Business

Stan Bharti: Prospecting for Potential

Published

4 years ago

January 18, 2021

Canadian businessman Stan Bharti has built a career in discovering, funding, and cultivating projects in the sectors of mining, agriculture, energy, finance, and technology. He is well known in the industry for his ability to acquire finance, restructure, and succeed with emerging high-potential startups and struggling companies alike. A professional engineer in both North America and Europe, Mr. Bharti has a blend of industry-specific technical expertise and a general aptitude for management, operations, and finance. Through this integrated approach, Mr. Bharti has reached great strides in his over 30 years in the industry, being a recognized financier in Canada responsible for listing over 50 companies in various stock markets all over the world. This breadth of experience has contributed even further to Mr. Bharti’s continuing success, who has invested and raised over US$10 billion in the last ten years.

Since 1995, Mr. Bharti has applied his unique managing and financing approach to Forbes & Manhattan Inc., an international merchant bank and finance house where he serves as founder and executive chairman. Initially based in Toronto, the company has grown to establish offices in London, New York, Moscow, and Los Angeles in order to handle its wide variety of projects from all over the world. Thus far, the company has had projects on six continents, with its current focus being the Americas, Africa, Europe, and countries of the former Soviet Union.

Today, Forbes & Manhattan is renowned for its ability to rapidly bring projects to success and currently handles over 20 companies in the sectors of natural resources, infrastructure, energy, and technology. A significant contributor to this success is Mr. Bharti’s adoption of his unique integrated technical approach to the company philosophy. To this end, the company employs over 1,000 professional staff, including the world’s finest engineers, geologists, software developers, investment bankers, and financiers. Through this highly varied and diverse international team, Mr. Bharti ensures that F&M is always equipped with the necessary technical expertise to handle all aspects of financing and management for their equally wide variety of clients.

Mr. Bharti not only works to cultivate the sustained success of his client companies but also that of the world at large. Social responsibility is a core element of Mr. Bharti’s personal and corporate philosophy. Mr. Bharti goes beyond just funding the world’s high-potential companies to achieve this goal, being a major contributor to charities around the globe. Since 2010, The Bharti Charitable Foundation has ensured that F&M gives back to its communities. Through this foundation, Mr. Bharti has financed advocacies that aim to maintain nature and wildlife and help children in some of the world’s poorest developing countries.

While Mr. Bharti has had over 30 years of experience in finding and cultivating potential in emerging companies, he has also used such talents in a different manner. In 2012, Mr. Bharti collaborated with Laurentian University of Greater Sudbury, Canada, to establish the Bharti School of Engineering. Through this school, Mr. Bharti hopes to help aspiring youth become engineers who will write their own success stories with the pen of sustainability and social responsibility.

Beyond this, Mr. Bharti continues his professional and charitable efforts through his membership in several charitable and business boards in North America and the United Kingdom, and he is also a member of the global leadership community Young Presidents Organization (YPO). Mainly spending time between Los Angeles and Toronto, Mr. Bharti has also learned to speak fluent Russian and conversational Finnish and Spanish due to his history of international work.

In June of 2018, Mr. Bharti was even awarded the status of Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan to Canada as recognition for his work in providing business opportunities in Kazakhstan.

On top of the heavy workload of managing his firm and his charity, Mr. Bharti works hard to ensure that he keeps a balance in spending time with his family, who also help him manage his foundation. You can find out more about Stan Bharti by visiting the website of his company, Forbes & Manhattan Inc., as well as that of his charity, the Bharti Charitable Foundation.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 days 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.