Business

For Business Owners, Time is Money

Published

3 years ago

January 15, 2022

There’s plenty of truth to the old saying ‘time is money’. The adage is especially applicable for business owners who often have to ration the minutes of each working day in order to accomplish a specific set of tasks. But the idea of time as having specific monetary worth goes further than that. When it comes to a company’s investments, for example, interest-bearing accounts yield more the longer they’re held.

Likewise, owners who use efficient fleet management systems can make deliveries on strict time schedules. Every corporate accountant knows that paying vendors early can save money, and getting tax payments to the government before due dates helps avoid costly late fees. Why does each passing minute on the clock represent monetary value to entrepreneurs, owners, and managers of so many types of companies? Here are some concrete examples that demonstrate the age-old principle and offer food for thought to anyone who operates a business in an ownership or managerial capacity.

Investing

Every business that maintains a savings or investment account has an inherent understanding of the time value of money. For instance, very large corporations typically hold investment portfolios for decades to maximize interest accumulation. The principle is the same one individuals use for retirement savings but on a grander scale.

Vehicle Fleet Management

Fleet management systems deliver efficient results in multiple areas of endeavor. In addition to helping create ideal routes, advising drivers about dangerous road conditions, and keeping track of driving hours, fleet programs use advanced telematics to track location, fuel use, mileage, and other essential parameters. Transport supervisors know that late shipments mean unhappy customers, which is why they rely on fleet programs to maintain on time schedules and keep tabs on dozens of statistical data points.

Paying Bills

In nearly every industry, vendors offer one or two percent discounts to companies that pay bills within ten days or the invoice date. For busy organizations, these relatively small amounts can add up to major savings on an annual basis. The same principle applies to tax payment but in a different way. There’s no discount for paying early or on time, but there can be significant penalties for late tax remittance. That’s why so many corporate accountants advise management to take advantage of early vendor settlement and timely tax payments. Even medium-sized businesses stand to save thousands of dollars yearly through diligent accounting practices.

Training

It’s costs plenty to train a new worker. Typical estimates range from a few hundred to many thousands of dollars for standard onboarding procedures. However, investing in the development of your team and creating a culture of responsiveness, productivity, and inclusion is worth it. Because the expense related to training is so high, businesses work hard to design efficient, fast teaching materials and systems. The most common method in current use is the hybrid technique, in which new hires independently work through several volumes of text material and watch a few hours of video tutorials on their own time.

Alongside that component of the program, they receive in-person instruction from a member of the staff with whom they’ll soon be working. Keep in mind that once the new person is fully trained, there’s always the risk that they’ll quit within a short period of time. For owners, this risk is nearly impossible to avoid and one that often takes its toll on smaller organizations.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.