Technology tools can play an integral role in a small business owners’ success, and artificial intelligence (AI) is no exception. Tempting as it may be these days to rely on a digital assistant alone there are some serious downsides – and you will miss out on the serious upsides of pairing this new tool with a human VA skilled in deploying it. For busy entrepreneurs who want to lighten their load, improve efficiencies, and scale operations, the collaboration of an experienced human virtual admin assistant and AI can provide the best of both worlds.
This blog will examine the power and limitations of digital assistants and their human counterparts. It will also discuss the potential benefits for business owners, when virtual admin assistants tap into AI to boost productivity, creativity, and a business’ competitive edge.
AI as your digital assistant: Pros and limitations
There’s no question, technological advances like generative AI can save business owners time, and we all know time is money. There are many tasks an AI-powered digital assistant can tackle much faster than humans, most notably, AI’s ability to process, organize, and interpret large volumes of data. AI also has the ability to learn and improve its recommendations over time.
A cost-efficient, automation powerhouse that works 24/7
Business owners can use AI to automate a variety of tasks, such as scheduling, handling routine clerical tasks and workflows, addressing basic customer service inquiries, personalizing email and social media campaigns, generating reports, writing content (SM posts, blog ideas, scripts, etc.), and more. An AI digital assistant is also available 24/7, won’t call in sick for work, and can be a very low-cost tool to use. These capabilities are increasingly shaping the landscape of marketing and social media.
Poor emotional IQ, bias, and data privacy are key concerns
Given all those pros, what are the limitations of a digital assistant? Today’s iteration of AI lacks the emotional intelligence, empathy, and original thinking that only a human can provide. AI is also limited by the data it has consumed to date, which may show bias and provide incorrect or dated information. Business owners should also know what level of data encryption the digital assistant offers because many AI tools consume the data you enter and freely share it with the universe.
Why a virtual admin assistant + AI is a winning formula for business owners
While AI may move faster than a speeding bullet and do a bang-up job of getting humans organized, inspired, and more efficient, adding human insight into the mix is essential. In fact, together, the dynamic duo of human assistant and digital AI assistant can truly be a difference-maker for solopreneurs and small business owners, as the human VAA can pick-up where the digital assistant leaves off.
Optimizing customer experience
For customers or community members who need a quick, basic answer fast, an AI chatbot can save the day. On the other hand, a human virtual admin assistant can provide the personal touch and desire to resolve problems that a more complex inquiry requires.
Fact checking
Since one of the key limitations of AI is the data it has consumed and when it last consumed it, it’s critical to have human eyes on any content or reports a digital assistant produces. Human VAAs can tap into other research sources and company data to ensure facts are facts and conclusions make sense for the business.
Staying on brand
AI-powered digital assistants work great for idea generation but they’re not so great at picking up on the nuances of a brand, brand voice, or brand imagery. The human VAA can take those AI-generated ideas and bring them into alignment with the brand.
Adding perspective
Everyone loves how AI can process tons of information, organize it, and interpret it—FAST! However, those interpretations don’t necessarily align with the tribal knowledge of a human virtual assistant who understands the goals, capabilities, and innovative solutions of the business they support.
Being accountable
AI doesn’t care about you, your business, your success, or lack thereof. An experienced virtual administrative assistant has to care because their success relies on the results they are responsible for delivering for you.
Matching you with a virtual admin assistant empowered by AI
If you’re a solopreneur or small business owner who is struggling to do it all, you may want to consider bringing on a freelance VAA to help optimize back office operations. ResultsResourcing connects entrepreneurs with pre-vetted, on-demand virtual assistants, who are ready to jump in and take work off your plate so you can invest your time in your business’s success.
These multi-talented virtual admin assistants can help you take advantage of the benefits of AI to handle:
- Marketing and social media management
- Bookkeeping and financial operations
- Customer service and sales support
- Project and operations management
- And more
ResultsResourcing specializes in providing freelance and contract VA talent to solopreneurs and small employers. Start with a free call to clarify your goals, simplify the hiring process, and match your organization with a virtual assistant in 24 to 48 hours. Let’s get started!
Want to learn how easy it is to hire a freelancer? Book a complimentary discovery call today.
