Some managing directors have had negative experiences of hiring unreliable personal assistants. Driving a small or medium-sized enterprise forward is hard enough without the difficulties associated with underperforming staff. Absenteeism, forgetfulness or inefficiency can be the cause of considerable frustration.

It is not always a question of merely being frustrated. Missing an important message can have significant consequences. If a message is not conveyed properly, the resulting confusion may have a detrimental impact on a sensitive negotiation, for example. Answering calls inappropriately can give a terrible impression to clients. While a serial offender will doubtless be replaced swiftly, some damage to the reputation of the firm may already have been done.

Sometimes a personal assistant may be satisfactory in terms of their performance, but nevertheless may have irritating habits. For instance, they may be a compulsive talker who has difficulty in giving you the space to think. It could be the case that you are actually more productive when they are on holiday.  While some personal assistants are very proficient with regard to their duties and barely replaceable individuals, this cannot be ascertained prior to the hiring stage. This is because the relationship with a personal assistant depends on at least two people, so previous references may be irrelevant.

A virtual office can eliminate the need for a personal assistant. By providing a call answering service, a virtual office can be just what a small firm requires. Furthermore, all the potential costs and possible complications of hiring a personal assistant can be avoided.