What do you think of when you think of the word “Assistant”? Do you think of a young, relatively unskilled subordinate, paid little but assigned relatively little of importance? These sorts of assistants are common, and generally are only doing their job in order to get a leg up in the company or industry they work within. They won’t be around long, and you know it.
There is another type of person that falls under the title of “Assistant”, generally referred to as an Executive Assistant. An executive assistant works for top executive officers in medium to large corporations. They are paid well for their services, but are expected to be around for the long haul, to learn the ins and outs of their field, and generally to be a trusted collaborator with the executive they assist. Not all executive assistants get treated this way, but you’ll find that the most successful corporate executives are backed up by great assistants.
As a small business owner, you are the “top executive” of your business. If you don’t surround yourself with great people who are motivated to see your business succeed, you are setting yourself up to fail. In a recent PCWorld article, Christopher Null finds out firsthand what happens when you contract with cheap, outsourced “virtual assistants”. You end up wasting a lot of time and money, and maybe end up thinking that there is no good help out there.
But there is! You just need to change your mindset a little bit. If you are willing to pay a person next to nothing in order to complete mission-critical tasks for your business, think of the message that is sending to them. Think of how little they probably value you and your business in return. If all you’re looking to do is find the cheapest support, you’re not thinking like a top executive – you’re thinking like a middle manager. But you deserve better than that.
That’s why we no longer call ourselves “virtual assistants”. The term is associated with cheap, throw-away work that achieves generally negative results. We are not like that. Administrative Support Consultants are the “Executive Assistants” for your small business – we are people who have developed expertise in the means of supporting you, as the “top executive” in the labor of love that is your business.
Tags: administrative support consultant, small business, virtual assistants
This entry was posted on Friday, November 4th, 2011 at 8:06 am
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Spot on! Now we just have to work on changing the rest of the industry’s mindset…one day at a time. : )
Thank you, Donnamarie.
VAs need to open their eyes and stop trying to be competitive with these VA mills. It is a totally different service and experience we are offering here.
Although, business owners may consider sending their competitors to the mills! Heh, heh, heh.
It’s about time there were more options like your. Small business owners like me need help and you are making it affordable!
Congratulations, Jennifer! So excited for you in these new directions.
Thanks, Gail. I think it is more about a good fit and great support than affordability, though. Our service isn’t right for everyone, but for those who are a good fit, it can make all the difference in the world.
Thank you, Danielle. And thank you for all you do!