Memphis, TN – How can a company make more money? One way is to spend less, according to Shevada Tools, owner of InformationGuru.biz. She recommends a company examine their operational costs in the area of human resources first and foremost. The reason is new hires are expensive. In fact, some experts speculate it cost anywhere between $2000 and up to $20,000 for every new employee. For the small to mid-size business watching its budget, hiring someone new is a risky and costly proposition. However there is a solution - hiring virtual assistants, also know as remote workers.
But what is a virtual assistant exactly? Tools describes a “V.A.” as a person, or team that works at a separate location from the hiring company. They can do a multitude of tasks – everything from administrative and marketing support to information technology troubleshooting.
“When a company has to hire any employee – full-time or part-time – there are costs like benefits, taxes, advertising expenses and the time involved,” explains Tools. “But with a virtual assistant a business can have their company needs met without that overhead. Plus, in many firm, like InformationGuru.biz, we handle the interviewing for the client and set up the right match. So using a virtual assistant helps save a company money, but also time.”
Virtual assistants serve another function too according to Tools. They create peace of mind for the employer.
“An employer might hire someone they believe to be knowledgeable and dependable. What they end up with though is far less than they expected. They’ve already invested so much into that person that it doesn’t pay to let them go. They’re basically stuck. But with a virtual assistant they don’t have that up front cost and they don’t have to make a long term commitment if they don’t want it.”
It’s for these same reasons that Tools says a virtual assistant is a great option for companies that do seasonal work.
“Some companies have busy seasons – times when their client base grows tremendously. During these times, for example, rather than hiring an extra accounting person for administrative tasks they can have someone do everything for them off-site.”
The technology today allows for virtual assistants to work for a business without physically being present. It’s a wonderful resource, but it’s one of the hardest concepts to explain says Tools.
“Many businesses think a person needs to be sitting in a desk to work for them. They fail to realize the technology is so advanced that someone can do the exact same job from anywhere in the country. So if there’s a company here in Memphis needing extra phone support, it’s possible for anyone - from New York to California - to answer those calls. When you think about it it’s really quite amazing how small the country, and even the world, has become.”
For now though Tools continues to try to educate businesses and show them how they can literally do it all – be more productive, save money and have a quality staff they can depend on…even though they aren’t in the next room. She does point out there is one downfall to virtual assistants.
“If you want someone to get you a coffee then you’re out of luck because there’s nobody there,” Tools laughs. “But the trade off is you could be saving $2000 or more…and getting some exercise. So really, it’s a win/win situation.”
