Executive assistants offer comprehensive support for top executives On the other side, virtual assistants handle repetitive administrative work to ensure seamless daily operation.

As you can see, both EAs and VAs play different but critical parts for your business growth. So, deciding which one of these assistants is the best addition to your team is a game-changing choice.

To get you off the fence, let’s discuss virtual assistant vs. executive assistant. . What’s a VA?Does a remote worker or a traditional worker fit what you’re looking for?

Let’s break it down here.

Is Virtual Assistant the Same As Executive Assistant?

No, these positions are not the same.

A virtual assistant is a professional remote worker who provides low-cost services—from administrative to social media management—to business owners and individuals.

Compared to the assistant you’re used to; these helpers have flexible contracts and thrive online. They’re hired on an “as-needed” basis, which is the perfect arrangement for clients with a small budget working on one-time projects.

Whereas an executive assistant is someone who aids executives in managing their low-level chores. Their main job is to organise and maintain the office by performing administrative tasks.

EAs are considered to be the “second brain” of chief executives. They’re often trusted with important information and are involved in almost all of the work of the boss.

Let’s dive deep into the top categories that show the obvious differences between these roles.

Flexible Working Arrangement

One thing that truly makes a virtual assistant stand out is that they come in different shapes and forms. The roles that they play depend on the tasks you need help with.

You can hire them to plan events, answer customer questions or manage data. And in every position that they fill in, they’re working with flexible contracts with no long-term bonds. This means you can scale them easily whenever the need arises.

This is not the kind of arrangement that an executive assistant is in. As opposed to VAs, EAs are hired with binding contracts that have actual financial consequences.

Location

The truth is that you might never meet your virtual assistant in person. This is a remote working setup after all, where tasks are discussed and completed online.

And here comes an executive assistant with whom you can actually work within proximity. You can engage with them face-to-face and create a relationship with them.

Still, VAs are more accessible. Their talent pool is bottomless without geographical breaks. Unlike executive assistants, you can source out top remote professionals with little effort and money investment.

The Cost Matters

Your choice of the right assistant may come down to the cost of bringing in the talent. How much will it cost you to hire a virtual assistant or an executive assistant?

Honestly, VAs are much cheaper to recruit. You can eliminate expenses on rent, equipment, utilities or health insurance significantly. You’re collaborating with contractual workers who get paid for the number of productive hours rendered.

Though executive assistants offer lower initial investment, in the long run, EAs might cost you more than they’re worth.

What Does a Virtual Assistant Do?

Below is how a VA earns you more time to explore better opportunities:

• Calendar Management

A well-managed calendar realistically shows your availability, so you can avoid double bookings, procrastination and missed deadlines.

By considering a virtual assistant service, you can allocate your time effectively and go straight to your priorities without spreading yourself too thin.

• Inbox Management

Stop wasting 30% of your workday sorting messages and reading junk mail. Inbox management is the job of a reliable virtual assistant. By cleaning up your inbox, they can help you get to your important communications without delay.

• Data Entry

Your employee spends an average of 1 to 3 hours moving data to the computer. If you have a virtual assistant, you can save your team and yourself from wasting time and be more productive.

• Bookkeeping

You don’t have the eye for detail nor the commitment to do your company’s bookkeeping. Lucky for you, a virtual assistant has both these qualities to help control your expenses and ensure resources are properly distributed.

• Research

You need to understand where your customers are coming from—their needs and wants. That said, trust in a virtual assistant to handle all kinds of business research to help you manage risks and stay competitive.

• Content Creation

Content is king in the digital world—whether it’s for your website or social media channel. The content that you craft builds your brand and helps extend your reach.

Content creation is an assignment that a virtual assistant takes to heart. They can create, post and schedule compelling content fit for each of your platforms.

• Customer Service

Your virtual assistant can maintain the line of communication between you and your customers. And with their cordial greetings and personal touch in handling client questions and requests, your followers are out for an excellent experience.

What Does an Executive Assistant Do?

Don’t get us wrong, executive assistants are as great at handling multiple tasks as virtual assistants. They just don’t go about it the same way.

Here’s a long list of what your EA can do:

• Coordinate general communications with the boss
• Answer calls and emails
• Arrange travels
• Schedule events and appointments
• Record meetings
• Create reports and presentations
• Perform bookkeeping
• Keep sensitive information
• Greet and screen visitors
• Manage the filing system
• Conduct research
• Offer administrative support

So, Do Executive Assistants Do Personal Tasks?

Yes, they do. Executive assistants cover a broad range of tasks that can go beyond the office. At times, they might have to book appointments for a doctor’s visit, shop for groceries or plan family vacation trips.

But it really depends on the job specifications. Some executives might prefer to handle their personal matters alone and leave their EAs to solely manage the office.

Virtual Assistant vs. Executive Assistant: Who is the Perfect Fit for Your Business?

Do you have immediate business-related needs? Do you only need support to accommodate peak times? More importantly, what’s your budget?

Once you get the answers to these queries, you can evaluate who’s the best assistant for you.

We get it; you’re burdened by your overwhelming workload. Though bringing in a new team member allows you more time, do you have the resources to make such an investment?

If you’re just working on a short-term project with a few hours of support required every week, you’re better off with a virtual assistant.

Especially for small business owners and startups, virtual assistant services present a flexible solution to your current needs for a price you can afford.

FAQs About Virtual Assistant vs. Executive Assistant

What Is Higher Than an Executive Assistant?

Executive assistants can progress in their careers and play managerial roles in the organisation like office managers or operation directors. These higher-level positions allow them to work with top management and participate in business decisions.

What are the Major Distinctions Between a Virtual Assistant and an Assistant?

For starters, virtual assistants are remote workers. This means they can provide invaluable support from anywhere in the world. It’s a perfect set-up for startups and businesses that want flexibility and don’t have physical offices.

Conversely, an assistant is a typical office worker who commutes to the workplace, clocks in around a fixed working schedule and carries out the admin chores.

What Do You Call a CEO's Assistant?

A CEO’s assistant is referred to as an executive assistant or the right-hand man or woman of the boss.

EAs are incredible multitaskers who become the eyes, ears and sometimes voice of the CEO across the organisation. Basically, they make sure that the schedule and task list of the day are in place, so the chief executives are more effective at work.

Is a Virtual Assistant a Secretary?

A secretary is like your administrative staff who handles office management chores like filing paperwork and scheduling appointments. Meanwhile, a virtual assistant goes outside of the mundane admin role. They offer a wide range of services like technical support or digital marketing, which are more complex roles.

Conclusion

In the matters of your new assistant, what matters to you most?

Flexibility? Your budget? Commitment?

You must understand the distinctions between virtual assistant vs. executive assistant for you to decide the right assistant and open up countless opportunities.

You must understand the distinctions between virtual assistant vs. executive assistant for you to decide the right assistant and open up countless opportunities.

So, if you’re interested in accessing multiskilled talents whenever you need towithout breaking the piggy bank, your next assistant should be a virtual assistant. Get in touch here.