistants can tailor their skills to match specific outsourcing tasks by undergoing training and gaining experience in the required areas. For example:

• For E-commerce: Learning how to manage Shopify for sellers, how to optimize product listing, and tracking inventory for sufficient stock.
• For Real Estate: Being familiar with MLS software, lead generation, and property listing management.
• For Healthcare: Acquiring proficiency in medical terminology, HIPAA compliance, and patient scheduling.

Tailoring skills makes the VA competent enough to meet the unique demands of the client, making them a valuable asset for specialized outsourcing projects.

Conclusion

Now you see why these virtual assistant skills shouldn’t be easily glossed over during the hiring process. We have tons of experience with bad hires and want to teach others how they can avoid the pains that come with that. Hopefully, this list will be a helpful guide to healthier, more productive, and more successful working experiences in the future. 

Looking to hire the best talent from the top virtual assistant websites?

There are millions of freelancers in the world. Yet, it can be difficult to find the right person for the job. Well, we’ve gathered the best freelance websites out there. This way, you can be sure you’re getting the real deal.

TL;DR – Best Virtual Assistant Websites

Here’s a quick view of the best virtual assistant websites that you can hire from:

1. Fiverr
2. Upwork 
3. Freelancer.com
4. PeoplePerHour
5. LinkedIn
6. Zirtual
7. Hello Rache
8. OnlineJobsPH
9. Virtalent
10. 24/7 Virtual Assistants
11. Virtual Staff Finder
12. FreeUp
13. Magic
14. Woodbows
15. Boldly
16. VirtualStaff.ph
17. Fancy Hands
18. Indeed
19. Time Etc

With so many top-tier platforms to choose from, let’s find the perfect virtual assistant for your needs.

Want to simplify the hiring process? Visit Outsource School and learn how to hire and manage skilled professionals seamlessly. Set up a consultation today!

Perks of Hiring Through Virtual Assistant Platforms

As a business owner, you know how overwhelming the workload can be. In such scenarios, you wish for an extra set of hands to handle your work.

A website for virtual assistants (VA) might just be your most useful tool. These platforms are a treasure trove of skilled professionals ready to tackle tasks you simply don’t have time (or energy) for.

• Access to Global Talent: Why limit yourself to local talent when you can hire from any corner of the world? Virtual assistant platforms connect you to professionals worldwide, providing access to diverse skills and expertise.

• Cost Efficiency: Hiring through these platforms is usually cheaper than hiring a full-time employee. Many VAs work remotely, so you save on office space, benefits, and equipment.

• Flexibility: Need help for a one-time project or an ongoing task? Virtual assistant platforms offer the flexibility to hire talent on your terms—whether it’s for a few hours, weeks, or even long-term engagements.

• Time-saving: You can skip the hassle of traditional hiring and visit VA platforms. These websites streamline hiring and offer pre-vetted candidates, job templates, and recruitment support.

• Scalability: As your business grows, your workload will increase. Virtual assistant platforms let you scale your team without the long-term commitments of full-time staff, ensuring you’re always equipped to handle more.

Things to Watch Out For When Using VA Websites

While hiring a virtual assistant might take a lot of the pressure off your shoulders, there are some things to keep in mind to avoid outsourcing mistakes:

• Vetting Quality: Not all platforms offer the same standards when it comes to screening freelancers. Stick to platforms with strong vetting processes to ensure you’re getting professionals who deliver quality work.

• Communication Barriers: Time zones and language barriers can get tricky if your VAs are from different countries. Choose platforms that help with tools or tips to keep things smooth.

• Hidden Costs: Watch out for extra charges like posting fees or transactional costs. Always check for hidden costs upfront.

• Data Security: You might be sharing sensitive business information with your VA. Ensure the platform has strict security measures in place, and take extra steps like signing NDAs or using secure communication tools.

• Unclear Expectations: Miscommunication can harm your business. Be clear about your expectations, timelines, and deliverables from the start to avoid misunderstandings. 

19 Top Virtual Assistant Websites

With numerous virtual assistant platforms, how do you know which one’s right for you? Don’t worry—we’ve researched for you!

Whether you need help with admin tasks, marketing, or specialized projects, there’s a platform tailored to your needs.

Below are the 19 best virtual assistant websites covering a variety of industries, specialties, and budgets. Let’s dive in and explore!

1. Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance marketplace that allows you to choose from over 500 categories of jobs. The name comes from how they started offering online services for as low as $5. Now Fiverr is an industry giant offering long and short-term projects from affordable and competitive prices to premium rates. With Fiverr, you can quickly find talent, get to work, and accomplish tasks. You can also access Fiverr Business for teams and access exclusive features like talent matching, dedicated account managers, and collaboration tools. You can also upgrade to Fiverr Pro if you want access to the best vetted freelancers.

2. Upwork

 

Upwork is one of, if not the best, virtual assistant websites on this list. This huge, award-winning marketplace offers a wide array of services. It’s home to millions of freelancers in almost 200 countries. You can access talent so easily in one of three ways.

• Talent Marketplace™ – Create a job post, review proposals, view freelancer profiles, read reviews on their profiles, and select the talent you want to work with 
• Project Catalog™ – Pick the job you need from hundreds of project templates 
• Talent Scout™ – For a project more than a month in duration, a recruiter can pair you with the best people for the job 

3. Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is the largest freelancing and crowdsourcing marketplace. They serve clients worldwide with millions of worldwide talent from almost 250 countries. You can easily create a job post for any of the 1800+ categories. Get bites quickly and examine profiles to find the best fit. They also offer recruitment help to find the best talent. If you need managerial help, they also offer “co-pilots” to help you with your projects. You pay when you are completely satisfied.   

4. PeoplePerHour

PeoplePerHour is a freelance community and marketplace that has connected over a million clients to global talent. Their anti-fraud and money-back guarantee perks mean that they are a secure and trusted place to conduct business. Hire from over 3 million freelancers offering 8,000+ skills in as fast as 10 minutes. You can post a job, search for freelancers yourself, or search through pre-set bundles created by freelancers. You can also manage and track your project through Project Stream. 

5. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a widely used digital business network that connects companies with individuals looking for work. This platform is not designed specifically for finding virtual assistants. However, it does act as a job board for a lot of VAs looking for work. With LinkedIn, you can create a profile and job openings for free and access automatically created job descriptions and job templates. You can target your search with personalized emails and notifications and filter applicants using management tools. 

6. Zirtual

Zirtual is a platform consisting of college-educated, US-based virtual assistants. They serve anyone from entrepreneurs to startups and executives. You can find the match you with a personal “Zirtual assistant” whose expertise matches the job brief. They are also backed by a team of specialists if they need additional help completing the tasks. Zirtual may possess a comparatively smaller suite of services and skills than other virtual assistant websites. However, they make up for it with strictly vetted, expert talent. 

7. Hello Rache

Hello Rache is leading the charge in the area of healthcare virtual assistant solutions. Their Philippines-based VAs go through strict recruitment, vetting, and training processes to ensure they can work effectively in medical settings. The healthcare VAs on this platform can help with back-office tasks, medical transcription, and live in-room charting (EMR and EHR). All are HIPAA certified and can work with solo practitioners and larger medical groups as well. 

8. OnlineJobsPH

OnlineJobsPH is a job board housing more than 2 million Filipino resumes and is the easiest place to find Filipino talent. You can post a job or search and view full resumes of workers from entry to expert level. However, you can only interview talent once you’ve paid for a subscription. You can track worker time using TimeProof and pay workers easily from your account with EasyPay. 

9. Virtalent

Virtalent is a virtual assistant service that offers UK-based VAs with at least 15 years of experience. These VAs are carefully vetted and have often worked with top companies in the UK. They specialize in Virtual PA and Marketing support but also offer other services. Virtalent not only matches you with the right VA, but they also pair you with a dedicated Client Success Manager. You can turn to them for guidance to answer any questions you may have during the process. 

10. 24/7 Virtual Assistants

24/7 Virtual Assistants is a virtual assistant service provider based in the US offering round-the-clock expert and efficient solutions. They offer low-cost, flexible non-core solutions you can upgrade or downgrade anytime. You can reach them any time of the day if you need tasks done. They house experienced, hard-working VAs who possess great work attitudes and are trusted to work unsupervised. 

11. Virtual Staff Finder

Virtual Staff Finder provides a simple solution to connect you with one of 8,000+ Filipino virtual assistants as fast as possible. After subscribing to the service and filling out their Job Description template, they source the best talent for you. Then, after rigorous vetting and background checks, they come up with the top 3 candidates for you to interview and hire. If it doesn’t work out with any of the 3, their 10-day guarantee promises to come with another 3 for you to select from. 

12. FreeUp

FreeUp is a high-performing freelance marketplace that pairs businesses with hand-picked, highly qualified, pre-vetted talent. Among the best virtual assistant websites, FreeUp is one of the few that guarantees you get a top 1% freelancer. They do this through their very strict hiring process. This platform vets thousands of applications every day making sure communication, individual skill, and personality are top-notch. Their “No Turnover Guarantee” ensures any applicant that quits is replaced immediately free of charge.

13. Magic

Magic offers outsourcing solutions that help you get more work done by combining highly skilled remote workers with the power of Magic AI. Their scalable solutions allow you to start with 1 worker and go up to 1,000 if needed – all within the top 3% of talent. With their VA services, you can save more than 10 hours per week. All their VAs go through skills training to ensure they provide the best services possible. You also get a free dedicated account lead to help you with onboarding, coaching, SOPs, and more. 

14. Woodbows

Woodbows is a virtual assistant company offering VA services from college-graduate level professionals. Each has more than a decade of experience under their belt. Woodbows is award-winning in the areas of customer satisfaction and service guarantees. With Woodbows, not only do you get a 24/7 virtual assistant, but you also get 24/7 support on top of it. You pay for a single individual but you get the benefit of a team of experts behind them. 

15. Boldly

Boldly offers premium subscription-based remote staffing services. Their North American and Europe-based VAs are highly experienced, skilled, and in it for the long term. Their personalized services match you with your ideal virtual assistant who will care deeply about the tasks at hand. They also offer a 100% lifetime satisfaction guarantee to show how confident they are in the quality of services they offer. They serve solopreneurs, small businesses, and enterprises. 

16. VirtualStaff.ph

Virtualstaff.ph is the safest and easiest way to hire Filipino virtual assistants. You can hire, manage, and pay your remote staff in one place. You can post jobs or create job offers for specific applicants with the desired rate and hours you want them to work. Virtual Staff Protection for employers includes enforceable contracts, NDAs, and legal recourse. 

17. Fancy Hands

Fancy Hands is a virtual assistant company that connects companies with US-based virtual assistants at cost-effective pricing. The unique thing about Fancy Hands is that it’s primarily used by people who need small, very short-term, one-time tasks done for them. You can submit job requests through email, text, or the app and someone will pick up the tasks for you. You can access assistants round the clock no matter what time of day. The team handles most requests in as few as 20 minutes. Their pricing is based on how many requests you use per week/month. Requests longer than 20 minutes may burn multiple requests. 

18. Indeed

Indeed is a job listing and interview site that strives to connect job seekers to unique opportunities. This is a platform for job seekers and makes it easy and free to look for jobs, research companies, and post resumes. With over 245 million resumes, Indeed is a giant pool of talent. Job posting on the platform is cost-effective and easy to do. When you have a sponsored job posting you are more likely to get applicants flowing in. 

19. Time Etc

Last but not least on our virtual assistant websites list is Time Etc. They are a virtual assistant service company that pairs businesses with US or UK-based VAs. Since 2007, they’ve helped save over 1.5 million hours for over 22,000 companies. Hiring with Time Etc is easy, cost-effective, flexible, and can be canceled at any time. Access the top 2% of US talent and leave the time-consuming tasks in their hands. They specialize in administration but they also do research and social media and content marketing. 

Assessing Candidates From Virtual Assistant Websites

Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t about finding someone to tick off tasks—it’s about building a partnership that boosts your productivity. Here’s how to assess candidates effectively:

• Check Their Experience: Review their profiles for relevant virtual assistant skills and past projects. Many platforms offer ratings, reviews, and portfolios that give an idea of what they can deliver.
• Test Their Communication Skills: A quick interview or test project can help gauge how well they understand your needs and respond to feedback.
• Ask the Right Questions: Inquire about their availability, preferred tools, and approach to problem-solving. This ensures you’re both on the same page.
• Start Small: Begin with a trial project to evaluate their skills and compatibility. This is a low-risk approach that can help you make informed decisions before committing long-term.

