During our recent VMS VBS webinar, we concluded with an engaging Q&A session that addressed various participant questions about virtual staffing, processes, and the benefits of working with remote teams. Here’s an extended recap of the most important takeaways:
Do you provide virtual sales staff?
Yes, our virtual staffing services include dedicated sales agents based in the Philippines, which is home to a thriving BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) industry. These agents bring valuable experience from various industries such as insurance, technology, and e-commerce. We tailor our service to meet your business needs, ensuring that agents have the specific industry experience you require, along with familiarity with your preferred CRM systems. Filipino sales agents are known for their proficiency in English and high level of cultural awareness, making them an ideal fit for U.S.-based businesses seeking to expand their sales force at a reduced cost.
What is the typical hiring time frame, and are background checks part of the process?
The hiring process for our virtual staff generally takes between 3 to 5 business days. However, we can expedite this process for clients with more urgent needs. As part of our rigorous 3-step vetting procedure, all virtual assistants (VAs) go through comprehensive background checks, ensuring that we select only the best candidates. Once a VA has passed the vetting process, they undergo onboarding and training, preparing them to be seamlessly integrated into your team.
Are your nurses licensed, and how do you ensure professional services and security?
We offer licensed registered nurses (RNs) from the Philippines, and in some cases, these RNs hold U.S. licenses as well. While RNs typically do not handle billable patient encounters like nurse practitioners or physicians, they are highly skilled in assisting with tasks such as documentation, chart preparation, and medical scribing, allowing U.S.-based medical professionals to focus on patient care. All our virtual nurses are fully compliant with the Philippine government’s regulations, and we ensure their employment is legal and above board. This includes securing an NBI clearance (the Philippine equivalent of an FBI background check in the U.S.), offering peace of mind when it comes to security and professional integrity.
Do your virtual assistants (VAs) work U.S. hours?
Yes, our virtual assistants are fully capable of working U.S. hours, providing 24/7 support to meet your business’s needs. This is particularly beneficial for businesses with after-hours operations, as our VAs often work overnight shifts in the Philippines, which align with U.S. daytime hours. This flexibility ensures that your business is supported around the clock. Additionally, we cover the costs associated with night shifts, ensuring fair compensation for our VAs while keeping your business operating smoothly, no matter the time zone.
What are the key advantages of using virtual staff compared to traditional in-office employees?
There are several significant advantages to hiring virtual staff, particularly in terms of cost savings and employee reliability. For example, large companies like Amazon have long prioritized outsourcing to reduce expenses, while small and medium-sized businesses (especially in highly regulated states like California) often struggle with the rising costs of hiring locally. Hiring a virtual assistant not only offers major cost savings but also provides access to highly skilled, reliable employees with lower turnover rates compared to U.S.-based workers. Moreover, virtual staffing allows businesses to scale their operations more quickly and flexibly, filling roles as needed, without the lengthy processes often associated with hiring in-office employees. This flexibility is especially helpful in competitive job markets like Phoenix, where finding the right local candidate can be a challenge.
Which industries or roles are best suited for virtual staffing?
Any business that doesn’t require face-to-face interaction with customers can benefit from virtual assistants. For example, many medical practices now use online payment portals, reducing the need for in-person staff to handle tasks like co-pays. Similarly, contractors who need to be on-site for specific jobs can rely on VAs to handle administrative duties like preparing bids, managing schedules, and ordering supplies. Virtual assistants can take on a wide variety of back-office and administrative roles across industries, from medical to legal, real estate to e-commerce. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, making it clear that virtual staffing is not just feasible but also efficient for many businesses.
How do you stay updated on the latest remote work trends and technologies?
We continually keep ourselves updated on the latest trends and technologies in remote work to ensure that our VAs are working as efficiently as possible. Our VAs adapt seamlessly to the tools and systems you’re already using and can quickly become integrated into your team with a little training. For example, we recently partnered with a large medical organization that is using AI to optimize its practices. Our VAs will assist by managing and organizing the data for their AI models. As AI continues to grow in prominence, businesses will increasingly need competent professionals to manage data and workflows. This is where our tech-savvy VAs can provide a significant advantage.
Many large companies, such as Salesforce and ServiceNow, have already integrated AI into their workflows and are using virtual staff in countries like the Philippines to support their operations. The cost savings from using virtual staff can be reinvested into other areas of the business, like marketing, giving companies a competitive edge. Companies that embrace virtual assistants can redirect resources to growth areas, staying ahead of the competition.
What are the most common challenges businesses face when working with virtual assistants, and how can these be overcome?
The primary challenge of working with a virtual assistant is the remote nature of the relationship. Since VAs aren’t physically in your office, it requires a paradigm shift in how you manage and train them. Unlike local employees, whom you can meet face-to-face, VAs need clear communication, detailed instructions, and consistent follow-ups to stay on track with your company’s policies, procedures, and culture. However, the payoff is worth the effort—these are intelligent, hardworking, and loyal professionals. Your success with them depends on how much time you invest in their training and management.
Accountability is key. Just like any employee, VAs need to be held accountable for their tasks and deadlines. Regular follow-ups and clear expectations help ensure tasks are completed efficiently. Companies that thrive with virtual staffing often have dedicated leaders or department heads managing their VAs, ensuring tasks are on schedule. Tools like CRMs can help monitor workflows and ensure that work is progressing smoothly. In some cases, VAs can even help organize a disorganized team, making them a valuable asset to any business.
In summary, businesses that invest time in training and managing their virtual assistants can see tremendous growth, cost savings, and operational efficiency. Virtual staffing offers a competitive advantage, and with the right approach, businesses can thrive in this evolving landscape.
Thank you for joining us for this insightful webinar and Q&A session. We hope the information provided has given you a clearer understanding of the many benefits of VMS VBS, from cost savings to greater flexibility and efficiency. At VMS VBS, we’re dedicated to helping businesses thrive by providing top-quality virtual assistants tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations, stay ahead of industry trends, or expand your team with skilled professionals, we’re here to support your journey. If you have any further questions or would like to explore how virtual staffing can benefit your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We look forward to partnering with you for future success!
