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Virtual Assistants In BPO – Daily Tasks Of VAs In The Philippines

Can Virtual Assistants Be Part of BPOs?

When we talk about the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, the first thing that comes to mind is call centers. However, some applicants are opting to be Virtual Assistants instead when joining BPO companies.

So, if you’re wondering if Virtual Assistants can be part of the BPO industry, the answer is a definite yes! In essence, as long as you have a client outside of the Philippines, you are “outsourced“. Thus, even if you’re a freelancer, your clients are still outsourcing talent from another country.

Virtual Assistants In BPO - Daily Tasks Of VAs In The Philippines

With that out of the way, what exactly does a Virtual Assistant do in a BPO company?

Basically, a VA in a BPO does whatever a freelance VA does. However, the biggest difference would be financial stability.

When you freelance, clients pay you depending on your rate. In that sense, if you don’t have any clients in a particular month, you don’t get a revenue stream. Meanwhile, if you work for a BPO company as a VA, you get a consistent cash flow in the form of your salary. Additionally, you get healthcare and insurance benefits. Furthermore, working in a BPO gives career advancement opportunities.

But, if we want to get into specifics, a Virtual Assistant’s task would depend on the client’s needs. For example, a client might ask you to do emails, inbound and outbound invoicing, or scheduling.

Another difference between a freelancer and a VA working in BPOs is the teams. With freelance work, you’d generally be riding solo. On the other hand, a virtual assistant in a BPO works with a team. As such, tasks are distributed among team members. Moreover, a team can also handle multiple clients at once.

Knowing all these, what does the day-to-day look like for a Virtual Assistant in the BPO industry?

Daily Tasks of a Virtual Assistant in BPOs

Another thing we need to consider if we want to work with BPOs is the schedule. Due to time zone differences, foreign clients are usually awake when the Philippines is asleep, so Virtual Assistants in a BPO setting (or freelancers) are likely to work the night shift. Some have no problem with this, others need to adjust, but keep in mind that at least you do receive a night shift differential and a much better commute due to less traffic.

Now, what can a Virtual Assistant expect after going to work and clocking in?

All BPO companies have different work requirements for employees. Moreover, since VAs would be working for clients, each client can have different requirements.

However, it’s possible that VAs will need to do the following if they work in a BPO:

Check/review company and client emails – Working in the industry means working as a team. As such, reviewing company emails is an important part of a Virtual Assistant’s daily tasks. Also, clients might have follow-up requests that need to be addressed.

Inbound and outbound invoicing – An invoice is basically a document that itemizes transactions between a buyer and a seller. In a Virtual Assistant’s case, this would be directed toward your client, his/her business, or others.

Sending emails to tenants/owners – If you’re working with real estate clients, then one of the things you need to be doing is send emails to tenants or owners of properties. This could range from sending out important documents, reminders, or appointments.

Create daily report tasks – Virtual Assistants in BPO companies are sometimes required to make a report of what they’ve done during the day. Maintaining a detailed record allows you to get insight into a project and improve its performance and productivity.

A virtual assistant’s job would depend on the specific niche they’re in. For example, a property management virtual assistant would likely have duties such as managing property listings, following up tenant concerns, and more.

Now that you know the daily tasks of a VA working in a BPO company in the Philippines, it’s time you take your next steps toward fulfilling your career goals!

Whether you are looking to become a Virtual Assistant or already are one and want to take the next step in your career journey, Global Strategic wants to hear from you. Apply today and become our newest Back Office Associate or talk to our Recruiters about our other roles and whether or not you would be a fit.

What Can You Expect As A Back Office Associate In The PH?

Here’s What You Can Expect If You Want to Apply as a Back Office Associate in the Philippines

As a Back Office Associate, you can expect a broad range of tasks, usually depending on the client and their needs. Even if you can’t prepare for your exact tasks, you can still be prepared for a usual workday. So just what can a new hire expect during their first days of work as a BOA in the Philippines?

A Back Office Associate is someone who’s part of an organization’s backbone and their duties and responsibilities are integral in keeping operations running smoothly. Much like every job, training new hires is of the utmost importance. If you get a job as a BOA, chances are you won’t be thrown in front of clients straight away and in some cases, you won’t have client-facing responsibilities at all.

What Can You Expect As A Back Office Associate In The PH

Generally, a Back Office Associate works on administrative tasks. For example, you’d be responsible for data entry work, answering emails, scheduling, or appointment setting duties. Sometimes you will make or receive some phone calls to clients or vendors- it all depends on your specific client and their own tasks.

So, expect trainers to help you familiarize the different tools needed for your daily tasks. Also, if you want a deeper discussion on these tasks, check out the article below:

Back Office Associate Job Description – Duties & Responsibilities Of BOA

Meanwhile, here is a list of some of the common tasks you’d expect to be assigned to a Back Office Associate:

  • data entry
  • order processing
  • online research
  • customer service
  • virtual reception
  • handling appointments

Now, being a part of a back-office team means that you need to use different software for your daily responsibilities. Therefore, you’d want to take a look at this common software used for both Virtual Assistants and Back Office Associates:

Software Tools for Back Office Associates & Virtual Assistants

Naturally, there are many several similarities between a Virtual Assistant and a Back Office Associate. Therefore, both professions practically use the same tools. Thus, here are the top software Virtual Assistants and Back Office associates use:

Microsoft Office (Word/Excel) – For administrative tasks, writing applications such as Microsoft Word and WPS are the go-to. As a BOA, you’d be handling documents, pdf files, and others. On the other hand, Excel can be used for simple bookkeeping tasks, databases, and reporting.

DocuSign – As you’re working remotely, there will always be times when you’re going to need an e-signature, and the best way to get this is through DocuSign. When you send a document, you can mark where a signature is needed. Afterward, your clients can digitally sign making everything legally binding.