Want to outsource finding, hiring, and managing virtual assistants without a hassle? Outsource School provides a proven framework to help you build a reliable team and scale your business efficiently. Start your outsourcing journey today!

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re new to virtual assistant websites or just want to clear up a few doubts, here are answers to some of the most common questions about hiring and working with virtual assistants.

Are Virtual Assistant Websites Only for Hiring Freelancers?

Not at all! While many VAs work as freelancers, these platforms also cater to businesses looking for part-time or full-time remote staff. Some platforms even provide managing remote teams services, where they oversee the VAs on your behalf.

Are Websites for Virtual Assistants Secure for Handling Sensitive Business Data?

Most reputable platforms prioritize security with encrypted communication, secure payment systems, and NDAs. That said, you should always vet the platform’s policies and take precautions, such as using secure tools and limiting access to sensitive information.

How Do I Communicate Effectively with VAs From Websites?

Good communication is the backbone of a successful partnership. Here’s how to make it simple and effective:

• Be Clear About Expectations: Define deliverables, deadlines, and how you’d like to communicate.
• Use Collaboration Tools: Platforms like Slack, Asana, or Trello keep everything organized and easy to track.
• Schedule Regular Check-Ins: Quick weekly updates or calls help keep everyone aligned and avoid roadblocks.

Conclusion

That wraps up our virtual assistant websites list! Now you can go start hiring VAs from trusted websites knowing that you are getting the best talent with little risk to you. 

 

 

Are emails bogging you down? Do you feel like you’re spending way too much time at your desk answering them? Do you feel like your inbox could use some sprucing up? Maybe you need a complete email spring cleaning! Whichever it is, it sounds to us like you’re in need of an inbox management virtual assistant. 

The good news is that you can actually hire one today!

But before you go there, we put together a few things that we think you should know about hiring an inbox management virtual assistant. In this article, we are going to be covering 

• What Is an Email Management Virtual Assistant?
• Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Email Management
• 11 Tasks to Hire an Inbox Management Virtual Assistant For
• How Much Does an Email Management VA Cost?
• What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Hire From?
• Case Study: How John Hired an Email VA & Saved 2 Hours Per Day

Sign up for Outsource School and unlock our free hiring packet to help you get the best email management virtual assistant.

What Is an Email Management Virtual Assistant?

Also known as an inbox management virtual assistant, these individuals are responsible for handling your emails. Their duties involve organizing and sorting emails, creating folders and labels to categorize emails, color coding emails to make them easier to locate, and even deleting unnecessary emails or spam.

An outsourced inbox VA will even do all of this for you before you get on in the morning! This way, you can start your with a clean and beautiful inbox and avoid all the stress that unkept email will usually cause.

Now, that’s just the categorizing part of the job. You also have the replying side of things, which a more specialized email assistant can handle, too. 

When you think about all of that and the amount of time it could take you to accomplish a single day’s worth of emails, you start to see the value of hiring an email assistant. These people typically have developed efficient methods. They will implement proven processes to clean up your inbox and keep it that way. They may also use software programs, as needed and if you prefer, to help manage all the online correspondence. 

Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant for Email Management

Outsourcing email management impacts both your professional and personal well-being. It frees up your time, so you can undertake other tasks with less strain.

Below, let’s highlight the main incentives for hiring an email management virtual assistant.

Improved Productivity

The average user spends about two and a half hours checking their work email daily, which increases to six hours when you include personal inboxes.

This reduces the time spent on productive tasks.

Hiring an email management VA frees up these hours, some of which you can allocate to your core business functions, improving productivity.

Timely Responses

Entrepreneurs understand the hassle of replying to daily client inquiries. Oftentimes, you might get overwhelmed and fail to reply to potential clients, losing business.

Email management VAs monitor your inbox for new messages and quickly respond to customer inquiries and feedback.

Confidentiality and Security

Hiring an email management VA lets you control how many people access your messages, especially those containing sensitive business information.

This is safer than allowing the whole in-house team to access your email. It also simplifies following up on security incidents like data breaches.

Improved Work-Life Balance

You should hire an email management VA if you often check your email when out of the office, including during social gatherings.

The VA will respond to incoming emails and only contact you for issues that require your attention. This lets you enjoy your breaks from work and take up hobbies, improving your overall well-being.

Professional Communication

Email management VAs are trained in effective communication as part of their virtual assistant skills. They are proficient at handling customers, including using the right tone and observing cultural sensitivity.

They also align the email responses with your brand communication strategy to give your business a professional image.

Cost Advantages

Hiring an email management VA is more cost-effective than recruiting an in-house personal assistant.

The VA works remotely, so you need not increase your office space or invest in infrastructure to accommodate them.

Tasks to Outsource to a Virtual Assistant for Email Management

1. Deleting junk emails and keeping your inbox clear of any unwanted newsletters, subscriptions, or promos. 
2. Forwarding emails to the necessary people within your team or others
3. Archiving old emails that might be useful later so you main box isn’t filled with old mail
4. Responding to emails and setting up automatic replies
5. Some email marketing like sending out mass emails such as newsletters and introductory emails to the selected list of customers
6. Managing your contact list which involves sorting contacts in order of importance or priority, categorizing them with labels (customers, business partners, suppliers, internal team, etc.), adding new contacts, and deleting old ones
7. Sorting emails in order of priority so you know which emails are urgent and which can wait 
8. Some customer support duties like answering customer inquiries 
9. Creating folders and applying labels to emails. Labels add specificity. Folders organize old and new emails for future reference.
10. Setting up filters ensuring incoming emails go into the applicable folders tidying up your main inbox
11. Answering emails about meetings and adding them to schedule 

How Much Does an Email Management VA Cost?

Virtual assistants have a range of prices depending on a number of factors such as skill level, level of experience, scope of work, specialized knowledge, length of project, are you hiring a VA full-time or a part-time VA, and what country they come from. 

If you want an inbox management virtual assistant who does only the admin side of things, then in the U.S. you’re looking at an average of $10-$12 per hour. VAs from the Philippines and India are less costly both averaging around $6-$7 per hour. 

Now if you’re looking for a VA who can also do some marketing and customer support duties, that’s going to cost you a few more dollars. In the U.S. you could be looking at anywhere between $15-$22 and in the PH and India around $10-$15. 

Again, these pricings vary depending on the scope and depth of the work. This is why negotiating rates and providing a detailed overview of the work should be done together. It’s bad form to hire someone and give them work you didn’t discuss beforehand. It’s even worse form to pile on extra work without just compensation. 

Take care of your VAs and they will take care of you.

What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Hire From?

Here are the best virtual assistant websites to find top talent:

1. Zirtual

Zirtual is a VA platform known for its superb hiring processes and training programs to ensure VA excellence. They also have a matching process that connects you with an inbox va that is the best fit for your specific needs. 

2. Upwork

Upwork is one of the most famous freelance marketplaces. They help connect businesses and freelancers together for better business opportunities. They have three unique methods for locating the talent you need. 

3. Onlinejobs.ph 

Known as “The Job Board for Virtual Workers in the Philippines”, Onlinejobsph allows you to exclusively hire Filipino VAs who are among the best in the business. Create a job post and let your inbox management virtual assistant come to you. 

4. FreeUp

FreeUp offers a variety of talents in several categories. Their hiring and vetting process only allows the top percentile of freelancers to ensure excellent service on their platform. Their “No Turnover Guarantee” means you are protected in a freelancer quits on the job. 

5. InboxDone

InboxDone is currently the only platform to offer VA services specializing in email management. They provide two assistants to cover for each other and adapt to your unique business needs and work style. 

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

How OutsourceSchool Can Help You Hire the Right Virtual Assistant

Here’s how Outsource School can help you recruit the best VA for you:

• Free Outsourcing Consultation: You can book a call where we can help you audit your communication strategy and email management needs.

• Outsourcing Training: We provide one-on-one training on hiring and managing VA teams.

• Access to Onboarding Tools: You can use our customizable templates, SOPs, and other resources to reduce the VAs’ learning curve during onboarding.

• Advice for Scaling with VAs: We provide expert advice on how to scale your email management VA team to meet your business needs without compromising productivity and customer service.

• VA Budget Estimation: Our free VA calculator helps you estimate the number of full-time and part-time email management VAs you can afford based on your budget.

Ready to outsource email management VAs but don’t know where to start?

Schedule a free consultation call with us today!

Case Study: How John Hired an Email VA & Saved 2 Hours Per Day

John is a small business owner who has had a boom in business lately. In the beginning, he was able to manage customer emails and manage communication with his suppliers, accounting team, team members, and other business partners. Now, John has been falling behind on his inbox and it is slowly eating away at his time. What used to take 30 minutes turned into almost 2 hours of sorting through a mishmash of customer inquiries, business inquiries, internal communications, newsletters, and other subscriptions he doesn’t even remember subscribing to! 

His time is split between 

• marketing his products to capitalize on the recent surge
• organizing logistics
• getting on meetings with his bookkeeping team and workers
• answering emails
• developing an FAQ so he doesn’t have to answer the same question 20 times over

That’s when John decided to look for an inbox management virtual assistant, and she was a lifesaver. After orienting the VA on the situation, the VA began working. The email was even a bit more cluttered at this point. After all, it took some time to find the right VA and go through the whole onboarding process.

However, because she had experience, the VA was able to easily create folders for the different people John was in contact with. She created one for the accounting team, one for the internal team, one for suppliers, and one for customer inquiries. The VA also set up filters so that emails that came from any of those groups would be sorted into those folders automatically. The VA also made sure to mark those unwanted subscriptions as spam. The ones that fit the categories that John said he was interested in, she placed in a separate folder.

John instructed the VA that he wanted to keep customer records, including email interactions. So, the VA made sure that all resolved inquiries were archived and labeled as such. This made it easier for John to locate those emails and refer back to them for the development of the FAQ. 

John also mentioned that once the FAQ was finished, the email assistant could use that to answer customer inquiries. The VA, who had email marketing experience was able to help John set up an automated reply system. 

Before he knew it, John was on top of his inbox game. The emails that he needed his input on were labeled “Urgent” and the others he left to his email assistant to respond to. He is now able to focus more of his time on developing his brand. This way, he also has more opportunities to scale up his business even further.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This section answers the most commonly asked questions about hiring email management virtual assistants.

What Tools Do Virtual Assistants Use for Email Management?

Below are common tools VAs use for email management:

• Email platforms like Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo.

• Automation tools to help you schedule messages or sort incoming emails based on priority.

• Customer support tools that help convert tickets and live chat messages into emails for record purposes.

• Writing assistant tools that provide prompts and customizable templates for customer responses.

What Are the Key Skills of an Email Management Virtual Assistant?

Here are the core skills to look for in an email management VA:

• Proficiency with email platforms and automation tools
• Strong and culturally sensitive communication skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Analytical and problem-solving skills

How Can I Ensure Data Security When Hiring a Virtual Assistant?

Use these tips to ensure data security when hiring VAs:

• Hire candidates from reputable agencies
• Run background checks as part of the screening
• Require the hired candidates to sign non-disclosure agreements as part of the virtual assistant contracts
• Assign role-based access

Conclusion

If you want to prevent a clogged-up inbox, stop the overwhelm, or mitigate the pileup, an inbox management virtual assistant might just be the person you need to clean things up.

Book a free consultation and learn how you can outsource email management services!

 

 

Did you know that you could reap the benefits of outsourcing to India, even if your business is small? In fact, most smaller businesses these days are taking advantage of outsourcing software development to India, along with many other tasks.

In this post, we’ll talk about the pros and cons of SEO, customer service, software outsourcing to India, and more. We’ll also look into how businesses normally take advantage of outsourcing to India. Finally, you’ll catch a glimpse into how to outsource work to India once you’re ready to give it a try.

Need a quick solution for upscaling your business operations to meet market demand? Try our proven outsourcing methods!

Thousands of business owners use our Outsource School templates and guides to simplify their hiring processes.

Sign up for Outsource School and get our free hiring packet!

Why Do Companies Outsource to India?

Is your business expanding faster than expected, affecting your production efficiency? Or are you struggling to balance all the business functions?

It is time to outsource to India so you can streamline your operations.

Let’s go over the main reasons companies need to outsource to India.

Focus on Core Business Functions

While administrative functions like customer service and technical support are important, they are time and personnel-intensive.

