BELAY vs. Delegated (formerly Red Butler): Which U.S.-Based Virtual Assistant Service Is Right for You?
As demand for virtual executive support grows, many business leaders are asking:
Which managed assistant service delivers the most value — BELAY or Delegated (formerly Red Butler)?
Both services offer U.S.-based virtual assistants and a managed experience — flexibility, scalability, infrastructure, and strategic ROI — so let’s compare side-by-side to see how the two executive assistant providers stack up.
BELAY vs. Delegated: Head-to-Head Comparison
|
Category |
Delegated |
BELAY |
|
Assistant Model |
Executive assistants under a managed, W2 model with limited team oversight and basic backup coverage. |
U.S.-based, dedicated virtual assistants with full-service account management, integrated systems support, and scalability across roles. |
|
Recruiting & Matching |
Relies on an internal profiler tool to match assistants to clients. |
Personal matching process where a dedicated team member gets to know the client’s leadership style, work rhythm, and personality before using multi-layered vetting to hand-select the right candidate. |
|
Support Scope |
Primarily focuses on administrative support, calendar/email management, and general executive tasks. |
Extends beyond administrative assistant work into specialized functions like bookkeeping, content coordination, and marketing execution — all under one roof. |
|
Scalability |
Suited for individual executives or small teams with consistent assistant needs. Expanding beyond that may require outside vendors. |
Built to scale with your organization. Easily layer in new roles without introducing new vendors or redoing onboarding. |
|
Continuity & Oversight |
Offers a backup assistant option and light support for time-off coverage. Oversight is limited to assistant-level check-ins. |
Full account support includes assistant continuity planning, quality control, and leadership-level involvement to maintain assistant service reliability. |
|
Pricing Approach |
Pre-set hourly plans based on monthly volume. Additional hours billed at a fixed rate. |
Custom-built plans based on your specific goals, scope, and business rhythms, ensuring you only pay for the value you truly need. |
|
Delegation Support |
Emphasizes creating a delegation system and building structure around task handoffs. |
Equips leaders to delegate strategically, with robust resources, coaching, and frameworks to elevate from doer to leader. |
|
Ideal For |
Founders or executives with clearly scoped assistant needs and a preference for packaged, task-specific support. |
Leaders looking for a higher-leverage, long-term partner who can integrate across domains and drive meaningful operational lift. |
Why Leaders Choose BELAY Over Delegated
Strategic Depth Beyond the Admin
Delegated focuses on core administrative support: inbox, calendar, task execution.
BELAY goes beyond administrative execution into integration.
From financial oversight to social media coordination, you get a curated assistant backed by a wider ecosystem of professionals.
That means fewer vendors, fewer handoffs, and more continuity.
Built to Scale With You
Delegated virtual assistants work well for consistent, clearly defined roles.
But when your needs shift — new departments, more complexity, multiple stakeholders — its scope can quickly become limiting.
BELAY, by contrast, is structured to grow with you. You can scale from one assistant to multiple roles across departments without the friction of onboarding multiple providers.
Custom Engagements, No Wasted Hours
Delegated offers fixed packages based on pre-set hours.
That may work for some, but can lead to paying for time you don’t use or scrambling when you outgrow a tier.
BELAY builds your engagement around your business model, not the other way around. Whether you’re a startup founder or leading a cross-functional team, your plan is crafted to deliver only what you need, when you need it.
True Delegation Enablement
Delegated promotes a “delegation system,” which is a great start when looking for the right assistant service for your company.
BELAY takes it further, helping you lead through delegation.
With industry-leading content, coaching, and frameworks, we don’t just help you offload tasks. We help you shift mindset, elevate your focus, and increase your impact.
When Delegated Might Be the Right Fit
Delegated virtual assistant services are a solid fit if:
- You have clearly defined assistant needs (e.g., inbox/calendar/travel).
- You’re looking for pre-set pricing and a fixed package.
- You don’t anticipate expanding into marketing, finance, or content support.
If your goals stay within that scope, Delegated can serve you well.
Where BELAY Is the Better Fit
BELAY assistant services are ideal if:
- You want a custom-built assistant solution tailored to your operations.
- You plan to scale beyond admin work into finance, content, marketing, or beyond.
- You’re looking for a strategic partner, not just an assistant vendor.
- You care about continuity, delegation discipline, and high-leverage support across your organization.
Bottom Line: BELAY Is Built for Leaders Who Scale
Hiring an assistant isn’t just about filling a role. It’s about unlocking strategic leverage.
BELAY gives you the infrastructure, flexibility, and support to grow.
Delegated offers a narrow, competent solution for those who need task execution.
BELAY delivers an integrated system for scaling your leadership, reducing complexity, and turning time into traction.