Freelancer vs Virtual Assistant: Who Should You Hire for Your Business?

‍

If you’re a business owner, you can (and should!) leverage a wide range of resources to streamline operations and achieve your goals without being forced to engage in an extensive, and expensive, hiring process. Two popular options for acquiring external help are freelancers and virtual assistants (VAs). While both offer valuable services, they are not quite substitutes – they each cater to distinct needs. Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision about who to hire for your business.

‍

Freelancers vs. Virtual Assistants: what's the difference?

A freelancer is a self-employed professional who offers specialized skills and services on a project-by-project basis. They possess in-depth knowledge in a specific field and are typically hired for short-term projects that require their expertise. For instance, you might hire a freelance web developer to build a new website or a freelance writer to create content for your blog. Freelancers can work in a dedicated fashion with a single client, or they can provide hourly support as per requirement, depending on the agreement you have with them.

‍

On the other hand, a virtual assistant provides ongoing administrative, technical, or creative support to clients remotely. They can handle a far broader range of tasks, encompassing email management, social media scheduling, data entry, customer service, and more. While specialist VAs exist, they charge a premium for their services. Also unlike freelancers, VAs most often work with multiple clients simultaneously, generally working asynchronously.

‍

In essence, while there might be some overlap in the services offered by freelancers and VAs, their core focus and engagement models differ significantly.

‍

Freelancer or Virtual Assistant: which one do you need?

The choice between a freelancer and a VA hinges on your specific business requirements. Here's a checklist to guide you in making the best decision:

‍

1. Project scope and timeline

• Short-term, specialized project: If you need a specific task completed within a defined timeframe, such as designing a logo or conducting market research, a freelancer with the necessary expertise is the ideal choice.
• Ongoing, repetitive tasks: For tasks that require consistent attention but don't demand specialized skills, like managing social media or scheduling appointments, a VA can handle these efficiently.

‍

2. Skill set requirement

• Highly specialized skills: When your project demands a deep level of expertise in a specific field, such as web development, content marketing, or graphic design, a freelancer with that specialized skill set is essential.
• General administrative or technical support: If you need assistance with routine tasks that don't require in-depth knowledge in a particular area, a VA can provide the necessary support.

‍

3. Level of Involvement

• Hands-off approach: If you prefer minimal involvement and want someone to deliver a finished product without constant supervision, a freelancer who can work independently is suitable.
• Close collaboration and ongoing support: If you require regular communication, feedback, and a high level of involvement in the project, a VA can offer more consistent support.

‍

4. Budget

• Tight budget: VAs often offer more affordable rates compared to freelancers, making them a cost-effective option for businesses with limited budgets.
• High-quality, specialized work: If you're willing to invest in top-tier expertise, you'll likely need to allocate a larger budget for a freelancer.

‍

5. Workload consistency

• Fluctuating workload: If your workload varies significantly, hiring a freelancer on a project basis can be more flexible and cost-effective.
• Consistent workload: A VA can provide ongoing support and become an integral part of your team, especially if you have a steady stream of tasks.

‍

6. Need for confidentiality

• Sensitive information: If your project involves handling confidential data or intellectual property, a freelancer who signs a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) can provide additional security.
• General administrative tasks: VAs typically handle less sensitive information, but it's essential to discuss confidentiality measures with potential candidates.

‍

7. Turnaround time

• Urgent deadlines: Freelancers often prioritize their projects and can deliver work quickly, making them suitable for time-sensitive tasks.
• Flexible deadlines: VAs often manage multiple clients and may have less flexibility in meeting tight deadlines.

‍

8. Long-term relationship

• Building a long-term partnership: If you anticipate a long-term working relationship and require consistent support, a VA can be a valuable asset.
• One-off projects: For short-term projects, a freelancer might be a better fit.

‍

By carefully considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about whether a freelancer or a virtual assistant is the best choice for your business.

‍

Where can I hire a freelancer/virtual assistant?

If you’re looking for a freelancer to help out with short-term projects, consider platforms like Upwork or Fiverr! 

‍

However, if you’re interested in hiring a virtual assistant for your business, consider specialized services such as Leverage Assistants, BELAY, Prialto, etc.!

‍

‍

‍

Hire a 1% virtual assistant

Founded by serial entrepreneurs, Leverage Assistants is a white-glove service that helps you find 1% assistants and then teaches you how to build leverage with them. If you're interested in a strategy session to learn how to use an assistant, click here.

‍

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

‍