Business

Sean Frank of Cloud Equity Group Shares Tips on Scaling a Small Business

Published

3 years ago

February 3, 2022

Scaling a small business can be a challenge for entrepreneurs. Most businesses reach a plateau and their growth rates diminish and revenue begins to flatten. In this article, Sean Frank, a serial entrepreneur and founder of New York City-based Cloud Equity Group, offers insight on how entrepreneurs can successfully grow their business.

Cloud Equity Group is a strategic capital partner for tech-enabled business service providers. The firm has operational experience in cloud hosting, managed service, and digital marketing. Cloud Equity Group is a hands-on investor with a long history of scaling businesses with decelerating or negative growth rates.

Motivated and Competent Teams

People are the single most valuable asset of any business, especially when it comes to scaling. As Sean Frank puts it, “It’s impossible to do everything yourself. Working with a group of individuals who are as motivated as you are to see the business succeed improves the likelihood of success tremendously.”

It’s natural for an entrepreneur to have the mentality that they can do everything, or that they are needed to do everything. While this can work for a small company, it’s not a productive mindset and it inevitably leads to a bottleneck in a company’s growth trajectory. It can be difficult at first for an entrepreneur to rationalize paying a competitive salary to offload some of their work, and it can be tempting to try to leverage “cheap labor;” however, hiring strong individuals who add value to the business, and align their interests with those of the founder, is an integral part of growing any business. The CEO of a company doing $1M in revenue is likely running and managing most of the daily operations of the business. In order to grow to $10M+ in revenue, the CEO needs to effectively delegate much of the day-to-day management to managers so that they can focus on strategic planning and growth initiatives. It’s a matter of the best use of the entrepreneur’s time. If something can be handled by someone else, particularly if it does not directly translate into growth or value creation, then it should be delegated.

Constantly Adapt the Produce or Service

Businesses are ever-adapting in response to changes in technology, economics, and politics. It’s imperative to be mindful of these changes and to adapt accordingly. As Sean explains, “stale businesses that don’t adapt inevitably die.”

Cloud Equity Group aggressively seeks and incorporates feedback both from customers and employees on how to improve its service offerings. “In my experience,” shares Sean, “company-loyalty improves tremendously when employees or customers recognize that you care. In competitive industries, where customers can easily switch to other providers, it’s vital to show that their feedback is not only welcomed but also acted upon. These two steps go a long way to keep customers happy and for business growth.”

Partnering with Strategic Capital

It can be very tempting for entrepreneurs to accept capital into their business as soon as it becomes available. On one hand, a liquidity event could be seen as diminishing the success available to the entrepreneur. On the other, it may advance short-term funding needs that will, ideally, project the company forward. Accepting capital from an investor is a long-term commitment and it’s important to nurture a strategic capital partner as opposed to accepting any capital that’s available.

For example, a capital partner that’s willing to offer what seems like a lot of money for 50% of your business may be appealing in the short term, however, if the partner can’t help a business double in size, it’s a net loss. Choosing a capital partner that believes in your business, helps solve inefficiencies, and adds value is key. Sean Frank proposes that “it’s always better to have a small piece of a large pie than a large piece of a small pie — especially if that large pie continues to grow.”

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.