Author: Julia Valdez

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. 

What virtual assistant skills should you look for when hiring? 

We are aware that the term “virtual assistant” can cover a variety of different tasks and industries. In the digital age you can do a lot of work remotely from admin, to creatives, to accounting.

Here, we’ll discuss the more common skills and even general skills we believe VAs across the board should possess. 

Essential Administrative Skills

Time Management

This first skill is all about the importance of prioritizing tasks and managing schedules effectively.

Your VA should be able to not only multitask, but also discern the level of urgency and importance of each task. 

They should know themselves well and be able to accurately gauge how long it takes them to complete something. 

Being a master of their own time also helps them manage other people’s time. This skill helps them with tasks like calendar management and organizing meetings internally or with clients and business partners. 

Data Entry and Management

A lot of VAs handle all kinds of information be it company, customer, or client data. As such they need to be very detail-oriented. 

This helps them maintain the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of business operations.

While many consider data entry to be an “entry level” task, it still requires excellence. 

A good VA will create checks for themselves to make sure they input, transfer, or update data correctly.

Technical Skills for Modern Virtual Assistants

Adaptability to New Technologies

There are two types of virtual assistant skills: hard skills or technical skills, and soft skills or character skills. 

Knowing how to use various technologies are hard skills. Being flexible and adaptable to the fast-paced rollout of new and emerging tools are essential soft skills.

One popular area is AI which is growing in popularity. Instead of trying to compete with it, VAs should learn how to use AI to enhance their services and productivity. 

For instance, automation has saved countless hours by taking the most time consuming tasks and completing them in seconds. This means VAs can focus on adding their unique value to projects. 

AI in the creative space has been more than a little controversial. However, some resourceful people have used AI to help with brainstorming and inspiration. 

Software Proficiency 

Virtual assistants need to be familiar with a lot of the common tools associated with remote work. 

Project management and collaboration software like Asana is on top of that list. Mastery of this software will make working with clients, managers, and team members so much easier. It also helps with efficiency, pace-keeping, and accountability. 

VAs should also be familiar with CRM (customer relationship management) tools like Hubspot. These tools help them not only gather and track customer data reliably but also improve customer service and lead nurturing. 

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Effective Communication

Communication is more than putting words to paper. Virtual assistants also need to know how to practice active listening. They should ask poignant questions that not only help them do their jobs, but help the whole team. 

They should also possess the skill of initiative and inference. Initiative is observing the needs of a situation and taking action without someone telling them. Inference is the ability to derive conclusions using logic and reasoning. 

These skills can help them craft clear and effective messages and responses across platforms. 

Client Relationship Management

Building and maintaining strong client relationships remotely.

Here are some client relationship management tips for building and maintaining strong connections remotely:

• Set clear expectations and work boundaries from the get-go.  
• Keep clients in the loop and communicate effectively.
• Build trust by delivering on what you promise and exceeding expectations.
• Take initiative to fix problems they didn’t even know they had and point them out. This showcases your competence and care.
• Encourage feedback.  

Specialized Virtual Assistant Skills for Niche Tasks

Social Media Management

Every smart business knows the value of a social media presence. As such, they will often look for VAs with the skills to manage these pages to enhance brand visibility and engagement.

These skills include copywriting, graphic design, and backgrounds in marketing or advertising. 

They apply these skills to

1. Engage with communities and their customer base and in growing their target audience
2. Engage with other businesses, foster partnerships, and build networks 

Project Management

Some VAs can take on leadership roles like executive virtual assistants and remote team managers. 

Project managers are responsible for overseeing projects from initiation to completion. This means they do progress checks and sometimes look over completed work for quality assurance. They keep people communicating and on schedule. They keep the team on track to hit certain milestones and ensure timely delivery of services. 

Cultural Sensitivity and International Outreach

Before hiring, we recommend doing cultural research and learning how to be culturally sensitive. A remote team is full of people of diverse cultural norms, backgrounds, and communication styles. Understanding and adapting to this reality is important to remote team success. 

This also helps you set a company and team culture that’s kind, loving, honoring, and respectful of everyone. 

Leadership and Decision-Making

Remote Leadership

VAs taking leading roles should be decisive, resourceful and flexible. This is especially true when physical presence is not possible. 

Leading a remote team is challenging. One has to be able to apply the skills of leadership and use technologies to manage at a distance. 

Decision Making

A good VA will create standard operating procedures and contingencies and prepare as much as possible.

After all, having a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist is better than having a problem with no existing solution.

However, VAs also need to be resourceful and quick on their feet when unexpected situations pop up.

Personal Traits That Enhance VA Performance

Self-Motivation and Discipline

Most virtual assistants are self-employed, independent contractors, or freelancers. Self-leadership and maintaining a healthy work-drive and work-life balance is one of the most crucial virtual assistant skills.

They shouldn’t need a babysitter or constant supervision. They should be able to work independently, maintain productivity, and deliver on time. 

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Technology is developing rapidly. We just talked about how VAs need to capitalize on the benefits of AI. In the same vein, VAs should be driven—always seeking to improve. They should be constantly growing, upgrading, and adapting their skills to meet the task at hand and the rapidly evolving market needs. 

They should be thinking about how to scale as a service business and expanding their skillsets, reach, and depth of their offerings. 

