Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Wish you had an extra pair of hands (or maybe even a whole extra person) to help you get things done? If so, you might want to consider hiring a virtual assistant (VA) from the Philippines!
Virtual assistants are remote workers who provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a virtual office. They can handle a wide range of tasks, from scheduling appointments and managing email to writing content and editing videos. And according to Prialto, 13% of Upwork’s virtual assistants are Filipinos, not only because of how profitable it is to hire Filipinos virtual assistants (because of exchange rates), but also because of their 97% literacy rate, according to an article from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). You can rest assured that VAs from the Philippines would be more than capable of running your business alongside you and the rest of your team.
But what exactly can a virtual assistant do for you? Here are 10 of the most common tasks:
1. Manage Your Calendar and Schedule Appointments
Delegate the hassle of scheduling appointments, booking travel, and tracking deadlines to your VA. This enables you to focus on more critical tasks, enhancing productivity and time management.
2. Respond to Emails and Phone Calls
VAs can handle your communication by screening calls, responding to emails, and even drafting initial replies. This ensures that you never miss critical messages and allows you to focus on more strategic aspects of your work.
3. Be a Social Media Manager
If you’re struggling to maintain an active presence on social media, a VA can create, schedule, and manage your posts. They can also engage with your audience, respond to comments, and track social media analytics to help refine your strategy.
4. Write and Edit Content
VAs with strong writing skills can assist in creating and editing content for your blog, website, or marketing materials. This includes ensuring the content is grammatically correct, engaging, and aligned with your brand voice.
5. Research and Data Entry
VAs can conduct research on various topics and compile information for your projects. Additionally, they can handle data entry tasks, saving you time and allowing you to make informed decisions based on well-organized data.
6. Manage Your To-Do List and Projects
Keeping your tasks and projects organized is crucial. A VA can help by creating and managing your to-do list, tracking project progress, and sending reminders for upcoming deadlines, ensuring you stay focused and efficient.
7. Provide Customer Service
For businesses, a VA can handle customer inquiries, address concerns, and provide support via email, phone, or chat. This contributes to maintaining positive customer relationships and ensuring satisfaction.
8. Translate Languages
If you need to communicate with individuals who speak different languages, a multilingual VA can assist by translating documents, emails, and other communications, facilitating effective cross-cultural communication.
9. Conduct Administrative Tasks
From booking travel arrangements to ordering office supplies, a VA can take care of various administrative tasks, allowing you to concentrate on more strategic aspects of your work.
10. Be your Personal Assistant
A versatile VA can assist with a wide range of tasks beyond the listed ones. Whether it’s conducting online research, managing personal appointments, or handling unique requests, a good VA can adapt to your needs and become an invaluable asset in various aspects of your life.
How much does a virtual assistant cost?
The short answer? Hiring Filipino VAs are more affordable than local ones, let’s say an American or Australian VA. The cost of hiring a Filipino virtual assistant will vary depending on their experience, skills, and the number of hours you need them to work. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $24 per hour, according to Glassdoor.
Where can I find Filipino virtual assistants?
There are a number of online platforms where you can find virtual assistants, such as Upwork, Fiverr, or consult a VA agency such as The Outsourcer. While you can definitely post job listings on social media or your own website, here are the top platforms used by VAs in the Philippines:
Freelance and Job Posting platforms:
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- Upwork: One of the largest freelance platforms with a vast pool of VAs from various countries, including the Philippines. Prices can vary greatly based on experience and skillset.
- Fiverr: Offers micro-services, so you can find VAs for specific tasks at affordable rates. Good for smaller projects or one-time needs.
- LinkedIn: Connect with experienced VAs boasting detailed profiles and relevant skills. Post job descriptions and let qualified candidates come to you. Use powerful filters to find the perfect fit.
- Indeed: One of the most popular job boards used by Filipinos. Refine your search with specific filters and access readily available information on rates and experience.
VA Agencies:
- The Outsourcer: The Outsourcer primarily caters to businesses seeking Filipino VAs, leveraging their cultural compatibility and cost-effectiveness. While we might offer VAs from other countries, our main workforce consists of Filipinos from different regions.
- MyOutDesk: A veteran agency with a large pool of VAs across diverse skillsets. Provides personalized matching, training, and ongoing support for clients.
- Zirtual: Provides high-end, dedicated VAs who handle all your administrative and organizational needs. Great for busy professionals and entrepreneurs.
There are tons of US and Australia-based agencies now giving Filipino VAs a bridge to find prospective clients who need their help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list and you could use some extra help, then a virtual assistant may be a good option for you.
However, it’s important to make sure that you can afford to hire a VA and that you have a clear understanding of what you need them to do.
Ready to take the plunge and hire a virtual assistant? Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Be clear about your needs and expectations. The more specific you are about what you need help with, the easier it will be to find the right VA.
- Set a budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend on a VA before you start your search.
- Interview potential VAs. Ask questions about their experience, skills, and availability.
- Start with a trial period. Most VAs offer a trial period so you can make sure they’re a good fit for you before you commit to a long-term contract.
With a little planning and effort, you can find a virtual assistant who can help you take your productivity to the next level.