Microsoft Outlook – If you’re working in a team, or even one-on-one with a client, then the channel of communication best suited is through emails. One of the most used is Outlook. Here, you can send important documents through a secured channel.

Calendy – As a Back Office Associate, you could be tasked to handle appointment setting duties. So, you would need scheduling software that fits your needs. Calendy helps you set up meetings by simply specifying slots available and allowing the person to choose their most convenient time.

Time Doctor – Time Doctor is a great option for time monitoring and payroll in one package. Clients can see how much time you spent on each activity, as well as what applications and websites you used.

Where can you apply as a Back Office Associate in the Philippines?

If you want to pursue a career as a Back Office Associate, you have two options – freelancing or joining a BPO company. Naturally, both have their own pros and cons. And, in this part of the article, we’re going to go through some of these.

Additionally, we’re going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Back Office Associates and Virtual Assistants. With that, here are the pros and cons of freelancing and joining a BPO.

Benefits of Applying as a Back Office Associate In BPO Companies

Applying to a BPO company such as Global Strategic provides applicants with excellent opportunities for career growth. Furthermore, employees get the benefit of working with a team and learning from top professionals in the field.

Along with this, here are other benefits of applying to a BPO company for a Back Office position:

Consistent Revenue Stream 

Joining a BPO company as opposed to going freelance means that you’d be having consistent cash flow. Every month, or bi-monthly, you’d be given a salary. Meanwhile, freelancers need to have clients for commission.

BPO Companies Provide Better Benefits Vs Freelance

In today’s time, healthcare and insurance are of the utmost importance. Employees under BPO companies get to have these benefits or even give these to family members. Additionally, companies can provide paid leaves, days off, and more.

In the Philippines, companies are also required to pay for your Social Security System (SSS) remittance. On the other hand, a freelancer has to do this manually.

Career Advancement in BPO Companies

There are incredible career opportunities for those working in the BPO industry, especially for Back Office Associate or Virtual Assistant positions. Employees who are regularized can apply for managerial, supervisory, or support positions.

Meanwhile, freelancers don’t have this opportunity. Although, as a freelancer, you get to be your own boss. Still, advancements in position also come with greater financial incentives.

You get to work with teams and learn from Professionals

Joining a BPO company is an opportunity to learn from the best. As the industry gets more competitive, it’s important that you get as much information as you can. The fastest way of doing that is through learning from top professionals in their field. Working for a BPO company allows you to spend time and learn from others, thus making your own skillset more well-rounded and stronger while also gaining critical experience.

Key Takeaways from Back Office Jobs in the PH

There will always be advantages and disadvantages to every job position out there. Whether you’re into freelancing or want to get into the BPO industry, the most important thing to consider is where you feel most comfortable.

If you want to take risks and pursue freelancing, then it is always an option. Meanwhile, if you want more security and financial stability, then going the BPO route could be perfect for you.

Now that you know what to expect from Back Office Associate jobs in the Philippines, it’s time for you to decide which route you’d want to take. Whether you’re already working as one or would like to take the first steps toward a career as a Back Office Associate, Global Strategic will be there for you.

Apply now and be our next Back Office Associate!

What Can You Outsource To The Philippines? – Top Outsourced Services

Is It Worth It to Outsource Services to the Philippines?

If you’re looking at outsourcing, chances are you’re eying the Philippines as a potential country of choice- and, for good reason. The country has continued to be one of the leading names when it comes to outsourcing. Great! But exactly what services should you outsource in the Philippines?

The outsourcing industry in the Philippines started in the 1990s. Since then, it has blossomed into the second-highest revenue earner for the country next to remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Naturally, the BPO industry is continuing to expand at a rapid pace and outsourcing covers more than just call center services.

What Can You Outsource To The Philippines? - Top Outsourced Services

With all that being said, Global Strategic, a rising name in the thriving BPO industry, shares the top services companies are outsourcing to the Philippines and has been serving worldwide clients since 2006.

Popular Outsourced Services to the Philippines

Call Center Services

When you talk about outsourcing and BPO, the first thing that comes to mind is probably called centers. At Global Strategic, we can provide clients with the following calling services:

  • Direct marketing Programs
  • Insurance Claim Documentation
  • Outbound Lead Generation
  • Market Research
  • Customer Care Services
  • Collections
  • Scheduling
  • Welcome Calls
  • Survey Taking
  • Order Taking
  • Appointment Setting.

Global Strategic maintains a state-of-the-art call center facility with the latest technology. Furthermore, the company is fully staffed with competent personnel, offering 24-7 support to our clients across numerous industries and tasks.

Virtual Assistance

In the Philippines, becoming a Virtual Assistant is one of the most sought-after careers. But securing international clients can become a daunting task and revenue may become inconsistent for some freelance VAs.

Luckily, with the help of the BPO industry, Virtual Assistants are given a chance to work directly with clients and have consistent revenue streams while also enjoying the benefits of working for a company rather than freelancing. Among the services a Virtual Assistant can provide are:

  • Administrative Support
  • Customer Service
  • Website maintenance & Services
  • Graphic Design
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Sales
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping

VAs can specialize in specific niches. For example, a VA can become a Property Management Virtual Assistant and help managers with online listing, tenant-related documentation, and more.

Mortgage Servicing Solutions

Global Strategic has extensive experience in the mortgage servicing industry and has helped a number of companies outsource to the Philippines as an effective way to reduce costs and cover the workload. Instead of paying locally for administrative work, the document-heavy workloads can be outsourced instead for a fraction of the cost.