Implementing Virtual Assistant Skills in Your Startup

Here are some practical tips on integrating VAs into your business operations:

• Start small and expand as needed.
• Create a robust interview and onboarding process.
• Set up all the necessary collaboration and communication tools as soon as possible.
• Set up frequent progress meetings and check-ins to stay updated on how the project is going. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the latest tools and technologies that virtual assistants should master?

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Google Workspace
• Microsoft 365 suite of apps
• Creative tools: Canva 
• CRM: Hubspot, Zoho, Salesforce 
• Writing tools: Grammarly or ProWritingAid 
• Project management, communication, collaboration: Slack, Trello, Asana 
• Video conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft teams 
• Storage: Google Drive, Dropbox
• Time tracking: Toggl, RescueTime 
• Social media management: Hootsuite, Buffer 

How can startups ensure data security when working with virtual assistants?

Having VAs sign legal contracts will deter anyone from attempting to breach confidentiality. 

Hiring from well-known marketplaces with strong vetting practices also helps. 

What are the best practices for onboarding a virtual assistant into a startup?

1. Introduce them to the tools and software they will use for their work and internal communications. 
2. Introduce them to your company and what your goals and objectives are. 
3. Introduce them to people that they will be working closely with and build rapport from the get-go. This also gives them a feel for the work culture. 
4. Give them a rundown of their role and their role in relation to other’s roles. 
5. Give them access to a contact person or a feedback channel where they can freely ask questions and clarify things. 

How can virtual assistants contribute to scaling a startup?

Outsourcing to VAs is cost effective and allows for greater flexibility. Both are essential in scaling your business. For one, it allows you and your team to focus on your core competencies. Secondly, it allows you to expand without breaking the bank due to high overheads associated with traditional employment. 

What are common mistakes startups make when managing virtual assistants?

The biggest mistake is not doing adequate research on the subject. If you don’t know what remote management looks like, you can’t make the necessary preparations. You’re not going to have contingencies in place in case something goes wrong. Poor management can also lead to losing out on an excellent VA. 

Other mistakes include:

• Not being clear in your job description and list of roles and responsibilities
• Not having a well-thought out list of interview questions 
• Not having an onboarding and training process
• No consistent progress checks 

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

These virtual assistant skills are important to consider when hiring. Your candidates don’t need to possess all the technical or hard skills, especially if it’s not required for the role. On top of the necessary hard skills, look out for soft skills like communication, self-discipline, and leadership. These are harder to teach and take longer to learn. 

Hiring a virtual assistant in the Philippines will not always be automatically smooth. There’s a way to set up and manage the process to get good results.

Let’s dive into how to successfully work with a virtual assistant Philippines hire.

Understanding Filipino Work Culture

Sought-After Cultural Traits 

1. Filipinos are known for their strong work ethic and make efforts to exceed expectations. They are generally hard working and dedicated. 
2. Most Filipinos have above-average communication skills. They value courtesy and respect, and one way to show this is by making an effort to understand and be understood. 
3. Filipinos are generally attentive and have a positive attitude. This makes them resilient in the face of challenges, and flexible when things change.
4. Filipinos value cooperation and teamwork, and are deeply committed to their families’ well-being. They have a strong sense of community, which can translate to company loyalty, too. 
5. Even with strong ties to their traditions, Filipinos are respectful of other cultures and traditions. This is because of their empathy and long-term exposure to other peoples. 

Filipino Concepts to Understand

“Pakikisama”: Harmony

“Pakikisama” is the Filipino concept of how important it is to maintain smooth interpersonal relationships. It involves a sense of mutual respect and behaviors that foster camaraderie and cooperation.

“Pakikisama” promotes harmony in work relationships and the work environment. The result is effective collaboration. 

Be careful, however, to encourage feedback because “pakikisama” can make Filipinos hesitant to express dissenting opinions or raise concerns because they night disrupt the harmony. “Pakikisama” can also lead to favoritism if you’re not vigilant.

“Hiya”: Shame

“Hiya” is a kind of feeling of shame or embarrassment associated with avoiding negative social consequences. It keeps Filipinos in line for the most part, but can force conformity with perceived expectations. This can make them avoid challenging the status quo to avoid embarrassment, even if improvements would benefit the company.

You should not encourage “hiya” as a motivating factor because it can lead to fear of failure. This can make Filipinos overly cautious, avoiding taking even calculated risks because they might make mistakes. It can also result in overly emotional responses to minor mistakes.

Understanding “pakikisama” and “hiya” can help businesses build a positive work environment with virtual assistant Philippines hires. These concepts have positive effects on the Filipino outlook, and you can foster open communication to mitigate their potential negative effects. 

Communication Styles

Styles and Preferences

Indirect Communication

A virtual assistant Philippines hire will often prefer indirect communication. For example, you can use euphemisms, give hints, or make suggestions rather than stating things directly. They do not usually like confrontation, and forcing a Filipino to respond directly can cause offense. 

Save direct communication for when you must emphasize a serious matter. 

Context

Filipinos often draw the meaning of what is communicated from context. This is influenced by the relationship between the speakers, their shared experiences, and nonverbal cues. This can complicate understanding if you’re not used to implicit communication. 

Courtesy

One key to note is that Filipinos who are not familiar with each other will maintain a respectful distance from others when conversing.

On a video call, this can translate to being quiet. It doesn’t mean they’re disinterested. On the contrary, it’s a way to be polite, on top of using respectful language and avoid using potentially harsh words.

