"Aren't Virtual Assistants just AI?"

AI tools and virtual assistants like ChatGPT, Siri, and Alexa are becoming more powerful, accessible, and popular for businesses looking to streamline their operations. But these AI VAs are just software tools that process information and answer questions based on data - can they truly replace the role of a human Virtual Assistant?

Someone asked me how I as a human Virtual Assistant compare to today’s AI Virtual Assistants. I won't lie to you, I use tools like ChatGPT to help clients work more efficiently, but there’s a big difference between the support AI provides and the support you will get from a skilled, human VA.

Understanding Context & Nuance

Human VA: We get to know you – your business, your tone of voice, your goals, and how you like things done. That means when we write an email, prepare a presentation, or organise your systems, we can tailor it specifically to your needs and voice. We're proactive, not just reactive, and understand your priorities (sometimes without you needing to tell us).

AI Virtual Assistant: Great at generating content or answering questions based on patterns and data, but they don’t really understand your business or your clients – at least, not in the way a human can. You still have to review, tweak, and apply your own judgment.

Emotional Intelligence

Human VA: When things get busy or overwhelming, we notice. We can prioritise tasks, reassure you, or adapt quickly when plans change. We’re human – which means we understand stress, urgency, tone, and tact. Although we may jest with you that "you're alive!" when you reappear to delegate the jobs that had you drowning and falling off the radar, it's because we truly care about our you as our client. We're there to support you as a person, especially when "life happens". We can understand what's going on behind the scenes, step back to give space, check in gently, and make sure your business keeps ticking along without pressure.

AI Virtual Assistant: AI can simulate empathy but can’t truly feel it. It can’t pick up on subtle cues like when you sound tired in an email or when something needs extra care and attention. It doesn't know when you're grieving, overwhelmed or running on empty. It won't send a thoughtful check in or have the initiative to protect your time during a personal crisis. It doesn’t always recognise when it’s got something wrong, either.

Taking Action (not just giving information)

Human VA: We don’t just give you a to-do list – we help to do the things on it. Whether that’s managing your inbox, chasing up invoices, onboarding a new client, or organising your calendar, we can take things off your plate completely. A simple "Remind me to write an email to X about Y" might just result in that email being drafted ready for you to check over before hitting send the next time you have a moment.

AI Virtual Assistant: AI tools can give you ideas, outlines, or reminders – but they rarely execute the task end-to-end. They often require human input to follow through or make final decisions.

Trust & Confidentiality

Human VA: When you work with humans, you know exactly who you’re sharing your information with. With Steph VA, that's working with a small, trusted team who values professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.

AI Virtual Assistant: AI systems store data differently – and while many tools have robust privacy policies, they’re still owned and operated by third parties. This can raise concerns about data security, especially with sensitive business information.

Collaboration & Creativity

Human VA: We collaborate with you, bounce around ideas, refine your content, and suggest improvements. Many of our clients say we’re like an extension of their brain – helping them see things clearly and stay on track. I personally love that my clients trust me to be the sounding board for them and their business.

AI Virtual Assistant: AI can assist with brainstorming, but it doesn’t challenge you, question strategy, or suggest better workflows based on real-world experience. It’s a useful tool – but it’s not a teammate.

Still not sure we're any different from a Chatbot?

We take a hybrid approach to VA'ing – using AI tools where helpful, like drafting social posts or summarising meetings, whilst providing experience, strategy, and support only a real person can offer.

In other words, we use AI to amplify what we do – not replace it.

AI virtual assistants can be great tools – but they work best when paired with the insight, empathy, and action-taking power of a human VA. Think of AI as a helpful assistant for your assistant - we often use it to speed things up, meaning we can get even more done for our clients 😉

If you’re ready for real support that understands your business and makes your day easier, let’s have a chat. I also have a qualification in counselling skills if you just need an ear to vent at - something I added to my toolbelt after unintentionally always being the person people go to, might as well listen right!