Companies can outsource such roles to third parties, allowing them to focus on more essential tasks.

Access to Global Talents

Sometimes, the expertise you need is not readily available in your local talent pool. This can hurt your operations and brand image, especially when you don’t meet customer expectations.

Offshore outsourcing lets you attract top talent from India to fill your company’s skill gap. 

Flexible Scalability

Upscaling your business operations often requires additional personnel to handle the growing workload.

Outsourcing to India lets you respond to these demands quickly, reducing the impact on your operating efficiency. Additionally, it becomes easier to scale down when the market demand declines.

Cost-Saving

Small and mid-sized companies can outsource to India to reduce expenses associated with recruiting and maintaining internal staff.

For example, outsourcing reduces office space requirements as contracted personnel often work remotely.

Streamlined Operations

Companies serving global markets should outsource to India to maintain 24-hour operations.

The outsourced team could handle customer support when your in-house team clocks out, ensuring continuity of service.

Benefits of Outsourcing to India

You may be asking, “Why outsource to India in the first place?” Well, the benefits of outsourcing to India include several major factors, which we’ll go over here. 

Cost Savings

The first of the major advantages of outsourcing to India is cost savings. It will cost you a lot less when you’re outsourcing customer service to India, for example. If you hire from the US, Canada, UK, or other western country, you can easily pay double or triple for the same work. Because India’s economy is different, your dollar will go further than it would at home. As long as you’re still paying decent wages, you should be able to get the quality services that you and your customers deserve.

Access to Skilled Talent

Let’s say you wanted to try outsourcing SEO to India because of the cost savings. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that many Indians are highly technologically savvy. By this logic, outsourcing web development or software development to India is a good idea as well. If you were to ask other businesses out there, you would probably find that most have had at least one Indian involved at some stage in their project. 

Time Zone Advantages

Hiring from a country that’s several hours ahead may not sound like an advantage at all. However, we think it’s another of the best benefits of outsourcing to India. While you’re still cozy in bed, an Indian team can be hard at work on your app or website. This way, you can immediately have a look at their progress. Then, you still have time to give further instructions for them to do before their workday ends. If you’re outsourcing customer service to India, the time difference means that you can have people taking care of your customers while you sleep. And you’re not even paying the usual night differential!

Technology Infrastructure

India is one of the few countries in the world that have massive technology infrastructure for serving overseas industries. India is known for tech savvy, exposure to western culture and the English language, and low cost of living. Because of this, they are one of the BPO giants. BPO stands for Business Process Outsourcing, which is an industry centered on helping other countries with outsourcing and offshoring to India. It’s a huge industry because businesses always look for ways to save on costs while getting the same quality output.

Types of Services Commonly Outsourced to India

You can outsource a lot of different tasks to India. We don’t want you to think that there is a limit on what you can hire for there. These are just a handful of the most common outsourcing examples. 

Software Development

Outsourcing software development to India is probably the most well-known of all. Getting software built from scratch can be super expensive. This is the main reason why India is a go-to option, since they can do the work just as well as developers from the other side of the world.

Mobile App Development

Software outsourcing to India isn’t just desktop stuff. These days, a lot of companies are getting their own apps made. This is because just about everyone has a smartphone, and prefer to use it. More than this, companies can target more users with mobile apps because people are on their phones loads more than they are on computers. If you want an app built without getting into debt, consider outsourcing to India.

Digital Marketing

Outsourcing SEO to India is another really common one. SEO is really technical, and India has a long history of focusing on technical skills. It takes a special mind and special training to understand SEO at a high level. When your business is at stake, you want to hire only the best optimizers to get you quality hits to make bank.

Back Office Services

We highly recommend to all our clients that they pass off administrative type tasks as quickly as possible. These tasks are tedious and time-consuming – not the type of stuff a business owner should be handling. These tasks usually don’t require a ton of skills, but it’s always good to hire someone who understands all the tech that you use for business operations so they can do their job well.

Customer Support Services

A lot of businesses shy away from outsourcing customer service to India. They prefer to go with the Philippines or Latin countries because the accents are easier to understand. However, you can find a number of Indians who actually have very clean English – you just have to be willing to pay more than a few dollars per hour! It will still be totally worth it. In addition, accents have nothing to do with grammar, so if you need some non-voice talent, there’s nothing stopping you from outsourcing to India.

How to Outsource Work to India

Is this your first rodeo outsourcing work to India? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a step-by-step guide for offshore outsourcing to India.

1. Outline Your Business Needs

Determine which business functions can be outsourced and which must be handled in-house.

For example, suppose you run an online store. Learn how to scale the ecommerce business by outsourcing customer support while your internal staff handles order processing.

2. Develop Job Descriptions

Convert the identified business needs into tasks and organize them under specific roles.

Next, create job descriptions for the roles and outline their duties and responsibilities. Also, highlight the requisite skill level and experience.

3. Research Reliable Agencies

Identify outsourcing companies in India that specialize in the virtual assistant skills or services you need.

We recommend checking past customer testimonials and case studies for credibility and the expected service quality.

4. Recruit the Best Candidates

Identify personnel who meet your qualification requirements.

Candidates who pass the first screening can progress to one-on-one interviews.

Focus on technical expertise, human skills, and the ability to fit into your company culture.

5. Onboard the Talent

Leverage onboarding tools to train the outsourced talent about your operations, including company policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Also, outline their roles and responsibilities, including how their input will contribute to overall company goals.

6. Monitor and Optimize

Schedule regular follow-ups to measure progress and address arising challenges.

You can also provide feedback to motivate the talent and help them refine their efforts.

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School offers a support system to help entrepreneurs hire virtual assistants to upscale their businesses.

As career entrepreneurs, we run a portfolio of companies and understand the challenges of recruiting additional staff, especially for higher-level roles.

However, unlike when starting, we figured out a proven method for recruiting and maintaining virtual teams.

We launched Outsource School to help other business owners learn how to hire, onboard, and manage virtual assistants quickly to scale their operations.

Book a consultation call today and learn how you can scale your business with our systems!

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Challenges of Outsourcing Work to India

Outsourcing to India is not all rainbows and roses. Every option out there is going to have some caveats. You need to be aware of these pitfalls, but don’t let them scare you away from outsourcing to India.

Cultural and Communication Barriers

India does have a lot of contact with the western world. However, this does not guarantee an absolute match in terms of culture. It also does not mean that every individual you come across will speak English the way you expect. 

Many will say that they speak English fluently. That means, however, that they speak well according to their standards. It’s a different variety of English, just like British English differs from American English in vocabulary and accent, and even grammar. Maybe their teachers – also not speakers of your native variety of English – told them they speak very well. They are likely not aware that people in other countries can’t understand them or don’t hold the same values and norms as they do.

One thing that warrants its own paragraph here is a warning about Indian holidays. Make sure that you ask anyone you hire about the holidays that they observe because Hindus and Buddhists especially have some very lengthy holidays that the west isn’t accustomed to.

Lack of Privacy and Security Laws

Every country has its own rules and regulations. Outsourcing to India means managing your expectations in terms of what laws they must abide by. When it comes to Asia, you need to know that the law tends to be less advanced in the areas of technology. This means that you need to cover your bases more thoroughly than you would if you were hiring locally. We recommend consulting a lawyer who is well-versed in the privacy and security laws that will affect you.

Unforeseen Expenses

Hiring overseas will always come with the risk of unforeseen expenses. You won’t be able to control the work environment, for instance, because it’s not your office. You won’t always know what might pop up for an overseas hire, either. However, you can easily reduce these risks by going over the details of the job and setting clear expectations. 

Take note of any instances when a hire doesn’t comply. Take steps immediately to ensure higher compliance next time around. Still, they may simply not meet your expectations, or don’t seem to be trying to. In this case, be prepared to safely stop work at a reasonable point in the project and let them go. If you have the proper milestones set up, you should have zero problems hiring someone else to pick up where they left off.

Alternative for Outsourcing

Outsourcing to India is not your only option! You can outsource to many different countries all over the world. You can actually hire anyone these days who has the ability to work online. We have a favorite, however, which is the Philippines! Our whole team, actually, almost exclusively consists of freelancers we’ve hired from the Philippines.

The reason why we so highly recommend hiring from the Philippines is because they have the best scores in the areas we mentioned above. The costs of hiring in the Philippines are comparable to those in India. Sometimes, they can be higher, but this is because you get better quality. 

The time zone advantages are the same, and most Filipino freelancers are actually willing to work odd hours. They are very accommodating – it’s part of their laid-back culture! – so you can quite easily come to an agreement on hours. The BPO industry in the Philippines is also booming, so they have the experience and the infrastructure to support outsourcing. One of the things we love the most is that Filipinos speak English much better overall than the rest of Asia. Although some may have some accent and grammar issues, it’s not hard to understand them, comparatively. You will still need to look into privacy and security laws and set clear expectations to avoid unforeseen expenses. But you should be doing this with any hire, anyway!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions businesses have when considering outsourcing to India:

How Much Can I Save By Outsourcing to India?

The amount that you can save by outsourcing to India versus hiring locally depends on the task you are hiring for. As mentioned above, you can expect to save up to 70% for the most part. This takes into consideration salaries and benefits, overhead, and equipment. If you require special software and are paying lower hourly rates, most freelancers will not agree to pay for the software.

What are the Risks Associated With Outsourcing to India?

Outsourcing to anyone is risky because you have a lower level of control. You do not work in the same space, and cannot supervise them closely. When you outsource overseas, this level of control drops further. You can manage these risks quite well, though, if you set up the right checks and balances and keep a close eye on operations – or hire someone to do that for you!

How Do I Ensure Data Security and Confidentiality When Outsourcing to India?

For the most part, limiting access to data is the best way to ensure data security and confidentiality across the board. Always keep backups, and set up safeguards so you are always in control of your data. This is especially important for financial data. Scammers are everywhere! The only reason why we all worry about getting scammed overseas is because it’s much harder to prosecute an overseas scammer. Moreover, the reason why countries like India, China and Russia have a bad reputation when it comes to scams is because of numbers – there are many more Indians, Chinese and Russians in the world than other nationalities. 

What are the Cultural Differences That I Need to Consider When Outsourcing to India?

One major hurdle for many western businesses when hiring Indians is the expectation of advancement. The Indian mindset is hierarchical because their society is hierarchical. An Indian hire can quickly lost motivation if not given opportunities for advancement. If you have a flatter operating structure, you may want to adjust for your Indian team to keep them performing well. 

To meet their aspirational goals, you will need to develop performance metrics to apply to them that unlock benefits. For example, if they finish a project faster without a lot of bugs, they get a bonus. If they fix bugs before the set deadline, you give them a nice review to post on different sites where they get work. Commendation within the company is also a good way to motivate people who love knowing that they can climb the ranks and hate feeling like they are commodities.

Conclusion

After weighing the drawbacks and benefits of outsourcing to India, you may still feel uncomfortable pulling the trigger. We understand how making that first overseas hire can be daunting. However, we are confident that if you know how to outsource work to India, you’ll be totally fine. It’s really about hope much attention you pay in the early stages, as you prepare to get an overseas hire ready to start working. If you need help in this area, we are, of course, available to you. Just book a call and we’ll get together to see how we can be of assistance.

Are you in need of a digital marketing virtual assistant?

Online marketing has given so many small businesses a chance to thrive. The online audience is so big that it could arguably be the main place to advertise in the near future. 

In this article, we will go through several ways digital marketing VA can help your business. With proper digital marketing, we know it can reach greater success. 

What is a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant?

A digital marketing virtual assistant is any VA who helps you advertise your business. They will have your target audience in mind and use a variety of methods. 

19 Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant Services

Here are the top 19 VA services that can revolutionize your business today:

1. Social Media Management

These platforms get a ton of users every day. If your business doesn’t have a social media account, you should get at least one. Otherwise, you can’t reap the benefits of getting your brand out to more people. 

Social media managers help you schedule content and post it. They make sure also that the content you post matches the aesthetic, tone, and message of your brand. They can create many types of social media ads from reels, shorts, and other graphics and videos. 

2. Email Marketing

This type of marketing uses one of the most popular forms of online correspondence. An email marketing assistant can help create and categorize contact lists. These are lists of people who have expressed interest in your products and/or services and have given their details. They can send targeted mass emails to segments of this audience. The type of content sent includes: 

• newsletters
• promotional materials
• welcome series emails
• abandoned cart reminders
• transaction emails

They also make use of email marketing automation like Mailchimp. 