Languages and Dialects

Most Filipinos speak Tagalog because it’s the national language. Most Filipinos, however, have other native tongues and regional dialects. English is also widely spoken, especially among educated Filipinos who live in the more developed areas.

Nonverbal Communication

Filipinos use a lot of body language to convey emotions and messages. This is not unique to Filipinos. However, the meaning of hand gestures, facial expressions, and eye contact can be different. For example, a Filipino will often laugh when they feel nervous. It does not mean they don’t respect you or think you’re being funny.

Filipinos are avid users of social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Part of this is because it maintains a distance between people. This is also why they prefer texting and email to calling. 

Giving Instructions and Feedback 

Don’t dive straight into direct criticism. Start with encouragement on the positive aspects of their performance. Suggest ways to improve performance rather than pointing out mistakes. 

Be patient and kind, and use a warm and friendly tone of voice and softer language. Avoid aggressive and impatient body language. Remember that Filipinos are very concerned about not losing face, which they tend to perceive as public humiliation. 

Use “we” statements to suggest expected outcomes to avoid making the person feel singled out as a deviant. 

After giving feedback, give the person time to process the information. Then ask them if they have any questions or need clarification. Offer guidance and support several times so they know you’re not offering help just to be polite.

Management Practices that Resonate

Expectations and Work Ethics

Most Filipinos value hierarchy and respect authority. So, they also expect others to acknowledge their role and position. Promote a supportive work atmosphere where they feel valued and appreciated. Recognize and reward their achievements, too. 

Every virtual assistant Philippines hire needs clear guidance to avoid confusion or contextual misunderstandings. Set specific goals and clearly define tasks and expected outcomes. 

Build rapport with each hire by showing a genuine interest in their well-being. Encourage collaboration within teams, too, to promote stronger bonds.

Be ready to accommodate family needs and commitments when possible. Show empathy and respect for their values and concerns.

Relationship and Connection

You can more easily earn the trust and loyalty of a virtual assistant from the Philippines if you take time to build personal relationships. In return, you can enjoy higher productivity and lower turnover rates because they enjoy increased job satisfaction.

Facilitate open and honest communication through strong personal connections. Build a positive and supportive work environment that encourages VAs to strive for excellence.

As you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Filipino values and customs, you can better adapt your management style to suit their needs.

Navigating Challenges in Virtual Workplaces

Common Challenges

Aside from the cultural nuances, time zone differences can make working together with a virtual assistant Philippines hire challenging.

Despite some knowledge of the English language, language barriers can still exist from cultural differences, which can hinder communication.

Establishing trust and accountability can also be challenging in a remote working environment. For Filipino VAs, working remotely is nothing new. Battling isolation and loneliness doesn’t just go away, though. Work-life balance is also hard won with the long, irregular hours.

Depending on how you handle things, some Filipino VAs might tend to feel limited in terms of career growth opportunities. For example, not being there physically or dealing with fluctuations in hours and exchange rates can make them feel less valuable.

Strategies for Success

• Use a time zone converter to avoid confusion when scheduling.
• Agree on work time overlaps when you can set regular meetings. 
• Set communication boundaries and work time expectations, but be flexible if possible. 
• Use project management tools to keep track of projects and break them into manageable tasks with timetables.
• Use clear and concise language and always confirm that everyone understands.

Celebrating Success and Building Loyalty

Recognition and Rewards

Regularly express gratitude for a VA’s efforts and contributions. Be specific with feedback, both for strengths and weaknesses. Both voice your appreciation and send personalized messages. If appropriate, acknowledge them in front of the team.

Create a structure for performance bonuses that allows you to incentive outstanding performance and reward VAs fairly. Tie bonuses to specific, measurable achievements. 

Offer non-monetary rewards, too, like flexible work arrangements for proving trustworthiness. Opportunities for training, certifications, or workshops are also good rewards.

Impact on Motivation and Loyalty

Anyone, including Filipino virtual assistants, likes to feel valued and appreciated for their contributions. It also makes them more likely to be engaged, motivated, and committed to their work. 

Group-oriented rewards are particularly effective at building loyalty among Filipino VAs. team swag or celebrations. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I address my Filipino virtual assistant to show respect and foster a positive working environment?

The first step towards a harmonious relationship with a virtual assistant from the Philippines is to never assume. You may not have to address a Filipino VA using a formal title, but it’s polite to ask their preference. Most often, they will invite you to use their first name. Just don’t assume that you can be casual, especially if the person is older. Don’t use a nickname randomly, either, without first gauging their reaction. 

What are some common holidays and cultural events that may affect my VA’s availability?

A virtual assistant Philippines hire will often appreciate time off on the most common holidays:

• New Year’s Day (either January 1st or Chinese New Year’s)
• Holy Week, a 3-day tradition culminating on Easter Sunday. 
• All Saints’ Day, for Catholics
• Christmas, being the most important holiday across the board.

Other important national holidays include:

• Independence Day (June 12)
• National Heroes’ Day (Last Monday of August)
• Bonifacio Day (November 30)
• Rizal Day (December 30)

Note that regional special days vary, so it’s important to ask your VAs what celebrations they prefer to have time off for. 

What are some team-building activities suitable for remote Filipino teams?

Most virtual assistants from the Philippines love group activities. You can set aside one day a month, like we do, to play games. We also share weekend stories every Monday. Morning.

How do salary expectations in the Philippines compare to other countries for similar VA roles?

