Updated Apr 10, 2026
Smart businesses treat Companies Like Time Etc as an investment, not an expense.
Business owners save over $50,000 per year when they hire a virtual assistant instead of a full-time employee.
This guide shows you exactly how these services work and why smart business owners are making the switch.
Quick Overview: Companies Like Time Etc
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Investment | $1,600/month (full-time, dedicated) |
| In-House Equivalent Cost | Executive Assistant salary + benefits = $84,500/year |
| Your Annual Savings | $65,300 back in your business |
| Time Saved Weekly | 20-25 hours per week |
| Task Categories | Admin, customer service, social media, bookkeeping |
| Industries Served | Real estate, law, healthcare, e-commerce, consulting |
| Backup Coverage | Included at no extra cost |
Getting help with daily tasks lets you focus on what makes money while saving thousands every year.
30 Best Time Etc Alternatives
- Stealth Agents - Forbes-recognized VA agency with dedicated full-time and part-time assistants and 24/7 availability.
- Belay - US-based remote executive assistants and bookkeepers matched to client preferences.
- Zirtual - US-only virtual assistants for professionals with dedicated account managers.
- Fancy Hands - US-based task-oriented VA service for one-off requests with fast turnaround.
- WoodBows - Full-time dedicated VAs with US business hours and project management tools.
- Wing Assistant - Trained VAs with a structured task management system and unlimited requests model.
- MyOutDesk - Dedicated real estate and business VAs with recruitment, onboarding, and HR support.
- Prialto - Managed VA service where a team handles delivery quality alongside your dedicated assistant.
- Boldly - Premium US and European VAs specializing in senior-level executive support.
- Virtual Employee - Full-time India-based dedicated staff with IT, admin, and marketing capabilities.
- Ossisto - Flexible VA packages for admin, bookkeeping, and digital marketing needs.
- Wishup - Trained Indian VAs with 24-hour onboarding and dedicated account management.
- TaskBullet - Bucket-based hour system with no monthly commitment for flexible VA usage.
- Delegated - US-based trained VAs with same-day onboarding and task management dashboard.
- Leverage - Executive assistant service for investors, founders, and senior executives.
- Worxbee - Professional EA service with rigorous matching and ongoing relationship management.
- Virtalent - UK-based VA matching with experienced PAs and EAs for professionals.
- eaHELP - Certified US-based virtual executive assistants with structured onboarding.
- MYVA360 - Full-service VA agency covering 50+ business tasks with dedicated account managers.
- Bottleneck Distant Assistants - Specialized VAs for operations, social media, and business development.
- Premier Virtual Assistants - Australian agency serving global clients with professional admin VAs.
- GetFriday - India-based personal and business VA service founded by former McKinsey professionals.
- HireMyMom - Platform matching businesses with experienced US stay-at-home professional VAs.
- Virtual Latinos - Latin American VAs with near-shore timezone alignment for US businesses.
- Hello Rache - Healthcare-specific VAs for medical practices and telehealth providers.
- 24/7 Virtual Assistant - Around-the-clock VA coverage for businesses needing after-hours support.
- Remote CoWorker - Bilingual English/Spanish VAs for customer service and administrative roles.
- Global Heed - South African professional VAs with strong English skills and US/UK timezone options.
- Brickwork India - India-based VA service with research, admin, and project coordination capabilities.
- Outsource Access - US-managed Philippine VA teams covering admin, digital, and customer support.
The Hidden Cost Of Running Everything Yourself
Most business owners spend 16 hours every week doing admin work that someone else could handle.
That time could be spent making sales calls, meeting with clients, or growing the business.
When you try to do everything yourself, you lose money because you are not working on high-value tasks.
Studies show that 62% of small business owners work nights and weekends just to keep up with daily tasks. If admin work is following you home, that’s not sustainable, and it’s not what you built a business for.
Tasks Your Virtual Assistant Company Can Handle
| Category | Specific Tasks | Time Saved Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Email Management | Inbox organization, responses, scheduling | 5-8 hours |
| Calendar Management | Appointment scheduling, meeting prep, reminders | 3-5 hours |
| Customer Service | Phone calls, chat support, follow-ups | 6-10 hours |
| Social Media | Content posting, engagement, monitoring | 4-6 hours |
| Data Entry | CRM updates, spreadsheet work, filing | 3-5 hours |
| Research | Lead generation, market research, competitor analysis | 4-7 hours |
Your virtual assistant can handle most of the daily tasks that eat up your time.
This gives you back 20-25 hours every week to focus on making money.
The best part is that these tasks get done better because your assistant specializes in them.
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Did You Know?
