Business

Xander Neff Helps with Taking the First Step

Published

4 years ago

October 7, 2020

Take it from the guy who literally had to learn to walk all over again in his late teens; first steps are hard. Xander Neff knows all about it. He wouldn’t let the hardship stop him–he never did with whatever he was going through–but he could understand why a new beginning might give people some pause.

He’s had a few new beginnings of his own. As a kid, he did every job he could find, juggling as many as three at one point. Then after the accident that paralyzed him from the waist down, he decided to join the Army once he was well enough.

Then, when the Army thing didn’t pan out because of another injury and he wound up homeless, he had to make one more first step and move out of his car and into hotel rooms while on tour with Girls Night Out the Show. Those are plenty of very difficult firsts packed into his young life. Here’s what he’d say to others about the lessons it taught him.

Defining the Biggest Challenge

Different fitness, entrepreneurship, and any other kinds of gurus will focus on different areas when looking for the biggest challenge for starting a business or any other kind of endeavor. Xander uses a football analogy to explain his philosophy.

“In football, it’s not having the quickest 40-yard dash that makes the best player,” he explains. “The best player is the man that, within the first 3 steps, is already a mile ahead of his opponent with a vision of drive and determination that will get him to the end zone.”

It’s those three first steps that determine the player’s direction, intent, drive, and every other trait that will bring them to the end zone. So as someone who is trying to translate this into the world of business, it would be best just to stick to the basic tenet of not going into it blind. Having the idea–those three steps that will chart a direction–can mean the world.

Getting the Right Mindset

Unfortunately, it’s impossible to avoid talking about mindset when trying to help people get out of a rut. Mindsets are important, no matter how often they’ve been an abused concept to spew all kinds of nonsense.

With Xander, the nonsense is nonexistent. It’s pretty simple. Failure doesn’t exist; there are just opportunities to learn. As a master of reframing himself, it’s easy for Xander to say this. But it gets even better because he would also advise looking for other common “opportunities to learn.” Creating a picture from different learning curves can create a pretty accurate image of what it takes to succeed in any endeavor.

So how does one take that first step? It’s easy. First, make sure that all the steps that have to happen before the first step are done. Next, have a clear vision of the past, the future, and as many variables as possible; that can make all the difference. Finally, going into it, even knowing that failure is an option is a key part and the best thing about making that first step.

You can follow Xander Neff on Instagram at @xander.fit.

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.