Pay rates differ based on factors like expertise, experience, the industry, and the role. A virtual assistant Philippines hire will generally cost less than a local hire, though.

Note that not every area of the Philippines is as low-cost as the rural areas. Exchange rate fluctuations also affect their earning potential and satisfaction.

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

Working with a virtual assistant from the Philippines involves certain cultural nuances. By being aware of these characteristics, businesses can better understand what makes the relationship work. This goes a long way towards creating a more productive and harmonious workplace.

Want to know how to scale an ecommerce business? 

Ecommerce refers to sales of a product or service that happens online, or digitally. 

Common ecommerce businesses include those that operate digital storefronts like Amazon, Shopify, eBay, etc. However, anyone that trades goods or services primarily online is considered an ecommerce business. 

If that’s you, today we’re going to explore how you can scale your efforts. We’ll discuss the benefits and challenges of scaling as well as what that process looks like generally and with virtual assistants. 

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Understanding the Need for Scaling

Signs Your Ecommerce Business is Ready to Scale

There are certain indicators you should look out for that tell you when it’s time to scale your business. 

• Consistent and stable profit margins and growth in revenue
• High demand for your products or services or you don’t have enough supply to meet demand 
• You have the time, energy, and resources to grow due to streamlined processes
• You see a growth in your customer base or a clear opportunity/trajectory to expand. 

What are the benefits of scaling your ecommerce operations?

• One obvious benefit is increased profit margins and more revenue. 
• Scaling gives you the capacity to handle more business. This includes growth in your current line of business and exploring new markets or target audiences. 
• Scaling allows you to improve your offerings, allowing you to provide better products and services. This can improve your reputation. 
• As you grow, you gain more of a competitive edge. 
• A larger marketing and sales budget can lead to drawing in new customers, and drawing away from competitors. 

Challenges in Scaling an Ecommerce Business

We can’t discuss how to scale an ecommerce business without also discussing the common obstacles you might face during this process. 

Challenge #1

One of the most common is a lack of resources. Scaling is not a cheap endeavor, and that’s one of the biggest hurdles for businesses looking to expand. 

Strategy

Creating a budget plan and analyzing your cash flow are ways you can combat this challenge. 

Challenge #2

Another challenge involves scaling too quickly to meet the new demand. A lot of people are so excited to bring more people in that they forget to create processes to maintain quality service.

For instance, they may not have a good customer service plan or a way to store all the customer data properly. They also may not have a scalable back-end for processes like bookkeeping. 

Strategy

The solution to this challenge is planning properly. Setting goals and objectives can also help you anticipate the potential problems you might face. 

Challenge #3

A third challenge is not having an outsourcing or remote team management strategy. Businesses may recognize the value of outsourcing but not have an idea as to how to manage it. 

Strategy 

Do your research before outsourcing. Feel free to browse our library of posts on all things virtual assistant, remote team, and outsourcing-related. 

Preparing for Growth

Setting Clear Business Goals

Before you even think about how to scale an ecommerce business, you need a clear vision. Your vision doesn’t just include the finish line goal. It also involves the smaller objectives along the way. 

That’s why it’s very useful to create a roadmap for scalable growth. 

This roadmap includes:

• overarching goal
• long-term and short-term goals
• milestones and objectives 
• timelines and schedules 
• can also include personnel in charge 

Optimizing Your Operations

Streamlining processes and improving efficiency is the key when learning how to scale an ecommerce business. A common mistake businesses make is expanding their teams, technology, and scope before refining and strengthening the foundation. 

SOPs

Before you operate, update your operating procedures. Think about what could go right and wrong. Create contingencies and backup plans. Are there any gaps in terms of management or communication? 

Technology and Software Assistance 

There are countless tools and software you can use to enhance your operational productivity. 

These include:

• Content creation tools like Canva and Yoast SEO. 
• Marketing tools like MailChimp.
• Analytics tools for data like Google Analytics.
• Sales and logistics tools like ShipBob. 
• Customer service tools like Zendesk. 

Financial Planning and Management

Premature financial planning prior to a growth move can be devastating. 

You have to consider that scaling is an expensive process. You have to consider the costs of the goods you are selling or the manufacturing. However, there are other costs related to outsourcing and investments in equipment or larger storage facilities. You need to factor in high utilities expenses and labor costs (not to mention potential costs related to taxes). 

Financing is another thing businesses consider when growing. But without a concept of how they will pay those debts, you’re setting yourself up for failure. 

Your scaling efforts could lead to increased complexity on the accounting and bookkeeping side. Your scaling could mean having to hire more people to your current team. 

Consider all the costs, run the numbers, and consult financial advisors for a robust financial plan. This can help you better manage your cash flow and consider other investment opportunities to fund your growth. 

How to Scale an Ecommerce Business: Leveraging Virtual Assistants for Scaling

Identifying Tasks to Outsource

“Do what you can do well, outsource what you can’t” is a simple rule of thumb for those just starting out. 

Here’s a non-extensive list of processes and tasks that can be effectively outsourced:

• Manufacturing
• Customer service and other CRM roles
• Sales, Advertising, Marketing, and Market research
• Accounting, Bookkeeping, and Payroll
• Administrative tasks (calendar management, data entry, storefront management, communicating with suppliers etc.)

Outsourcing is beneficial for ecommerce businesses because it allows to to operate with more efficiency and flexibility. Owners can focus on core tasks like product development and business growth strategies. 

