A VA’s rates, comparatively, help to upgrade equipment, software and skills. This, in turn, allows for more and better services to be available for client. It also means that client doesn’t need to worry about providing space and maintaining equipment that a temp would need, which can get quite costly when in hands of an inexperienced employee.

5.The next difference is to look at types of clients that temps and VAs are most likely to be contracted by. Medium to large companies generally would call in a temp when they have enough work to keep them busy for an extended period of time or when work involves specific duties that need to be handled in-house (ie. reception). However, these companies may also have a need for services of a VA when they have an occasional project that requires immediate, experienced attention or when they do not have training time or equipment available for a temp.

Small business owners and SOHOs (Sole Owner Home Office) are most likely to need and utilize services of a VA as opposed to bringing in a temp. The projects are usually varied and may be far between or not enough to keep an employee busy in-house. The completion of project may also be hampered by lack of space and equipment that would be necessary if a temp is brought in. It is unlikely they will ever use services of a temp and they are more receptive to idea of contracting a secretarial service.

6.VAs charge for actual work they do, hour for hour, whereas a temp is paid for time worked and any time they sit idle, waiting for more work or another project to do.

7.And, unlike a temp who has loyalty to agency they are contracted through, a VA is usually an entrepreneur and works with and for client. As a fellow small business owner, a VA has a vested interest in success of their client’s business.

Although temporary agencies are more visible to public, due to their increased size and marketing budgets, they are not only answer to help alleviate administrative overflow for both small and large businesses.

Of 10 items listed above, only two need to be handled, or at least started, by business owner.

#3 – (Prepare Quote) This task should be developed by business owner. Now, this doesn’t mean they have to do it all. They can put together specifics of quotation and then have a Virtual Assistant format and produce final outcome.

#10 – (Networking) Again, this is something that can’t be outsourced, although, if company is large enough, a representative can attend meeting in place of an owner.

#2 – (Accounting) This task is a perfect candidate for outsourcing. There are many companies that provide exceptional bookkeeping services. If you are lucky enough, you can find one that can take care of all of your accounting tasks, right down to your yearly income taxes.

#7 – (Clean office) Once again, this can be handled by a reputable office or house cleaning service, and for relatively cheap.

#6 – (Update website) This is something that can be accomplished by an experienced web designer, and usually by way of a contract or retainer agreement for ongoing maintenance.

#4, 5 & 9 – (Flowers, tradeshow, seminar arrangements) These are all best handled by a professional concierge service. They can take care of everything from booking a limousine to arranging hot air balloon rides to corporate event planning.

#1-10 – Except for #10 (which is best handled in person), and #7 (which is not something that can be done from afar), remaining tasks can all be handled by a Virtual Assistant (VA). Now, not all VAs provide all of these services but, more than likely, they can either recommend someone who can or get details from you and ensure that a fellow colleague will do work according to your needs.

As a fellow small business owner, being able to provide a full-service benefit to a client is something that most VAs take pride in. If they do need to subcontract work to someone else, they make sure that contractor is aware of their level of professionalism and that it is VAs reputation that is at stake, something most will go to great lengths to ensure is held in highest regard.

Outsourcing is a relatively new concept to most business professionals but, as more and more of them begin to realize benefits that they can take advantage of by utilizing off-site services of Bookkeepers, Concierge services, Virtual Assistants, and more, more successful and less stressed out or overworked our business communities will be.