To hire a local virtual assistant or not. That is the question.
Let’s be honest. As a business owner of any type or age, it’s up to you to make the best decisions for your business. Everyone has a difference of opinion when it comes to the most simple aspects of business, and of course, what works for one might not work for someone else.
Given that, the hiring process can be a tricky road to travel. Is it better to hire from overseas or closer to home? In the end, this decision is yours, despite what I’ve said in some of my other blog posts. Hiring overseas can be beneficial to any business. Plus it’s not my place to say that an overseas assistant isn’t going to work hard for you. I honestly couldn’t say one way or another on this.
There are a few key benefits to hiring someone closer to home, rather than from overseas:
Time Zone Differences
Times zones can be a plus or a negative, depending on how you look at it. Hiring someone locally reduces the confusion over time zones and needing to wait until the next day for clarification or task fixes. Being able to communicate within the same time zone can be more beneficial to both parties of a virtual working relationship. It can also be beneficial to work in opposite time zones, as you can delegate your tasks at the end of your day and wake up the following day, with the work completed. Just keep in mind, sometimes you will want that Skype call with your virtual staff, to clarify or delegate. Different time zones can make this challenging, but it’s also not impossible.
Language Barriers
Hiring overseas virtual office staff increases the chances of instructions being lost in translation. Research suggests that 99% of mistakes or repeated instructions happen because the virtual admin assistant hasn’t received clear enough instructions. Repeating details and following up on questions is easier with a local freelance virtual admin assistant.
Hiring local virtual services cuts way back on the possibilities of your instructions being unclear, and therefore, work being completed late.
Physical Presence
A virtual assistant is called “virtual” for a reason, right? A local virtual support staffer has what an overseas virtual assistant doesn’t: the ability to be by your side if necessary.
Hiring local virtual services allows you and your assistant to make arrangements if you need help in your office or at a meeting. This isn’t impossible for overseas admin, but let’s face reality, it’s certainly a lot more tricky.
In general, hiring a local virtual admin to help you with your business can be beneficial to you both. As a business owner, though, the only one who has the power to make that call is you. These are just some points to consider.
If you just need to figure out what to outsource, I have two great resources to get you started. Download my list of 10 Things You Can Outsource Now and the VA Delegation Worksheet.
Book a free consultation call with me and let’s talk about moving your business forward.