Finding and Hiring the Right Virtual Assistants

“Where can I find qualified virtual assistants?”

Freelance marketplaces are becoming incredibly popular. Places like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are a melting pot for global talent.You can also try business social platforms like LinkedIn or hire referrals from those you trust. 

Here are some tips for selecting and interviewing candidates:

• Make sure you check resumes, ratings, and clients reviews. 
• Create your interview questions ahead of time.
• Ask them questions to gauge not only their skill level but also their ability to communicate, adapt to company culture  and ability work well with others
• Go through multiple rounds of screening if necessary. 

Training and Onboarding Virtual Assistants

Though virtual assistants are already skilled, there are still areas where they may require specific training. This can be regarding certain SOPs or software you use. Effective training methods involve creating videos using tools like Loom and guided by a training manager. 

One of the keys to success with virtual teams is a comprehensive remote onboarding and orientation process. These processes ensure smooth integration into their roles, team, and the company culture at large. 

Managing and Communicating with Your Team

Managing remote teams can be tricky. This is especially true if they come from different cultural backgrounds and time zones. 

So, what are some of the best practices for managing virtual teams? 

• Learn about the cultures you’re hiring from 
• Hire a manager to take point who has experience with remote teams
• Meet with your team regularly and conduct temperature and progress checks
• Build a remote team culture that encourages rapport building 
• Use communication and collaboration software 

Here are some tools for effective communication and collaboration:

• Asana is a great tool for managing teams and projects. 
• Slack is a popular communication platform. 
• Trello allows you to create boards to organize daily tasks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps to take when planning to scale an ecommerce business?

Have a clear goal in mind and create actionable, measurable, and attainable steps or objectives to reach it. 

How can virtual assistants help in managing customer service for ecommerce?

They can answer customer inquiries during “off-hours”. They can also help create FAQs. Some ecommerce businesses invest in a live chat feature which allows virtual assistants to assist customers in real time.  

What are the common mistakes to avoid when scaling an ecommerce business?

• Scaling without a clear goal or overall plan
• Not having a financial plan or organized back-end.
• No SOPs or training in how to manage virtual teams.
• Not analyzing or understanding your cash flow beforehand. 

How can I ensure the quality of work from virtual assistants?

• Hire them based on previous work they’ve already done. 
• Do a test project/trial period and see if they fit your needs well. 
• Regularly check on their progress 

What are the best tools for managing an ecommerce business with a remote team?

Project management, collaboration and communication software make managing a remote team a lot easier. Asana is one of the best ecommerce tools for collaboration because you can assign tasks, review progress, and share files.

 

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

Learning how to scale an ecommerce business can take a lot of elbow grease. Every scaling effort will look a little different depending on the products and services you sell. The important part is setting clear goals for yourself and clear expectations for your virtual teams.

Want to know how to scale a freelance business?

Below, we’re going to discuss what scaling looks like and how you can go about it. 

What Does Scaling Mean for Freelancers?

Scaling in the context of freelancing entails growing your capacity to operate while increasing profits. This means increasing your ability to manage clients and improving your skills and focus.   

What’s the difference between growing and scaling a business?

Growth is increasing revenues through increased cost investments (hiring more people, renting a larger space, buying more equipment/software, etc.)

Scaling refers to increasing revenue without substantial cost investments or even reducing costs. This can look like improving your mastery of your current skillsets and tools. Another way involves upgrading your tools to broaden your capacity to serve clients. 

You can also scale by training in all new skills or skills that complement your current offerings. This might look like a writer learning SEO so they can help pages rank better. A video editor might also learn audio engineering so they can become a one-stop-shop for clients. 

Key Indicators That It’s Time to Scale

What are some signs your freelance business is ready to scale?

• You see a gap or opportunity that you have the time and energy to fill.
• You consistently deliver services efficiently and excellently.
• Your clients ask you often if you offer additional services related to their projects or if you know someone who does.

You shouldn’t bite off more than you can chew. Taking on more work when you aren’t confident you can deliver quality service is like stepping on cement that hasn’t dried yet. You could get stuck, get in trouble, and create a mess someone else has to fix. 

Even if you notice an opportunity to help clients further, don’t jump on it immediately. Instead, take some time to evaluate your current client base and workload. Ask yourself first if investing in expanding your offerings will benefit you only with this client, or your business as a whole. 

If you truly believe you can manage it, take the time to grow your skills. Only after this step should you consider pitching the idea to your clients. 

Preparing for Growth

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

Ambition is a great trait, but without an organized, clear vision, it spells trouble.

Creating a roadmap for your scaling strategy will help you see the journey in more realistic terms. It will also help you break down the strategy into smaller, actionable, and achievable steps. This way, you increase your chances at a successful expansion and decrease the risk of implosion or overwhelm. 

Your roadmap should consist of an overarching goal, long-term, and short-term goals. These smaller objectives or milestones can serve as checkpoints to confirm that you are on track or if you need to re-center and re-evaluate. 

Streamlining Your Processes

One of the main things when considering how to scale a freelance business is streamlining what you do already. 

You can improve your workflows through personal development and technological help. 

By personal development, we mean improving the efficiency and effectiveness of how you work. You can do this by learning different organizational methods or productivity techniques.

A lot of self-improvement includes improving your self-control, work ethic, communication/people skills, patience, resilience, and more. 

Technological assistance involves digital solutions like cloud based storage, and automations. If you can save even an hour each day by setting up automated tools, that’s worth it in our books. 