3. Content Marketing

This is all about how to put your content out so it’s available and attractive to your targets. The aim is to create engaging content that people are drawn to. This includes copywriting, blog-post writing, and other strategies that leverage content.

4. Search Engine Optimization

SEO refers to a list of factors that determine your search engine rankings. If you want organic traffic to your website, you need a strong SEO strategy. This involves keyword bidding, linking, on and off-page optimization, and more. 

5. Sales Funnel Creation

A sales funnel comes in many forms.‌ Though it typically has 5 stages: Discovery, Interest, Comparison, Decision and Action.  It functions to help businesses understand how customers think and plan around that. A funnel shows the customer journey from awareness of your brand to considering purchasing to becoming a paying customer. To encourage repeat sales, businesses can offer loyalty programs during the post-purchase stage.

6. PPC Campaign Management

If SEO was organic search engine marketing, PPC is paid SEM. PPC stands for pay-per-click. It is a campaign where you pay a certain amount every time a visitor clicks your ad. This type of paid advertising also involves keyword bidding, testing ad copy, and creating a landing page with a strong call to action.

7. Graphic Design

Whether it’s a company logo, website, or social media graphics, a graphic designer is a necessity. These individuals are responsible for creating attractive visuals. This can be for grabbing attention, communicating a message, or conveying your brand visually. 

8. Affiliate Management

Affiliate marketing is where third parties promote another brand’s products. They usually get a percentage of the profits from sales from their advertising. Alternatively, they can accept other benefits, depending on the arrangement.

Affiliate managers are responsible for affiliate recruitment. They also maintain relationships and improve the performance of affiliate relationships. They communicate with those in the network and ensure they are well-equipped. 

9. Partnership Management

This is a step above affiliate marketing where two companies combine their efforts and promote each other’s products.  Partnership management is similar to affiliate management. They communicate with partners to ensure mutual and respective goals are being met on both sides. 

10. Analytics and Reporting

Whatever the campaign, your digital marketing virtual assistant can run reports and analytics to gauge its effectiveness. Your virtual assistant for digital marketing tracks crucial metrics and notes any changes after trying out different tactics.

11. Website Management

Your website is essentially the face of your brand. Therefore, you must ensure that everything on your website is well-organized, enhances the customer journey, and represents your brand effectively. A website manager’s duties involve:

• Handling content on a website blog. This includes sourcing engaging images and videos.
• Editing, updating, or removing outdated content 
• Formulating strategies to improve web traffic. They typically have some SEO knowledge to improve web rankings. 
• Making sure all pages are working properly. They conduct website tests and try to improve performance. 
• Hosting and server management
• Coding and other technical duties

12. Video Editing

Video is probably the most engaging form of ads out there. With the advent and popularity of short-form content, a video editor must know how to grab attention immediately. They naturally must be proficient in editing software like Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro. These people must know how to adapt to short and long form formats for social media. 

13. Mobile Advertising

This is marketing aimed at targeting mobile users. More than half of website traffic comes from mobile users in 2023. That’s small compared to the fact that over 90% of net users access the web through a mobile device. This is why this form is popular. Your internet marketing virtual assistant can help you reach these users through:

• Social media
• SMS/text marketing 
• Location-based marketing 
• Ads in mobile apps
• Mobile app push notifications 

14. Lead Generation

Lead generation is a key element to consider when outsourcing sales and marketing. This process involves grabbing the attention of a potential customer (lead). This is near the top of your sales funnel. It involves using the various marketing methods discussed to attract prospects.

15. CRM Management

Customer relationship management involves improving your business’s relations with its customer base. This includes creating and implementing strategies to improve customer experience, satisfaction, and retention.  

16. Marketing Automation

Your digital marketing virtual assistant can help you save time and increase productivity via automation. These marketing technologies enable you to automate campaigns based on certain conditions. You can run multiple campaigns across multiple channels simultaneously with ease. These allow you to use customer data in the system and create automatic delivery systems for promotional campaign material.

17. Strategy Building

Maybe you’re happy with the platform you’ve chosen for your marketing. However, maybe you aren’t getting the results you want. Your VA can help you reformulate and reimagine your campaigns. They can lend a fresh perspective and provide helpful insights and tactics. They can improve lead generation, lead nurturing, sales funnel optimization, retargeting campaigns, and more. 

18. Promotions

These refer to certain announcements or tactics implemented by businesses about their products or services. They include commonly known tactics such as:

• product sales
• free samples or free trials
• coupons
• discounts
• limited time offers
• bundles
• membership exclusive deals (loyalty rewards programs) 

These can also include publicity posts for a new product launch or a restock of a popular item.

19. Market Research

Hoping to build your audience? Maybe you want to know which platforms or techniques will be most effective. You want to reach those audiences, right?

Want to know customer behavior, trends within your demographic, and popular marketing tactics? Perhaps you want to peak at your competition in the market and learn from them. 

A digital marketing virtual assistant can actually accomplish all this and more!

What Skills Does a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant Need to Have?

Excited to have a VA on board? You’ll know you’ve found the one when they demonstrate these skills:

Ability to Work Well Under Pressure

The world of digital marketing can be a high-stress, fast-paced environment. Someone who can handle a variety of tasks and marketing campaigns all at once is a valuable asset. With multiple platforms often involved, they need to schedule tasks well so they don’t get overwhelmed. 

Strong Work Ethic

Advertising and marketing management is no simple task. The digital space is ever evolving. With attention spans at an all-time low, businesses must stay on top of their game. If they don’t, they won’t catch their targets’ attention. And they’ll also lose their chances to engage with their audience. So, businesses need to post on multiple platforms practically every day. Your VA needs to juggle these.

Effective Communication Skills

Digital marketers need to communicate their ideas and strategies effectively. This is not only so that the rest of the team can implement it. It’s also so that the company can get behind the idea and give it their full support. The members can also contribute their own ideas. 

Research Skills

A digital marketer needs to know how to find relevant information related to their duties. They must stay current on the latest trends and platforms. They will be researching audiences, competitors, and new advertising opportunities. 

Benefits of Hiring a Digital Marketing VA

Here are some benefits of working with a digital marketing VA:

• Faster business growth: Having a VA lets you focus on scaling your business. You can delegate tasks that normally consume your time, like content marketing and market research.
• Cost-effectiveness: You get a dedicated VA without investing in full-time staff. That means you don’t have to think about compliance issues (like taxes) or the resources (such as equipment or office space) required to have someone working on-site full-time.

Tip: Use our free VA calculator to determine how much hiring a VA costs.

• Specialized services: A digital marketing VA is equipped with the specialized skills needed to run and manage marketing campaigns. You can even choose someone with a hyper-niched focus, like someone specializing in influencer marketing, rather than a generalist.
• Better customer relationships: As you scale, it will be much more challenging to stay on top of what’s going on with each customer. A VA can take that off your plate by managing your social media accounts, newsletter, and website.

How to Hire a Virtual Assistant for Digital Marketing

Consider these hiring tips to hire the right digital marketing VA:

• Clarify your needs: As mentioned earlier, digital marketing VAs can offer a wide range of services. Chances are, you don’t need all of them, or you only need a VA with a specific set of skills. Determine what your business really needs and align that with who you’re looking for.
• Develop a compelling job ad: Next, write a job description that will attract the right people. If you’re after top talent, you also need a top-tier job ad. That means you need a complete job description and an appealing offer (rates and perks).
• Post on reputable platforms: Once your job ad is ready, you can advertise on freelance marketplaces or social media groups.
• Shortlist candidates: Narrow your list of potential candidates down to two or three based on their level of expertise, experience, and culture match. Then, set up an online interview to get to know your candidates better.
• Proceed to onboarding: Once you’ve decided whom to hire, prepare for onboarding. By providing the right training and using effective onboarding tools, you can help your VA ease into the new role as smoothly as possible.

Want to master the art of outsourcing to the right people? Download our free hiring packet to access our case study, video training, VA calculator, and more.

Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant Interview Questions

To get to know your VA candidates better, it’s best to ask questions that tell you about their personality, interest in the role, and attitude, such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• What interests you about this role?
• What makes you a good candidate for this position?

You should also gauge their knowledge and level of expertise with industry-specific questions like:

• What digital marketing tools do you use?
• Tell me about a campaign you worked on in the past that you’re most proud of.
• What is your experience in SEO?

Tips for Working with a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant

Have a VA on board already? Here’s how to keep your working relationship mutually enriching for years to come:

Review Their Portfolio

An internet marketing virtual assistant should have a portfolio of their previous work experience, graphics, and campaigns. Someone with less experience will have less in their portfolio but may cost less. That’s a risk you need to weigh properly. A portfolio shows you if they’ve worked with similar businesses. 

If working with someone specializing in graphic design, this is crucial. You can view their skill and style and evaluate if they fit with your branding. 

Onboard Them Well

Too much information is better than not enough. Make sure they have an in-depth knowledge of your company. This includes the culture, tone, brand, mission, vision, values, and target customers. Provide all details ahead of time, especially if your aim is for a particular aesthetic or style. 

Early Involvement 

Be involved in the process but don’t be domineering. You probably should be involved in approving certain campaigns, designs, ad copy, etc. You should do this at least in the beginning until you have built enough trust to give them more leeway. Once they’ve proven their effectiveness, you can start giving them the reins.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on marketing VAs:

Where Can I Find a Reliable Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant?

We recommend popular freelance platforms like MarketerHire, Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. 

What Qualifications Should a Digital Marketing Virtual Assistant Have?

Anyone can have the skills to promote products without a degree. But you probably want someone who is knowledgeable about popular trends and culture. Good research skills are a must. They must be knowledgeable about the platforms you use for advertising. You might hire a marketer with specialized knowledge related to SEO or PPC. 

How Do I Train a Digital Marketing VA for My Business?

So, you know how to hire a virtual assistant for internet marketing. Now you learn the answer to this question close behind that. We recommend educating VAs thoroughly on your brand. They also need to know what your marketing goals and objectives are. You should also address any skill gaps they may have. For instance, you should orient them on any proprietary or preferred software you use. 

How Do I Ensure Data Security and Privacy When Working with a Virtual Assistant?

You can mitigate data security risks by hiring through reputable marketplaces. You can also write up legal contracts for extra protection. 

How Much Does a Digital Marketing VA Cost?

According to several sources, the rates for a digital marketer can range from $10-$35. (These sources include Upwork and Fiverr.) This depends on the specific type of work and level of expertise. More expert level freelancers can charge upwards of $50/hr. 

What Tools Should My Marketing VA Be Familiar With?

Marketing VAs often manage multiple campaigns simultaneously, so they must be familiar with tools that automate routine tasks, help them multitask, and manage their projects effectively.

These tools include:

• Mailchimp
• Trello
• Airtable

Are Digital Marketing VAs Suitable for Small Businesses?

Yes. Digital marketing VAs are flexible and cost-effective, making them ideal for small businesses with limited budgets that need to squeeze more productive hours out of every work day.

Is It Better to Hire a VA Freelancer or Through an Agency?

Hiring through an agency is typically faster because you won’t be as involved in the process. 

However, if you want a more personal approach, you can hire a VA freelancer by posting on freelancer marketplaces.

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Conclusion

A digital marketing virtual assistant can help bring your brand in front of more people. Are you convinced yet? Hopefully, we’ve done a good job of marketing them to you!

Looking to hire a Filipino VA but aren’t sure about Philippines virtual assistant cost ranges? 

Well, look no further because we’re here to answer your questions and help you make an educated decision.

In this article, we will be covering:  

• Why Hire Filipino Virtual Assistants?
• What are the Types of Virtual Assistants?
• Factors Influencing Virtual Assistant Rates in 2023
• What Are the Average Hourly Rates for Filipino Virtual Assistants in 2023?
• Additional Factors Affecting Virtual Assistant Compensation
• What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Hire From?

If you feel finding the perfect VA can be challenging, Outsource School will help you find the suitable VA in no time with our comprehensive guides, resources, and practical methods for outsourcing. Start your outsourcing journey and watch your business scale with ease.

What Types of Virtual Assistants Can I Hire From the Philippines?

