As many of us small business owners are all too aware, AI is everywhere. There’s no denying that artificial intelligence tools can be incredibly useful; however, some tasks really do require the human touch.

Whether you’re wondering if AI can handle all of your admin tasks or you want to find the perfect balance of AI tool usage and virtual assistant support, read on for more insights and guidance.

AI vs. VA: Who are the players?

Artificial intelligence is a broad category, with the latest tools spanning from image and writing generation to chatbots and scheduling apps. Pinning it down can be tricky, but in this resource, we’ll be generally referring to tools you can use in the workplace to speed up tasks, automate content, and process data.

Virtual assistants, on the other hand, are helpful humans who can take on tasks and free up time. They can also handle automation, data processing, and repetitive tasks to speed things up.

With more and more AI software popping up all over the shop — along with lots of myths and misconceptions — is there still a place for VA services? (Spoiler alert: yes!)

Strengths and limitations of AI tools

We can all agree that some AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be very useful.

Pros

Their benefits include:

24/7 availability, so you can access their resources any time, day or night
Cost-effective solutions — many AI tools are free or have free options
Speed and scalability, offering almost instant results that can be built upon
Excellent automation capabilities to help with data entry, scheduling, and similar tasks

Cons

However, AI tools are not infallible, and there are some significant drawbacks and limitations to consider when looking at how best to harness artificial intelligence.

Inaccuracy: These tools rely on training, which means they can only go by the content that has been used to program them. For example, writing generation tools, such as ChatGPT, are informed by existing content on the internet, which (as we all know) isn’t always accurate. You’ll also need to fact-check any automated content to ensure it’s correct.

Lack of creativity and nuance: Similarly, these tools are limited in their creativity because they draw upon existing content (be that written, visual, or data). They can have a good go at your task, but will always be somewhat formulaic in their output.
Require oversight: Because there are risks of inaccuracy and a lack of creativity, most current AI tools require some human input to both review precision and add unique flair.
Can’t build relationships: Perhaps the biggest drawback of AI tools is the fact that they are incapable of empathy and human understanding. They can’t process complex decision-making or build an authentic relationship — everything they do is in response to external input (from a human!)

What can a virtual assistant bring to the table?

So, can a virtual assistant plug the gaps that AI can’t? With a VA on your team, you can benefit from:

Support with tasks that are taking you away from the most important parts of your business.
Human judgement and empathy — from knowing how to prioritise tasks to providing accountability support and a space to talk through creative ideas, a virtual assistant can go beyond automation and build a genuine relationship with you (and your customers or clients, where applicable).
Adaptability and the ability to problem-solve in unexpected situations. This level of flexibility is something that AI can’t handle.
Tailored support from a human who can truly understand your goals, challenges, and preferences.

AI + VA = the best of both worlds?

There’s nothing wrong with using AI. Artificial intelligence tools can bring great value to small businesses, especially for freelancers and solo business owners who cover all aspects of their operations.

However, it’s important to recognise that AI tools aren’t perfect. And while human VAs aren’t quite perfect either, they bring a sense of understanding that technology can’t replicate.

There’s nothing stopping you from harnessing AI technology and seeking support from a VA at the same time. In fact, these two resources can complement each other very well. Getting the best results stems from understanding where, how, and when to apply AI, and when a task calls for human input.

For example, AI can be great for handling repetitive tasks that can be automated to save time. Meanwhile, a VA can be on hand to help out with strategy, communication, and creativity.

Why a VA is still a great addition to your business

While it can be tempting to try and stick with AI tools to grow your business (especially when budget is a big factor), technology isn’t yet at a point where artificial intelligence resources can be left to their own devices. They still need human input.

A virtual assistant can provide support that goes beyond task completion. They can provide trust, adaptability, and a human touch that makes hiring a VA a strategic investment.

To find out more about virtual assistant services here at Bizzybee and to see what they can do for you, please feel free to get in touch.

AI vs. VA: Why a Virtual Assistant is Still Your Secret Weapon