Some of the services can include:

  • Digitizing Document Services
  • Document Searching
  • E-mail correspondence
  • Electronic Filing
  • Document Drafting
  • Data Extraction
  • Tax Verification
  • Mortgage Document Review
  • Modification Document Review
  • Execution Review

Our staff is trained for both Judicial and Non-Judicial states, and we leverage our years of experience into standard operating procedures for a number of different mortgage companies, banks, lending institutions, and private law firms. 

Accounting

One of the easiest decisions a company can make is to outsource its accounting workload to the Philippines. Aside from the lower costs, organizations can free up valuable time so they can focus on daily operations or securing new customers.

Here are some of the accounting services you can outsource in the PH:

  • Payroll Accounting
  • Financial Statement Preparation
  • Account Booking Maintenance
  • Account Payable Bookkeeping
  • Tax Services
  • QuickBooks

Real Estate Services

With the help of professional real estate virtual assistants from Global Strategic, you can focus your energy on doing the thing your best at – closing deals and finding clients. Furthermore, you also get to lower costs compared to hiring staff locally.

Here are some of the services you can receive when you choose to outsource:

  • Broker’s Price Opinion
  • REO Billing and Reimbursement
  • Social Media Marketing
  • REO Administrative Solutions
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping.

With the outsourcing industry in the Philippines continuing to grow, more businesses are expected to invest more resources into getting their services outsourced in the country. Global Strategic, an established and rising name in the BPO industry provides clients with all your outsourcing needs.

With 16 years of industry experience, Global Strategic has the expertise that can push your business further.

The BPO industry in the Philippines is rapidly advancing and has not shown any sign of slowing down. Learn more about how outsourcing can help with your current business needs and future business growth.

Typing Jobs In The Philippines – Where To Apply For Typing Jobs Online

Simple Typing Jobs You Can Easily Apply for in the Philippines This 2022

Companies in the Philippines are consistently looking for applicants to fill up typing jobs. And, a career as a Data Entry Specialist is among the most popular jobs in the Philippines this 2022. This is especially true for recent grads or career shifters. With all the demand, some people are having difficulties in finding the ideal typing job in the country. So, we’re here to help!

Typing Jobs In The Philippines

First off, typing jobs are a legitimate way to get into the booming industry even if you are not confident speaking on the phone. Thousands of people have started wonderful careers in this field and put their typing skills to work. Furthermore, looking for these types of jobs is easy and simple, especially for fresh graduates or those with no experience.

That’s why in this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best typing jobs you can find in the country. Moreover, we’re going to list some pros and cons and frequently asked questions regarding some of these top jobs in the Philippines.

But, before we go any further, let’s first discuss what exactly is a typing job – the duties and responsibilities, and more.

What are typing jobs?

A typing job can cover a broad range of job descriptions depending on the client, but one thing is for sure – it’s going to involve a lot of heavy typing. Fear not, this shouldn’t be an issue even for beginners.

The key thing that you need to understand here is you’d need to handle and process data. Thus, ensuring that the data you type in is accurate and correct will be a big part of your daily routine. So, if you’re comfortable with that and looking for a job that’s rewarding and has a good career path, then data entry might just be the perfect fit for you.

Among the most common typing jobs, you’d find are data entry, content writing, and transcription jobs. Additionally, you could choose to go freelancing or apply to a BPO company that helps you easily connect with clients.

What are the Pros and Cons of Typing Jobs?

Much like all jobs out there, data entry has its own set of pros and cons. So, if you’re not sure whether or not to start a career in data entry, maybe this would help you decide.

Pros of Data Entry Jobs

  • The workload is repetitive and simple to do
  • There is no outbound or inbound call requirements
  • Little to no client-facing duties
  • Simple enough for entry-level professionals.
  • Easily learned

Cons of Data Entry Jobs

  • The pay may be lower compared to other online jobs
  • Fierce competition in the freelance space due to saturation in the market.

With that out of the way, here are the top 5 typing jobs in the Philippines you can apply for online.

Top Data Entry Jobs in the Philippines

As the BPO industry in the Philippines continues to grow, more and more companies are looking for data entry specialists to fill up positions. Additionally, because of this growth, the job descriptions for typing jobs also expanded. That being said, it’s easier to find data entry work in the BPO industry rather than freelancing. Now, let’s take a look at some of the most popular data entry jobs in the Philippines.

Transcriptionist

Having a job as a transcriptionist requires you to have excellent listening skills. Furthermore, you need to have a good grasp of English grammar, semantics, fast typing skills, and accuracy. This job requires a person to convert audio or video into digital texts.

Unfortunately, even if the job description is easy, breaking into the market can sometimes be difficult as there is a lot of competition. Meanwhile, if you do manage to get a job as a transcriptionist, your day-to-day tasks can be a breeze as it’s not as taxing when compared to other jobs but do require a strong attention to detail and the ability to focus for long periods of time.

Data Entry Specialists

Along with Virtual Assistant or Back Office Associate jobs, a position as a Data Entry Specialist is rising in popularity. Depending on the client, you could have different job descriptions.

Generally, you’d be tasked with administrative work, organizing data into a database, or converting hard copies into digitalized formats.

At Global Strategic, fresh graduates and those with at least two years of college finished can easily apply through our online portal. Additionally, those with a vocational or short course certificate can also apply.

Here are some of the important functions of a Data Entry Specialist:

  • Collecting data including but not limited to bills, client info, financial statements, invoices, or receipts.
  • Ensuring data is accurate and complete
  • Organizing storage systems
  • Fixing data inconsistencies
  • Answering queries related to data or data errors in the system
Data Entry Specialist Signing Bonus

Content Writing

If you’re into writing, then, finding an online job as a content writer would be perfect for you. The main thing you need to know is that you don’t need to be the best writer to excel. The skills you need most are good research skills, a passion to learn new things, and a love for writing.

Resume Writing

Even with all the free templates and samples online, you’d best believe that people are still hiring others to write resumes for them. Some industries are just so competitive that you really need to stand out. And, hiring an expert may be that differentiator.