The Philippines offers a diverse pool of skilled virtual assistants who can help a wide range of businesses grow. Here are some of the most common types of VAs you can hire:

Follower

You can consider a follower to be a beginner or entry-level VA. These followers are trainees who need a lot of guidance. They don’t usually have enough experience to take initiative on their own. Your relationship with them is going to be that of a teacher in some respects, and they are your apprentice. With followers, you will need to teach them about whatever process you use that they must follow. This is an advantage because you will not have to get them to unlearn stuff.

Doer

A doer is more of a specialist. They are the types of workers that have a degree of in-depth knowledge. They can be left alone after some guidance on the specifics of how you want things done. Then they can go on to perform the work without a lot of supervision. Your culture and guidelines work together with their process and expertise. The relationship you have with a doer is one of collaboration.

Expert

Expert-level VAs are highly skilled. They likely have years of experience in their field. These types of VAs are usually brought on to help businesses create processes that do not yet exist. They help with areas of strategy and planning where the business owner needs help. They are consultants in the areas of their expertise. Experts show you the best methods to complete tasks and reach your goals. The relationship you have with experts is kind of a mix of follower and doer. The difference is that you take on the role of the learner and collaborate with the doer, drawing from their expertise. The processes they create with you are those that you relay to followers and doers to achieve your goals. 

Perks of Hiring a Virtual Assistant from the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most popular countries for outsourcing. The founders of Outsource School, Connor, and Nathan, can attest to the effectiveness of a Filipino VAs. They have hired multiple Filipino VAs for Outsource School and other businesses since their college days. But what is it about them that has earned them such a stellar worldwide reputation? Does this reputation affect the cost of a virtual assistant in the Philippines? 

In our “Should You Hire a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines?” article, we listed 8 reasons why Filipinos are great hires. These reasons are:

• The Philippines is an English-speaking country. This makes communication much easier.
• Because of the people’s English proficiency, the Philippines is one of the top countries for BPO outsourcing. This industry is one of the fastest growing in the country.
• Filipinos can adapt to most cultures because of a lot of outside influences over the years. This is particularly true of US culture. American media, specifically, has a significant impact on current Filipino ideas about lifestyle and business. 
• The Philippines is known for its hospitality. This stems from its people-focused culture. They value building relationships and collaborating to reach goals. This makes them valuable assets to any business.
• Filipinos are adaptable and flexible. They are always willing to learn new skills. Most can and are willing to adapt to time zone differences. 
• Filipinos are known to be hard workers. They deliver quality output regardless of circumstances. 
• If you’re looking for someone who fits your business model of “family values”, hiring from a family-oriented country like the Philippines will get you the best results. 
• Filipinos have developed resiliency and optimism due to their difficult history and proneness to natural disasters. This is evident in their attitude towards work. 

How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost?

Philippines virtual assistant cost ranges are affected by several factors, which we will go into a little bit below.

1. Skillset and experience level

Certain skillsets will usually command different rates. For instance, a data entry virtual assistant will very likely have averages and ranges that differ than those of a graphic design virtual assistant or a dropshipping VA. 

Specialized skills and expertise

Basic VA skills are usually entry-level type skills. This is regardless of the field in which they work. They are usually skills related to basic administrative duties. However, the greater their level of mastery in that area, the more valuable their skills are. Additionally, VAs with a valuable yet niche sets of skills will fetch higher rates. Usually, the more technical knowledge they need to possess to be effective at the job, the higher the charge is for those services. For example, the lower end of the copywriter rate range is less than the lower end rates when hiring a content writer that specializes in SEO. But even basic sets of skills have a range depending on experience, which relates to efficiency.

Years of experience in the industry

While experience doesn’t necessarily determine skill level or talent, it is still a valuable factor that is worth considering. For instance, a VA with 3 years of experience has probably worked with multiple companies and teams with varying company cultures and team dynamics. This means they are more likely to have an easier time adapting to your culture and team. They also have had years to create and improve their processes to become more efficient with their time. 

Another bearing that experience has on Philippines virtual assistant costs is accurate rate calculation. They will more likely be able to give you an accurate and fair estimate after working with multiple companies and getting a better grasp of the value that they bring to the table. 

2. Job responsibilities and scope of work

How extensive of a job is it? How much do you need to get done?

A virtual assistant has many skills. You’re unlikely to find a VA with only one single set of skills. However, an employer that asks for work beyond the originally agreed-upon scope is far too common. This is why it’s necessary to lay out the duties and responsibilities plainly so your VA can calculate the rate they will charge. Naturally, the more you require of them, the more you need to pay them. 

3. Demand and supply dynamics

Sometimes, rate ranges for the same skillsets can vary depending on how in-demand they are. For instance, imagine there is a flood of data entry VAs available on the market. This will usually mean that they will not be successful charging more. This is because they will be facing a lot of competition, which drives the prices down. This will cause them to lower their rates to find work.

To make sure you are still hiring the best in this type of environment, look for VAs who have more experience or unique skills. And remember that the best ones will not usually drop their rates by much because they know their value.

4. Time commitment and work arrangement

Full-time vs. part-time virtual assistants

Freelancers typically work on multiple projects to help ends meet.  Because of the lack of job security, part-time freelancers will usually have higher rate requirements than full-time freelancers. This helps them to cover hours that you don’t need them to work. 

You may, however, need someone to work with you more exclusively. In this case, you will need to pay for that commitment. You will not pay as much per hour as you would for a part-time hire, of course. You still need to pay competitively, though. This is because you are expecting them to be dedicated to you. This means that they are giving up potentially more profitable jobs.

Project-based or hourly rates

Some freelancers charge a fixed rate or give project-based quotes. These depend on the scope or depth of the project. Others charge the standard hourly rate. Sometimes, project pricing is more economical. This is because freelancers benefit from efficiency and clients know how much to pay. 

Philippines Virtual Assistant Cost

Understanding the costs of hiring a virtual assistant from the Philippines is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions about outsourcing. 

Let’s look at the average hourly rates for Filipino VAs:

Follower

VirtualStaff.ph is a platform that hires Filipino freelancers. They then allow businesses to connect with them through thousands of daily job posts. When it comes to the cost of hiring a Filipino VA, they have valuable data to share. According to their data, the entry-level cost of a virtual assistant in the Philippines falls between $2 to $5/hr.

Doer

Specialization pertains to a very broad spectrum of jobs and duties. Because of this, an exact calculation here is a little bit more difficult to ascertain. Some specialists charge $5 an hour. Others charge $25. The rate depends on what they are specialized in. It can also change depending on how specialized they are in that area. So, we believe that if you are looking for niche skill sets, don’t look at generalized VA averages. Instead, we recommend knowing what skills you are looking for. Then you can look at the average costs of VAs within that specialization.

Expert

Expert-level Philippines virtual assistant cost ranges can go from $30 upwards. Again, the factors previously discussed affect this. The amount of guidance your business needs also affects rate ranges.

Additional Factors Affecting Virtual Assistant Compensation

Other factors that affect Philippines virtual assistant costs are retainer plans or packages that some VAs charge.  

Retainers involve hours that are billed before work begins. The employer dictates what is done during those hours. These retainers also have a pre-determined expiration dates. This means that these hours must be consumed within a set timeframe. Retainers are agreements based on time and not necessarily expertise. 

Packages are not time-sensitive and are based on expertise. These deals are project-based and are usually half upfront and half after the project has been completed. You can pay the whole thing upfront before seeing results if you trust the VA, though.

How to Pay a Virtual Assistant from the Philippines

When considering hiring a virtual assistant from the Philippines, arranging payment methods is crucial. A suitable payment method can benefit you and your VA by saving time, money, and trouble.

Below is an overview of the choices, with their pros and cons, to aid you in making a decision:

Paypal

PayPal is well known for its convenience and dependability. It is an excellent choice for those who want to work with virtual assistants from the Philippines. Both sides generally perceive it as a secure payment option. 

However, keep in mind that PayPal charges fees that can accumulate over time with frequent transactions. Also, be cautious of currency exchange rates, as they may not always be in your favor.

Wise (formally known as Transferwise)

When it comes to making direct bank transfers online, Wise is a preferred choice. Among other payment options, users opt for Wise because of its competitive exchange rates and affordable fees, which are specifically beneficial when sending money in pesos. 

This can help avoid high conversion fees, so more money goes to your VA’s account. Wise is particularly useful if you’re paying regularly, like monthly salaries.

Payoneer

Another great option, Payoneer, lets your VA in the Philippines withdraw funds locally or even use an ATM with a Payoneer card. 

This platform is widely used but comes with fees like PayPal, so check what works best for you and your VA.

Direct Bank Transfer

If you’re collaborating with a Filipino virtual assistant for longer, arranging a direct bank transfer for payments could be beneficial. 

Although it offers security and ease of use, international transfer fees can be high. This option often makes sense for larger payments or ongoing contracts.

Always discuss payment preferences with your VA before finalizing a mode of transfer. Flexibility can go a long way toward a smooth working relationship.

How to Find a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines

Aside from VirtualStaff.ph, there are other great Filipino virtual assistant companies to hire from. These include: 

• Onlinejobs.ph
• FreeUp
• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Task Bullet

Best Practices to Hire a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines

To find the right VA, planning and following some best practices go a long way. 

Here’s how to make hiring a virtual assistant in the Philippines a seamless experience:

• Define Roles Clearly: First, write a clear job description covering the skills and tasks you need help with. Whether it’s managing emails, scheduling, or social media management, specific details will attract candidates with the right experience. For example, if you need someone to manage social media, specify tasks like creating content calendars, scheduling posts, and analyzing engagement metrics using tools. 
• Screen for Skills: Ask for past work samples during the interview or consider a small skills assessment. For example, if you’re hiring for social media, ask them to draft a post as a test. This ensures they’re up to speed on your needed tools and tasks.
• Assess Communication Skills: Clear communication is key to smooth remote work. When interviewing potential VAs, consider their responsiveness and English fluency to gauge how easily you can work together.
• Set Clear Expectations: Time zone differences can be tricky, so clarify work hours early on. If you need someone available for specific hours, inform them upfront to avoid confusion later.
• Offer Training and Resources: Many Filipino VAs adapt quickly, but a little onboarding support helps them learn your unique processes faster. Sharing resources like guides, workflows, or access to tools can help them feel set up for success from day one.
• Keep Communication Open: Once you come to an agreement with your VA, check in or get updates every week. This will help you keep track of different tasks and help them if there are any roadblocks. It will also really help you have multiple projects on your plate.

It’s also necessary to draw up a virtual assistant contract and include the details to establish your expectations and requirements.

These steps will ensure smooth working relationships with your virtual assistant and push you toward achieving your goal.

What is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to help you better understand the pros and cons of hiring a VA from the Philippines: 

What Are the Common Challenges when Hiring Virtual Assistants in the Philippines?

Hiring a Filipino VA has its perks. However, you might face a few common hurdles when working across boards:

• Time Zone Differences: Hiring a Filipino means being in different time zones. Try setting overlapping hours or a system for priority tasks for real-time collaboration.

• Cultural Differences: Filipino virtual assistants highly value politeness, which might make them avoid asking questions or giving suggestions. Open communication can help you talk to your VA comfortably.

• Connectivity: Certain areas in the Philippines may have trouble with internet connectivity. You can curb these issues by discussing their backup options, such as using mobile phones or utilizing a co-working space.

• Distinct Work Styles: Work culture may vary in the Philippines, and your VA might take some time to adjust to the new working style. You must give them clear instructions, check in regularly, discuss everything in detail, and prepare onboarding documents for a smooth transition.

What Should I Consider When Selecting a Virtual Assistant Company to Hire a Philippines VA?

If you’re considering hiring from a VA company in the Philippines, you must remember certain things:

• Reputation and Reviews: Check out their client reviews, which will help you learn about the company’s reliability and customer service. A positive client review and a track record of delivering results can go a long way.
• Skills and Specialization: Various companies cater to different industry types, while some offer general support. For instance, if you want a VA for digital marketing, look for a company with a specific skill set in social media, content writing, or SEO.
• Screening and Training: Choose a company with a thorough vetting process. This ensures you get qualified candidates ready to work effectively from day one.

• Cost and Payment Terms: Agencies in the Philippines have different fee structures, so keep your budget in mind. Ask about their structure and whether they take a flat rate, hourly rate, or package to ensure a smooth process.

• Support and Communication: Some agencies offer ongoing support, such as client support or a replacement guarantee. This will help you solve any issues that may arise in the future.

• Trial Period: Some companies provide a trial period to help clients understand their VAs and evaluate if they can work with them. Availing of this trial period will allow you to make quick decisions and avoid any risks of misalignment.

