“So are you creating a call center in the Philippines?” That’s the question Mark and I heard when we started HireSmart over a decade ago. 

We had to explain: “No, we’re taking a completely different approach. Instead of call centers with hundreds of agents serving multiple clients, we’re creating one-to-one partnerships where a skilled professional works exclusively for your business.” 

People are generally familiar with the idea of call centers. But the concept of a dedicated virtual employee who manages your calendar, coordinates projects, and works daily with you to grow your business is less understood. 

That makes sense. For years, many businesses have primarily considered the Philippines for call center work. But we saw talents that others were overlooking. And now others are finally catching up. 

The Market Finally Catches On

After years of limiting Filipino talent to basic call center work, the global market is recognizing what we’ve known all along: there’s a lot of talent in the Philippines, and those professionals can handle much more than answering phones. 

Leading investors like South Korea, the United States, China, the Netherlands, and Japan are funding advanced operations focused on AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, healthcare, banking, and digital solutions. The Filipino IT-Business Process Management sector is on track to surpass $40 billion in revenue for 2025.  

The Call Center Model vs. The HireSmart Model

Traditional call centers hire people to do one task efficiently for many clients, with volume and speed mattering more than understanding or relationship-building. When you call most customer service lines, you’re often talking to someone who’s handling dozens of similar calls that day for various companies. 

But at HireSmart, we’re completely different. We hire highly vetted, full-time, quality communicators to work exclusively for one U.S. business, handling whatever that business needs. Our virtual employees manage calendars, conduct research, handle customer communications, process invoices, coordinate projects, manage social media, and tackle whatever challenges arise. 

“Since her starting day, Geraldine has walked into our lives and completely upgraded our team’s core dynamic,” shared one client. “She is positive, self-motivated, communicative, and inquisitive. She takes the time to learn, to grow and to really mold with our team. That is SO important not only to me as a leader, but to our team members. In a short time (six months) she has re-shaped our thinking, helped our team to grow and completely committed herself to our company’s values and mission. I truly couldn’t do it without her!” 

What You Get That Call Centers Can’t Provide 

No doubt, there is a global rush to partner with Filipino employees, and we have over a decade of experience in building these relations. When you work with HireSmart, you’re getting a dedicated team member who becomes genuinely invested in your success. Your virtual employee learns your business processes, understands your customer base, and can step in seamlessly when you need coverage. They don’t just execute tasks; they anticipate needs and suggest improvements. 

“April consistently goes above and beyond to deliver on her committed assignments,” another client told us. “One of her standout qualities is her ability to adapt and quickly grasp new concepts and technology. Her dedication has helped our company bring in leads outside of professional referrals. She has taken ownership of seeking leads in LinkedIn with the sales navigator tool by dedicating time daily to search for leads that match our niche profile.” 

We also invest in our employees so that they invest in our clients. As I discussed in my Forbes article about building a team that cares, HireSmart VEs receive health and dental benefits at no cost to our clients. We also offer a retirement plan. Our VEs receive educational scholarships for their children and continued professional development opportunities through us. Clients pay a flat rate, and we handle all of the benefits your employee receives, allowing you to focus with one less worry. 

Why This Matters for Your Competitive Position 

Our 98% successful placement rate reflects our commitment to finding people who can think, adapt, and grow with your business. We’re not looking for order-takers. We’re looking for problem-solvers who can handle whatever your business throws at them. 

The strategic approach to hiring virtual employees requires understanding that this isn’t about replacing local staff—it’s about strategic expansion. When you’re ready to maximize ROI with remote team solutions, you’re looking for partners who understand your business goals. 

The global investment boom in the Philippines proves the talent was always there. We just chose to utilize it differently. Instead of building call centers, we built relationships. Instead of managing scripts, we developed partnerships. 

The difference between working with a virtual employee versus using a call center becomes clear when you need someone who truly understands your business model. The Philippines isn’t just a cost-saving destination anymore. It’s becoming a strategic talent hub where you can find dedicated professionals who genuinely care about your business success. 

Ready to discover what dedicated, full-service virtual office support looks like? Click here to schedule a free consultation and learn why personal partnership beats call center scripts every time.