If you have a talent for writing resumes, then this could be the one for you. For those with a previous background in HR or Recruitment, this job should be easy as you already know what recruiters would be looking for.

Proofreading or Editing

A proofreader/editor’s role is to check that a document is grammatically correct, formatted correctly, concise, and so on. Of fact, editing entails much more than simply correcting grammar errors.

If you’re a writer, though, this type of online typing job can easily be transitioned into. There are many websites that require proofreading/editing services, as well as clients who require it for their books/ebooks.

So now that you know the best typing jobs in the Philippines, it’s time to take the next step in your career.

Whether you are a fresh grad looking for your first step towards your goals, are in another industry, or you are already a Data Entry Specialist and looking for a change, apply today- Global Strategic would love to hear from you!

Is Being A Virtual Assistant In The Philippines Worth It? – Key Takeaways

Is It Still Worth It to Become a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines Today?

Virtual Assistant jobs have become a go-to job for people in the Philippines – but is it still worth it? Currently, the VA title holds a prestigious space in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. As such, it has become one of the most sought-after jobs in the country.

However, asking if a career as a Virtual Assistant is still worth it would depend on the person. First, we have to take into account your lifestyle, career paths, skillset, and so much more.

Is Being A Virtual Assistant In The Philippines Worth It?

For some, being a VA is definitely worth it, especially if you’re working from the Philippines. Meanwhile, others think that a career as a VA wouldn’t give you many options for career growth. This can be true for freelancers though you get more freedom while others pursue jobs with a BPO company. There, they can be official employees and receive training, learn from others, and grow and advance with promotion opportunities.

One thing to understand is that working as a Virtual Assistant is a legitimate way to a prosperous career path. That being said, you just need to go about it the right way. You can go the freelance route or you can join a BPO company that connects you directly to clients and provides opportunities for advancement and growth.

So, in this article, we’ll be discussing the pros and cons of becoming a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines. Additionally, we’ll go through the most commonly asked questions for VAs. This way, you yourself can decide if being a VA in the Philippines is worth it.

Pros of Being a VA In the Philippines

Is pursuing a career as a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines truly worth it? Becoming a Virtual Assistant surely has a lot of benefits, but, keep in mind that the experience of one VA may be different from another. For starters, the term “Virtual Assistant” covers a wide range of job descriptions.

Because of this, fresh graduates, no matter what degree they took up, be it Hotel and Resource Management or Psychology, had a wider range of jobs available to them.

You can work as part of an administrative team, social media marketing, accounting, real estate, and so much more. Furthermore, each client can be different and requires you to do different tasks. But generally speaking, here are some of the pros to expect if you pursue a career as a Virtual Assistant.

Benefits of becoming a Virtual Assistant in the PH

  1. Flexibility – Because you can work from anywhere and VAs aren’t always needed. Many clients choose to hire you on a “retainer” basis and have you work whenever you’re needed. That is, you do not have to be in front of your computer from 9 to 5.

    However, work-from-home setups would still depend on the company you’re working for and the client’s preference. For some freelancers, finding consistent work can be a challenge. And, they prefer to work for a company that can guarantee a schedule and regular salary, and other benefits.
  2. Easy tasks. – Making phone calls, researching a range of topics, scheduling appointments, managing accounts, and so on are typical tasks in this area of employment.

    Here are some of the tasks clients may require you to do:
    • Scheduling appointments
    • Managing email accounts
    • Graphic Design
    • Blog Writing
  3. Decent pay – Typically, clients seeking a virtual assistant are already successful and place a higher value on time than money. This is beneficial to us because they usually pay a decent rate. Most want to have more time to spend with their families and friends.
  4. You learn a lot – Being a VA entails spending time researching topics that your client needs to know. Your job is to summarize the information you find so that they can understand it fast. For example, if one of your clients is an investor, you might be tasked to conduct research on investment opportunities in the crypto market.

Cons of Being a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines

If one thing has pros, naturally there would be cons and a career as a Virtual Assistant is no exception. Even with all the good benefits becoming a VA offers, there could still be issues that might become a deal-breaker for you.

Time Schedule – There can be no set hours for freelancers. Some clients may demand that you be available at all times. It’s possible that having a 9-5 VA isn’t in your client’s best interests because they may require assistance outside of office hours (such as a last-minute reservation, change to a meeting, etc). Some may expect you to be available at all times. You are, after all, their personal assistant.

Meanwhile, if you join BPO companies, chances are you’d be working as a Virtual Assistant for a set schedule. Usually, this is during the night shift. So, if you value your nights, then becoming a virtual assistant in the Philippines may not be worth it for you.

However, this could all depend on your client or the account you’re assigned to. Those already in the industry, however, tend to get used to it. As long as they can get into a regular sleep schedule, many long-timers end up preferring the night shift due to traffic patterns and having the day free.

Requests that are unusual – It doesn’t always happen, but as your client gets to know you, he or she may start making strange requests. It could be personal tasks like selecting the right gift for their spouse, researching social media profiles that may be attempting to swindle them, and so on. This is less common for those working for a BPO company where there is a more structured workload and defined tasks.

Unfamiliar Tasks – Even though you don’t always know what to do, you must figure it out for yourself. You may be given a task that is way beyond your capabilities or that you are unfamiliar with how to complete. Because your employer is too busy to teach you, you’ll have to be resourceful and figure it out on your own. For some, this may be a source of anxiety. If you are a freelancer, it can be difficult to find support or guidance. Meanwhile, working for a BPO company allows you to have colleagues who can be your resources when trying to figure out something new.

Being a Virtual Assistant has long been a dream profession for many individuals. In the best-case scenario, you locate a career that pays well and is quite straightforward. Worst case scenario, you don’t like it and have to look for another employment in a different field.

