Why Virtual Assistants Could be Hesitant to Use AI
The virtual assistant industry is known for it's adaptability, efficiency and ability to deliver each client the bespoke service they need. So it's no coincidence that VAs strive to stay on top of their organisation, communication and determination game - it's certainly no mean feat!
And at the heart of every self-employed virtual assistant is their deep desire to serve clients as best they can, adding value at any opportunity. So, why on earth might a VA appear hesitant to use artificial intelligence within their business?
The backstory
Every business owner has a backstory, their why, and virtual assistants are no different. Arguably, no-one chooses self-employment because it's the easiest or most immediately rewarding option available to them. Instead, opting to board this rickety rollercoaster is usually born out of a great desire to meet a life goal.
Then, once the path has been picked, over the years, the VA will hone their skills not only in their industry, but in running and growing a business too, rising to every new demand.
So, it'd make no sense whatsoever for a VA to hold back on embracing and leveraging the new wave of technology, would it?
Appreciating that every VA has a unique set of experiences, skills and challenges, and that they've travelled their own personal journey up to now, lays the foundation for understanding why AI might not be front of mind.
The human in us all
One of the weird and wonderful things about being a human is the spectrum of emotions we're able to experience. From surprise and excitement, to worry and fear. No two people will respond exactly the same way to a situation.
For example, the thought of learning more about AI could make one person feel excited and energised, whilst making another feel anxious and uncertain.
Also, we all have our own preference when it comes to how we take in information, with some of us choosing written text, whilst others opt to watch instructional videos. Knowing how you prefer to learn is a great starting place for easing yourself into AI without feeling overwhelmed.
"AI doesn't apply to me"
Every year brings a wave of passing crazes, so you wouldn't blame anyone for thinking the same of AI and that it'll soon be old news. Also, if your daily schedule includes creating social media content, making travel arrangements or helping a client with their online course, the words "artificial intelligence" could sound like they were meant for someone else. After all, it's not like a VA who's running their own business has spare time to investigate each and every new titbit that comes their way.
Thinking that new tech won't apply to them is common ground for some virtual assistants, after all, if their clients are happy with their work why would anything change that?
ACTION: Find three news articles from trusted sources to read how AI is benefitting different industries, maybe try researching AI in the medical, transport and photography industry. As you learn more, try to envisage how these changes are likely to affect our daily lives over the coming years.
"I'm too embarrassed to ask about AI"
It sounds grand, doesn't it? AI. It sounds like something someone else knows much more about. Maybe someone wearing a lab coat and goggles.
But the truth is that most people know no more than you about ChatGPT or any other new tool, it usually just feels like they do. So when the thought of asking for help feels a bit embarrassing, we tend not to do it. Perceiving that you know less than other virtual assistants can understandably lead to you being frozen, unable to find out the answers to your questions.
ACTION: Ask two other virtual assistants where they are on their AI journey. If they are already using some tools, ask which ones they recommend for you to start with. If they haven't started exploring yet, suggest that you do this together and share what you find with each other.
"I'm scared about what AI can do"
Burying our head in the sand never solved a problem and thinking about the implications that AI could have on your VA business is no different. What if you dig deeper to learn more and find out something you don't like? Something that means you might need to implement a change. It feels scary just thinking about it.
ACTION: Conduct some online research about new AI tools, taking note how wide ranging they can be. Find two tools that you think you'd benefit from learning more about and set a deadline to achieve this by. Even if you ultimately decide there's no value in using the tools in the end, you'll have gained a better understand of how another business owners might choose to use them.
"I've no time for AI"
We can all relate to this, surely? I mean, finding the time to get all the essentials done most weeks is challenging, let alone finding "spare" time to test out a new tech tool that you don't even know for certain will benefit your business.
ACTION: Block out one hour, every week, for three weeks in your diary to test an AI tool. If you're not sure where to start, search for "free time-saving AI tool" online or enter what it is you want to do, such as "video editing tool".
"I'm not technically inclined"
When you first set up your VA business I'll hazard a guess that you had moments of telling yourself, "I'm not a business owner", and learning a new skill is the same - taking steps towards becoming something, ultimately, sees you stepping into that very space.
Maybe you're thinking that the work you do is more traditional, so you've not been exposed to many new tools. But I bet you'd be surprised just how much technology you're already using in your business, from accounting software, to email accounts, to social media channels.
Also, many of the new AI tools are extremely easy to use and often have a free version or trial period, meaning you can try them out without it costing a penny.
ACTION: Challenge yourself to setup and use one new tool in the next fortnight, either in your business or personally. How about trying a translation tool, an audiobook app, or creating an online collage to inspire you for the year ahead.
Embrace AI with Confidence
When you opted to go all in with your virtual assistant business, you knew there'd be days sent to test you. But try not to think of AI as a barrier to go around or jump over, more so something to lean into, learn more about and, ultimately, enjoy using.
Remember that everyone started at the beginning and the hardest part is often the first time of doing something. Researching, testing and, if appropriate, implementing AI within your business may feel overwhelming now, but small steps done regularly will get you there.
For an extra confidence boost, join the ExecQua Facebook Group and learn from other virtual assistants who are on a similar journey to you.
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