Business

The Secret Tips for Entrepreneurial Success

Published

3 years ago

December 15, 2021

Are there traits or behaviors that help you excel in life? Is it possible to sabotage your success by avoiding certain daily practices? Below is a roundup of five daily habits that, if followed, can increase your chances of standing out from the crowd.

Learn from your mistakes

During our developmental years, we are taught to avoid mistakes at all costs. This attitude carries through life. Employees who make the slightest misstep are petrified. We have a propensity to apportion blame—or punish someone—rather than learn from the situation. This shuts down many perfect opportunities for growth.

Elon Musk takes a different approach. When something goes wrong, it piques his curiosity. He questions everything, looking for valuable insights and take-aways. Instead of pointing an accusing finger, or beating himself up, he’s discovered that the fastest road to improvement is to understand how errors occurred, adjust the process accordingly, and move forward.

Intuition is your inner guide

Being a top entrepreneur is not just cerebral. You also have to learn to rely on your ‘gut’. Intuition, or gut feeling, actually involves the second brain, which resides in the stomach. Our two brains communicate details they’ve picked up—things our conscious minds may have missed. That’s why we get that tingling sensation deep down in our stomachs.

Our brains are powerful ‘pattern recognition machines’ and constantly scan the horizon for details, cues, and threats that we need to be aware of. In fact, the US Navy has been researching this phenomenon for some time and has verified the fact that it is possible for someone to sense danger before it materializes. Even in modern business, with information galore, not all problems can be anticipated. We need to tune in to our inner voice.

Lawrence Ellyard, CEO of the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT), has relied on his intuitive business sense to steer his firm through COVID-related business interruptions. During the recent lockdowns, Ellyard’s firm experienced unprecedented challenges that couldn’t be met with spreadsheets, figures or other usual metrics.

Ellyard says, “As robust as our accounting and reporting functions were, they just couldn’t tell us everything that we needed to know. We had many employees who weren’t able to carry out their work; they were worried about losing income. We had to rely on our instincts. As a leadership team, we found ourselves asking what would be the right thing to do? How should we act in this situation? What are our values and guiding principles?“

Emotional Intelligence is the smartest choice

Emotional intelligence, popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman, also helped the Australian CEO to navigate the difficulties. Ellyard admits he had to pay careful attention to how he communicated with staff, and also how he managed his own emotions.

“Because leaders have to make tough decisions, and get the job done, they are often driven, direct and unaware of how they make others feel. I found that in the midst of all the tough days we experienced, the atmosphere could get a little fraught. It was crucial for me to understand that everyone was feeling vulnerable. I tried to keep my communication style positive and upbeat and monitored my own stress levels so I didn’t appear angry or upset. Understanding how you operate within a group of people can literally save relationships and ensure that your business does not implode. A business is only as strong as the links you forge with your team.”

Don’t be afraid to stand out from the crowd

Whether it’s setting standards for personal conduct, or deciding on the company direction, successful entrepreneurs forge their own direction—they don’t ‘go with the flow’. Steve Jobs didn’t want to make another grey box as a home computer. No. He bucked the trend. He wanted to create devices that were elegant, intuitive, and at a much higher price point. Many balked at his ambitious plans, including his own company who actually fired him for a period. However, his commitment to his vision eventually turned Apple into arguably the most influential company in the world, with unrivalled profit margins.

You have to back yourself

Ellyard advises aspiring entrepreneurs to have unshakable confidence in their vision, and in their abilities, whilst maintaining humility. He says, “It’s a fine line between hubris and self-belief. You want to maintain a humility that engenders support and brings people onboard. I find that leaders have to constantly guard against ego, as it can be off-putting. Don’t kid yourself that you’re some kind of Superman and you can do everything. No, you need a team around you; you need the support of others who complement your skill set. But, also, you can’t lead by committee. You have to be a leader with a clear vision. You have to give people something to aim for.”

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.