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Working With a Virtual Assistant
By Admin | May 12, 2008 -->495 views
As an entrepreneur, that is one of the best business decisions you could have taken. Once the course of your business is charted out in your mind, it is time to put your plans into action in the minimal possible time.
Hurrah! You’ve got it. Let your VA take charge. Your VA can now handle everything from complex technical projects, customized programs to intricately detailed campaigns as well as help you with personal tasks. Besides, now you can also sit back and let them take on your time-consuming everyday tasks that oil the wheels of your business. You can now safely sit at the steering wheel without having to worry about the rest.
But before you hand over some of the charge, remember a few things :
VA’s often belong to different geographical locations and time zones, so it would be in your interest to insist on their availability on phone at least twelve hours a day.
If English is the second language, then you must insist on sufficient proof of their adequate language and grammar skills.
Approach a credible agency that connects you to a previously screened VA instead of hiring an unknown individual. At Outsorcerer.com: http://www.outsorcerer.com/services.htm you can look for a wide range of services and browse through their database of skilled VA’s. Other well known sites are getyourassistant.com, AskFriday.com Make sure she possesses the required tools and software to carry out your tasks, e.g. if you require work done on Photoshop, then the software needs to be handy. Hiring a VA means you only pay for the work done while the office space equipment and other utilities are not your responsibility.
Once you have hired a VA, fix working hours that would suit you both. If you are hiring a VA for less than four hours a day, he/she probably needs to take on other clients to stay in business. Inform well in advance if you have special or extra tasks lined up.
Have clear cut tasks charted out and also keep a list of additional tasks ready, in case you are satisfied and decide to delegate those as well.
Remember you are working with an individual with prior experience of working with other clients and who could forward valuable suggestions if you are able to build a good working rapport with him/her.
Although you will be communicating over a distance, make it seem less daunting by keeping up continual contact so that you are aware what exactly is going on every minute of the time your VA is working for you.
Several niche VA firms with a combination of experience and expertise in a particular industry could practically take away half your worries by providing strategic inputs. Here is someone who understands and helps you solve your complex business worries. E.g. REVA network specializes in VA’s with real estate experience.
For your business in another country, you could hire a VA who is well versed in the local language, thereby helping you fill cultural gaps better. This kind of support could help you understand local business procedures as well as build better relationships with your clients overseas.
Other Readings :-
Cost Comparison
Why You Should Use A Virtual Assistant
The Financials - Paying Your VA
How to Choose a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants handle chores from far away
Topics: Working with VA |
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August 30th, 2010 at 8:14 pm
The world of virtual assistance is definitely growing. Virtual assistants can provide a lot services like adminstrative support , travel arrangements, book keeping and transcription. This can be a real blessing for small businesses which cant affored too much expenses for a full time. administrative assistant.
Sean
virtual assistants