It seems that no matter where you look, artificial intelligence (AI) is being talked about in one way or another. From AI-generated images and videos plastered across social media, to heated discussions about how ChatGPT can be used for “human-like conversations”, the technology is growing in terms of both capability and popularity.
The question is, will AI ever replace the very human role of the personal assistant? Here’s some food for thought that will help you to make an informed decision the next time you need to outsource certain tasks.
What does a personal assistant do?
A personal assistant, in the traditional sense, refers to a human professional who provides administrative, organisational and personal support to business owners, management teams and individuals. They assist with everyday tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, making travel arrangements, and handling various day-to-day responsibilities.
The role of a personal assistant can vary depending on the needs and preferences of the individual or business they are assisting. Whatever the case, they usually work closely with their clients to understand and cater to specific priorities, preferences and work styles, which enables tailored services that save time, money and stress.
Where does AI come into it?
Artificial intelligence has advanced significantly in a very short time and is now being used for some routine tasks and data analysis. Though the tech is developing quickly, we’re a very long way off from AI being able to replace the intuition, expertise and accountability offered by a real person.
AI works by combining large data sets with clever processing algorithms, which allows it to deliver particular outcomes in shorter timeframes. This is great when you have huge volumes of data that need categorising or processing, but it’s not so great when you have a to-do list that requires instinct, common sense and lateral thinking. A good analogy would be that you wouldn’t get rid of your accountant just because you own a calculator.
The benefits of hiring a personal assistant
If you’re considering hiring a personal assistant, there are multiple benefits that good old humans offer to your business which AI simply can’t compete with. These include problem-solving abilities, unlimited adaptability to a wide range of tasks and working styles, and of course the creativity, respect, empathy and collaborative nature that make us such a unique species. This doesn’t mean that personal assistants are anti-technology, as they actually use a wide range of software and applications to get the job done to the highest standard.
When you hire a personal assistant, you’re also gaining an ally who will offer emotional support during stressful times, interpersonal skills that will do your brand proud, and a valuable relationship that will grow over time. Last but not least, though a remote PA is called a virtual personal assistant, you can rest assured that everything they do is infused with the all-important human touch.
Save time with virtual PA services
To explore what a virtual personal assistant can do for your business, get in touch with Niki Bardsley at nicola.bardsley@smartpasupport.com or call 07707 830394.