In 2024, many businesses rely on virtual assistant services for efficiency and growth. One of these companies is Somewhere, formerly SupportShepherd. Somewhere provides skilled virtual assistants to handle various tasks and help boost productivity. Businesses of all sizes can benefit from their expertise, impacting a significant difference in daily operations.

As a trusted overseas operations placement service, Pearl Talent sources top-tier talent from the Philippines and Latin America through a university professor network. Our hires work closely with international teams and get promoted to leadership roles. We provide comprehensive training using a Fortune 100 managers’ playbook and offer replacements at no cost if needed, ensuring consistent, high-quality support for our clients.

Motivated by our initiatives to share valuable insights, we offer an unbiased review of Support Shepherd’s virtual assistant services. Here, we will provide a range of support options that cater to various business needs. By the end of this review, you’ll clearly understand what SupportShepherd offers and how it may benefit your operations.

Let’s dive in!

What is SupportShepherd?

SupportShepherd, now Somewhere, is a headhunter agency dedicated to supporting remote work. They stand out for their commitment to delivering top-notch service and continually improving performance standards. This dedication is upheld through their robust vetting process, which ensures high-quality talent and efficient service delivery for clients.

The agency also focuses on creating opportunities through access to global talent or offering fulfilling jobs in the remote work landscape. Relationships are a cornerstone at Support Shepherd, built on mutual respect, trust, and honesty, fostering strategic growth partnerships with companies and talent.

SupportShepherd’s Services & Products

Support Shepherd offers a range of services and products designed to enhance your business operations and productivity. Here are their essential offerings available to support your needs:

Affordable Skilled Filipino Workforce

Support Shepherd offers businesses the opportunity to hire remote staff from the Philippines at a fraction of the cost compared to hiring locally in the U.S. This service helps reduce operational expenses and allows companies to tap into a talented pool of professionals adept in various tasks such as customer support, administrative duties, and more. 

Cost-Effective Talent from Latin America

Support Shepherd provides access to cost-effective talent from Latin America, enabling businesses to hire skilled professionals at competitive rates compared to U.S. equivalents. This service is advantageous for companies looking to expand their workforce with bilingual staff or those seeking specific expertise common in the region. 

Free Delegation Strategy Course

The Delegation Leap, offered by Support Shepherd, is a comprehensive course designed to teach businesses effective strategies for delegating tasks to virtual assistants. This free resource equips entrepreneurs and managers with practical techniques to streamline workflows, optimize productivity, and empower their remote teams. 

Customized Solutions for Agencies

Support Shepherd specializes in providing customized virtual assistant solutions tailored specifically for agencies. Whether managing client communications, executing marketing campaigns, or handling administrative tasks, Support Shepherd’s services are designed to support agencies’ unique needs across various industries. 

Sector-Focused Virtual Assistants

Support Shepherd offers sector-focused virtual assistants trained and experienced in supporting specific industries such as e-commerce, tech startups, real estate, media, professional services, and service businesses. These virtual assistants possess industry-specific knowledge and skills to effectively handle tasks.

Benefits of Hiring a SupportShepherd Virtual Assistant

Support Shepherd offers valuable benefits when you hire a virtual assistant. Here are the advantages you can expect from their services:

Cost Efficiency

Hiring a virtual assistant through Support Shepherd allows businesses to significantly reduce operational costs. Leveraging their extensive experience in outsourcing to the Philippines and Latin America since 2009, the company offers access to highly skilled remote workers at a fraction of the cost of hiring locally in the US. This cost savings extends beyond salaries to include overhead costs such as office space, equipment, and benefits.

Access to Diverse Talent Pool

Support Shepherd’s decade-long tenure in Asia and recent expansion into Latin America have enabled them to build a diverse and talented workforce. Businesses benefit from their professionals with specialized skills in various industries, from customer service and administrative support to digital marketing. This access to a global talent pool allows businesses to find the right fit for their specific needs.

