Executive Virtual Assistant Services
As a business owner, you likely make many financial decisions, and your team is part of that. So, when you’re considering hiring an executive assistant, the cost likely comes to mind. However, many factors go into the decision to hire an EA beyond cost, and I’m breaking them down below.
I speak with many small business owners and entrepreneurs about the importance of working with a virtual executive assistant. One thing that often comes up is the feeling that they need to have it all together before making the hire. Have you felt this way? You may think you’re too disorganized to hire an assistant or that you don’t want to bring someone into your chaos. This is the wrong way to look at the situation, and this line of thinking may actually be holding you and your business back.
You’ve built a great team, but is it complete? Growing a business is hard work, but you’ve managed to accomplish it by recognizing that you couldn’t do it alone. You’ve done what many entrepreneurs struggle with: hiring a team. You clearly understand the importance of having the right people in the right roles.
However, as business owners, we sometimes think about everyone else and neglect ourselves. You may still be managing your own calendar, reading every email that comes into your inbox, handling follow-ups, and taking care of other administrative tasks. You’ve made sure your business has the support it needs, but who’s supporting you?
What’s holding you back from hiring executive assistant support? If you’re like many business owners, there may be a myriad of things. A few of the things we tell ourselves are, “I’ll wait until things slow down. I’m too busy to deal with it,” or “I’ll hire after this quarter.” But if we really think about it, the timing may never feel right. And all the while, waiting may quietly be costing you in ways you don’t realize.
Many leaders stay involved in everything because they care deeply about their business. If you’ve ever thought, “It’s just easier to do it myself,” you’re not alone. Your business is important to you, and you want to ensure things are done right. After all, this is your livelihood. You’ve built your business from the ground up, and it’s a representation of you. But over time, being involved in everything becomes exhausting. Still, it can be hard to let go for a variety of reasons.
You’ve brought on a virtual executive assistant to help you, but you’re still involved in all the tasks you’ve delegated to your EA. Nothing is done without your involvement, whether that means answering the same questions about tasks, double-checking work, or checking in on things that should already be completed. If these things are happening, you’re still managing the process, essentially doing 50% of the work instead of your EA fully owning the tasks.
Whether you’re thinking about hiring a virtual executive assistant for your business or you’re already working with one, keep in mind that support runs deeper than just the tasks. If you think managing your calendar, inbox, travel, etc., is all that your EA will handle for you, think again. Strong support from a virtual executive assistant requires much more than simply completing tasks.
Technology tool or an executive assistant? If you’ve ever found yourself in this position, which did you choose? I’ve encountered many people who believe that automation and technology tools can replace the need for an executive assistant. However, there are a few things to consider before making that decision.
AI is a hot topic across all industries; it has everyone’s attention. At conferences, sessions on AI are overflowing with attendees. I’m often asked how it’s impacting our industry, and I’ve even been asked if it will shut down my company. People are still learning about AI and its impact. Many believe it will save them money by eliminating the need to hire an executive assistant, some are even referring to AI as their VEA (virtual executive assistant).
“I know that I need help, but I don’t know what to delegate.” I hear this phrase often in my conversations with leaders. They’re feeling the pressure of having too much on their plate and know they need support, but they don’t know where to start. They’re already overwhelmed, and the thought of figuring out how support should work for them adds another layer.