As technology continues to advance, the way we do business is changing. There are many ways you can use technology to your advantage, and cut business cost. This will result in a more productive and profitable business.
Hiring employees can be one of the largest cost in having a business. You have to have staff for your business to function correctly, but there are now ways to have virtual assistance without all the added cost of an employee.
Virtual receptionist and virtual assistance are now available. They can help you run your business more efficiently. Each provides different aspects, and you choose one according to your needs. What is the difference between a virtual assistant and a virtual receptionist?
Virtual Assistant
Virtual Assistants can be used to help with small tasks within your business. They can conduct research, write content, and organize information for you. This will take out a lot of the stress that surrounds gathering data and preparing reports. They can help with professional administrative, technical or creative assistance.
A virtual assistant is independently contracted, so you do not have to worry about paying benefits. This type of worker does not work in your office; they are typically based at home. Since a virtual assistant is a contractor, you will not be liable for withholding taxes. Virtual assistants take all this into account, and charge accordingly.
Basically, a virtual assistant will use technology to help you conduct your business efficiently. However, a virtual assistant will not be responsible for scheduling, but rather book keeping and research task. They will not have any interaction with clients, but they will take care of writing, editing and newsletters.
They will not process orders, but they will help gather documents. A virtual assistant will not have live chats, but they will use data from order’s to help prepare financial reports. They will shop competitors and look at trends to help you make adjustments to your business. This type of assistant can bring so much to your business, but they differ to the task that a virtual receptionist will conduct.
Virtual Receptionist
A virtual receptionist will interact with clients, and become a face for your business. They will be the first interaction that all your clients have with your business, and they will engage in live phone calls and web chats.
It is your virtual receptionist job to, book appointments, schedule meetings and help organize your calendar. They will keep you going in the right direction. A virtual receptionist will not be stationed in your office, but rather in a remote location. You will not have to pay benefits to them or worry with taxes.
You can choose to have a live virtual receptionist or an automated one, depending on your needs, and your business. Your virtual receptionist will answer all phone calls that come in, and screen them accordingly. They will forward calls to the right person, answer common questions and take messages.
You can allow your virtual receptionist to organize your appointments, take care of online orders, and care for customer service needs. Your receptionist will be responsible for making a good first impression for your business.
You can have your receptionist care for sales that are conducted online, as well as over the phone. They will track all potential leads, and follow up accordingly. A virtual receptionist can take care of many aspects within your business. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in, you can benefit by having a virtual receptionist.
Similar but not the Same
A virtual receptionist and virtual assistant differ in many ways. The only similarity is the fact that both will perform their task from a remote location, which means you will not have to worry with all the cost that comes with hiring a full time employee.
A virtual receptionist interacts with clients, while a virtual assistant has no interaction with clients. An assistant works more in the background, where the receptionist will be in the forefront of your business. They will be the first interaction that all your clients have.
The receptionist can care for sales, and will take care of organizing your business. An assistant will not care for any sales or organization. They basically just care for the small task that can make your job a bit easier. A virtual receptionist can help with all aspects of your business.
