Honestly, this is not really a contest between an online assistant and an online assistant manager. Even though they provide different services and serve different goals, they are both valuable assets to any business owner or entrepreneur who hires them.

While most of us already figured out the worth of having an online assistant, there are quite a few who barely know what an online assistant manager brings to the table.

Should you work with an online assistant, because, well, what can’t they do that an online assistant manager can do? Is there even a real difference?

Read on, and let’s figure it out together in this article.

What Is the Role of an Online Assistant?

The only way that you’ve never heard of an online assistant is if you were living under a rock. Remote workers are immensely popular in the modern business world.

If there’s any task that’s too much for you to handle, outsourcing to a virtual assistant becomes the number one business practice to solve the issue.

The role of an online assistant is to provide business-related activities to support entrepreneurs and other professionals. They normally cover administrative tasks to earn you more time to concentrate on your primary job, which is to run your business and grow it.

What’s an Online Assistant Manager? And What Does a Virtual Assistant Manager Do?

If an online assistant is a cliché, an online assistant manager is an unhackneyed job title that’s fresh to your ears.

Just like a virtual assistant, an online assistant manager is a remote professional who handles a wide range of business-related tasks, like marketing and customer service. They work closely with you and your team, helping you achieve your bottom line.

An Online Assistant Manager or an Online Assistant?

You want to move your business forward, and you need help doing it. The problem is that you don’t know who is the best remote worker for the job. Online assistant manager or online assistant?

These two are low-risk options, whenever you need additional support but can’t afford a full-time employee.

Both are really helpful in achieving the following feats:

• Grow your business.
• Cater more people and earn more profit.
• Build trust and loyalty.
• Develop your offering and add more products or services.
• Provide positive consumer experience.
• Free up more time so you can invest in profit-making projects.

So, which one should you invest in?

What’s the Difference Between an Online Assistant and an Online Assistant Manager?

An online assistant manager is not just another virtual assistant. They bring different skills and diversely approach their responsibilities.

Here’s a comparison:

What’s Their Focus?

An online assistant, aka your virtual assistant, doesn’t look outside the box. They are fixed on completing their time-sensitive assigned tasks.

Yes, VAs are task-focused and in need of direction and guidance from their employers when making decisions.

Conversely, online assistant managers look at the bigger picture and how the little things contribute to the whole. Their focus is on the entire business and not on a specific task. They manage teams and take responsibility for making key decisions in project management.

Due to the nature of their job, these virtual managers work more hours for only a couple of clients.

What Are They Responsible For?

Your online assistant is responsible for your everyday admin tasks.

Here’s a list of the most typical tasks that you can delegate to them:

• CRM management
• Data entry
• Record expenses
• Calendar management
• Email management
• Schedule content posting
• Proofread content
• Event planning and management
• Travel bookings

On the other side, an online assistant manager handles more complex roles, like project and team management. They make sure everything is in order and that efforts are being made to achieve business goals.

How Do They Approach Work?

First of all, these two remote workers work to achieve different goals, and they go about it differently.

An online assistant needs instructions to follow. They invest their time in completing their tasks to please you.

Alternately, a virtual manager uses a more strategic approach. They work to grow your company, which is why they tend to have a deeper understanding of your business.

What are their Skills and Fields of Expertise?

Online assistants can practically do a wide range of activities to fill your daily operation needs. They are basically generalists who are good at a lot of things but aren’t experts in any particular area.

That said, even if they don’t have a profound knowledge of a certain project, they will try to do it anyway, which is not exactly the best choice for your business.

On the contrary, an online assistant manager has a great understanding of your field of work. This makes them a valuable source of information for insights and strategies.

Even when you’re not constantly whispering in your VA manager’s ears, they can keep the business organized and going.

What are the Benefits of Hiring an Online Assistant Manager

We’re not done. We still need to discuss the advantages of hiring an online assistant manager.

• Provide valuable information and insight.
• Can spot new opportunities that a typical virtual assistant would not care to find.
• Leverage technology to streamline work procedures and systems.
• Can help expand your networks.
• Using their experience, your online assistant manager can train your team.

What are the Benefits of an Online Assistant?

The key to unlocking the bountiful benefits of an online assistant is learning how to delegate effectively.

Your assistant will mostly rely on you and your ability to communicate with them. As a business owner, your guidance is pivotal to the achievement of your desired results.

Anyway, here are the important perks of hiring an online assistant:

• Offer a myriad of business-related services.
• Provide a flexible working arrangement.
• Save more time.
• Faster turnaround of time-consuming activities

Skills to Look for in an Online Assistant Manager

In a remote setting, you need an online assistant manager who can work independently. They must have the initiative to make decisions and communicate effectively.

And since they are filling up a management role, you need to find a virtual manager with a solid background in leadership and project management.

Skills to Look for in an Online Assistant

Consider the scope of responsibilities that you’re going to hand over to your online assistant and think of the specific skills they need to complete their tasks.

Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do they have the experience?
• Are they agile?
• Are they trustworthy?
• Do they have excellent communication skills?
• Are they dynamic?

In any case, a great online assistant manager or online assistant will be someone who embodies the skills that balance your own.

Personality also matters a lot. You’ll be working closely with your remote worker, and you will get off to a quicker start if you get along with them.

Remember, you can always train skills, but attitude is developed around motivations and social contexts that are built.

Who Should You Hire?

In any type of business, you need focus and a sprinkle of strategic thinking to move ahead of the pack.

As the business landscape develops and progresses, harnessing the power of virtual assistance will help you maintain a competitive advantage. It will allow you to keep up with the evolving circumstances.

Online assistant managers and online assistants both serve different purposes in your organization. They bring different knowledge and skills to serve your business goals.

Online assistants are excellent admin support for your everyday grind, while online assistant managers offer strategic support, helping you boost the value of your business. If you aim for growth, this is critical for your goal setting.

When you’re ready to take your business further, you can schedule a consultation with us, and we’ll get you connected with a remarkable online assistant manager.