Virtual Assistants are taking over the world, but we're certainly not robots!
Don't get me wrong; I have nothing against R2D2, Astro Boy or Wall-E; they are smart, sassy and super helpful. However, there is a common misconception that all Virtual Assistants (VA's) are robots.
As a VA myself, I can tell you this is not true, cause hmm, oh yeah, that's right, I am a human, and not to confuse matters, I do run like a well-oiled machine.
Okay, so we all know what a robot is.
Robots are made up of machinery and hang out in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) category along with chatbots, auto-correct and 'virtual assistants' like Siri and Cortana. I can see why people may get confused.
There are two types of VA's – one is AI, and the other is of this earth; human and can think for themselves (dangerous, I know!) I mean, the resemblance is uncanny.
We are both – smart, efficient, productive and stay cool as a cucumber. But again, one has flesh, and the other does not. It may be helpful to think of Siri and the like more as 'digital assistants' than virtual.
When we talk about VA's, we talk about the fabulous organic human beings who can work from anywhere, deliver a personal touch, and stay ahead of the game.
We have feelings, we are experienced, and we are not machine taught—no cookie-cutter off the shelf robots here.
VA's (the human ones, not the digital ones) are intelligent beings with personality and pizazz.
Our skills are vast and vary from bookkeeping, executive wrangling, marketing, graphic design, to name a few. You may think we sound like a bit of a cult. I mean, there is well over 100 of us hard-working individuals currently in New Zealand with a VA business.
As a virtual assistant myself, I can 100% guarantee that I am of Earth descent, born and bred by other human beings and converse with society (sometimes).
So just to clarify, virtual assistants are not robots, nor are we part of a robot cult or even a cult, but I can tell you that we would be the best darned organised cult around if we were a cult.
As a human VA, I show no bias against robots, but I do leave you with this profound thought - why can I dance like a robot (not well, mind you), but Wall-E can't…
But seriously, I invite you to find out more about us and the impact we could have on your business.
Ready to start your search for the right VA?
The Virtual Assistant Network NZ has made it really easy for business owners to find a great-fit, New Zealand VA to outsource to.
Simply head over to our online directory and search for a VA via their location and/or services they provide.
Or if you’re a busy business owner who just doesn’t have the time (or inclination) to search yourself, then take advantage of our VA ‘Matchmaking’ service.
Written by the very fleshy organic human, Hayley Trashe
Hayley has her own virtual assistant business, Punct.co.nz and is an active and verified member of our NZ VA network.
With a name like Punct, you would be correct in thinking that she has coloured hair and tattoos, but don't let that fool you.
She is an absolute peach and who loves keeping others accountable, organised and calm.
Added bonus – she isn't a robot!