Comparison Guide
Two ways to add talent without a full-time hire: one is an executive search and on-demand marketplace you hire and manage yourself, the other is a managed team we run for you. Here's an honest look at how they compare so you can pick the right fit.
A quick overview
Bolster is the better fit if the role is senior and permanent. It pairs expert recruiters with a search platform and a network of 20,000+ executives, filling full-time, board, fractional, interim, advisory, and project roles, including independent board seats, with flat search fees published from $30,000 for sourcing-only up to $90,000 for a first full search, and on-demand engagements from $2,500 plus a 20% markup. Nothing Nacho does replaces board-level search. Nacho is the better fit for ongoing leverage rather than a placement: one Talent Budget starting at $1,000/mo covers Fractional Executives at $125/hr, Specialists at $65/hr, and Executive Assistants at $40/hr, all 100% US-based, with account management and weekly reporting included, so a new need means reallocating a budget instead of running a new search. Below is a side-by-side comparison. Both services also appear in our roundup of the best virtual assistant companies.
Exec search & marketplace · Self-managed · Published flat fees 
Flexible team · US-based · Scalable monthly budget Run the numbers
| Criteria | | |
|---|---|---|
| What you get | One person or a full team, your choice | Executive candidates you hire directly |
| Who manages the work | We do, account management & oversight included | You do, you direct the hire yourself |
| Core model | Managed, ongoing talent team | Recruiting & on-demand talent marketplace |
| Talent scope | Admin to strategic (EAs, Specialists, Executives) | Senior executives, board members & advisors |
| Talent location | US-based, in your time zone | Network of 20,000+ executives (location varies) |
| Pricing model | $1,000/mo minimum budget + $300 onboarding plan | Flat search fees $30K to $90K; on-demand from $2,500 + 20% |
| Pricing transparency | Minimums published on website | Published flat-fee pricing on website |
| Scaling | Flex one budget across multiple talent tiers | Run a new search or engagement per role |
| Commitment | 3 months, then month-to-month | Per-search or per-engagement |
| Ongoing oversight | Weekly reporting + dedicated account manager | Quarterly check-ins and a post-hire 360 review; you run the work |
| Best for | Ongoing leverage across admin, specialist & strategic work | Sourcing a senior leader, board member, or advisor |
See how a Talent Budget works for your business.
Book a discovery callThe honest take
Both are legitimate options. The right choice depends on what your business needs.
may be better if… is the better fit if… The difference
Need just one strategic operator? Start there. Need admin and specialist support around them? Add it from the same budget. You get senior leverage without locking yourself into a single executive hire, or the search process to find one.
Bolster runs the search and introduces candidates, then you interview, hire, and manage the person yourself. With Nacho, a dedicated account manager and weekly reporting keep the work on track, so you get outcomes without the management overhead.
Access EAs, Specialists, and Executives from a single monthly budget. No need to run a separate search or engagement for admin, creative, or strategic work.
Start at $1,000/mo and scale up or down as your needs change. Minimums are published on our site: no five-figure search fee, and no per-engagement contract to revisit each time your needs shift.
Every team member is a vetted, US-based professional working in your time zone. No timezone gaps, no cultural misalignment, no language barriers.
You work with the same people who learn your business over time, not a hire you source once and then manage on your own. When you need something, you talk to someone who already has context.
Helping owners & execs
Nacho found me the best EA of my life!Noah Kagan, Chief Sumo & CEO, AppSumo
Our fractional COO from Nacho has been an incredible addition to our team. We're so grateful for her warmth, care, and how seamlessly she's stepped in.Dorly Roy, Creative Director, Golden Light Creative
Nacho took the time to understand my needs and matched me with an exceptional Executive Assistant who's become invaluable. The process was thoughtful, seamless, and supportive from start to finish.Melissa Dotson, President/Owner, Rieke Interiors
I tried hiring a full-time assistant on my own, and it was an epic fail. Using Nacho instead was one of the best investments I've made in my business.Felicia Reed, Owner, Felicia Reed Photography
Nacho has figured out what the small business owner needs to thrive. The day I hired Nacho was the day when my personal productivity and job satisfaction began to soar.Kathy Schwartz, Founder, SmallBizBrands
Nacho has become a trusted extension of my business, consistently connecting me with skilled professionals for everything from design and marketing to CRM support and AI projects.Amy Wolfgang, Owner + Executive Leadership Coach, Coach Wolfgang
When our ambition outpaced our bandwidth, Nacho connected us with someone we work with every week who's just as passionate about our projects as we are and truly feels like part of the team.Kara Timmins, Sr. Marketing Manager, Western Growers
Nacho is a lifesaver, in a real, true, material way. Dana is an extension of me, my brand, and my commitments to my clients.Julie Couret, Business Coach, Exponential Momentum
Keep comparing
See how Nacho stacks up against other virtual assistant options.
Ready when you are
Book a free discovery call to learn how Nacho's flexible model can give you a single executive or a full team, without the long-term commitment. If the fit isn't right, the Nacho Guarantee means we re-match you for free.