There are the tools and software you can use to enhance your productivity. These  include productivity trackers, email automations, bookkeeping software, and project management software. 

Building a Strong Personal Brand

Freelancing can be an oversaturated market. While the large global talent pool is great for businesses looking to outsource. We cannot say the same about the other side of that coin. 

As such, you need to implement strategies that help you to stand out from the rest of the pack.

You can do this by investing in creating a strong online presence. This can range from social media pages to websites and less traditional things like online courses, podcasts, and YouTube channels.  

You can enhance your brand visibility by/through: 

• Posting regularly
• Investing in ad and marketing campaigns
• Content marketing and SEO
• Engaging with audience and pages, and being active in popular forums

Expanding Your Team

Identifying Tasks to Outsource

Just because you’re a freelancer, that doesn’t mean you work alone all the time. Freelancers often outsource to other freelancers and build partnerships all the time.

Some of the most commonly outsourced tasks include administrative tasks, bookkeeping, customer service, email management, and social media management. 

Outsourcing is actually very key when learning effective strategies for how to scale a freelance business. 

What are some benefits of outsourcing for freelancers?

• Creating networks so you can cast a wider net 
• Opportunity to grow together 
• Allows you to focus on improving your core skills 
• Leaving the time-consuming tasks to another individual so you can focus on making money

Hiring Virtual Assistants

When it comes to finding reliable team members, look for qualities you value. 

Check their resumes and portfolios, but also make sure to conduct thorough video interviews. That’s how you can find the right fit for you and your clients. 

Streamline communications with your remote team through project and team management software and collaboration tools like Trello. Make sure you choose your main communication channel whether that’s email, Discord, Slack or others. 

Leveraging Freelance Platforms and Agencies

As a freelancer, you probably already know which places helped you find clients. 

We recommend checking out sites like LinkedIn, Upwork, and FreeUp.

Agencies can also help in your journey of how to scale a freelance business by providing hassle-free hiring and management. Not only do agencies already vet their agents, they also make it easier to communicate and manage relationships. 

Enhancing Client Relationships

Delivering Exceptional Value

When you provide excellent service and do so consistently, you create a reputation. At the beginning, exceeding your clients’ expectations is important in order to make an impression.

Remember, though, making a good impression also sets the expectation. Make sure you can deliver the same, if not better, quality service moving forward. Otherwise, you’re only setting your client up for disappointment. 

Strategies for Delivering High-Quality Work

If you want to deliver high-quality work, give yourself a timeline. This is where you have a chance to look over the work and check that you are delivering the best output. 

It’s not only about delivering results fast, it’s delivering results that produce results. This means creating something that will best help your client achieve their goals. This could be more impressions, satisfied customers, better CTR, better branding etc. 

You should also focus on continuing education and skill development. This involves leveraging the advantages of top freelancer tools to boost efficiency. 

Building Long-Term Partnerships

If you want to foster this level of client loyalty, you simply need to deliver on what you promise. Some freelancers even give discounts to additional services. 

Financial Management for Scaling

Pricing Strategies for Growth

Some may wonder how to adjust pricing as you scale. 

In the first place, you should set clear expectations for work and let them know the boundaries of your offerings. 

Scale depending on scope and complexity of services. 

Some lay out their services in a tier structure. You can also do that. 

When it comes to value-based pricing, consider what skills are closely related and you can do relatively quickly. 

Managing Cash Flow

Cash flow management is about having enough cash or liquid assets to meet any debts or obligations like your rent and utility bills. Good cash flow helps keep yourself and your business afloat. 

The interconnected relationship of freelance business and personal life makes this even more important. 

Tips for maintaining a healthy cash flow:

• Set payment terms
• Prepare invoices ahead of time for quick sending 
• Plan ahead, create forecasts, and projections 

Marketing and Sales Strategies

Expanding Your Marketing Efforts

Digital marketing strategies are key for how to scale a freelance business quickly. The most popular include social media marketing, SEO, and content marketing. 

Content marketing and SEO are particularly important because they drive organic traffic. Quality content builds trust and can show a sneak peek of your expertise. 

Enhancing Your Sales Process

Techniques to improve your sales pitch:

• Give real life examples from previous experiences. 
• Reframe their problem and communicate your ability to solve it. 
• Start with the most obvious problem and upsell. 

Customer relationship management software and tools can help you manage your leads and clients. They help you organize this information in one place so you can make better business moves. 

How to Scale a Freelance Business Sustainably

Maintaining Work-Life Balance

Your ability to work is your ability to eat. Burnout occurs when you focus on the what more than the why. Take time to recenter, refocus, breathe, and do things you love. 

Be disciplined with your work time as well as your leisure time. Try to avoid bleeding work and life together by setting boundaries for yourself like resting on the weekends. 

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

Industries and technology are growing rapidly. You need to keep informed of the growing trends so you can stay on top. 

Scaling relies on your ability to improve something. It doesn’t just have to be  hard skills. You can work on soft skills like communication, self-control or organization. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps to take when planning to scale a freelance business?

Evaluate what you can do in your current state and if you can expand without compromising quality. 

How can freelancers ensure quality while outsourcing tasks?

Choose a partner wisely. Create a system to update and manage their projects and partnerships. 

What are the common pitfalls to avoid when scaling a freelance business?

Spreading yourself too thin too quickly can destroy your business and reputation. 