What Are the Costs Involved in Hiring a VA from the Philippines Through a Virtual Assistant Agency?

Hiring a virtual assistant through an agency is convenient. But it can come with a few extra costs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Service Fees: Most agencies charge a one-time fee upfront. This fee covers finding, screening, and training the suitable VA for you. This fee might be a bit higher if you need a VA with unique skills.

• Monthly Management Fees: Some agencies will manage your VA’s daily work for an extra monthly fee. They can monitor productivity and handle basic admin tasks. This is great if you don’t want to manage the VA yourself!

• Premium Support or Account Management: If you want dedicated account managers or priority customer service from the agency, this often comes at an extra fee. This can be useful for businesses that need ongoing support. 

• Retention Fees: Want to keep your VA long-term? Some agencies charge a retention fee to secure their services. This helps guarantee your VA will stick around for the long haul.

Conclusion  – VA from the Philippines

Now you know the factors that affect how much a Philippines virtual assistant costs, you’re ready to start canvassing and finding the perfect fit for your remote team. 

 

Are you interested in creative entrepreneurship? Here’s a run-down for you of its key elements and how outsourcing works in these industries. If you already run a creative enterprise, we also go over how to scale it online.

What is Creative Entrepreneurship?

Creative entrepreneurship combines creativity and business acumen. This means opening a business that offers innovative products or services. It involves people who use their creative skills to run a for-profit enterprise. 

Creative industries include design, music, arts, writing, and entertainment. Specific business ideas include selling artwork, music albums and tours, books, films, and various designed products.

The Growing Demand for Creative Entrepreneurs

The demand for creative entrepreneurs is definitely on the rise. We live in a world of fast technological advancements and cultural shifts. Sudden economic factors also come into play. Creatives will play bigger roles in shaping our future as the world continues to evolve.

Let’s look at some key factors driving this trend.

1. Ecommerce and social media platforms provide creatives with competitive ways to reach global audiences. 
2. The evolution of remote work capabilities enables creatives to work from anywhere. This supports greater flexibility, better work-life balance, and drives more and faster innovation. 
3. More people want to do what they love, and look for jobs that offer them opportunities to pursue their passions. 
4. Consumers want more customization for the personalized experience, rather than cookie cutter solutions. 
5. Brands built on creativity and authenticity resonate strongly within today’s consumer culture, which values creativity and self-expression. 
6. Creative industries are growing and therefore hiring more people and feeding economic growth. 
7. Technological advances and greater access to creative tools make it easier for more creatives to produce high-quality work.  

Key Elements of Creative Entrepreneurship

Innovation and Creativity in Business

You can’t have the creative without creating, can you? However, it’s not about reinventing the wheel, either. 

Creative entrepreneurs find new ways the wheel can make life easier. Some can identify areas where a wheel would be helpful and tap into that niche market with a customized form of that wheel. 

This is what keeps things fresh and exciting for consumers. It’s what keeps creative entrepreneurship alive with unique and competitive solutions alongside similar products with the same target markets. 

Leveraging Technology for Creative Ventures

We have so many software solutions and automations available to help creative entrepreneurs. Some specialized equipment and platforms are also out there, made specifically for creatives. 

If you have skills in art, you can make art and sell it, or do commissions on sales. You can even make your skill a service by teaching others how to do art. Course creation platforms can allow you to do this very quickly and easily.  

Take advantage of technology to prototype and test innovative product ideas before bringing them to market on a mass scale. 

Online collaboration and communication tools also help you to scale your creative ventures. They allow you to partner with other creatives and manage a team of virtual assistants, whether freelance vs contract, working within your creative venture. Check out our post on How to Scale an Ecommerce Business with Virtual Assistants.

Building a Creative Business Model

A business model is essentially your strategy for how to make money with your creative venture. This can include selling products, services, selling subscriptions to access products and/or services, leasing, and more. Here are the steps to get you started:

1. Define what makes your offering different. This is called your unique value proposition. Answer the questions: How does my product or service solve a problem or fulfill a desire? What is the unique benefit I provide to my customers?
2. Create an ideal customer profile from your target market. Answer the questions: What are the needs, wants, and preferences of my ideal customers? How can I reach and engage these people effectively?
3. Identify how you will generate income. These are called your revenue streams. Evaluate the profitability and scalability of each possibility. Some ideas are: Licensing your creative work Direct sales of products and/or services Partnerships to create new products or services Subscription services to exclusive content or benefits Crowdfunding Workshops and classes.
4. Develop a pricing strategy considering the value you provide, the competition, your costs, and similar factors. Try different pricing models like freemium versus premium pricing, and value-based pricing, to see which works best.
5. Create a marketing and sales plan to determine how you will reach your target market. Answer the questions: What marketing channels will I use? How will I convert leads into customers?
6. Firm up your brand identity to create a consistent brand message across all touchpoints. Answer the questions: What is my brand’s personality and values? How do I want people to perceive my brand?

Outsourcing and Virtual Teams in Creative Entrepreneurship

Why Outsource in Creative Entrepreneurship?

Outsourcing is a great way to cut costs and improve your flexibility so you can focus on the core of your creative business. 

Not everything about creative entrepreneurship is creative in nature. There are other tasks that take away from innovating, strategizing, and growing your business. It is usually these more repetitive, time-consuming, back-office, secondary tasks that you want to start outsourcing to third parties. 

When you get to the core, you can still outsource a great deal of creative work to all kinds of freelancers all over the world.

Key Roles to Outsource for Creative Businesses

Some tasks that are important but may take time away from core functions include:

• Administrative tasks
• Inventory management
• Accounting and bookkeeping 
• Customer service
• Lead generation and sales
• Legal

There is one thing we need to be clear on. Just because you are in “a” creative business, that doesn’t mean everything that relates to creating something should be in-house. 

For instance, making graphics for marketing materials is a creative function. However, say you are a course creator who needs to spend your time formulating the curriculum. You may not have graphic design skills. Even if you do, if you may not feel a strong desire to be involved in creating the marketing for your material. In this case, you should outsource it. 

Here are some creative functions you might consider outsourcing:

• Design (Web design, Graphic and logo design, Branding materials, Other visual assets, Illustration)
• Marketing (SEO, Content creation, Social media management, Copywriting)
• Production and manufacturing
• Email marketing: Creating and sending email campaigns.
• Video and Audio Production (Video editing, Animation, Audio production)
• Photography (Products, Events)

Assess whether these creative functions are core to your business. How much control do you want over the process? Is it more valuable to be involved, or focus on other things?

Managing a Virtual Creative Team

Working Relationships

• Focus on building strong relationships by encouraging regular communication and team meetings, and virtual activities. Choose a reliable communication platform for proper management.
• Set clear expectations for each role’s responsibilities and establish measurable goals and objectives for each team.
• Recognize and celebrate achievements and reward contributions and hard work.

Tools and Technologies

• Take advantage of project management tools to stay organized and track progress.
• Leverage cloud-based collaboration tools for secure shared document access.

Trust and Autonomy

• Empower team members to work independently and take ownership of their tasks.
• Encourage creativity and innovation to foster greater productivity. 
• Always give teams and individuals constructive feedback. Focus on support and guidance, and avoid micromanagement.

Challenges and Conflict

• Anticipate potential issues and develop proactive, mitigating strategies and solutions.
• Encourage independent problem-solving and help team members overcome challenges on their own.

Scaling Your Creative Business Online

Strategies for Online Growth

Start by optimizing your sales channels. Actively engage with your audience on social media platforms and nurture your audience through email marketing. If you can manage it, create a website that’s user-friendly, mobile-responsive, and optimized for search engines. 

Focus on building a strong brand reputation through consistent quality and customer satisfaction. Offer valuable content to attract and retain attention and develop loyal customers. Provide excellent customer service and tailor your products or services to individual customer needs and preferences wherever you can. 

Automate wherever you can to improve accuracy and efficiency. Outsource whatever you can, but make sure you know how to make good hiring decisions. Manage your finances effectively, or hire a bookkeeping service to help you. Monitor key metrics and use analytics tools to inform your business decisions.

Monetizing Your Creative Skills

1. Direct sales of physical or digital products or services like consulting, workshops, or freelance work. You can also create and sell merchandise related to your creative work. 
2. License your work for use by others for various applications or your brand or logo for use by other businesses. 
3. Collaborate with other businesses to create new products or services.
4. Secure sponsorships from companies interested in supporting your creative endeavors. 
5. Monetize your website or social media channels through ads or partner with brands to promote their products or services. 
6. Offer exclusive content or benefits by subscription or create membership communities with exclusive perks. 
7. Use crowdfunding platforms to access people outside your current network who might be interested in supporting you. 
8. Promote other products or services through affiliate marketing to earn commissions. 
9. Develop workshops, tutorials, and courses to teach others your knowledge and skills.

Overcoming Challenges in Creative Entrepreneurship

1. Finances – Develop a detailed budget and look for funding if you don’t want to bootstrap. Prioritize expenses to keep things lean.
2. Time and Resources – Develop your time management skills to maximize productivity. Use technology wherever you can to streamline your workflow and save time. Outsource tasks that are not your core skillset or not worth your time. 
3. Fear of Failure – Learn to fail forward. Set realistic goals and develop a support network of fellow entrepreneurs and mentors for encouragement and advice.
4. Customer Acquisition – Figure out an effective marketing strategy to reach your target audience. Build relationships with potential clients and industry professionals. Always be prepared to offer them value. 
5. Creative Blocks – Find your creative rhythm. Return to your source of inspiration. Working with other creatives can also spark new ideas.
6. Work-Life Balance – Clear boundaries between work and personal time are vital. Develop rhythms of rest. Take care of yourself. 
7. Motivation – Set clear goals and develop discipline to stay focused and motivated. Celebrate and reward yourself for each milestone achieved. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage your entrepreneurial journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best platforms to showcase creative work online?

General platforms include Behance, Dribbble, ArtStation, DeviantArt, and Flickr. You can also leverage Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud, and Medium. Niche platforms include Tumblr, Pinterest, Itch.io, and Codepen.

How do I protect my creative ideas and intellectual property when outsourcing?

It’s always good to have a freelance or virtual assistant contract when providing original creative work to other businesses. 

Watermark your creative materials to identify them as yours. Register copyrights where it makes sense to enjoy additional legal protection. Document your creative process in detail, including the timeline to establish ownership.

Clearly define who owns the intellectual property. If you outsource the execution of your own creative ideas, make sure you retain ownership of the underlying concepts. Seek advice from an intellectual property attorney to get expert advice on protecting your creative ideas.

Always use secure cloud storage for your creative files and restrict access to only those who need to see them.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in creative entrepreneurship?

Never neglect the business aspects of your venture. Make sure you develop a solid business plan. Get help where you need it. 

Learn to price your work fairly. Take advantage of market research to understand the industry, your target audience, and your competitors. 

Don’t depend completely on social media. Diversifying to other marketing channels expands your reach.

Learn to fight impostor syndrome. Don’t let yourself become overly risk-avoidant. Invite feedback and use criticism to fuel your growth.

Don’t give up. Be patient when facing setbacks and challenges. Learn to adapt to change.

How can I maintain creativity while scaling my business?

Schedule specific time slots and even dedicated spaces for creative activities, rest, business tasks, etc. This fosters better balance for greater focus.

Seek inspiration through new experiences and connections with other creatives, possibly at industry events. Don’t be afraid to explore different approaches and techniques.

Outsource uncreative aspects of the business to focus on core activities. Encourage a work culture that values and rewards creativity and experimentation.

 

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Conclusion

 

Creative entrepreneurship is an amazing field to really dive into. It’s not as cut and dry and other business industries, but it’s great for entrepreneurs who enjoy the more colorful side of business.

Entrepreneurship conferences are almost always great places to be for all kinds of business owners. They are worth the investment of time and money when you think about everything that you can gain. 

Virtual attendance may not be the same as an in-person experience. However, this level of participation still provides many of the same benefits. Virtual entrepreneurs can actively participate and engage with the community to gain valuable insights, build relationships, and accelerate business growth.

