Which VA Service is Right for You: Managed or Unmanaged?

As a busy executive, your time is valuable. That’s why more leaders are turning to offshore virtual assistants (VAs) to handle administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on high-level work without breaking the bank. At MyOutDesk, the leading provider of virtual professionals, we make outsourcing simple and effective—whether your virtual assistant is halfway around the globe or just a few time zones away. The comfort with remote work today has made hiring a virtual assistant from places like Manila as easy as hiring someone in your own city.

When you find yourself seeking external professional support, you have two options: managed or unmanaged virtual assistant services. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right fit for your business.

Unmanaged Virtual Assistant Service

Unmanaged VAs can be hired through platforms like Upwork or by working with an agency that maintains a pool of candidates. However, in this model, you’re responsible for recruiting, onboarding, training, and managing the VA. This approach offers flexibility but can be time-consuming and involves more risk.

Managed Virtual Assistant Service

A managed service, on the other hand, offers a more streamlined experience. With MyOutDesk, we take care of everything from hiring and training to performance management, ensuring your virtual professional is ready to deliver from day one. Our comprehensive approach includes additional benefits like continuity of service, high-level delegation consulting, and enhanced security protocols.

You simply pay a flat fee each month, and we handle the rest.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Choosing between managed and unmanaged services depends on your specific needs. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each model:

Advantages of Unmanaged Services

• Cost Efficiency: Hiring directly through a freelance platform may save you money by cutting out the middleman.
• Control: You decide the hours and scope of the VA’s work, giving you more autonomy over the arrangement.
• Access to Specialized Skills: Unmanaged services can be ideal if you’re looking for VAs with niche skills like web development or graphic design.

Disadvantages of Unmanaged Services

• Time Investment: You’ll need to invest time in recruiting, interviewing, and managing the VA.
• Training and Oversight: All training and project management fall on your shoulders, which can be burdensome for busy executives.
• Risk and Compliance: You assume the overhead of payroll, legal compliance, and security risks associated with unmanaged VAs.

Advantages of Managed Services

At MyOutDesk, our managed service model is designed to minimize your workload while maximizing results. Here are some of the key advantages: 

• No Management Hassle: You don’t have to manage an additional employee. MyOutDesk provides you with an account manager who ensures your VA is productive and efficient, without requiring your direct supervision.
• Team Support: You’re not just hiring one VA; you’re gaining access to an entire team. Our managed model includes backup assistants who are fully trained on your processes, ensuring seamless service if your primary VA is unavailable.
• Scalability: Need to add more VAs as your business grows? With MyOutDesk, you can easily scale your team without the long recruitment process of hiring in-house staff.
• Security: Data security is a top priority. Our VAs work from secure facilities, using company-approved devices and networks, so you never have to worry about security breaches or personal trust issues.
• Tech Expertise: With hundreds of experienced VAs on staff, MyOutDesk is equipped to support a wide range of business tools, from CRMs to marketing automation platforms.

Disadvantages of Managed Services

While managed services offer a hands-off approach, they may not be the right choice for everyone:

• Higher Costs: The additional layers of service and support come with a higher price tag compared to unmanaged services.
• Specific Time Zones: While we cater to U.S. business hours, those requiring off-hours support might find unmanaged services more flexible.
• Limited to General Tasks: Managed services are typically better suited for general administrative tasks rather than specialized project-based work.

Use Cases for Managed Virtual Assistant Services

Managed services, like those offered by MyOutDesk, are ideal for executives who are overwhelmed with repetitive tasks that take their focus away from strategic work. Common tasks our VAs handle include:

• Calendar management and scheduling
• Travel arrangements and expense reporting
• CRM updates and maintenance
• Lead generation and prospecting
• Support for marketing campaigns
• Document preparation and data entry

Managed VA services are usually billed monthly, with a set number of hours included. This model works best for ongoing needs rather than one-off projects, making it a perfect fit for growing businesses looking to boost productivity without the burden of finding and hiring new full-time staff.

Questions to Consider

If you’re thinking about hiring a virtual assistant, it’s important to evaluate your business needs and consider the level of support you require. Ask potential service providers about their onboarding process, security measures, and the type of tasks their VAs are trained to handle.

At MyOutDesk, we’re committed to delivering exceptional virtual assistant services tailored to your unique business challenges. Let us handle the admin work, so you can focus on what really matters—growing your business. Click HERE to request a free discovery call with one of our experts. It’s brief but informative, and no obligation. Tell us about your business needs and we’ll tell you how we can provide for them.