Become A Global Strategic Virtual Assistant

So, now that you know the pros and the cons of becoming a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines, it’s time for you to take the next steps. Becoming a Virtual Assistant does have its cons, but the benefits you get from working as a VA definitely outweigh them.

Whether you are looking to become a Virtual Assistant or already are one and want to take your career journey to the next level, Global Strategic wants to hear from you.

Our Virtual Assistants build careers in the BPO industry as we promote internally- providing opportunities for advancement and development while also ensuring you always have a client to work on. Apply today and become our newest virtual assistant or talk to our Recruiters about our other roles and whether or not you would be a fit.

Offshore Outsourcing To The Philippines – Success Factors To Consider

What Are the Success Factors in Offshore Outsourcing to the Philippines?

The Philippines will always be a leading name in the industry when it comes to offshore outsourcing. Since 2010, the country held the title of “BPO Capital of the World” – and for good reason.

Currently, the Philippines has among the highest literacy rates in all of Asia with 98.18. Furthermore, the country holds the #2 place in English proficiency in Asia and #27 in the world.

Offshore Outsourcing in the Philippines

Additionally, the Philippine government fully supports the BPO industry. As such, the development of this industry is primed to grow at a rapid pace. In fact, an article from Bizvibe reports a projection of $40 billion worth of revenue from BPOs alone.

With all of that in mind, both large and small businesses come to the Philippines for their outsourcing needs. However, there are still things that need considering when planning to offshore your services.

There are already several benefits that you could think of right off the bat when planning to offshore to the Philippines. But, outsourcing can only truly become successful when we account for risks and put forward commitment, time, and resources.

So, with that being said, here are the top success factors for offshore outsourcing in the Philippines you need to look out for.

Finding the Right Outsourcing Provider in the Philippines

The BPO industry in the Philippines is thriving and will continue to do so. But, with the multitude of options available, how can you pick the right service provider for your business?

Outsourcing in ph, outsourcing to philippines, philippines, outsourcing, bpo in philippines, bpo industry

First, you need to identify the right outsourcing provider fit for your industry and services. Naturally, BPO companies in the Philippines have their own strengths and weaknesses we have to consider.

With that being said, here are some attributes you want to look out for:

  • A tested and proven business process solution.
  • Excellent business process experience
  • Can provide an established quality system.

Clearly Define Outsourcing Requirements

After you find an outsourcing service provider you want to do business with, it’s empirical that you clearly define your requirements and business objectives. Companies must have a specific goal in mind as to why they wanted to outsource in the first place.

For example, companies can specify if they want to focus on immediate savings, long-term goals, or short-term results. Once finished, parties should lay out a service agreement clearly defining the duties, responsibilities, and expectations.

Afterward, an important part of the process is finalizing the agreements. Parties can use several channels such as email, phone, video conference, etc. Next, you can discuss how often client check-ins would be, aspects of the partnership, or even performance reviews.

Focus on Quality, Not Just Saving Costs

The Philippines offers low labor costs and high-quality workers. As such, this has been a driving factor in why many companies choose to outsource to the country. However, outsourcing shouldn’t just be about saving a buck.

Naturally, the cost is a key factor. However, finding quality work and developing more skilled workers should also be a priority. This, companies should never look at an outsourcing service as an opportunity to automate workloads.

Instead, outsourcing clients should become directly involved in key aspects of the partnership. This may include processes such as recruitment, training of new hires, onboarding, coaching, and personal development initiatives.

Remember, outsourcing means that you are extending your business, thus, you must treat and manage it as such if you want success in this endeavor.

Should Small and Medium Enterprises Start Outsourcing?

Now that you’ve learned about the success factors, you might be wondering if outsourcing is right for your company. Since the early 1990s, large companies across the world are coming to the Philippines looking for outsourcing solutions. But what about Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)?

In Forbe’s article, Derek Gallimore, CEO of Outsource Accelerator said that outsourcing can become a powerful tool for SMEs. But, as stated earlier, companies shouldn’t look at it as a quick way to save costs.

Shockingly, 95% of large enterprises are outsourcing to the Philippines – however, only 0.5% of Small and Medium Enterprises do. With this in mind, SMEs might have overlooked the benefits of outsourcing for their businesses.

Benefits of Outsourcing for Small and Medium Enterprises

Gallimore stated that outsourcing is simply an umbrella term for “employment solutions”. Furthermore, he emphasized that the term encapsulates a broad spectrum of offshore workloads such as call centers, property management virtual assistants, and remote staffing.

Still, with the help of outsourcing, SMEs can tap into an incredible tool that could push their businesses forward. So without further ado, here are the major benefits outsourcing provides to Small and Medium businesses.

Multiply your workforce

Outsourcing to the Philippines means that you have the opportunity to multiply the size of your workforce. In addition, you can do this at a lower price than you’d pay locally. But this goes further than simply saving money on labor costs- you are also building a scalable growth model for the future.

If you manage to get triple the workforce for the same price, you could quickly elevate your businesses to new heights. And, with how competitive the market and niches within SMEs are, having this advantage means you can potentially outmaneuver competitors.

Access to a whole new world of passionate and skilled professionals

Why would you limit yourself to your locality when searching for potential applicants? Thanks to technological advancements, finding talented professionals across the world has never been easier.

With the help of outsourcing, any company, big or small can gain global access to professionals eager to start their careers. And, you might find the cream of the crop for a certain role as you may be able to pay a top salary in a country such as the Philippines.

Along with this, you can also expect to find applicants who would be excited to work for a foreign company or CEO. In countries such as the Philippines, there is an abundant supply of new applicants that want to work in BPO companies – the majority of which are skilled and educated.