How Entrepreneurship Conferences Benefit Virtual Business Leaders

1. Conferences provide entrepreneurs with networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Building these relationships can foster profitable collaborations and partnerships that open doors to new markets. They can also lead to mentorship opportunities to broaden your perspective.
2. Keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops at conferences often aim to encourage learning and development in specific areas. They bring industry insights into trends, best practices, and emerging technologies. The chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs can help enhance leadership skills, refine business strategies, and more.
3. The inspirational and motivational stories of successful entrepreneurs can help you overcome challenges and stay focused on goals. Connection with like-minded individuals also offers ongoing support and encouragement.
4. Staying updated about the latest trends as well as emerging opportunities can help you adapt your business strategy to take advantage of them.
5. Conference attendance can make your brand more visible as you participate and connect with industry influencers, gaining exposure and credibility.

Top Entrepreneurship Conferences to Attend

Global Entrepreneurship Summits

SXSW (South by Southwest) Conference & Festivals

SXSW (South by Southwest) is a famous annual film, music, and technology festival in Austin, Texas. It routinely pulls in a wide range of attendees, including entrepreneurs.

Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC)

The GEC attracts entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and industry leaders from around the world. They network and share knowledge as the event fosters entrepreneurship on a global scale.

Web Summit

Web Summit is a leading global technology conference known for its diversity of attendees and focus on emerging technologies. It connects startups, investors, corporations, and governments on a large scale. 

Industry-Specific Entrepreneurship Conferences

TechCrunch Disrupt

The TechCrunch Disrupt global technology conference series is all about the latest in startups, innovation, and technology. It is famous for its intentional high-energy atmosphere, startup pitch competitions. It’s also known for a variety of insightful discussions on emerging trends.

Ecommerce Expo

Ecommerce Expo UK is a popular trade show all about the electronic commerce industry. A wide variety of exhibitors from all over the UK attend, such as technology companies, online retailers, marketing agencies, and even payment gateways and logistics providers.

INBOUND

INBOUND is HubSpot’s inbound marketing conference and expo that delves into the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing. It’s popular among entrepreneurs, marketers, and business professionals.

Regional Entrepreneurship Conferences

RISE Conference

RISE is a premier technology conference in Hong Kong that focuses on the Asian tech ecosystem. It attracts global entrepreneurs, corporations, investors, and government officials to connect and collaborate as they explore the latest trends in technology.

European Women in Tech

European Women in Tech is a growing movement in Europe. It is a community-driven initiative that aims to empower women in the technology industry as it seeks to address the gender gap in tech. The goal is to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for women.

Africa Tech Summit

The Africa Tech Summit focuses on the growing tech ecosystem in Africa. This leading conference brings together global entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and government officials to discuss trends in African technology and opens the possibility for collaborations. 

What to Expect at Entrepreneurship Conferences

Keynote Speakers and Thought Leaders

Entrepreneurship conferences often invite renowned keynote speakers and thought leaders to share their expertise around innovation and business success. Typically, attendees can expect:

• Inspiring stories of personal journeys that highlight challenges and strategies used to overcome them. 
• Industry insights into trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to help entrepreneurs make informed decisions to stay ahead of the curve.
• Practical advice around business planning, fundraising, marketing, and leadership at all stages of the entrepreneurial journey.
• Ideas that challenge conventional thinking around business and entrepreneurship that can spark innovation and creativity among participants.

Workshops and Breakout Sessions

The variety of workshops and breakout sessions typically available at entrepreneurship conferences cater to different interests and experience levels. Most sessions are designed to provide opportunities to learn from experts and network with peers. Participants can expect:

• Networking opportunities with investors and other entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
• Guidance from experts who can provide mentorship and industry-specific insights and best practices.
• Learning practical skills and tools around leadership, finance, marketing, sales, etc., that attendees can immediately apply to their businesses.
• Hands-on activities like group exercises, case studies, and simulations.

Networking Opportunities

Entrepreneurship conferences are the best places to network with a bunch of other business owners, investors, and industry experts. Many entrepreneurs find their future partners there. You can expect the following opportunities:

• Structured networking events that facilitate meeting new people and building relationships.
• Informal networking at conference sessions through participating in group activities or simply striking up conversations.
• Connections between promising startups and investors, and potential partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures.
• Mentorship opportunities for valuable guidance and support.

Exhibitions and Start-Up Showcases

The feature exhibitions at entrepreneurship conferences give businesses a platform to showcase their products, services, and innovations. Typically, participants can expect:

• Live product and service demonstrations with question and answer sessions.
• Networking opportunities with investors, other entrepreneurs, and potential customers.
• The highlights of the latest industry trends and innovations, and inspiration for more new ideas.

How to Maximize Your Experience at Entrepreneurship Conferences

Pre-Conference Planning

Before you commit to attending any conference, research the focus, speakers, workshops, and networking events offered. If you find value and relevance in the sessions and activities, think about what you could achieve at the conference. You need clear goals to help you focus your efforts and measure your success.

Look at the conference agenda and create a schedule for the activities you want to attend. Think about what else you can achieve there within other time slots so you don’t miss any opportunities. Stay informed on the latest announcements and look out for changes to the schedule so you can adjust. 

Specifically, look for potential connections with key speakers, exhibitors, and attendees, and learn about them to prepare for conversations. Practice your elevator pitch to effectively introduce yourself and your business to potential investors, partners, and mentors.

Don’t forget to pack the essentials, including your conference badge, business cards, chargers, and comfortable shoes. This can help you make the most of your time there.

Effective Networking Strategies

Attend all the relevant networking events and social gatherings so you can connect with people in formal and informal settings. Make a positive first impression by dressing appropriately. 

Be proactive about introducing yourself and showing interest in them and their business. Show genuine excitement about the people you meet and the conference itself. This helps you stand out so people remember you.

Ask open-ended questions to encourage deeper conversation and listen actively to show genuine interest. Don’t forget to exchange contact information so you can continue to build the relationship, particularly through platforms like LinkedIn.

Before you end a conversation, make sure you have provided value. Based on your interaction, you can offer them a resource or recommendation, or introduce them to someone in your network. 

Don’t forget to thank people for their time and reiterate your interest in staying connected. Send a personalized follow-up email, too, so they know you meant it. If appropriate, you can also send a personalized gift. 

Post-Conference Action Plan

At the end of each day, or soon after the conference at least, set aside time to reflect on the events. Analyze your notes and identify key takeaways. Write a blog post to share your insights with your audience. 

Identify actionable strategies to implement in your business and create timelines with specific deadlines. Meet with your teams to discuss what you learned and how it can benefit your business.

Review your contacts and prioritize which connections to nurture based on the relationships that best fit your goals. Plan specific actions to maintain and deepen your connections, and reach out after the conference to schedule follow-up meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to justify the cost of attending entrepreneurship conferences?

Entrepreneurship conferences aren’t cheap, but the potential benefits often outweigh the costs. Consider the networking opportunities, learning and development, inspiration and motivation. Aside from that, these conferences can usually be deducted as business expenses on your taxes.

How do I decide between attending a virtual or in-person conference?

Virtual conferences are usually less expensive because you don’t need to travel or pay for accommodations. They are also less time-consuming and more convenient. Many of them offer recorded sessions for global participants in different time zones. 

The level of networking opportunities at in-person conferences cannot be stressed enough, however. Face-to-face interactions and relationship-building is irreplaceable. Being physically present also tends to help create a more immersive and engaging experience. Most conferences offer exclusive in-person activities and events that cannot be made available to virtual participants.

What should I bring to an entrepreneurship conference to make the most of it?

Aside from your ticket to access sessions, networking events, and other activities, bring:

• Plenty of business cards
• A way to take notes 
• A smartphone, laptop, or tablet and its charger
• Comfortable shoes and attire appropriate to the conference’s dress code
• Your business portfolio and company brochure
• Small thank-you gifts or gift cards for contacts 

How can I stay connected with people I meet at conferences?

Exchange contact information and connect with them promptly on social media and via email. Join online forums and other groups where they have a presence. Keep an eye out for future conferences or events where you can meet them again. 

Share resources, recommendations, etc., on an ongoing basis. Explore opportunities for partnerships or collaborations. 

What are the best resources for finding upcoming entrepreneurship conferences?

Online event platforms like Eventbrite and  Meetup curate many events. Industry-specific websites like TechCrunch, Startup Grind, and AngelList have calendars and conference listings.

Social media groups are also great places to stay updated on events. Some industry publications also feature conference information.

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Conclusion

Entrepreneurship conferences offer a myriad of benefits to businesses both big and small. The key is strategically choosing which ones to attend and which people to connect with. 

Want to know if digital entrepreneurship is the right path for you? 

In this post, we’ll talk about building an online business. We’ll talk about the process from ideation to market research, to launch. We’ll discuss monetization strategies, marketing techniques, and more. 

What Is Digital Entrepreneurship?

Why It’s Thriving

A digital entrepreneur is someone who creates and manages a business that primarily operates and serves customers online. 

With the rise of the digital economy, this method of entrepreneurship has also become not only mainstream but also viable. 

The benefits of online business include:

• Potential to reach a larger audience
• Has a high growth potential 
• Lower overheads and costs 
• Scalable and flexible
• Adaptable meaning you can pivot to other products or services easily 

Identifying Profitable Online Business Ideas

How to Research Market Trends

Finding an Audience and Niche

Before conducting market research, you need to first identify the industry and audience you’re targeting. How do you do that? We recommend looking for the intersection of your interests, your skills, and profitable opportunities within that. 

Finding a profitable niche or identifying a gap in the market is not always easy. But market research can help you find where you fit in the grand scheme of things.  

Market Research

Market research involves identifying patterns and behavior of a specific people group. Through research, you also discover specific needs that you can then create an innovative solution for. You can also conduct online surveys and interviews to assess needs and interests. 

This process involves researching up to date on recent news and developments in the field/industry you want to infiltrate. This includes advancements in methods and technology.

Competitor analysis is also crucial. It helps you identify the threats and opportunities of going into that space. You can identify gaps in their offerings and areas in which you believe you can serve customers better. 

Validating Your Business Idea

After conducting market research and analysis, you can start brainstorming business ideas. 

Once you’ve found that niche or intersection we talked about, you’ll want to create overarching goals and objectives. Make sure you have a unique, sensible, and attention-grabbing value proposition.

Towards the end of this process, you’ll have created a product or project prototype to test its viability.  

A small-scale test launch will help you put feelers out and allow you to collect feedback.  

Building a Strong Online Presence

Creating a Professional Website

Digital business entails the need to create a virtual storefront. It’s great for branding and can help you draw in more customers. 

The website should be well-designed – easy to navigate and attention grabbing. 

Creating an effective landing page is also essential to drive conversions from PPC advertising or organic SEO marketing. 

Leveraging Social Media for Business Growth

A majority of famous people and companies recognize the value of social media marketing. They know engaging with audiences boosts their brand recognition and fuels growth. 

Developing a Content Strategy

Content marketing involves creating persuasive and educational content. This helps you boost engagement and improve your conversion rates. 

Monetization Strategies for Digital Entrepreneurs

Selling Products or Services Online

E-commerce and online selling have never been bigger. 

Digital entrepreneurship gives business owners the opportunity to sell to the world. You can do this through online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.

You can sell products that other people manufacture or manufacture and sell your own. An alternative is to sell products and services to people through your website. These can be skills that you’ve made profitable or services you’ve developed with the help of a team. 

Affiliate Marketing and Partnerships

Affiliate marketing involves reaching out to celebrities and popular social media influencers to promote your product or brand to their audiences. In exchange, they earn a commission every time they sign up for your service or purchase your product. 

Fostering partnerships and networking with other online businesses and digital entrepreneurs offers a mutual benefit. By relying on each other for specific services, you can expand your reach, improve quality, and beat out the competition.

Subscription and Membership Models

You can also scale your skill set as a tier based subscription service. Also, you can offer exclusive perks and content to people who pay extra to become a member. These can include sneak peeks into product development, exclusive surveys, or just extra services and functionality. You can build this functionality into your own website or through popular platforms like Patreon.

Additionally, consider offering loyalty programs that include perks for your repeat customers and dedicated supporters.

Managing Operations in a Digital Business

Automating Business Processes

You can leverage the advantages of AI and automation to serve you. Automation can help you speed up and streamline your most labor-intensive processes. For instance, it can assist in processes that involve data input, gathering, analysis, and even interpretation. 

Financial Management for Digital Entrepreneurs

Proper financial management ensures you stay organized, compliant, within budget, and overall stay in business. 

Financial management helps you understand cash flow, spending habits, and identify opportunities for growth. 

