Why Hire a General Virtual Assistant? Pros and Cons
Running a business in today’s fast-paced digital world often feels like trying to keep several plates spinning at once. You’re managing client relationships, handling admin work, planning marketing strategies, and still trying to find time for personal life. The truth is, no matter how skilled or determined you are, there are only so many hours in a day. This is why more and more entrepreneurs, small business owners, and even busy professionals are asking: “Why hire a general virtual assistant?”
A General Virtual Assistant (GVA) can be the game-changer you didn’t realize you needed. They provide reliable support by taking repetitive, time-consuming tasks off your plate, giving you the freedom to focus on high-value activities that drive growth. Still, before jumping in, it’s important to understand not only the benefits but also the challenges of working with a GVA. Let’s break it down step by step.
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What Is a General Virtual Assistant?
A General Virtual Assistant is a remote worker who supports businesses or individuals with a wide range of administrative and organizational tasks. Unlike niche VAs who specialize in one specific area, such as social media managers or bookkeepers, a GVA wears many hats. Think of them as an all-around problem-solver for the small yet essential parts of your business that often pile up.
Some common tasks handled by a GVA include:
Inbox management – Organizing emails, filtering spam, and drafting replies.
Calendar management – Scheduling appointments, setting reminders, and preventing double bookings.
Data entry and research – Compiling spreadsheets, gathering market information, or updating CRM systems.
Customer service – Responding to inquiries, following up with clients, and ensuring smooth communication.
Basic digital tasks – Updating websites, uploading blog posts, or maintaining online platforms.
For many entrepreneurs, a GVA becomes the go-to person for anything that doesn’t require their direct expertise but still needs consistent attention.
Why Hire a General Virtual Assistant? Pros
1. Cost-Effective Support
Hiring a full-time, in-house employee involves salary, benefits, taxes, and office space costs. By comparison, a GVA typically works remotely and is paid either hourly or through a service package. This makes them a cost-efficient solution, especially for startups or small businesses with limited budgets.
2. More Hours in Your Day
Every email you send or appointment you confirm eats away at time you could spend on revenue-generating work. By delegating these to a GVA, you gain hours each week that can be reinvested into strategy, networking, or creative work. For example, a real estate agent could spend less time answering client queries and more time closing deals.
3. Scalability Without Commitment
Business needs fluctuate. Some weeks may be busier than others. Unlike full-time employees, general VAs can be hired for just a few hours a week or ramped up during peak seasons. This flexibility means you’re not tied to unnecessary overhead during quieter months.
4. Global Talent Pool
Remote work allows you to tap into talent across the world. Many GVAs are highly skilled, with years of experience in administration, project management, or customer service. This means you can find quality support at competitive rates, often gaining expertise you wouldn’t easily find locally.
5. Stress Reduction and Better Work-Life Balance
Delegation is one of the keys to preventing burnout. By trusting a GVA with routine tasks, you can reduce the mental load of running a business. This not only improves productivity but also creates space for family time, hobbies, or simply rest—things entrepreneurs often sacrifice.
Related Article: 9 Ways to Improve Productivity
Cons of Hiring a General Virtual Assistant
1. Time Needed for Onboarding
Even a seasoned GVA won’t know your processes from day one. You’ll need to spend some time setting expectations, sharing access to tools, and training them on your workflows. While this requires effort upfront, it usually pays off once the VA settles into the role.
2. Possible Communication Barriers
Since most GVAs work remotely, challenges like time zone differences, varying communication styles, or unstable internet connections may occasionally arise. To avoid frustration, it’s essential to set clear communication protocols—whether that’s using Slack, email, or scheduled check-ins.
3. Lack of Deep Specialization
A general VA is a jack of all trades. They can manage many tasks, but if you need advanced SEO strategy, complex coding, or legal expertise, they may not be the right fit. In those cases, hiring a specialized VA or additional freelancer might be necessary.
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4. Security and Confidentiality Risks
Handing over sensitive business information can feel daunting. Without the right safeguards, like NDAs, secure password sharing tools, and background checks, there’s always some risk. This is why hiring through a trusted agency or reputable platform is often the safer choice.
Where to Hire a General Virtual Assistant
Finding the right VA depends on your needs, budget, and level of trust. Here are the most common avenues:
Freelance Platforms – Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer let you browse profiles, read reviews, and negotiate rates directly. While affordable, quality can vary, so vetting is crucial.
Specialized Agencies – VA agencies recruit and train assistants, ensuring a higher level of reliability. You often pay a bit more but gain the peace of mind of working with professionals who are pre-screened.
Smart Virtual Assistants (SmartVA) – For business owners looking for more than just basic support, Smart Virtual Assistants provides skilled professionals who can handle not only administrative duties but also advanced tasks like:
The advantage of SmartVA is that you don’t just get a single assistant, you gain access to a team with diverse expertise, all under one roof. This makes it easier to grow your business without having to juggle multiple freelancers.
Conclusion
Smart Virtual Assistant
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Smart Virtual Assistant 👍🤵
So, why hire a general virtual assistant? Because it allows you to take control of your time, cut unnecessary costs, and operate more efficiently. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur drowning in admin work or a small business owner seeking scalable support, a GVA can make all the difference.
While there are some challenges, like onboarding time, communication barriers, and the need for secure systems, these are manageable with the right processes in place. And when you work with trusted providers like Smart Virtual Assistants, you gain more than just admin help. You access a wide range of services including web development, graphic design, SEO, content creation, administrative support, and video editing, all designed to help your business thrive.
If you’re ready to reclaim your hours and focus on growth, hiring a general VA could be the smartest move you’ll make this year. Book a call now!
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Frequently Asked Questions
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A General Virtual Assistant handles a wide variety of tasks such as email management, scheduling, and research. A specialized VA, on the other hand, focuses on one niche—like bookkeeping, social media, or web design. A GVA is ideal for entrepreneurs who need well-rounded support.
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Industries like real estate, e-commerce, consulting, and coaching benefit greatly from GVAs. For example, a real estate agent might need help managing listings, while an online store owner may need support handling customer inquiries and order tracking.
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Yes, risks include data security issues, miscommunication, or hiring someone without the right skills. However, these risks are reduced when you hire from reputable agencies or use contracts and secure systems.
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Costs vary widely. Offshore GVAs may charge $5–$15 per hour, while those based in the US or Europe may charge $20–$40 per hour. Some providers, like SmartVA, also offer monthly packages to give businesses predictable costs.
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Absolutely. Many businesses use a GVA for everyday admin tasks and hire specialized VAs for niche roles. A GVA often acts as the coordinator, making sure all parts of the business run smoothly together.
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