How can freelancers effectively market their services as they scale?

Social media, websites, and content are great ways to promote and improve visibility of your brand. 

What role does technology play in scaling a freelance business?

Technology can save time and effort so freelancers can hone in on the real money-making skills. 

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

Learning how to scale a freelance business is not a light feat. You need to plan ahead and create a strategy before you can take on more clients. Streamlining your current processes is the best way to prepare. 

You don’t have to scale alone, either. You can work with virtual assistants and outsource several tasks so you can focus on your core competencies. Whether you offer new services, or improve on old ones, make sure that you can still deliver quality service on time.

Want to know how to scale a business podcast and expand your reach? 

Today we’re going to explore the audio-centered knowledge world. We’re going to tackle initial set up, audience engagement, and even how to outsource tasks for maximum efficiency. If any of this interests you, lend me your ears! 

Laying the Foundation: Key Initial Steps

Identifying Your Podcast’s Niche and Target Audience

With so many podcasts out there, it’s often not as simple as picking a topic and deciding to talk about it. Notice how there’s a ton of business growth and entrepreneurship podcasts out there.

Yet, somehow, they still manage to find their place in a seemingly congested market. This is because they found their niche or a way to aim their podcast at a specific people group with specific problems. 

One way to find a niche is to identify gaps in the market and fill them. You can also leverage your unique experiences and tackle topics with a new twist. 

If you can identify a problem you want to solve, that’s usually where your target audience is. Note that a target audience doesn’t have to be completely unique. Most podcasters have overlapping audiences. Audience research can help you identify what they need and even what they enjoy. 

Setting Realistic Goals for Podcast Growth

A majority of people who start a podcast have growth in mind. They want to be able to reach the most people in the shortest period of time.

However, hosts should create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound) goals. You can establish these long and short term objectives alongside your vision and mission. 

Establishing a Strong Brand Identity

Branding consists of many factors, including physical and relational aspects.

Physical aspects of branding include your logo, banner, and even the music you include in your program. Relational aspects include the tone of your podcast (can be on a scale from casual to formal), the format (interview style, structured, free flowing). 

When creating your brand identity, you should be asking questions like 

• What makes us identifiable to our audience?
• How do we stand out from the crowd?
• How do we attract the audience and sponsors we want through our branding?

Building Your Virtual Team

Roles to Outsource for Podcast Production

When starting out, doing most of the production tasks yourself is common. However, it does take away time from other important tasks like planning episodes, researching, and developing your audience.

Not only that, but you also have to consider your time investment learning the skills and software associated with production. 

If you want greater flexibility and leverage outside expertise, outsourcing might be the better option. 

Some of these tasks include:

• Audio editing, sound engineering, and mixing 
• Research and creating show notes 
• Calendar management, coordinating, and scheduling with podcast guests
• Social media management 
• Video editing (if podcast has a video version) 
• Graphic design 

Hiring Process: Finding the Right Talent

Searching 

Maybe you’re convinced that outsourcing is a good solution for how to scale a business podcast you’re starting. Your next question is likely “Where and how do I find the right hires to fulfill these tasks?”

We always echo that you should hire from sites, agencies, or freelance marketplaces with good track records. 

These platforms should also have ways to vet and gauge the performance of these candidates. This includes reviews, ratings, and resumes. This can also reveal if they have had experience with podcasting before. 

Interviewing 

It’s also important to set up targeted interview questions. This can help you find out if they are a good fit. 

Onboarding

Onboarding is the process where you educate and integrate a hire into your team. This includes mission and vision sharing, meeting the team, and going in depth on their roles. 

Managing Remote Teams Effectively

A good onboarding process can make managing remote teams a lot easier. Onboarding helps you introduce communication channels and other software early on. 

Another key thing with remote teams is regular updates, team meetings, and check-ins. 

• Updates keep tasks and projects on track. 
• Team meetings build rapport, cooperation, and cohesion. 
• Check-ins ensure individual morale and well-being is up. 

Enhancing Content Quality

Importance of High-Quality Audio Production

We live in a time where streaming platforms and other media platforms have made high definition graphics the standard. With that, high fidelity audio is following closely behind. 

It should go without saying that a podcast should focus on its audio quality. However, audio is a much larger barrier of entry for a lot of people now more than ever. The bar for what is considered “good, crisp, audio” has been raised. 

This sound quality factor goes beyond purchasing a good mic. You also need the right people and/or skills to mix the audio in a way that is pleasing to listeners. 

Podcasting is an experience. As creators, your goal should be to make that experience as pleasing as possible. More than investing in good equipment, you should also consider investing in a space that contributes to good audio quality. 

Using Advanced Editing Techniques

Other ways you can elevate your podcast experience include

• Removing unwanted background noise without compromising the rest of the recording 
• Editing out words or segments while still making it sound seamless
• Fixing variations in volume levels 
• Creating seamless audio transitions from intros to segments and ad reads 

Engaging Content Creation: Planning and Scripting

Even the most unscripted sounding podcast you’ve heard likely has some level of planning. For educational content especially, hosts need to make sure they have their facts correct. 

More than just accuracy, scripting can also help make content more engaging. This can look like creating a structure so listeners can follow along. 

Other ways to make a podcast more interesting include inserting stories, gags, and even games. Podcasters can even encourage audience participation in these segments.

Leveraging Marketing Strategies to Grow Audience

Social Media and Content Marketing Techniques

Sometimes people don’t know how to scale a business podcast because they don’t know how to approach marketing.