Scalability and Flexibility

Hiring virtual assistants through Support Shepherd offers businesses scalability and flexibility in managing their workforce. Whether you need additional support during peak seasons, temporary project assistance from virtual assistants can scale operations up or down as needed. This scalability helps businesses adapt to changing demands without the constraints of traditional hiring processes.

Enhanced Productivity and Focus

Virtual assistants from Support Shepherd allow businesses to delegate routine tasks and administrative duties, freeing up valuable time for core business activities and strategic initiatives. By offloading time-consuming tasks, business owners and managers can focus on driving innovation, nurturing client relationships, and achieving long-term business goals. 

Professional Support and Reliability

Support Shepherd ensures professional support and reliability through rigorous screening, training, and performance management of virtual assistants. With a proven track record since 2009 in outsourcing virtual assistants, they maintain high professionalism and service delivery standards.

Considerations Before Working with a SupportShepherd VA

Before engaging with a Support Shepherd VA, consider a few factors to ensure a smooth experience tailored to your needs. Here are the essential considerations based on users’ experiences in the online community, offering insights into potential challenges:

Location and Agency Preferences

Support Shepherd is based in the US, which may not align with your preference to hire virtual assistant companies from the Philippines. This geographical mismatch could impact your ability to comply with local outsourcing regulations or cultural preferences. Ensure clarity on the location of the virtual assistant to avoid any legal or operational challenges.

Recruitment Experience and Pipeline Quality

Some clients have reported issues with the recruitment process at Support Shepherd, citing long wait times and a limited candidate pool. It’s essential to clarify expectations regarding recruitment timelines, the thoroughness of candidate sourcing, and communication throughout the hiring process. Doing this can ensure timely and accurate skill sets.

Legal Registration and Operational Scale

While Support Shepherd operates on a large scale in the Philippines, it may need to be formally registered there. This could raise concerns about legal compliance and accountability, mainly for disputes or regulatory issues. Verify their legal standing and ensure transparency in their operations before proceeding with a partnership.

Service Offerings and Pricing Transparency

Support Shepherd’s website may need comprehensive details about specific virtual services or clear pricing structures. This lack of transparency could lead to misunderstandings regarding service scope, costs, and additional fees. Ensure that detailed information is requested upfront to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected financial implications.

Communication and Time Zone Challenges

Working with a virtual assistant from Support Shepherd may involve communication challenges due to time zone differences between your location and theirs. Misaligned working hours could affect real-time collaboration, project timelines, and responsiveness. Discuss communication protocols, availability, and flexibility to establish a productive working relationship despite these potential challenges.

Alternatives to SupportShepherd

Exploring other options for virtual assistant services can clarify various solutions available in the market. Below are the top 3 alternatives, each offering unique strengths and specialized services tailored to diverse business needs.

1. Pearl Talent - Best Alternative to Support Shepherd

Pearl Talent specializes in hiring the top 1% of overseas talent, ensuring clients receive exceptional service. They have a proven track record of helping fast-growing companies scale from their first executive assistant to their 50th client success hire. 

Pearl Talent’s rigorous selection process, involving live simulations and case studies, ensures hires possess proactivity, systems-oriented thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills. They offer comprehensive training and support and guarantee replacement if a hire is unfit, making them a reliable alternative to Support Shepherd.

Notable Features of Working with Pearl Talent

• Top, Vetted Global Talent: Pearl Talent’s rigorous screening process includes behavioral and skill-based simulations, ensuring only the highest quality candidates are hired. 
• Flexible Hiring Models: Pearl Talent offers tailored hiring solutions to meet diverse organizational needs, whether you require managed services or direct placement.
• Rapid Hiring Process: With a commitment to filling roles within two weeks, Pearl Talent streamlines the hiring timeline without compromising quality.
• Cost-Effective Hiring: Pearl Talent enables clients to hire world-class team members at a cost savings of 60% compared to local hires.

