Introduction
You’ve decided to hire a virtual assistant (VA), but now you’re stuck on a key question—should you hire a generalist or a specialist? The right decision depends on your business needs, budget, and long-term goals.
Generalists offer versatility across multiple tasks, while specialists provide deep expertise in a more focused area. Learn the key differences between generalist versus specialist VAs, when to hire each, and how to choose the VA that is the best fit for your business.
What does a generalist virtual assistant do?
A generalist VA is flexible, adaptable, and capable of handling a range of tasks. This type of assistant is ideal for startups, solopreneurs, or businesses with varied but straightforward needs.
Examples of generalist tasks
- Managing emails and calendars
- Handling social media posting
- Research and basic data entry
- Customer support responses
- Appointment scheduling
- Travel planning and bookings
When to hire a generalist
- If your business is in the early stages
- If you have a limited budget but need broad help
- If your workload is unpredictable
- If you need flexibility in task delegation
- If you want to free up time for strategic work
What does a specialist virtual assistant do?
A specialist VA focuses on one specific area of expertise. This person is highly skilled in their domain, whether that’s SEO, graphic design, paid advertising, or bookkeeping.
Examples of specialist tasks
- Running targeted PPC campaigns
- Designing high-quality marketing assets
- Managing complex CRM workflows
- Writing SEO-optimized content
- Handling advanced financial bookkeeping
- Setting up and automating sales funnels
When to hire a specialist
- If you need expert-level execution in a specific function
- If you have budget flexibility for specialized skills
- If your business is growing and requires advanced expertise
- If a specific area is bottlenecking your operations
- If you need results with minimal training time
Key considerations when deciding which VA to hire
Now that you know the main differences between a generalist and a specialist VA, it’s time to apply each of their strengths to your needs to find which type of assistant is best for your startup.
- Your needs: If you need support across multiple areas, a generalist VA is ideal. If you're facing a specific challenge—like SEO, paid ads, or bookkeeping—a specialist VA offers targeted expertise.
- Budget: Generalists are usually more affordable because they handle diverse tasks, while specialists charge higher rates due to their advanced skills. If cost is a concern, a generalist provides broader support for less money.
- Growth plans: A generalist is great for startups and evolving needs. If you’re scaling a specific function—like marketing or finance—a specialist ensures faster, high-impact results.
- Time commitment: Generalists may need training to align with your processes, while specialists can jump in with minimal onboarding and deliver results quickly.
Making the right choice
Here are some steps to take as you are choosing a VA for your startup.
- Assess your tasks: List out daily, weekly, and monthly tasks.
- Define priorities: Rank tasks based on urgency and complexity.
- Match skills to needs: Choose a VA based on immediate and long-term goals.
For instance, if sales is a priority, hiring a specialist for CRM management could be beneficial. HubSpot For Startups also has a list of top sales tools for startups that provides insight into optimizing sales processes.
Hybrid approach: why not both?
Many businesses start with a generalist VA to cover routine tasks, then bring in specialists as they scale. This method provides both flexibility and expertise, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly while specialized projects get expert attention.
For instance, a generalist can manage scheduling, emails, and basic marketing, while a specialist can refine ad strategies or optimize content marketing. If you’re considering content marketing, HubSpot For Startups’ founder-led content strategy guide highlights how specialized support can enhance your brand’s voice and reach.
The right VA for the right job
Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t just about filling a gap—it’s about strategically strengthening your business. A generalist can handle a wide range of tasks to keep your operations moving, while a specialist brings expertise that can take your business to the next level.
Think about your current workload, your biggest pain points, and how to spend your time best. The right VA will help you focus on what truly matters—without getting lost in the day-to-day grind.
