Why Creative Professionals Need Virtual Assistants: Breaking Free from Admin Overwhelm

These recommendations are from Erica Chandler’s  webinar ”What is a virtual assistant and how can it help your business” held on November 10, 2022. Members can view the entire webinar at this link. 

You probably got into the pole business because you’re passionate about pole. You love creating, performing, teaching, and connecting with clients through your art. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: you’re probably spending only 20% of your time actually doing what you love, and 80% of your time buried in administrative tasks that drain your energy and creativity. Lisa Adams wrote a great blog on this in 2015, read it here.

If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. This is why virtual assistants have become game-changers for creative entrepreneurs who want to reclaim their time and focus on what they do best.

What Exactly Is a Virtual Assistant?

Think of a virtual assistant (VA) as your personal administrative superhero who works remotely. They handle all those time-consuming tasks that keep you from your art—email management, scheduling, social media, client communications, data entry, and much more. Unlike traditional employees, VAs work from their own space with their own equipment, accessing your systems through secure software and cloud-based tools.

The beauty of working with a virtual assistant is that you get professional administrative support without the overhead costs of hiring a full-time employee. No desk space, no benefits package, no office supplies—just skilled help when and where you need it.

Key Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant

The most obvious benefit of a VA is  getting back to what you love. When someone else handles your scheduling, email responses, and client follow-ups, you can spend more time perfecting your craft, developing new techniques, or creating content that showcases your work.

VAs bring their own unique expertise from the work experience. If you hire a VA with organizational expertise and can help you implement systems that streamline your entire operation. From digital client management systems to automated email responses, they can transform your chaotic inbox and scattered processes into a well-oiled machine.

Unlike hiring a full-time employee, working with a VA gives you complete flexibility, it all depends on what you put in the contract.  You might start with just 5-10 hours per week for basic email and scheduling support, then scale up during busy seasons or as your business grows. Work into your contract what type and amount of support you need.

Many virtual assistants specialize in specific areas like social media management, client relationship management, or marketing. This means you’re not just getting administrative support—you’re getting access to professional expertise that can actually improve these aspects of your business.

What to Look for in a Virtual Assistant

When searching for the right VA, focus on what you need.

Some skills to look for are:

Tech Savviness: They should be comfortable learning new software, troubleshooting basic issues, and adapting to digital tools. This doesn’t mean they need to be programmers, but they should be able to navigate technology with confidence.

Strong Communication Skills: If you hire a VA and task them with email management, they will be the first point of contact with your clients, look for someone with excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

Multitasking Ability: The ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities is crucial, especially for creative businesses that often have varied and changing needs.

Self-Direction: You want someone who can take initiative, figure things out independently, and doesn’t need constant hand-holding.

Customer Service Mindset: Look for someone who understands that they’re representing your brand and can provide the level of service that reflects your values.

Managing Costs and Expectations

Virtual assistants typically charge between $20-40 per hour for standard administrative tasks, though rates can vary based on specialization and experience. The key is to start small—you don’t need to commit to full-time hours right away. Begin with a few hours per week for your biggest pain points and scale from there.

Remember that there will be a learning curve. It typically takes 1-3 months for a new VA to fully understand your business processes and style. Be patient during this onboarding period, and invest time upfront in training them on your specific needs and preferences.

The right VA will save you time, money, and headaches!