Business

Why businesses need to be offering cryptocurrency payments

Published

4 years ago

January 28, 2021

In recent years, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have emerged from the underground and have found their place in the mainstream worlds of finance, eCommerce, and business. But as a business owner, should you consider offering cryptocurrency payments? There are plenty of big names that already do and many benefits for you.

Big companies that use cryptocurrency

The widespread adoption of cryptocurrency has been driven in part by major retailers and service providers opting to offer cryptocurrency payment methods. Some of the world’s biggest companies offer payments in bitcoin, ether, and some other currencies.

For example, Microsoft, Overstock, Twitch, and AT&T all accept crypto payments. You can even pay for your Starbucks, Burger King, or KFC with Bitcoin if you so wish. For the adventurous amongst us, space travel via Virgin Galactic can be paid for with crypto, or you could just fly to Norway with Norwegian Airlines. Asides from the big names, it’s estimated that 36% of SMEs in the US, accept Bitcoin with some accepting other virtual currencies as well.

Why business should use cryptocurrency

There are several reasons why cryptocurrency payments are beneficial for businesses. Some of them will depend on the nature of the particular industry, but others are more general. Firstly, cryptocurrency is huge, and offering this service gives you a competitive edge over other businesses, as well as plenty of cool points. Furthermore, there are some 1.7 billion people across the world that do not have access to a bank account, let alone a card for online shopping. Providing crypto payments allows unbanked individuals to pay for goods and services online.

There is a global shift away from a cash-based economy and to a digital- economy. People are preferring to use electronic payments and, increasingly, digital currencies to transact online. Cryptocurrency payments, for example, are more secure than regular payments as they do not use personal details, and once the transaction is made on the blockchain, it is immutable. This means it cannot be changed, reversed, or tampered with in any way.

How to use crypto for business safely

The key to effective cryptocurrency payment integration is risk analysis and taking steps to protect yourself and your clients. One of the first things you should do is consider taking out insurance such as professional liability insurance. This will provide financial support for you in the case where you may have to defend yourself against a negligence claim made by a customer. This kind of insurance can be required by law in some jurisdictions or areas, but even if it’s not, it’s still worth getting as you never know what could happen.

Other ways to use crypto safely include onboarding a crypto payment processor. This will securely take care of all payments to and from your company and it will ‘lock-in’ rates at the value they were when the transaction was made. This will ensure you are protected should the value of the coin drop after the purchase has been made.

Integrating cryptocurrency payments into your business is something you will have to consider sooner rather than later. Why not take the plunge now and join the ranks of some of the most forward-thinking companies in the world.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

7 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.