Business

Winners and Losers in the Digital Economy

Published

4 years ago

September 20, 2020

Businesses around the world were forced to move to an online economy due to the COVID 19 pandemic. However, not all businesses will be able to make that shift and thrive. If you deep dive and take a look at the digital economy, you will discover winners as well as losers. Let’s take a look at some of the winners and losers.

Winners of digital economy

Telecommunication companies

Online services are quite popular among people out there. That’s because, we use our internet connections and phones to get most of our work done. Due to the same reason, companies that offer internet and telephone services have a high demand. Telecommunication companies can expect to witness an increase in demand for the services in future. Hence, they are a clear winner of an online economy.

Software development companies

People in today’s world prefer to use online platforms to get most of their work done. For example, we take a look at the online stores when we want to buy something. It is a convenient method available to get a product delivered without having to go out. To cater this demand, businesses have started getting their online selling marketplaces developed. Numerous improvements are done to those online marketplaces to deliver a better experience to the customers. On the other hand, digital economy has forced employees and students to continue with their work from home. This has also created a massive demand for the services offered by software development companies. Hence, software development companies are a clear winner of the online economy.

When you go through IB Economics Paper 1 Sample Answers, you will figure out how the businesses can thrive when they have an increased demand. All the businesses that belong to the above-mentioned industries have a high demand. Hence, they can get the maximum returns out of digital economy.

Losers of online economy

Now you have a clear understanding about the winners of online economy. While keeping that in mind, it is worthy to take a look at the losers of online economy as well. Here are some of the businesses that will probably take advantage out of digital economy to ensure their business success.

Businesses in the hospitality industry

Businesses that exist in the hospitality industry, such as hotels, theme parks and even airlines will fail to thrive in a digital economy. They operate businesses, which cannot be taken online with ease. Along with the development of a digital economy, most of the people prefer to stay at their homes and get work done. This is creating a negative impact to the businesses in hospitality industry. That’s because those industries need people to move.

For example, we can see how the large scale conferences, trade shows and exhibition are now taking place online in the form of online conferences and virtual trade shows. This has led the companies in hospitality industry towards major revenue drops. As you can learn from Econs Tuition, businesses that have a drop in demand will not be able to sustain in the future, unless they go for transformations. However, the transformations available for businesses in the hospitality industry are also limited, due to the nature of business operations that they run.

Child care services / adult care services

Child care services and adult care services are another loser in an online economy. We could see how these businesses receive lots of financial support during the recent past because of the impact created by COVID 19 pandemic. They are experiencing a significant drop in their revenues as of now. Some of the operators are even forced to close down their facilities.

In a digital economy, people are provided with the chance to get most of their work done while staying at home. For example, people don’t need to go to office to get work done. Due to the same reason, they can work from home and take care of their kids and seniors. This leads all the businesses that offer adult care services and child care services to lost business opportunities.

Final words

As you can see, there are winners and losers in a digital economy. Losers should focus more on how to get the maximum out of new business opportunities created with the online economy. Then they will be able to innovate and ensure the survival of businesses in the long run.

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.