Where to Hire a Virtual Assistant
Intro
You tried doing everything on your own, but you realized that it was not worth it. Working around the clock has only made you more tired, less efficient, and stressed.
You heard that hiring a virtual assistant could solve these never-ending workdays, but you don’t know where to start looking, and even worse, you don’t know what tasks you should be delegating.
In 2014 I was in the exact situation. My business was growing, and I was working 16 hours a day. I used to tell to myself, “I’m too busy to learn how to hire an assistant.” But obviously, the only reason why I was that busy was because I didn’t have any help.
So, before you make the same mistake, follow the steps below and you’ll have a fantastic remote team that will 10X your productivity and will give you your life back.
How to Define Your Tasks and Goals
Before you start looking for a virtual assistant, it's important to define your tasks and goals. This will help you identify the areas where you need assistance and also make it easier to communicate your expectations to potential assistants. Here are some steps to help you define your tasks and goals:
Create a list of all the tasks you currently perform on a daily or weekly basis. Be as detailed as possible and include all the small and large tasks.
2. Identify the tasks that take up most of your time and energy. These are the tasks that are prime candidates for delegation.
3. Categorize your tasks based on their nature. For example, administrative tasks, marketing tasks, customer service tasks, etc.
4. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. This will help you identify the tasks that need to be delegated first.
5. Set specific goals for each task that you want to delegate. For example, if you want to delegate social media management, set a goal for the number of posts you want to publish each week.
Now that you defined your tasks and goals, you will have a clear understanding of what you need from your virtual assistant. This will make it easier to find the right candidate and ensure that they are able to meet your expectations.
Top Qualities to Look for in a Virtual Assistant
When you’re looking to hire a virtual assistant, it's important to look for someone with the right skills and qualities to meet your needs. The last thing you want is to get stuck fixing other people’s mistakes after a long day at work or having to repeat the same things over and over.
Keep in mind that nobody is perfect, but by looking for the qualities below, you’ll invest your time with some that wants to be trained, and that will likely stick around in the long run.
Here are some top qualities to look for in a virtual assistant:
Reliability
You want a virtual assistant who is dependable, punctual, and trustworthy. Look for someone with a track record of meeting deadlines and delivering quality work.
Communication
Communication is key when working with a virtual assistant. Look for someone who is a good listener, responsive to feedback, and can communicate clearly and effectively.
Organization
A good virtual assistant should be organized and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities. Look for someone who has good time management skills and is able to stay on top of deadlines.
Attention to detail
You want a virtual assistant who is detail-oriented and can spot errors or inconsistencies in your work. Look for someone who is meticulous and takes pride in their work.
Adaptability
Your needs as a business owner may change over time, so it's important to look for a virtual assistant who is adaptable and can learn new skills quickly.
Problem-solving
Look for a virtual assistant who can think critically and come up with solutions to problems on their own. This will help save you time and give you peace of mind knowing that your work is in good hands.
By looking for these top qualities in a virtual assistant, you can find someone who will be a valuable asset to your business and help you achieve your goals faster.
Where to Find Quality Virtual Assistants
Finding a quality virtual assistant can be a daunting task, but there are several resources available that can help you connect with the right candidates. Here are some places to look when searching for a virtual assistant:
Online Freelancing Platforms
Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr are popular platforms for finding virtual assistants. You can browse through profiles, read reviews, and interview candidates before hiring them.
Social Media
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can be great resources for finding virtual assistants. You can post job listings, join groups, and network with potential candidates.
Referrals
Ask your colleagues, friends, or family members if they know of any quality virtual assistants. Personal referrals can be a great way to find someone you can trust.
Virtual Assistant Agencies
Many companies specialize in providing virtual assistant services. These companies have pre-screened virtual assistants who have undergone background checks and have been trained in specific areas. Some examples of these companies include BELAY, Worldwide101, and Zirtual. Keep in mind that there are hundreds of options available online, so, before working with someone, be mindful of what role you are hiring for and see if any of these agencies specialize in providing VAs to fill that specific role.
Job Boards
Job boards like Indeed and Glassdoor have sections for virtual assistant job listings. You can also post your own job listing on these platforms to attract potential candidates.
Setting Expectations and Boundaries with Your Virtual Assistant
Now that you have found your virtual assistant, it’s time to Set clear expectations and boundaries so you can establishing a successful working relationship.
Keep in mind that the only way to maintain a good working relationship with your VA is by being upfront about your requests from day one.
The last thing you want to do is be extremely laid back inthe beginning and then, all of a sudden, change your demenaor and “crack down” on your team. Consistency in your leadership is crucial.
Here are some tips on how to set expectations and boundaries with your virtual assistant.
Define your goals and tasks
Clearly define the tasks and goals you want your virtual assistant to work on. This will help your virtual assistant understand their responsibilities and what is expected of them.
Establish communication protocols
Decide how you want to communicate with your virtual assistant, such as email, phone, or instant messaging. Also, establish the times and days when you expect your virtual assistant to be available for communication.
Agree on work hours and schedule
Discuss and agree on the work hours and schedule with your virtual assistant. If you need them to work a certain number of hours each day or week, make sure to communicate this to them.
Set boundaries
Clearly communicate your expectations and boundaries with your virtual assistant. For example, if you don't want them to work on weekends, communicate this to them.
Provide feedback
Regularly provide feedback to your virtual assistant on their performance. Let them know when they are doing well and provide constructive criticism when necessary.
Only after you set the right expectations can you avoid misunderstandings and ensure that they are able to meet your needs. This will help establish a productive and successful working relationship.
Read this: The Benefits and Challenges of remote work
Conclusion
Working with a virtual assistant can be a huge time saver for your business and personal life, but you must know how to hire, train and manage your staff. Otherwise, you will get caught in a cycle of hiring, firing, and fixing mistakes. If you want to know more about how you can create your own low-cost A+ remote team, shoot me an email at deniero@denierob.com and I’ll make sure to send you some fantastic resources to get you going in less than 48 hours.