You are at a stage in your business where you know YOU NEED HELP. There are not enough hours in the day to get it all done or your knowledge of the technology and systems is not comprehensive enough to move your business to the next level. Your colleagues have suggested you hire a Virtual Assistant. But how do you know what to look for? Here are five basics to consider.
1. Professionalism. Does the virtual assistant answer her or his emails, voicemails and other correspondence in a timely and professional manner? It is important this person has great communication skills and commitment to honor deadlines so you are not kept waiting and deadlines are met.
2. Project Management. Juggling tasks nowadays is vital. We now tap our fingers waiting for Facebook to load with high speed internet (remember the days of dialup?!). If your virtual assistant can’t work with a few projects on the go you might want to move on. I guarantee you do not want to find out that they have a project management problem when you lose “the big deal”.
3. Availability. Many virtual assistants work for several people at the same time. Your virtual assistant should have the availability to complete your projects in a timely manner. A multi-VA company has many advantages in this area because they have multiple assistants ready to serve you.
4. Credentials. Like other professions, virtual assistants have professional associations. Two of the primary ones are VAnetworking.com and IVAA.org. Both of these associations have certification programs.
5. Experience. You don’t want to be in the middle of a project and have your virtual assistant “disappear!” Yikes! This is scary but it DOES happen. Ask your prospective assistant how long they have been in business and their goals for the future.
Most virtual assistants work towards the idea of being in a relationship with a business, and growing together. This goes beyond the expectations of any temporary work or telecommuting job and outside of job descriptions that are made in the office. The assistant you chose should embrace the attitude of partnering with you, sharing one another’s brilliance and succeeding together.
HIT Virtual Assistants would love to discuss if we are a good fit. Contact us today.