Online entrepreneurs can leverage accounting software to make this process much simpler. Their built-in automations help with reconciliation, tax calculation, invoicing, and so much more. 

Legal Considerations for Digital Businesses

Privacy and Security 

As with any business that gathers customer data, owners must comply with data security, data handling, and privacy laws. 

Because of the online nature, they also have to invest a significant amount into cybersecurity. Otherwise, they risk getting hacked and getting subsequently sued. 

Intellectual Property

They also need to consider intellectual property rights if they work with creatives. They need to make sure they have proper clauses for that in their virtual assistant contracts.  

Ecommerce Laws

If you consider online selling, you need to read up on ecommerce laws and regulations. 

Local Regulations

A basic but sometimes overlooked aspect is properly registering your business entity.

This also includes knowing and paying the right self-employment, payroll, property, and other tax obligations. 

Scaling and Growing Your Digital Business

Expanding Your Online Presence

There are multiple ways you can grab internet-goers’ attention. 

Here are a few strategies:

• Using multi-platform marketing
• Using various social media marketing methods like reels and shorts
• Hiring a social media manager 
• Social media engagement practices such as liking and answering comments, sharing posts, forums, surveys 
• Leveraging SEO, PPC and content marketing 

Building a Team to Support Growth

Maybe you’re an independent contractor who likes to run a one-man show. That’s completely fine. 

However, if you’re a business owner that wants to scale. You need a good team behind you. 

Building your team begins with having a solid mission, vision, and objectives. Having a clear “why” will attract the right people. This also helps when hiring and interviewing candidates where you can gauge their interests and priorities. 

Having a team with a growth mindset is one thing; ensuring they have that environment to flourish is another. 

Before they contribute to fulfilling your business goals, you should invest in creating and maintaining a positive remote team culture. 

Diversifying Revenue Streams

Here are three ways you can diversify:

1. Think of new products you can offer. These can be separate products or better yet, products that complement your previous releases. 
2. Think of ways you can expand the services you offer. You can do this vertically by expanding the depth of skill or horizontally by learning or outsourcing related skills. 
3. Think of other markets and demographics you can reach. 

Steps to Launching Your Digital Business

Finalizing Your Business Plan

Your business plan is your roadmap. It contains your summary, description of company and offerings, market analysis and strategy, and your budget and financials. 

Finalizing this plan involves ensuring you thoroughly review these key elements. They need to make sense and align with your mission, vision, and values. Make sure your analyses, budget projections, and strategies still make sense. 

Also, make sure you have feedback mechanisms and your KPIs and OKRs in place. This allows you to track the effectiveness of your plan and correct it when necessary. 

Launching and Promoting Your Business

Digital entrepreneurship requires a strong digital marketing strategy. 

Having a physical location is itself a kind of advertising. They have signages, storefronts, and even interior design elements to draw customers in. 

That’s the handoff. If you go digital, you can’t rely on customers walking past your new store. You can make your website and virtual storefront as beautiful as possible, but without proper marketing, no one will see it. 

 

You need a strategy that combines your social media presence, your website, organic marketing, and an advertising campaign across platforms. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest risks associated with digital entrepreneurship?

• Customers don’t sign up or purchase your product
• No outsourcing/remote management plan
• Data privacy and security risks
• Large digital marketing investment may not yield the desired results 

How can I fund my digital business startup?

Startups can procure funding through angel investors, venture capital, crowdfunding, or financing options such as small business loans. 

What are some effective ways to retain customers in an online business?

• Loyalty programs and membership perks
• Providing excellent customer support and service
• Implementing upselling and cross-selling strategies

How do I stay updated with the latest digital marketing trends?

• Join communities, forums, discussions
• Participate in digital marketing events
• Take the latest online marketing courses
• Keep up with digital marketing news and publications
• Subscribing to newsletters

Can I start a digital business while working a full-time job?

Absolutely! The flexibility of digital marketing means it can be an additional source of income you can work on in your free time. If you play your cards right, it can even be a source of passive income.

 

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Conclusion

Digital entrepreneurship opens you up to a world of possibilities. While you have the potential to reach a wide audience, make sure you’ve done the right market research and analysis. 

If you want to know more about how to grow your online business, you can check out our list of entrepreneurship podcasts.

Wondering what to include in your virtual assistant contract? 

In this article, we’ll be going through the importance, key elements, common pitfalls, and more related to VA contracting. 

Why You Need a VA Contract

Legal Protection for Both Parties

Let’s face it, contracts tend to carry a negative connotation. The reason contracts are necessary stems from the fact that humans are flawed. While there are fair and honest people out there, contracts lessen the likelihood of malice or neglect occurring. 

When written well, this legally binding agreement protects both parties’ interests. It deters unfair treatment on either side through clauses and conditions enforceable in a court of law. 

Clarity in Roles and Responsibilities

The positive thing about contracts is that they provide clarity and structure. Contracts outline the specific tasks and deliverables expected of each party as well as timelines. 

They provide a framework and boundaries for the working agreement to prevent job creep.

Key Elements of a Virtual Assistant Contract

Identification of Parties Involved

This part names the entities entering into the contract. For companies, this includes the full business name, location, and entity type (partnership, LLC, etc.). For individuals, including those considered sole proprietors, they list their full government name. 

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

This is the clause that delineates the services the VA is to carry out. 

This includes a detailed description of the specific duties and expected outcomes. This can also include milestones and specific deadlines for deliverables. 

Payment Terms

Clearly laying out payment terms is crucial. This is an area that can put a lot of strain on professional partnerships. 

These terms include:

• Payment dates
• Frequency of payments
• Compensation rates 
• Payment methods (PayPal, Stripe, cash, bank transfer etc )
• Special conditions for late payments, additional hours, and additional virtual assistant services 

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

Data security is a big concern for many people when working with a virtual assistant. You don’t want company/trade secrets or customer data leaking to third parties, competitors, or criminals. 

If you’re working with a VA, these clauses offer you a level of protection that deters the spilling of company secrets. 

Intellectual Property Rights

When working with creatives like graphic designers, writers, or when outsourcing tasks like video editing, Intellectual Property protection is a real concern. 

It’s important to specify ownership and rights to use said work during and‌ after the work agreement ends. Specifying what you can do with their designs or other outputs prevents misunderstanding and misuse. 

Termination Clause

This clause provides certain conditions that, if not met, can be grounds for ending the working relationship prematurely. 

In the clause, you can specify termination due to failure to meet just one or multiple conditions. Here you must also specify a notice period. 

This protects you, the employer, from any claims of wrongful termination. This also keeps you accountable to fulfill your end of the deal. 

Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution is the process where both parties try to find a mutually acceptable compromise to save the working relationship. A dispute resolution clause should outline what to do in the event of conflict. One or more parties’ failure to adhere to the contract terms usually brings this tension. 

This process involves hiring a mutually agreed upon third party to serve as a mediator. Arbitration and trial may be necessary if they cannot come to an agreement.

A clause like this is important because it saves you a lot of waiting for drawn out litigation processes. Included in this clause are the specific jurisdictions, how to enforce decisions made, and how to appropriate costs.

Communication Expectations

Effective communication is a method for building and maintaining trust while working on a project. 

Outlining specific expectations like meeting schedules, frequency of check-in, and communication platforms supports this. 

Your virtual assistant contract can also be an avenue to encourage dialogue and openness to renegotiations. 

Legal Compliance and Governing Law

Governing law refers to the jurisdiction under which the contract operates. This is the law of the land (region, state, country etc.) that you are applying to the contract. Clarifying this is important to avoid misunderstanding. Both parties should be familiar with the applicable laws. 

Legal compliance also applies in areas like tax regulations, benefits, and data privacy and security standards in the industry. For instance, the obligations are different for an independent contractor versus an employee. 

Customizing Your VA Contract

Tailoring the Contract to Specific Business Needs

Every business and every project has specialized needs. It’s important to define these requirements and clauses against your overall goals and objectives. 

Depending on the nature of the work, some clauses might need to be longer to reflect the project scope intricacies.

Using Contract Templates vs. Hiring a Lawyer

If it is your first time drafting a contract, we highly recommend hiring a lawyer. A lawyer can expertly advise and help craft air-tight clauses with a high level of specificity. Specificity is security in contracting. Lawyers help you identify gaps and ensure these clauses are enforceable in court if need be. 

Contract templates, however, do also have benefits. For one, they are customizable. It gives you a framework you can easily edit to meet your needs. They are also cost-effective for small businesses who might not be able to afford to hire a professional. Some of these might even be lawyer-approved. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting a VA Contract

Vague Descriptions of Scope of Work

Failure to define effectively the roles and responsibilities of the VA can lead to disputes. When writing about scope, be as specific as possible. Name specific tasks and what those tasks entail. Avoiding scope creep should be a main priority in order to maintain healthy and amicable partnerships in business.

Overlooking Confidentiality Clauses

As a business owner, you have sensitive information that you want to protect, whether you are aware of it or not. As unfortunate as it is, there is a chance you hire an individual with malicious intent. They can use sensitive information to scam, steal, and pitch to competitors. 

Legal advice in this area can help you identify and specify what confidential information is in your context. This can include, but is not limited to, passwords, company financial data, customer data, contact details, trade secrets, etc. 

Ignoring Termination and Dispute Resolution Clauses

You need both a comprehensive “fix it” and exit strategy. 

Mistakes happen. Regardless of whether they were malicious in intent, you need to have a complete framework for resolving contract conflicts. You also need to specify terms for contract termination.

Not having these clauses or having vague conditions or processes can lead to several issues. For one, unclear conditions for contract termination could lead to project delays, abuse, or lengthy litigation. The same is true for resolving disputes. Without a clear set of procedures, you could end up prolonging the issue leading to opportunity costs for both parties.  

Steps to Finalize and Execute a VA Contract

Reviewing the Contract with the Virtual Assistant

Once you’ve specified the scope, payment terms, availability and all your clauses, you should give your contract a “once over”. Your virtual assistant should also possess a copy in case there are things they would like to include, remove, or revise, before finalizing. 

Signing and Storing the Contract

After both parties agree to everything laid out in the contract, they must sign the contract to formalize the agreement. 

The business owner typically holds the contract, however both parties should have a copy for reference and accountability. 

Updating and Revising Your Contract

When to Update the Contract

A virtual assistant contract may be in need of updating for several reasons, including:

• Changes in scope or project scale
• Changes in payment terms
• Changes in deadlines, schedules, or extending the project 
• Updates to what is confidential information 
• When adding additional information like performance gauges and deliverables
• When legal requirements mandate an update 

How to Amend the Contract

Once you’ve clearly outlined the changes, both parties should review the updates or amendments made. If the VA approves of the proposed amendment, you can both sign and formalize the updated contract. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I handle a situation where the virtual assistant doesn’t meet the contract terms?

This is where dispute resolution and contract termination clauses come in handy. You can go through mediation to understand why they have not kept their end. Otherwise, if they have met the conditions for contract termination, you can enforce that clause and end the working relationship. 

Can I use the same virtual assistant contract for multiple assistants?

Sure! The great thing about doing something once is you can use what you’ve learned as a guide for next time. Just make sure you customize it to meet the specific needs of your next project. 

What should I do if my virtual assistant wants to renegotiate the contract?

Most contracts include a clause stating when renegotiations can occur. Some say anytime and some only after a certain period. 

Our advice is to always be open to what they have to say. If renegotiations fail, you can continue under the original contract or cancel the contract as specified in the original termination terms.

How can I enforce confidentiality after the contract ends?

Having VAs sign Non-Disclosure Agreements can legally protect you from former workers spilling secrets once they leave. 

What are the legal implications if I don’t have a contract with my virtual assistant?

While employment contracts aren’t usually required, they still offer you some protection. They help prevent ambiguity in work expectations and payment conflicts, which can escalate to legal battles. Without a formal contract, it’s also challenging to determine liability for things like data security issues.

 

What Is Outsource School?

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

• Outsource School Case Study: How We Scaled to 45+ VAs and 8 Figures in Revenue
• Free VA Calculator | See How Many VAs You Can Afford
• Free Training on 5 Keys to Working With VAs
• Learn Outsourcing 101 | Guides, Downloads, and Checklists

Conclusion

A virtual assistant contract is an essential part of a business deal. It protects respective interests and serves as a guide for undertaking projects. There are many contract templates you can choose from for their easy customization and affordability. However, if you can, hire a lawyer to help you craft an air-tight agreement.