For years, the advice to foreign businesses looking to hire in the Philippines has been remarkably consistent:
Hire a virtual assistant.
Need someone to manage your inbox?
Get a VA.
Need someone to schedule meetings?
Get a VA.
Need someone to post on social media?
Get a VA.
Need someone to manage your ecommerce store, coordinate projects, talk to customers, build reports, and keep your business organised?
Apparently, you still need a VA.
I think we're doing Filipino professionals a disservice.
The Philippines has one of the world's largest pools of globally experienced professionals, yet much of the international business community still talks about Filipino talent as though the country's primary export is inexpensive administrative support.
It isn't.
The Philippines has operators.
And if you're building a serious company, you probably don't need another person to complete tasks.
You need someone who can own outcomes.