US Based Assistants vs. Outsourcing Overseas
The most common countries for hiring overseas virtual assistants are India and the Philippines. Labor costs are much lower when you outsource overseas, which makes it a no-brainer, right? Not always. Many companies are torn between hiring overseas or utilizing higher quality US based assistants. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding from where to hire your virtual assistant, which we outline below.
However, keep in mind that there is no right or wrong answer. Ultimately, you do what is best for your company’s needs. We hope to empower you to make that choice by providing you with accurate, concise information to help your decision making.
Overseas Advantages
1. Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!
Virtual assistants abroad charge far less than your average US based assistant. Rates typically start as low as $6/hour. This price tag is especially attractive for smaller businesses looking to keep costs at a minimum while expanding their client-base.
2. Coverage
A virtual assistant in India is awake when you’re asleep, so they can run logistics and keep your work going 24/7. They also typically run on different holidays, so you can stay up and running for your clients even on major holidays/events that other countries may not observe.
Overseas Disadvantages
1. Language Barriers = More Work + Loss Of Time
Instructions typically get “lost in translation”. With English being their second language attention to detail is normally missed. Having to correct work will cause frustration and loss of time. This along with the time difference you lose days not hours.
2. Connectivity
Reliable internet or cell phone service is difficult to find in many countries. This is a challenge for a long-distance relationship that relies solely on remote communication. Lack of internet connection could make productivity hard for them, potentially putting that workload back on your plate at random times.
U.S. Based Assistant Advantages
1. Easy Communication
Don’t waste time with difficult language issues and slow internet connections. Get to work with your virtual assistant immediately upon hiring.
2. Higher level of customer service
U.S. based assistants can connect with your U.S. customers, speaking their language and understanding their local concerns. As freelancers and perhaps small business owners themselves, a U.S. assistant will treat customer concerns from a unique perspective, whereas an overseas assistant won’t stray from a script and you could possibly lose a client in that interaction.
3. No Time Difference
You can work with your assistant in real time and expect work from them during an average 9-5 work day if that’s important for your company needs. Also utilizing Byron’s short-term feature you can have on demand assistants work for you at night time. For example, we have assistants in Hawaii!
4. Better Understanding of Local Places
There’s only so much that a person can interpret from Google View. If you are looking for an AirB&B in a safe location or a great local restaurant, an assistant based in the U.S. will know exactly where to look.
5. Less Training Needed
U.S. assistants have previous work experience and even certifications in data entry, transcriptions, blogging, and more. At Byron, we require that our assistants have at least 3 years of assistant experience, which is just the beginning of our commitment to hiring the best assistants. While your assistant can hit the ground running with your work assignment, we encourage you to provide specific training for your company and personal expectations. Read our 5 Tips for Working with a Part-Time Virtual Assistant and Virtual Assistant Training blogs for useful suggestions on training.
We hope we’ve established the efficiency and effectiveness of hiring a U.S. based assistant. Below are just a few examples of the best way to use them for your company needs.
Best Projects for U.S. Based Assistants
1. Travel accommodations
This is especially important if you do lots of regional travel for your work. Your U.S. based virtual assistant is best qualified to book your travel within your specific parameters with little to no guidance or training.
2. Copyrighting and other written projects
When you need an important correspondence written or customer emails responded to quickly and accurately, hiring a U.S. based assistant means no language or cultural issues. This is especially important if the writing will be is for the public.
3. Transcriptions
A U.S. based assistant will understand the English language and its various accents. They will more easily understand local topics, national events, and other context that improve transcriptions.
4. Client Facing Work
Design work is great for U.S. assistants if you need a specific brand that appeals to a U.S. audience or some appealing script and other high quality marketing material.
Why Byron is U.S. Based
At Byron, we believe our U.S. based assistants are best qualified to take on your company’s responsibilities in the most effective way.
Byron does all of the hiring for you, so you don’t waste time vetting your clients for simple things, like language proficiency. Our assistants must have at least 3 years of experience, which ensures that they can hit the ground running with your project. Each Byron assistant passes our vigorous standard and subject level tests. These are not certifications or qualifications you get from overseas Virtual Assistants.
We are proud of our U.S. based assistants and believe their quality work will suit your company’s needs.
