Business

What Holds People Back in Their Tech Careers That They Are Not Thinking About

Published

1 year ago

October 5, 2023

If you want to advance in your technology career, it makes sense to grow your technology skills. Achieving a new certification, attending a bootcamp, or earning an advanced degree are all steps that tech professionals take as they seek to move ahead in their careers. However, focusing on tech skills alone will not be enough for many tech professions.

“I have a warning to cloud engineers, software engineers, network engineers, and all hands-on technology professionals,” says Michael Gibbs, CEO of Go Cloud Careers. “If you limit your learning to tech skills, you will have a more difficult time succeeding in today’s modern world. Even worse, you run the risk of being replaced or outsourced within the next five years.”

Michael has over two decades of experience training students for high-paying positions in the field of networking and cloud computing. The unique programs offered through Go Cloud Careers provide students with unparalleled technical competency as well as proficiency in the soft skills needed to succeed as elite technology professionals. Go Cloud’s training gives its students an exceptionally high success rate at securing six-figure jobs.

“The good news is that there are things that any tech professional can do to increase their income, get promoted, and thrive in their career,” Michael says. “The key is focusing on the skills that will never become obsolete.”

Developments that are transforming the tech world

To thrive in today’s tech space, tech workers need to pay close attention to three ongoing developments, each of which is contributing to a major shift in tech opportunities. The first involves the quality of technology, which has increased dramatically in recent years. Keeping tech up and running is not as much of a challenge as it once was.

“When I started working in technology over 25 years ago, the tech didn’t always work,” Michael explains. “Qualified technology people were in high demand and the better your tech skills, the more you earned. But things have changed. In today’s world, tech works much better. Those who support it aren’t as busy as they once were.”

Globalization is another development that is challenging the security of certain tech jobs. The Covid-19 pandemic proved that geography is irrelevant when it comes to staffing. As a result, the pool for tech employees is much larger than it was just a few years ago.

“Do you think a business would prefer to pay $200,000 to an engineer in the US or $56,000 to an engineer in India?” Michael asks. “In either case, the person is receiving equivalent compensation when adjusted for cost of living and will be performing the same quality of work. This means a company can get four capable people overseas for the price of a single person in the US. If you were the CEO, who would you hire?”

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the third development that is reshaping the tech space. AI tools like ChatGPT have already proven they can code. To compete, developers will need to develop new skills that AI cannot offer.

Skills that can boost your tech career

To stay competitive, tech workers need to add business skills to their tech talents. Many applicants know how to configure technology, but few know how technology can transform the business where it is being deployed.

“Developing your business acumen allows you to understand the value that technology brings to organizations,” Michael says. “When you add business acumen to your tech skills, you are better equipped to help a business increase its revenue, its employee productivity, and its profits.”

Leadership skills will also help tech workers to have successful careers. Technology can’t replace leadership. Good companies will always look to hire and promote those who can lead others.

“Early in my life, I heard an African proverb that changed the trajectory of my career,” Michael says. “It states that if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. That’s the secret of success in tech or any field. Build a great team and be able to lead that great team and you will advance in your career.”

Being able to sell is another business skill that can help tech professionals. To be effective and advance, tech pros must be able to sell customers on solutions, sell management on the need for resources, and sell their teams on the importance of contributing to projects. Success in any elite technology role requires being able to sell.

Shifting from engineering to architecture

As engineers and other hands-on professionals add business acumen, leadership skills, and soft skills to their capabilities, they become a more critical part of the organization. Another step they can take to increase their value is to shift their focus from engineering to architecture.

“Engineers that are hands-on only without great communication skills, leadership skills, or sales skills will struggle as the tech field continues to evolve,” Michael warns. “Architects are not as vulnerable, as they focus on designing systems that improve business performance. In fact, architects are the key to digital transformation.”

Technology architects, like cloud architects, enterprise architects, and network architects, assist businesses in leveraging technology to improve business performance. They provide a unique and valuable mix of technology expertise and business acumen.

“Architects understand the customer’s business problem and the ways in which technology can solve the problem,” Michael says. “They bring the human touch to the digital transformation process, which is why they cannot be replaced by technology.”

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.