Read This Before You Hire A Virtual Assistant
So, you've decided to delegate tasks to a Virtual Assistant and free up more time to focus on the parts of your business that need your attention? Terrific!
And you are ready to get more done by hiring and managing support staff confidently and effectively? Yes? Fantastic!
Don't know where to start? I can help with that.
Before you search for and delegate tasks to a Virtual Assistant there are several things to consider that will ultimately make your search easier and your success rate much higher. I propose that there is an easy-to-implement strategy (that you can download HERE in this workbook or chat with me about on a STRATEGY SESSION) to help you successfully hire your Virtual Support Team, that will significantly improve your chances of finding a better match for your unique needs. But there is also another perspective to consider…
Virtual Assisting is an industry
It’s not just a job title. It can be used as a job title and often is, but it's important to acknowledge that it is also an industry that includes many different types of remote professionals, freelance contractors and so many other types of support service providers that have chosen to work completely online. Many people choose to call themselves a Virtual Assistant, but it's imperative to understand... that is only the tip of the iceberg for the skills of most people working in the field.
Before business owners and entrepreneurs start their search for a Virtual Assistant, I'd like them to consider WHY people may choose to become a Virtual Assistant and try to dig a bit deeper into the industry. It may help you have a better understanding of your ultimate candidate as well as help you plan out how to strategize operations around delegating work to your virtual team.
Many Virtual Assistants have transitioned to remote work:
For more time freedom and flexibility with their schedule.
For more fulfillment by choosing the work they do and who they do it for.
To leave the corporate world of 9-5 or to have more flexibility in their schedule.
Because they consider it their life purpose.
As a way to work from home to take care of and be available for their family.
As a side hustle to earn extra money.
Because they have mobility issues and find it easier to work from home than navigate a commute.
They realize that working from home saves them a lot of money by avoiding the need for a work wardrobe, giving in to that craving for a Starbucks break or going out for lunch, or even owning a car. There are a lot of expenses saved by working from home.
And there are so many more unique possible reasons…
A better working relationship can be established if you know more about these reasons and how they will impact your Virtual Team’s daily work life before you consider on-boarding a potential candidate. Virtual Assisting is an industry filled with all different kinds of people whose skills and backgrounds vary as much as where they live (which time zone) and how many available hours they can work.
The more thought out and defined your dream VA, the better match you will ultimately find. But, it’s also important to remember that whomever you end up working with also had a journey up to that moment and they will also be trying to get to know more about who you are as well. They most likely have also dreamed up their ideal client and are hoping you fit their bill as much as you are hoping they fit yours.