Gain a Strategic Advantage

If you’re ready to start your outsourcing journey, Global Strategic can help with your business needs and give you the Strategic Advantage needed to edge out the competition. Learn more about how offshore outsourcing to the Philippines can help your business and future business growth.

Beginner Virtual Assistant Jobs In The Philippines – Hiring This 2022

Apply As a Beginner Virtual Assistant – How to Find the Best Jobs Online in the Philippines 

BEGINNER VIRTUAL ASSISTANT JOBS – If you want to find a job as a Virtual Assistant in the Philippines with no experience, then you came to the right place! 

When it comes to entry-level jobs, pursuing a virtual assistance career is one of the best choices. Because of its wide array of job descriptions, beginners who then pursue specializations can target different niches. 

From data entry all the way to real estate, there’s an entire world out there for virtual assistants to explore. But with that being said, everybody has to start somewhere. And if you’re reading this – it’s likely that you’re a beginner who wants to take the first step toward your career goals. 

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?  

A Virtual Assistant is someone who helps clients remotely with administrative tasks. Generally, these people work for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies that connect them with clients overseas.  

Global Strategic is one of these companies and is a rising name in the thriving BPO space. With the help of the company, hundreds of Virtual Assistants have started their careers. Now maybe this time, it would be you who’s telling your own success story. 

Global Strategic Business Process Solutions has career opportunities for Back-Office Associates or Virtual Assistants. Even if you have no prior work experience or are a fresh grad, the company is more than open to hiring and always looking for talented, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals who want to not only find a job but who want to start their career in a growing company in a thriving industry. 

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A ENTRY-LEVEL VIRTUAL ASSISTANT 

Being a beginner Virtual Assistant means that you’d be starting from the ground up. However, there are still some qualifications that you need in order to successfully land that next VA application.  

To start, any Virtual Assistant must have good English communication skills. Due to the nature of the job description, one must be able to speak and email in fluent English, Additionally, you should also have at least two years of experience in college.  

But, if an applicant has not completed any college, they can always present a vocational or short course certificate. Fresh graduates of nearly any course are strongly encouraged to apply. With that being said, here are some of the qualifications for a beginner level Virtual Assistant position in the Philippines: 

  • Reliable 
  • Resourceful 
  • Knows how to manage time 
  • Computer literacy  
  • Adaptability 
  • Positive attitude
  • Can communicate in English

So, if you want to ace your VA interview, make sure to take note of these qualifications and highlight your strengths. For more information on the top tips for Filipinos going to a Virtual Assistant Interview, check out this article below: 

Virtual Assistant Interview Questions – VA Interview Tips For Filipinos 

JOB DESCRIPTION OF ENTRY-LEVEL VIRTUAL ASSISTANT 

A beginner Virtual Assistant could be given a wide range of administrative tasks. Among the responsibilities you could expect are working on: 

  • Administrative Support 
  • Customer Service 
  • Website maintenance 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Sales
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping

To learn more about these, check out our overview of what a Virtual Assistant provides. 

Because of the broad spectrum that a Virtual Assistant covers, one must remain flexible and willing to jump from one task to another. With that in mind, here are some specific responsibilities that a beginner VA might have: 

  • Scheduling appointments – One of the main reasons why clients hire virtual assistants is to free up space in their busy schedules. This task requires you to make sure meetings and appointments are scheduled on time 
  • Managing email accounts – Clients can have several inbound emails that need filtering. It’s your job to manage these emails and present the most important ones to your client while handling the ones that don’t require their attention.

Whether you are looking to become a Virtual Assistant or already are one and want to take the next step in your career journey, Global Strategic wants to hear from you. Apply today and become our newest Back Office Associate or talk to our Recruiters about our other roles and whether or not you would be a fit. 

Apply Today!

Why Are There So Many Call Centers In The Philippines?

Call Centers in The Philippines Are Leading the Global Competition – Here’s Why!

When it comes to outsourcing, two things quickly come to mind – call centers and the Philippines. Since the 1990s, the Philippines rapidly expanded the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry becoming one of the top outsourcing destinations in the world now.

Being one of the leading Asian countries in terms of English proficiency – the Philippines has consistently been a go-to for businesses worldwide for outsourcing.

The Philippines also excels in labor practices, work ethic, and the volume of workers looking for jobs. This is due to the Philippines’ high regard for education, with the result being that every year, millions of students graduate from college looking for jobs.

Why Are There So Many Call Centers In The Philippines?

Because of how expansive the BPO industry in the Philippines is, it can cover a wide range of job descriptions. But, even without a degree or work experience, BPO companies extensively train new hires to make the workforce suitable and capable for almost any role.

With this in mind, it’s no doubt that the Philippines has become one of the world leaders in outsourcing, second to only India. In fact, many companies who originally set up their outsourcing in India have decided to either move operations or expand into the Philippines as well.

Why is the Philippines a Global Leader in the BPO Industry?

REVENUE – The Philippines government is extremely supportive of the BPO industry in the Philippines. One of the main reasons for this is the high profitability. In recent years, BPOs have contributed close to $30 billion worth of revenue to the country according to a study from Nexford University.

COST-EFFECTIVE – A lot of companies are investing in outsourcing solutions for their business in the Philippines because of low labor costs. However, if the cost was the only concern, then there are definitely other countries with lower labor costs than the Philippines.

But what sets the Philippines apart is the cost-to-skill ratio. The quality of skills that Filipino workers bring to the table is higher compared to some other outsourcing destinations, while also being very cost-competitive.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT – BPO Industries receive massive support from the government. As such, government programs such as TESDA offers courses that train people in call center jobs and other BPO positions.

More importantly, more funds are invested into the development of internet technology solutions that benefit BPO companies. Along with this, the government revised key information security laws such as the Data Security Act and the SEZ act. And, because Western companies take data security seriously, this pushed the Philippines further as a leading destination for outsourcing.

