Hiring a VA can definitely ease up your heavy workload. They can help you out in integrating your business into the internet market with their knowledge and skills in email marketing, social media, and even website design.

However, there are two ways that you can choose to hire a VA into your business: a freelance or an office-based.

 

• Defining the two

Freelance VAs are usually self-employed and work solo. They are usually home-based and you can work directly with them without engaging with a company. While office-based VAs are assistants that work with a virtual workforce company. They are usually led by a project manager to perform the business.

Both can benefit your business, however, making the right choice between a freelance and an office-based VAs can make a huge difference in your business and your convenience.

So how do VA services differ from freelancers?

 

• People in your project

Office-Based VAs:

When you outsource to a VA company, you get access to a wide variety of skills such as taking your calls, email marketing, graphics, IT Solutions and even website development.

This also means that when working with an outsourcing company, you are tapping with a talent pool of web designers, virtual receptionist, and IT specialists.

Freelance VAs:

While VA’s are formed by a team, you can get to work with one virtual assistant by hiring a freelance VA. One of the best things about hiring a freelance VA is that you can select the right VA for you by looking through their portfolio. It gives you the knowledge and the skill sets of what you think they can do for your business.

 

• Support

When choosing the right VA for your business you will have to consider the support that your provider will give to you.

Office-Based VAs:

When you use an outsourcing partner, you will typically be assigned with a project manager. A project manager is solely responsible for delegating the tasks to the right VAs depending on the project.

However, when your VA is assigned to a project, they will need an ample time to get acquainted with the right procedures. For example, you have delegated your social media planner to them, the VA also needs some fair adjustment for the new social media tasks that was currently assigned to him/her.

Freelance VAs:

When you work with a freelancer, they’re likely used to the style of work and procedures of tasks that you have since they have already established a portfolio and related experiences with the task they offer.

Also, In terms of communicating with a freelance VA, you can directly comment your feedback and clarify your expectations to them without going thru a project manager. Communicating directly also helps in developing a stable work relationship with you and your freelance VA.

 

• Availability

Another thing to consider when hiring a VA is their availability. After all, who knows you might need their help at a specific moment – and it’s important they can deliver it on time.

Office-Based VAs:

In Greymouse, virtual assistant and IT Specialists are available 24/7 to answer calls and look out for your business. When it comes to assistance real time and around the clock, office-based VAs can guarantee their availability.

Freelance VAs:

When it comes to availability, hiring a freelancer is also a good decision. However, it’s most advisable that you should negotiate your needs in advance since freelance VAs are most likely to have a specific schedule of when they are available to do the tasks.

Freelance VAs are known to have their own flexible schedule to juggle up their client’s projects and so is their responsibilities. Thus, availability-wise, they might not be there for you 24/7.

 

• Conclusion

Choosing between a freelance or an office-based VAs can differ along the line but it depends on your business needs. If you want a full agency to take over your tasks then go to an office based VA or if you would like to invest on a skillful VA to join your team, then hire a freelance VA.