Building a Seamless Virtual Assistant Experience: A Conversation with John Duffin and the CEO of Beyond Business Virtual Assistants

In the evolving landscape of business operations, virtual assistants (VAs) have become an essential resource for companies looking to scale efficiently. However, the path to finding the right virtual assistant can often be fraught with challenges. In a recent podcast, Andy Kowalski, CEO of Beyond Business Virtual Assistants (BeyondBizVA), shared his experiences with host John Duffin, offering valuable insights into how his journey led to the creation of a solution that fills a significant gap in the VA industry.

The Early Struggles with Virtual Assistance

Andy’s first encounter with virtual assistance began in 2009 when the concept of hiring remote workers from the Philippines was still relatively new and largely misunderstood. At the time, outsourcing was seen as costly and inefficient. Andy spent over $20,000 in just two months—a decision he quickly regretted. The language barriers and inefficiencies he faced made the process far more challenging than he had anticipated.

As time passed, Andy found himself managing a large real estate team, which included directors of operations and transaction coordinators. Despite the size of the team, Andy faced increasing overhead costs, with employees who weren’t showing up on time or completing tasks efficiently. That’s when the idea of hiring a virtual assistant resurfaced.

A New Approach to Virtual Assistance

Despite his previous experience, Andy decided to give it another try. He paid $12,000 to an agency for up to three VAs, hoping the process would be more efficient this time. However, after interviewing candidates, he ended up with just two VAs and was left with little guidance on how to proceed. There was no clear direction on how to communicate with the VAs, integrate them into his workflow, or even set expectations. As Andy recalls, "It was so bizarre."

Not deterred, Andy tried a second agency, which charged $8,000 for a single VA. By this point, Andy had spent nearly $20,000 on virtual assistant services, but the experience was still far from ideal. In addition to the upfront fees, he was billed another $300 per month for ongoing support and training—a cost that had not been disclosed upfront. The lack of transparency and proper guidance led to further frustration, and Andy knew he needed to take control of the situation.

Turning Frustration into Opportunity

Frustrated by his experiences, Andy took matters into his own hands. Rather than relying on agencies, he researched and hand-picked his virtual assistants. He trained them himself, equipping them with the skills needed to handle essential tasks like follow-ups and administrative work—responsibilities that were time-consuming and often neglected.

This hands-on approach gave Andy the confidence to build Beyond Business Virtual Assistants, a company focused on providing high-quality virtual assistants to real estate professionals. BeyondBizVA eliminates the middleman, offering clients direct access to skilled Filipino VAs and providing full transparency throughout the process.

The Birth of Beyond Business Virtual Assistants

Today, Beyond Business Virtual Assistants has become a go-to solution for real estate professionals seeking reliable, cost-effective assistance. By cutting out the middleman, the company provides clients with direct access to highly trained, competent VAs. BeyondBizVA focuses on building long-term relationships with both clients and virtual assistants, ensuring that each collaboration is productive and seamless.

Andy’s journey highlights the frustrations many entrepreneurs face when venturing into the world of virtual assistance. However, it also demonstrates how overcoming these challenges can lead to growth and innovation. Beyond Business Virtual Assistants was born from Andy’s desire to create a better experience, and it now offers a streamlined process for businesses looking to scale effectively.

What Sets BeyondBizVA Apart

What truly distinguishes Beyond Business Virtual Assistants is their commitment to client empowerment. Andy believes in providing clients with the knowledge and resources they need to communicate effectively with their virtual assistants. The company’s approach is rooted in transparency, efficiency, and continuous training, ensuring that clients can trust their VAs to handle their business operations effectively.

For those who have struggled with virtual assistant services in the past or are unsure about hiring a VA, Beyond Business Virtual Assistants offers a refreshing alternative. With a focus on clarity, transparency, and long-term success, BeyondBizVA provides businesses with the tools they need to thrive.

To hear more about Andy Kowalski’s journey and the story behind Beyond Business Virtual Assistants, listen to the full podcast. It’s a must-listen for anyone interested in learning how virtual assistants can elevate their business operations.