Additionally, under the Special Economic Zone Act, foreign companies that do business in the Philippines have a number of benefits to try and attract potential investors.

EXPOSURE TO WESTERN CULTURE – It’s no secret that Western culture has heavily influenced the Philippines. From movies, TV shows, music, and even comedy – Filipinos tend to be more receptive when it comes to everything pop culture. Thus, relating to clients from the United States becomes a breeze which is perfect for call centers or companies looking to add outsourced offshore staff.

FUTURE-PROOF – In the near future, low labor costs won’t be the main focus of companies that want to invest in the Philippines for their outsourcing needs. Instead, high-level, English-speaking workers will become the focal selling point of the Philippines. Because of the competitive nature of BPO industries, companies continue to strive to train their employees and upskill them on more than the standard repetitive task list that the industry was borne from.

With how gigantic the BPO industry is in the Philippines and its importance to the local economy, it’s no question that it will stay a dominant force in the Philippines. It is projected that the BPO industry will bring in $40 billion in revenue this 2022.

The BPO industry in the Philippines is rapidly advancing and has not shown any sign of slowing down. Learn more about how outsourcing can help with your current business needs and future business growth and contact Global Strategic today.

Call Center Representative Job Description – Inbound Vs Outbound

Which is the Better Job Description for a Call Center Representative? – Inbound or Outbound? 

The job description of a Call Center Representative often depends on whether one is inbound or outbound (and often both). What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? In this article, we’re going to discuss the tasks and responsibilities of a CSR in the Philippines for inbound and outbound calls. 

In the Philippines, the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry is expanding at a rapid pace. Early outsourcing in the Philippines started out in 1992 and since then the industry bloomed thanks to “overly optimistic” government support.

Call Center Representative Job Description - Inbound Vs Outbound

According to an article from the London School of Economics, BPOs only come second to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) when it comes to remittances. Being such a valuable part of the economy in the Philippines it’s apparent that the BPO industry in the Philippines will definitely be here to stay. 

Likewise, this means a position as a call center representative is still one of the most in-demand jobs in the Philippines, especially in 2022.

After its infancy, outsourcing to the Philippines gradually evolved into an industry primarily occupied by call center work. Thus, those working in the industry are tasked to handle either inbound or outbound calls, or maybe both.

Just what exactly are the responsibilities of a call center agent in the Philippines?  

For the most part, a Call Center Representative’s tasks go far beyond just taking or answering calls. As such, even if you’re inbound or outbound, you could still have different tasks assigned to you depending on your clients’ needs.  

Because of this, agents need to be flexible as there will be times when unexpected setbacks occur. Still, the main skill that all call center agents need is good communication skills. In order to handle the duties of the job, individuals must have certain skillsets to be ready for life as a Call Center agent.

List of common tasks for call center agents in the Philippines: 

  • Answer inbound calls or make outbound calls. 
  • Provide solutions to complaints or issues from customers or clients. 
  • Provide a personalized service that meets the needs of customers. 
  • Give information regarding the company’s latest products and services. 
  • Upsell products and services.
  • Utilize available resources to find the information you require. 
  • When necessary, transfer calls to other members of the team. 
  • Make meaningful notes from your contacts with customers. 
  • Determine whether or not clients are experiencing any difficulties. 
  • Report customer feedback 
  • Organize and maintain customer databases. 
  • Follow up calls to customers 
  • Increase customer loyalty by providing a positive phone experience. 
  • Products and services can be upsold. 
  • Increase customer loyalty by providing a positive phone experience. 

Inbound vs Outbound in Call Centers 

The main difference between inbound and outbound calls is whether or not you’re answering or making calls. As the name implies, an inbound CSR primarily answers calls from customers, meanwhile, outbound call agents call people themselves. 

JOB DESCRIPTION OF AN INBOUND CALL CENTER REPRESENTATIVE 

For inbound CSR agents, their tasks mostly revolve around handling questions from customers and resolving their concerns. Furthermore, an inbound call center also deals with complaints from customers.  

Unfortunately, some of these customers are going to be irate. So, an agent has to be polite, respectful, understanding, and have a deep understanding of company policy when it comes to services. 

Here are the type of inbound calls: 

Customer Service – A customer service agent is tasked with handling returns, customer feedback, and over-the-phone payments. Furthermore, according to an article from Roi Call Center Solutions, an inbound CSR could also handle updates on mailing addresses, and questions regarding policies and practices. 

Technical Support – Call center agents that are more into technical support handle customers’ concerns regarding products related to technology. The tasks range from fixing television signal issues to turning on computers. 

Most of the people calling here for help are likely to be those not versed in technology. As such, it’s imperial that a Technical Support Agent has a high level of patience. Moreover, you need to be capable of handling complaints and demands while still remaining calm and collected. 

Inbound Sales – In some cases, an inbound sales agent needs to answer calls from people who aren’t part of a company’s clientele. These are potential new customers who are looking for more information that could help them decide to switch or walk away from your service or product. 

During an inbound sales call, an inbound sales agent establishes a relationship with the potential new customer by finding common ground and providing helpful information.  

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN OUTBOUND CSR 

In some organizations, agents may be assigned to outbound calls depending on the needs of the client or account. As such, the job description of an outbound Call Center Representative would be focused on direct marketing programs, insurance claims, outbound lead generation, and prospect and market research. 

Here are some more responsibilities of an outbound call center representative: 

  • Survey taking – Customer satisfaction surveys provide critical information about the quality and effectiveness of the service or product the customer received. 
  • Scheduling – An agent may be tasked to schedule the day-to-day activities of a client. As such agents need to call clients as a reminder of the activities they need to be attending. 
  • Appointment Setting – Outbound agents arrange meetings or appointments between the customer or lead and the salesperson who has been assigned to them. They will clarify the most convenient time and date for the current or prospective client to speak with a company representative. To keep the prospect motivated to stay in touch, the agent should be efficient and accurate, as well as interesting. 

