Have you ever felt like you’re drowning in tasks, with no time to focus on the things that really matter? Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can change everything—freeing up your time, reducing stress, and giving your business room to grow. But finding the right VA services company to work with? That’s where the magic—or the headache—happens.
Let’s talk about why this decision matters, the pros and cons, the ethical side of VA hiring, and my own story of wading through hundreds of applications to find my first life-changing assistant.
Why the Right Company Changes Everything
A great VA services company doesn’t just find you a warm body to fill a role—they connect you with a partner who can help you reclaim your time and transform your business. They make the entire process seamless:
- They Get You: A good company takes time to understand your needs and matches you with someone who fits perfectly.
- They Do the Heavy Lifting: From vetting to onboarding, they save you weeks (or months) of time you could be using to focus on your business.
- They Offer Long-Term Support: It’s not just about finding a VA; it’s about building a system that works for both of you.
On the flip side, working with the wrong company can leave you frustrated, with mismatched assistants or poor-quality work that adds to your plate instead of taking it away.
Why Hiring Direct is Harder Than It Looks
I’ve been there. When I hired my first VA, I thought, “How hard can this be?” Well, let me tell you: it’s hard. I went through 300-400 applications just to find one assistant who really stuck. Hundreds of resumes, dozens of interviews, trial tasks… it felt like a full-time job just to find someone to take over my tasks.
And even when you find someone, the work doesn’t stop. You’re responsible for onboarding, training, and managing everything. If you’re not ready to commit to that kind of time and energy, hiring direct might not be the best path.
The Reality of Hiring Direct:
- Time Suck: You’ll spend hours (or weeks) reviewing applications, interviewing, and onboarding.
- Risk of Mismatches: Without expert vetting, you might hire someone who doesn’t align with your needs.
- No Support: It’s all on you to train, manage, and troubleshoot.
Looking back, I wish I’d known what a difference the right VA services company could make. They handle the tough stuff so you can focus on what you do best.
The Pros and Cons of VA Services Companies
What They Get Right:
- Time Saved: They’ve already done the hard work of vetting and training.
- Ready-to-Go Assistants: Your VA comes in equipped to handle the tasks you need, often with specialized skills.
- Built-In Support: Great companies provide ongoing check-ins and tools to help your partnership thrive.
What to Watch For:
- Costs: Quality doesn’t come cheap, and VA service fees can be higher than hiring direct. But trust me, it’s worth it.
- Less Control: You might have less say in the hiring process, but that’s part of the trade-off.
Ethical Hiring: Pay Fair or Don’t Play
Let’s get real. If you’re paying less than $10/hour for a Filipino VA through a services company, there’s a high chance they’re being underpaid. And if your assistant doesn’t feel valued, you’re setting yourself up for turnover and frustration.
Why Fair Pay Matters:
- Attract Top Talent: Talented assistants expect to be compensated fairly, and when they are, they’ll go above and beyond.
- Build Trust: Paying your VA ethically shows that you respect them, which strengthens your working relationship.
- Increase Longevity: Underpaid assistants are more likely to leave. Fair pay keeps them invested in your success.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
When choosing a VA services company, be on the lookout for:
- Too-Good-to-Be-True Pricing: If the rates seem too low, the assistant is likely being exploited.
- One-Size-Fits-All Matches: A company that doesn’t tailor matches to your business won’t deliver the right results.
- Lack of Support: The relationship doesn’t end at hiring. Good companies offer onboarding help, follow-ups, and feedback loops.
My Advice? Get Help the Right Way
Hiring the right VA service company can save you time, stress, and frustration while giving you the support you need to scale your business. I’ve been through the DIY hiring grind, and while it worked out in the end, I’ll never forget how overwhelming it was to sort through hundreds of applications on my own.
By going through Systems and Assistants That Work and partnering with a trusted VA services company, you’re investing not just in an assistant, but in a smoother, more productive way of running your business. You’ll gain time, peace of mind, and a partnership built on trust and respect.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s find the life-changing assistant who will help your business thrive.
