Full-Time or Fractional? Choosing the Perfect Assistant for Your Business.

Written by Tech Support 03/14/2024
An image of an Executive Assistant standing at a counter in her office with her laptop open working on Executive Assistant tasks.

Running a successful business requires effective support, and being able to offload certain tasks will free up both time and mental space for an executive. The decision to go full-time or fractional with an executive assistant may be difficult; both have their pros and cons. Hamilton Raye can help you understand the unique needs of your business, to bring clarity and make the decision that is best for you!

 

Let’s start with the basics.

What is the difference between the two? 

Determining which type of executive assistant will best serve your needs depends on several factors, including workload, budget, and working preferences. 

“No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude.” 

- Alfred North Whitehead

The following guidelines can help you make the right choice for your business:

 

Workload and Availability. 

Take a look at your workday. Assess the volume and nature of tasks that need to be handled. If the workload is relatively consistent and substantial, a full-time executive assistant would provide a continuous presence during regular working hours… and makes sense. On the other hand, a virtual fractional executive assistant offers more flexibility and cost-effectiveness by serving in a varied or project-based role. This frees up the workload without a full-time commitment.

 

Budget and Cost Considerations. 

This one requires a look at your books. Hiring a full-time executive assistant means the commitment of a regular salary, benefits, and other associated costs. If your budget allows and the workload is justified, this option makes sense. However, if your budget is limited or you only require assistance for specific tasks or hours, a virtual fractional executive assistant can offer a more affordable (and flexible!) solution.

 

Expertise and Specialization. 

Take a look at what skills you want assistance with. Fractional executive assistants are professionals with a wide range of experience in various industries. They can help with project management, event planning, marketing, and administrative tasks – providing the help needed, tailored to an executive’s requirements, without the need for a full-time hire.

 

Scalability and Growth Potential. 

Growth is always the goal! However, with growth comes an increased workload. You’ll need support. If you foresee a need for ongoing support that grows with the organization, a full-time executive assistant might be a better choice. If the needs are more project-based or subject to fluctuation, hiring a fractional executive assistant can provide flexibility to scale up or down, as required.

 

 

 

In Conclusion.

Both options offer invaluable administrative support for a business. Ultimately, it comes down to specific requirements, budget, and a planned trajectory. Considering these factors will help an executive feel more equipped to make the right choice that best aligns with a business.

 

Need Some Guidance?

Take our Quiz to find out which service we recommend for you.  We have Full-Time Executive Assistants and Fractional Executive Assistant packages that will fit your needs no matter what stage of business growth you are in. Contact us today to get started and get your time back.

FAQs

  • What types of packages do you offer?

    We offer a range of offsite packages tailored to your needs, including 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day events. For events lasting 4 days or more, we’ll create a custom package just for you. Our flat rate fees start at $2500 for a 1 day event.

    • We offer a range of offsite packages tailored to your needs, including 2-day, 3-day, and 4-day events. For events lasting 4 days or more, we’ll create a custom package just for you. Our flat rate fees start at $2500 for a 1 day event.

  • How do you select offsite destinations?

    Our team has carefully curated diverse and enriching offsite destinations that are logistically easy to travel to from anywhere in the continental US. These handpicked locations offer the perfect backdrop for your next team event, combining convenience with unforgettable cultural experiences.

    • Our team has carefully curated diverse and enriching offsite destinations that are logistically easy to travel to from anywhere in the continental US. These handpicked locations offer the perfect backdrop for your next team event, combining convenience with unforgettable cultural experiences.

  • Do you offer onsite support during the event?

    Absolutely! For an additional fee, an expert will be present to ensure everything runs smoothly, managing logistics and coordinating activities so you can stay in the moment.

    The cost for onsite support is $1150 per day (including travel days), which includes food and beverage per diem. Additional expenses like hotel accommodations, flight fares, and other logistics charges are billed separately. 

    • Absolutely! For an additional fee, an expert will be present to ensure everything runs smoothly, managing logistics and coordinating activities so you can stay in the moment.

    The cost for onsite support is $1150 per day (including travel days), which includes food and beverage per diem. Additional expenses like hotel accommodations, flight fares, and other logistics charges are billed separately. 

  • What types of offsite events can you help plan?

    We specialize in planning a wide range of offsite events, including team retreats, leadership offsites, company-wide gatherings, sales kickoffs, and strategic planning sessions.

    • We specialize in planning a wide range of offsite events, including team retreats, leadership offsites, company-wide gatherings, sales kickoffs, and strategic planning sessions.

  • How do you customize events to meet our needs?

    We start with a detailed discovery process to understand your goals, team dynamics, preferred location, budget, and event objectives. From there, we craft a tailored plan to ensure your offsite meets your expectations.

    • We start with a detailed discovery process to understand your goals, team dynamics, preferred location, budget, and event objectives. From there, we craft a tailored plan to ensure your offsite meets your expectations.

  • What cities do you specialize in for in-person events?

    We specialize in planning events in cities such as Denver, Phoenix, Nashville, Orlando, Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Austin. Our extensive knowledge of local venues, vendors, and activities ensures a seamless and memorable experience. If you’re considering a city not listed, please reach out—our database is constantly growing, and we’re happy to explore new locations to meet your needs.

    • We specialize in planning events in cities such as Denver, Phoenix, Nashville, Orlando, Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, San Diego, and Austin. Our extensive knowledge of local venues, vendors, and activities ensures a seamless and memorable experience. If you’re considering a city not listed, please reach out—our database is constantly growing, and we’re happy to explore new locations to meet your needs.

  • What services are included in your offsite event planning solution?

    Our services include venue research and booking, travel coordination, accommodations, catering, agenda planning, team-building activities.

    • Our services include venue research and booking, travel coordination, accommodations, catering, agenda planning, team-building activities.

  • Can you work within specific budgets for offsite events?

    Absolutely. We’re experienced in managing budgets of all sizes and will work with you to maximize the value of your event while staying within your budgetary constraints.

    • Absolutely. We’re experienced in managing budgets of all sizes and will work with you to maximize the value of your event while staying within your budgetary constraints.

  • How far in advance should we start planning our offsite?

    We recommend starting the planning process at least 3-6 months in advance for in-person events. This timeline ensures we can secure the best venues, accommodations, and activities.

    • We recommend starting the planning process at least 3-6 months in advance for in-person events. This timeline ensures we can secure the best venues, accommodations, and activities.

  • Can you help create an agenda for the offsite?

    Yes, we can collaborate with your team to design an agenda that aligns with your goals, ensuring a balance of productivity, team-building, and downtime.

    • Yes, we can collaborate with your team to design an agenda that aligns with your goals, ensuring a balance of productivity, team-building, and downtime.

  • What happens if there are last-minute changes or cancellations?

    We’re prepared to handle unexpected changes. Our team is experienced in navigating last-minute adjustments and will work to minimize disruptions while keeping your event on track.

    • We’re prepared to handle unexpected changes. Our team is experienced in navigating last-minute adjustments and will work to minimize disruptions while keeping your event on track.

  • Do you offer discounts through your vendor network?

    Yes, we’ve established strong relationships and partnerships with a wide range of vendors in each city. These connections allow us to secure discounts for our clients, helping you save money. Our goal is to generate enough savings through these discounts to offset our planning fee, delivering exceptional value for your event.

    • Yes, we’ve established strong relationships and partnerships with a wide range of vendors in each city. These connections allow us to secure discounts for our clients, helping you save money. Our goal is to generate enough savings through these discounts to offset our planning fee, delivering exceptional value for your event.

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