Companies with virtual assistant support close 40% more deals than those without because they can focus on sales instead of admin work.
The True Cost Comparison
| Cost Factor | In-House Employee | Virtual Assistant Service |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $65,000/year | $19,200/year |
| Benefits & Taxes (30%) | $19,500/year | $0 |
| Office Space & Equipment | $4,000/year | $0 |
| Training & Onboarding | $2,500/year | $0 |
| Total Annual Cost | $91,000/year | $19,200/year |
| Backup Coverage | None (you cover sick days) | Included |
| Management | You handle everything | Campaign Manager helps |
| Annual Savings | - | $71,800 |
You save over $70,000 every year compared to hiring someone full-time.
That money can go toward marketing, new equipment, or growing your team.
How A Time Etc Alternative Transforms Your Business
When you have help with daily tasks, everything changes.
You wake up knowing that emails will be handled, calls will be returned, and appointments will be scheduled.
This lets you focus on the work that only you can do - like meeting with important clients or planning for growth.
Your stress goes down because you are not juggling 20 different tasks at once.
• Get back 20+ hours every week
• Sleep better knowing tasks are handled
• Make more money by focusing on sales
• Grow your business without burnout
• Have backup when you need time off
• Scale up or down as needed
A Day In The Life Of Your Business Assistant
Your virtual assistant starts each morning by checking your calendar and email.
They handle customer questions, schedule appointments, and update your CRM with new leads.
Throughout the day, they take care of research tasks, social media posting, and follow-up calls.
By the end of the day, you get a quick update on what was done and what needs your attention tomorrow.
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Virtual Assistant Pro Tip
Start by having your assistant handle the tasks you hate most. This gives you immediate relief and shows the value right away.
What Makes A Great Remote Assistant Service
The best virtual assistant companies have skilled people who understand business.
They provide backup coverage so you never have to worry about sick days or vacations.
Good services also give you a dedicated person who learns your business and your preferences.
Look for companies that offer support and training to help you get the most value.
Keys To Success With Your Administrative Assistant
| Success Factor | Implementation | Results |
|---|---|---|
| Clear Communication | Weekly check-ins and written instructions | Tasks done right the first time |
| Proper Training | Share your processes and preferences | Consistent quality work |
| Regular Feedback | Monthly reviews and ongoing coaching | Continuous improvement |
| Trust Building | Start with small tasks, gradually increase | Confident delegation |
| Goal Setting | Set clear expectations and deadlines | Measurable productivity gains |
Success comes from treating your virtual assistant like a real team member.
Industries We Support
Virtual assistant services work for almost any type of business.
Real estate agents use them for lead follow-up and transaction coordination.
Law firms get help with case management and client communication.
E-commerce businesses use assistants for customer service and inventory management.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
A lot of people who try virtual assistant services have already had a bad experience. They hired someone once, it didn’t work out, and now they’re skeptical. Usually what went wrong was the setup: no clear instructions, no real onboarding, nobody watching the quality. Others just dread going through the hiring process again. Both are fair. Both are also fixable.
The biggest mistake is trying to micromanage every task.
Another common error is not providing enough training upfront.
Some business owners expect their assistant to read their mind without clear instructions.
Remember that good delegation takes practice but pays off quickly.
The Stealth Agents Difference
Stealth Agents provides dedicated virtual assistants who work only for you.
We include backup coverage and a campaign manager to help with training and support.
Our assistants are skilled professionals who understand business operations.
You get all this for less than half the cost of hiring someone locally.
Common Questions Answered
How Is This Different From A Freelancer?
Freelancers work for many clients and may not be available when you need them.
Our virtual assistants are dedicated to your business with backup coverage included.
What Happens During Onboarding?
We match you with an assistant based on your industry and needs.
Then we help with training and setup to get everything running smoothly.
Can My Virtual Assistant Work In My Timezone?
Yes, we can provide assistants who work during your business hours.
This makes communication and collaboration much easier.
What If My Needs Change Over Time?
Your virtual assistant can learn new skills and take on different tasks.
We also help adjust the workload up or down as your business changes.
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Key Takeaway
Virtual assistant services save you thousands of dollars and dozens of hours every month while helping your business grow faster.
Ready To Get Your Time Back?
If your first reaction is “I just need someone reliable for once,” you’re not alone. That’s what brings most people here. Companies like Time Etc have helped thousands of business owners get out from under the daily pile of admin work.
For every dollar you spend on a virtual assistant, you typically see $3-5 in return through increased productivity and growth.
Contact Stealth Agents today to learn how a dedicated virtual assistant can transform your business and give you back the time to focus on what matters most.