Pear Talent Pricing Plans

Pearl Talent offers two primary pricing plans for hiring a virtual assistant. The Managed Services plan, priced at $3,000 monthly per hire, includes compliance management, global payroll handling, training support, and free employee replacements. The Direct Placement plan, priced at a $7,500 one-time fee, provides assistance with setting up an employer of record and creating hiring contracts, with a 90-day replacement guarantee.

2. Clark Staff - Enables Streamlined Outsourcing Solutions

Clark Staff is your trusted partner for exceptional outsourcing solutions, connecting businesses with top talent to meet staffing needs. As a premier BPO company, Clark Staff specializes in providing world-class services that help businesses improve operations and achieve their goals. 

Their team of experts, with years of experience, delivers customized solutions tailored to each client’s unique requirements. Clark Staff’s open-concept design fosters creativity and productivity, and it is supported by a community of like-minded professionals who network and share skills.

Notable Features of Working with Clark Staff

• Proven and Adaptable Process: Clark Staff’s dynamic and adaptable process is designed to meet the changing needs of modern businesses. Their management team excels in building, managing, and growing remote teams worldwide.
• Efficient Remote Hiring: Clark Staff simplifies outsourcing by providing access to a global talent pool. Their streamlined platform ensures efficient recruitment, screening, and employment.
• Harnessing the Power of Remote Workforce: Clark Staff helps businesses embrace the benefits of remote staffing to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and expand horizons. 
• Tailored Staffing Solutions: Understanding that each business has unique needs, Clark Staff offers customized staffing solutions. Their experienced professionals take the time to understand client goals and find the perfect candidates.

Clark Staff Pricing Plans 

Clark Staff encourages businesses to schedule a free consultation to discuss tailored pricing plans for outsourcing solutions. This consultation allows companies to explore options to meet diverse operational needs and budget requirements. It clarifies how outsourcing with Clark Staff can optimize efficiency and reduce costs within their business model.

3. SecureVision - Offers Specialized Recruitment

SecureVision helps businesses achieve their hiring goals with specialized recruiters in machine learning, engineering, and product development. Trusted by many companies, SecureVision ensures that you fill positions effectively rather than just interviewing candidates. They offer contract, on-demand, embedded recruiting, and RPO services. 

SecureVision recruitment solutions are flexible and scalable with significant savings, enhancing the overall quality of hires. They partner with companies globally and maintain a high fill ratio of 93%, connecting with hundreds of candidates daily to meet diverse hiring needs.

Notable Features of Working with SecureVision

• Cost-Effective Solutions: SecureVision offers sustainable and low-cost per-hire solutions that are more economical than traditional recruiting agencies. 
• Predictable Budgeting and Forecasting: Clients benefit from predictable talent acquisition costs with SecureVision’s 100% reportable insights. 
• High Offer Acceptance Rate: SecureVision boasts a remarkable 93% offer acceptance rate. This indicates their effectiveness in matching candidates to roles and ensuring successful placements.
• Specialized Recruiting Expertise: They are trained in talent acquisition technology, providing on-demand scalability and efficient management of candidate pipelines across diverse organizational roles.

SecureVision Pricing Plans 

Schedule a call with SecureVision to explore their specialized recruiter services. Discuss about their customizable pricing options designed to meet your specific hiring needs and budget requirements. SecureVision offers flexible, scalable recruitment solutions that ensure cost-effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

SupportShepherd presents a compelling option for businesses seeking virtual assistant services in 2024. Their offerings provide flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, catering to diverse industry needs. While their services are robust, it’s essential to consider specific requirements and expectations before committing. 

Whether you’re a startup or a large corporation, exploring their service offerings could prove beneficial. Ultimately, the decision hinges on aligning their capabilities with your business objectives. This review aims to highlight SupportShepherd’s strengths and considerations, empowering you to make an informed choice in optimizing your business operations.

Interested in elevating your team with top-tier talent from the Philippines and Latin America? Fill out our hire form to discover how our specialized sourcing strategies can meet your unique hiring needs. For more industry insights, explore the Pearl Talent resources today. Join us now to start your administrative tasks journey with top vetted experts!

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