What are the benefits of working with a Virtual Assistant compared to hiring an on-site employee?

Working with a VA:

• You stay on track and on schedule.
• Works only when you need support. You are not obligated to pay for a certain number of hours a week.
• No time wasted on breaks or personal issues.
• No extra space is required. No loss of privacy.
• Provides ongoing, collaborative support to help you achieve your goals.
• No need to buy an extra computer, software, desk, chair, phone or supplies for her use.
• Learns and understands your business.
• Is a sounding board, if you need one.
• You and your Virtual Assistant choose to work with each other as equals. It is not a boss/employee relationship.
• A VA knows what it's like to own a business. She understands the importance of marketing and finances.

Hiring an employee:

• You must pay employer social security taxes.
• You must collect and pay FICA taxes.
• You must pay workers' compensation insurance.
• You must pay federal and state unemployment taxes.
• You must comply with OSHA.
• You must comply with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) including minimum wage and overtime payment.
• You must comply with Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
• You may possibly have to pay medical benefits, dental benefits, vision care benefits.
• You may possibly have to pay vacation time, sick time, and holiday time.
• You may possibly have to pay for other employee benefits such as 401K, retirement plans, etc.
• You pay someone to administrate the above.
• You have legal responsibilities that include employee policies on working hours, sexual harassment, vacation time, sick time, leave of absence, holidays, benefits, performance reviews, grievances, terminations, substance abuse and training.
• If you hire someone and lay them off, your employment rate may increase for years to come.
• If you have the unpleasant experience of needing to fire an employee, make sure you have legal grounds or you may face a lawsuit.

The biggest benefit of working with a Virtual Assistant is the relationship formed by working closely together. Over time, your VA will learn about you and your goals, and will work to help you achieve them. Because this relationship is so important, a VA will not work with everyone. The VA and her client must fit together, and complement each other's personality and skills. During the interview process this "fit" is examined, and both parties decide to work together. Visit my section on Finding a VA to learn more about the interview process.