After all, you can’t grow your audience if you don’t feed them. In other words, more people won’t watch you if they don’t know you or don’t feel engaged. 

Most podcasters leverage social media “feeds” to market and advertise their episodes. 

Here are some helpful tips to consider:

1. Know which platforms your listeners use the most. If the data shows the majority of your audience uses Instagram, meet them where they are. This is part of leveraging analytics we will talk about later on.
2. Know what devices your audience uses to listen. This is similar to the first point but mostly applies to video formats. It’s about creating posts and content that is easier to view. 
3. Post Reels, Shorts, or TikToks to tease the next episodes or provide highlights. I’m sure you’ve come across more than a few podcast clips during a “doom-scrolling” session. This is likely because short form content is incredibly popular and effective. It’s a way to pique interest and start conversations in comment sections. 
4. Create with your target audience and demographic in mind. Having a targeted audience makes it a little easier to target your ads, keep retention up, and improve your bottom line. 

SEO for Podcasts: Best Practices

One of the best ways to scale any business is through organic marketing. One of the most popular ways is search engine optimization. 

Audio SEO is quite a recent development. However, there are things you can do to help it rank on results pages and reach more people. 

This includes

• Creating high quality audio recordings
• Posting on multiple streaming platforms
• Creating a website with specific web pages connected to each episode
• Doing keyword research and including popular searches and answers in titles and descriptions 
• Driving traffic (a ranking factor) to your site through marketing methods 

There are also things to consider for YouTube SEO and promoting and growing your video podcasting. 

Networking with Other Podcasters and Cross-Promotion

When you prioritize creating valuable, unique content, the likelihood that someone influential notices goes up. 

But are there other things you can do to actively build up a network? 

One way is following and engaging with other podcasters online. Comment on their posts regularly and share their content. 

Another way is to research and reach out. Research the guests other hosts have on and reach out to them or their management if they’d be interested in a collaboration. Something to keep in mind though is that they might have booking fees which is part of the growth process. 

You can also mention podcasters in your show and in your posts. You can also encourage your followers to tag that creator on social media. Make sure that it is organic though, and not as a way to “clout chase”.

Lastly, you can try attending events, seminars, etc. that these podcasters frequent. 

Using Technology to Scale

Essential Software and Tools for Podcasting

There are two main areas of consideration for podcasting software—recording and editing. 

Some of the most popular recording software includes Audacity, Riverside.fm, and Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor). 

When it comes to audio editing software, some of the most popular include Audacity, Adobe Audition, and Hindenberg Pro. 

Your audio editor may have a preference so take that into consideration as well. 

Automating Workflow with Tech Solutions

Leveraging AI and automations can make production a lot easier. You can use AI to help create show notes and summaries. Automation can also help you with your email marketing and newsletters. 

You can also use these tech solutions for streamlining scheduling, outreach, and project management. 

Analyzing Data for Improved Decision Making

Podcast data and analytics can provide actionable insights to help you better strategize your marketing, engagement, and creation. 

For instance, Spotify for Podcasters has analytics that show listener drop-off rates. This is basically where listeners stop listening or skip a part. 

You can examine this data and see which parts of your program listeners don’t really enjoy. From there you can determine if you should change the format, rewrite similar segments, or remove them altogether. 

Maintaining and Growing Listener Engagement

Community Building Techniques

Community engagement and building can be as simple as answering questions and comments on your posts. 

Other techniques include

• Running polls on who they think the new guest is gonna be  
• Promoting fan art, etc. 
• Promoting places where they can get access to exclusive content like Patreon 
• Using platform-specific perks like stickers, emotes, membership exclusives, etc.
• Hosting live stream events and episode premiers together with your audience

Regular Listener Feedback Loops

Platforms like Discord and Reddit are a great way to engage with audiences and hear what they have to say. You can crowdsource and ask them what episodes they want to see and even what to release first and when. 

Creating Engaging and Interactive Content

When you have a good understanding of your target audience, it helps you create content catered to their interests. As you interact and engage with them using the aforementioned methods, you learn how to hold their gaze – or ears in this case!

Frequently Asked Questions

What key metrics should I track when learning how to scale a business podcast? 

Here are the main podcast performance indicators to consider:

• Number of listeners
• Average consumption time 
• Number of downloads, follows, and subscriptions
• Revenue generated
• Number of positive reviews 

What are the common legal considerations when outsourcing podcast production?

Before outsourcing, you need to research country-specific labor laws and regulations, data privacy and security policies, and intellectual property laws. 

How often should you reassess your podcast growth strategies?

Once a month is usually a good time to properly test out a strategy. However, this also depends on how many episodes you put out within that time. 

What are the signs that you need to enhance your technology stack for podcasting?

• Plateaued growth 
• Substantial audience feedback regarding quality
• Spending too much time on repetitive tasks (need for more automation solutions) 
• Coming across issues that current subscription plans or software cannot solve 

How can you maintain a personal touch as your podcast audience grows?

• Consistently engage and interact with your audience. 
• Create with the same mission, vision, culture, and tone that you establish from the beginning.
• Don’t outsource everything. Stay involved in your podcast production in some way.

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

Now that you know how to scale a business podcast, go out there, tell your story, and help others scale their own endeavors. Virtual teams and outsourcing can be long-term partners in this venture, supporting you in whatever area you need.