Hiring a virtual assistant does not need to be a difficult process, but you most definitely want to eliminate those who are not a great fit for the needs of your business. There are many VA’s to choose from, but not all VA’s offer the same type of assistance or have the same type of skills as someone who may have more experience. So, there are a few things you want to look for prior to hiring a virtual administrative assistant for your projects. I discuss those that I feel are the most important:
- You want to check out the website of the VA. As a virtual assistant, having an online presence is vital. I mean, we are talking about someone who will be performing your tasks remotely. You should take a moment to do a little online research to make sure they are capable of completing the tasks accurately. For example, a virtual assistant that claims to be able to edit documents and create important correspondences should not have any typographical or grammar mistakes.
- Always remember, cheaper is not always better. This goes back to the old saying “You get what you pay for.” You can’t expect to get high-quality work from someone whose rates are very low. They’re low for a reason and more than likely, it’s probably too good to be true! Most respectable VA’s will be very firm with their rates as long as they know and understand that they are worth the rate they are asking.
- Response rate. If you decide to contact a VA from either their website’s contact form, email, phone, etc. you would probably want to make sure their response rate is immediate or within a 24-hour time frame at the very most. This is very important because if a business relationship between you and the VA is established, you want to make sure that you are able to get in touch with your VA. One of the biggest perks of having a VA is the convenience. If you do not have that convenience it becomes a waste of time and ultimately hinders the partnership.
- Business Policies and Procedures. Every business owner should have their policies and procedures set in place. Upon speaking with the VA, he or she should advise you of the policies of their business. It is imperative for the VA to have an established service and confidentiality agreement signed between both parties. Agreements are for the protection of the business relationship. It ensures that you, as the client, will not only have your projects completed within the agreed upon timeframe, but it also makes sure that all confidential information of your business is kept between that business relationship. It should also clearly define the types of services being rendered and provide the terms of payment to avoid any confusion.
- Ask questions! Once you contact the VA that you would like to work with, ask questions to find out if they are capable of performing the work requested. There is nothing like working with someone who claims to be familiar with specific software or programs only to find out they are not an expert in that area. Work with a VA who is an expert with the software or program that is specific to your project. A well rounded VA will advise you if they are unfamiliar with the type of software or program that your project desires. If that does become the case, you should then decide if you want to give it a try or find someone else who may be more familiar with your project.
Partnering with a VA works for so many individuals and their business. Technology is expanding ever so much that having an employee is not always the best solution because of the overhead costs that goes along with hiring an employee. The physicality of having someone is not always necessary. As long as there is an internet connection, method of contact, and a skilled VA professional there to assist you, it could be the best solution for your business!