Global Strategic furthers those inherent values through a thorough interviewing and training process. We invest in our agents because we believe that a company is only as good as its employees. Global Strategic provides training to improve accent, call center etiquette, sales skills, and client-specific business knowledge. 

So, now that you’re ready to take on your next CSR Interview and want to take the next step in your career journey, Global Strategic wants to hear from you. Apply today and become our newest Back Office Associate or Call Center Representative or talk to our Recruiters about our other roles that may be suitable for you. 

Real Estate Virtual Assistants In The Philippines – Outsource VAs Today

5 Reasons Why You Should Outsource Real Estate Virtual Assistants in The Philippines. 

If you’re into real estate, then you should already be thinking about hiring virtual assistants from the Philippines. Just what sets the Philippines apart from the rest as your top outsourcing destination? 

Naturally, virtual assistant services always provide immense value to any business, especially in today’s time. No matter if you’re a seasoned veteran, or someone who’s just starting out, you could always find value in hiring a virtual assistant. 

in-house real estate, real estate

 In this article, we’re going in-depth on the benefits of outsourcing to the Philippines. Furthermore, we’ll be talking about how outsourcing real estate VAs can push your business forward. Not a lot of people know how competitive the real estate industry can be. And, knowing how cut-throat it is, professionals can’t afford to slow down. Unfortunately, massive workloads can definitely hinder your businesses’ growth. That’s where virtual assistants come in! 

 With the help of professional real estate virtual assistants, you can focus your energy toward doing the thing your best at – closing deals. Now, you can go out, meet clients, build partnerships, and negotiate contracts. Meanwhile, you’d have someone that’s handling administrative tasks and handling cold calls for your business. And no one does this better than Filipino real estate VAs.

 Among the services you can expect from your trustworthy real estate VAs from the Philippines could range anywhere from appointment setting all the way to transaction coordination. As a result of this free time, you get to pour your efforts into face-to-face client activities. More importantly, you get to offload your repetitive tasks to virtual assistants which gives you more time to do things that you love or spend your free time with your family and friends. 

 With that being said, here are the top 5 reasons why you should outsource your real estate business to the Philippines. 

 PHILIPPINE VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS ARE GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE 

According to an article from Awesome Outsourcing, the Philippines ranked second in the entirety of Asia when it came to English proficiency. Moreover, you can find skilled workers with years of experience as a real estate VA. This is thanks to the rapid expansion of the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry in the country.

Because of this, Filipino VAs like those under Global Strategic received extensive communication training.  Additionally, with years of BPO experience, the Philippines is no stranger to the needs of clients from across the globe. As such, you’d find a wide variety of services related to several industries. 

COST OF HIRING FILIPINO REAL ESTATE VAs 

Hiring a Filipino real estate VA can cost a fraction of the price of hiring someone locally. Because of this, one might think that you’d be compromising quality for the lower price. But, when it comes to Filipino VAs, that is never the case. 

Aside from having a high literacy rate and English proficiency, the Philippines also allows for cost savings for any business. You save not only on the cost of the employee but also the overhead and other costs of having to hire someone locally.  

BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY FOR YOUR BUSINESS 

Hiring virtual workers from the Philippines can definitely make your business thrive! Although outsourcing has its challenges, years of experience have made Global Strategic a staple name in the BPO industry. 

Real Estate Virtual Assistants In The Philippines - Outsource VAs Today

The company not only excels in providing virtual assistance for real estate businesses, but we also provide Data Entry, Call Center services, Legal and Business Support, Mortgage Servicing Solutions, Accounting, Property Management, Digital Marketing, and more. 

For the real estate industry, some of Global Strategic’s services include:

  • Broker’s Price Opinion 
  • REO Billing and Reimbursement 
  • Social Media Marketing 
  • REO Administrative Solutions 
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping 

Global Strategic provides a wide variety of real estate services to help real estate agents and brokers make the most of their time and focus on what really matters: getting sales. By working with us, you get access to skills, resources, and talents that enable you to direct your efforts to your core competencies. 

You can schedule a business strategy session through our online portal.  

FILIPINO REAL ESTATE VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS ARE EFFICIENT 

According to an article from Gulfnews, Filipinos are considered some of the most hard-working employees, and this sentiment is definitely echoed when it comes to working in the BPO industry.  

Although each Filipino is different, the majority still wants to work hard to earn a decent living for themselves and their family.  

“Filipinos are known to be hard-working multitaskers. Putting our love and dedication into our work is a way of showing pride in our country.” 

EUGENE TAMBOLERO CANTARA, Product specialist/medical representative 

Filipinos are fast learners. So, when given the proper training, Filipinos can become extremely efficient in whatever job you put them in be it as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant or anything else. 

Immediate Labor Pool Availability 

In a previous article, we discussed how the Philippines is the perfect place to outsource your business. Among the reasons why is the availability of workers ready and willing to take on new jobs. Based on the article, the Philippines has a high volume of fresh graduates and educated adults who would be suitable.

Among the industries that most Filipinos want to work in our Legal and Business Support, Accounting, Information Technology, and of course, Customer Support Services.  Thanks to the advancement of technology and new businesses flowing into the country because of the BPO industry, many are looking into Virtual Assistant positions. This demand for BPO jobs within the country has attracted some of the best and brightest individuals, allowing employers and outsourcers to hire high-quality, talented individuals who are an asset to the company they work for and the clients that they serve.

The BPO industry in the Philippines is rapidly advancing and has not shown any sign of slowing down. Learn more about how outsourcing to the Philippines can help grow your real estate business with the help of our virtual assistants.