Do you sometimes feel that there isn’t enough time in a day − and the number of tasks you need to sort out is just too great? The result is that the work you should be doing is not done; then you delay even more while rescheduling your projects. However, finding a solution is not that difficult − you can then enhance your time and energy management. A virtual assistant is a game-changer. This person works remotely as a consultant offering their services to a business. A virtual assistant is a truly cost-effective staffing solution. What is the difference (and what the similarities) between a virtual assistant and an online project manager?
Virtual Assistant vs Project Manager
Hiring the right person for your needs is key. The choice you have to make is between a virtual assistant and a regular project manager, deciding who would match your needs best. A virtual assistant can easily take over your quotidian chores, particularly the admin-related tasks. As virtual assistant or VA is a usually a generalist equipped to handle most low-level tasks. By contrast, an online project manager manages projects, being focused on deliverables, times, and a task list. A project manager will not only manage the oversight of the project, but also be responsible for delegating and completing tasks. Still, the question is which type of consultant is right for you? To help you, below are various factors that HR managers and business owners should consider.
Which type of assistant is best for you?
To answer that question you need to think about what will solve the problems you are dealing with currently. If your day is filled with various repetitive tasks such as email campaigns, writing articles, posting social media content, managing your email inbox and your appointments, a virtual assistant is just perfect for you. This person can complete all such tasks for you, thus freeing up your time so you can focus on your core work. You will notice that you and your team’s overall productivity will increase. You can then focus on the exciting part of your work, and forget about the low-level tasks that you had been forced to complete. If, for example, you have a project pending, such as re-launching your website and conducting a total rebrand, you should hire an online project manager.
The tasks that can be handled by an online project manager
Let’s explore the main tasks assigned to an online project manager, and see how such a person can assist you.
Team Leadership
As soon as the virtual assistant project manager (or online project manager) is onboarded, they become the team’s new leader. In other words, the members of the team will report to them directly instead of to you. This position will include the supervision of everybody who is part of the project, keeping them all accountable; thus ensuring the smooth running of the project, and seeing that all tasks are completed on time.
Planning
The online project manager will implement new systems, which will help to achieve the project’s objectives. This means that the project manager will need to do a great deal of planning to gain these results. This will free up your time − you will not need to check that the various staff members or departments are adhering to the strict deadlines. Instead, the project manager will foresee negative issues, making plans to avoid these, resolving any issues as and when they arise.
Budget Management
As part of planning, an online project manager will make sure that the project runs within budget. Such may involve making adjustments; however, the goal is always to stay within budget. Moreover, the project manager will also be able to optimize the costs to get the best for less.
Project Management and Implementation
Unquestionably, your newfound online project manager will handle the implementation as well as the project’s overall management. In other words, the virtual assistant will work on systems for the success of the project. The project manager will delegate tasks, assist the team, conduct quality checks, handle the strategy, and be the team’s leader.
Liaisons
A key function of a project manager is communication. This will involve clear and concise communication between you and the team, and with all other stakeholders. With proper communications comes organization.
Progress Reports
Another task a project manager will handle is the documentation of the project’s progress. This will include regular updates. A project manager will add their insights into the project, which can assist business development. Their reporting will also provide insights into the other team workers and their individual productivity.
The bottom line
Understanding your needs is the first step when hiring people. If you are not very sure, we offer a free service. You can book a complimentary call with our outsourcing expert, who will provide you will great advice, and help you through the hiring process. Book your call today.