When was the last time you had an empty to-do list? If your workload is like most small business owners you probably don’t know the answer to that question.
Enter cheap Virtual Assistants, or VAs. They’ve been touted as the greatest thing to happen to small business owners since Starbucks started their $2 after 2 p.m. deal.
But is a cheap VA really a good investment? Even if it’s only $10 a month are you really getting a deal? Let’s break it down….
A Tale of Two VA Companies
I tested two companies I’d read about in productivity books — most notably The Four-Hour Workweek. I think we’ve all read articles about virtual assistants in developing countries that do everything from schedule doctor’s appointments to write letters on your behalf.
And their prices make Walmart look like Saks!
The first company claimed to be based in the U.S., but it was clear from their emails there were no native-English speakers interfacing with clients. But hey, I only had to pay $10 to get started and I could make up to five requests. Anything that would take less than 15 minutes to complete.
Five requests for $10? Awesome! I was psyched!
To test the water I picked two easy requests. First, I needed the form to change my business address with the secretary of state. Second, I needed forms for filing a DBA. I filled out two request forms and was as explicit as possible.
Both requests were returned within 24 hours and they emailed the correct forms. The emails were extremely friendly, too! Wow! I was in love! I ran out and told everyone I know to check this company out.
Then I asked for something a little more complicated. That’s when our love affair went sour….
I needed a list of eight advertising agencies in Houston for a client. None — and I mean not one — of the results the VA provided were useful. Some of them weren’t even in Houston, they were in cities 8-10 hours away.
It took me exactly eight seconds (I timed it) to Google “Houston ad agencies” and get directories with over 20 relevant listings.
Yet not one of their eight results was useful?
When I explained this to the company they sent another, slightly more usable list. Still not as good as my own Google search, but useable. They also charged me for it — yes, they deducted my account for their correction.
I couldn’t really complain because I only paid $10. But I closed my account the same day. I mean, hey, I can get a friend to do Google searches for the price of a Starbucks coffee. And if we go after 2pm it still only costs me $2.
With the second company, I figured I’d start out with a more complex task to see how they’d handle it. I’d read they were one of the best.
I asked how much it would cost to create a newsletter template and integrate it into my email account. I sent an example of what I wanted — a tweak to a template I’d seen.
After two days I got a price quote of $140.
Now, $140 is a small investment for an email template. I realize that, and if I was working with a local designer I’d certainly expect to pay more. But here was the thing:
Because it took them two days to get back to me I went into my email myself and made the tweaks in about an hour. So, when I saw their breakdown I felt it was padded.
They may indeed be the very best VA service out there (no, I won’t name names), but I decided I’d rather hire local or work with people I’ve developed a one-on-one relationship with.
I ended up finding a local VA company a few miles from my office. (Ironic?) They charge around $400 a month, but I think they’re worth the extra money. They help with bookkeeping, invoicing…and they understand what I’m looking for without me having to spell it all out. Plus, they can afford to take on fewer clients so they provide more personalized attention.
Final VA Thoughts
I think inexpensive VA services are great for quick web searches and straightforward tasks. For anything beyond that — and this is just my experience — it’s probably better to find someone local to partner with. Someone you can call on the phone if you need to. Someone who understands how to run a small business without needing any hand-holding.
After all, businesses are built on teamwork and referrals. It’s not just about finding the cheapest vendor. It’s also about the experience a vendor provides and their ability to help your business grow. It’s about mutual investment.
Low-Cost Assistant Options
If you’re looking for low-cost help with your business consider partnering with a local college to provide an internship. Contact the career services department or student business organizations and they’re usually more than happy to help you set up a for-credit internship.
Don’t be afraid to tap friends and family for help, too. Many are willing to volunteer an hour or two a week to help manage social media or to make calls for you.
And finally, if you decide to hire a low-cost VA be very specific in your instructions. Start with a $10-20 service plan and try out a few assignments before you commit to a larger plan.