How to Make the Most of Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Let’s be real, so many of us are stretched thin being a small biz owner! Juggling all of the responsibilities of running your business can be overwhelming, and there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Fortunately, there are solutions available that can help you manage your workload without bringing on full-time employees. 

Hiring a virtual assistant can be one of the most cost-effective ways to lighten your load. Let’s explore how you can make the most out of hiring a virtual assistant.

Understand Your Needs

Before you hire someone, it is important to understand what tasks need to be delegated and what skills will best fit those tasks. Do you need help with marketing? Customer/client service? Document preparation? Graphic design? Social media? Lead generation? It’s useful to create a list of what needs to be done and how often it needs to be done in order to get an accurate understanding of what kind of assistance would work best for your individual business needs.

Set Clear Expectations

Now that you know what tasks need to be done and who will do them, make sure those expectations are clearly communicated from the start. For example, let the virtual assistant know exactly when they should expect feedback from you so they know when they should check in with updates or ask questions about their progress. Find ways for the best means of communication between you both and ultimately ways that you both work best together. Additionally, provide clear instructions on how they should accomplish each task so they don’t waste time trying different methods until something works.

Utilize Technology

Utilize technology like video conferencing software or task management tools so that you both have access to each other whenever needed and can stay organized when collaborating on projects from afar. One of the best ways I like to support my VA is by using Loom to create training videos. Loom is a free video screen sharing that allows you to create video trainings while sharing your screen–and it’s a great timesaver for when it comes to meetings. This ensures that everyone stays up-to-date on project progress in real time instead of relying on emails or messages back-and-forth which could take days or even weeks depending on availability .     

Working with a virtual assistant is an effective way for small business owners to lighten their load without bringing on full-time employees. By taking the time upfront to understand your needs, setting clear expectations, and utilizing technology appropriately, you can maximize your investment and make sure that no task goes undone! A successful relationship between a small business owner and their virtual assistant requires knowledge, communication, and trust—all qualities essential for any successful team effort!