The unexpected pandemic that shut down most of the planet also knocked the business world on its feet. No one could have been prepared for a catastrophe of that magnitude and understand how to pick up the pieces moving forward. Adjusting to the new norms after sweeping quarantines is something businesses of all genres have to focus on.
Even though the customer experience was becoming more electronic-encompassing every day before COVID-19, the move online got a giant shove into an all-digital space during the lockdowns. Not only did many employees start working remotely, but also many services people were used to doing in-person were now also online, such as shopping, education, and even submitting forms.
In order to keep up and venture into the online world without burdening staff, many firms have started looking for better resources to help carry the load. Perhaps the most promising evolution in business operations is the personal touch, at a distance, from a virtual assistant.
A virtual assistant is someone who works remotely and specializes in typically administrative services to clients all over the world. A leadership role that employs an assistant of this type creates a space where they can focus on more specialized skills needed at their company. The assistant is able to quickly pick up on the preferred routine of the person they’re working for. Having a real person to talk to can make a massive improvement in time management, as well as offer a reliable right hand to make sure tasks have been completed.
Virtual assistants can also be used to communicate with customers of the client online. Consumers are overwhelmingly gaining a preference for online interaction as more people become comfortable with integrating additional parts of their routine onto the internet. The extra support that comes from virtual assistant services gives a competitive edge over companies not employing this convenient tactic.
Using virtual assistants is also of benefit to employees who aren’t in higher leadership roles. A VA can take care of things like responding to emails, making phone calls, and scheduling appointments, which frees up time for more hands-on departmental tasks. Being able to connect to a client where they are and when they need it is exactly the type of function businesses need to operate in this, more so now than ever, computerized environment. That’s why virtual assistants are the way of the future.
