Business

Plumber to CEO: Your Destiny isn’t Pre-Planned

Published

4 years ago

November 3, 2020

Chances are you’re not doing the career path you choose in elementary school. Additionally, you may have changed professions at least once already in your life. Financial Times suggests people plan for five careers in a lifetime. So, the truth is, your future isn’t pre-ordained.

Don’t Settle on Your First Choice

At 17, Darren Cabral started working as an apprentice plumber in Toronto’s housing projects. Hating the aspect of sitting behind a desk all day, he chose 80-hour weeks doing backbreaking labor in all weather conditions. By 20, Darren was already burned out.

His parents, immigrants that spent many years laboring, wouldn’t allow him to quit without trying to better his life. Darren went back to school and started working on his own business at the same time. Not years, but months after leaving the plumbing profession, he launched his first successful business—Toronto Skycam.

A year later, Darren sold his aerial imaging company to a larger tech firm.

Don’t Look Back

Darren Cabral didn’t lightly jump from one industry to another. He had over 3,000 hours invested in plumbing. He knew it would be a steady income and a pandemic-proof career. After all, people are always going to need plumbers. Had Darren stayed in that mindset, he would have never reached his true potential.

Don’t Stop Growing

Darren didn’t stop working on his future prospects when he started college. He kept pursuing successful business opportunities. Likewise, after selling Toronto Skycam, he didn’t stop building from his ideas.

The seasoned entrepreneur decided to move onto the digital marketing industry. He wasn’t qualified. But that wasn’t a barrier. He learned the ins and outs of social media advertising on Facebook and Instagram.

In 2016, the entrepreneur started Suits Social, a social media marketing agency that focuses on Facebook and Instagram advertising. Generating millions of dollars a month for their clients in a half dozen industries, helping them sell online, build their brand, and increase revenue in a very measurable way.

Don’t Give Up

Like working as a plumbing apprentice, he threw himself into learning and working, spending 60 to 70 hours a week in online marketing. The lack of experience and references hurt. Darren pursued every avenue of digital advertising, learning everything he could. Finally, after six months, he signed his first client.

At the end of the year, he made $18,000. Some people would give up at that point. Instead of throwing in the towel, Darren worked harder. After three years of not stopping, he’s a successful digital marketer. He’s the CEO of Suits Social and has days where he earns more in 24 hours than he did during his first year in the industry.

Don’t Let Education Stop You

If Darren Cabral let educational barriers get in the way of his goals, he wouldn’t be the CEO of a successful digital marketing agency. He taught himself everything he needed to know about digital marketing. Combined with his business education, Darren’s business, Suits Social, saw 2700% growth over three years.

His philosophy? Focus on results! Everything Suits Socal does revolves around running Facebook and Instagram ads as profitably as possible while providing measurable results across the board. His customers always know how their ads are performing and see results in realytime 24/7/365 no surprises. Don’t lock yourself into one mindset. Be like Darren, and never stop striving for more. There’s no reason you can’t go from sitting in a cubicle to the head seat in the boardroom.

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.