Article Contributed by Ritesh Sanghani
Time constraints have become a 21st Century phenomenon! No matter, how well we try to manage time; we always end up with a never-ending to-do list. This long and never-ceasing to-do lists can become a headache; especially, for top management executives who have to devote quality time to carry out their entrepreneurial duties; rather than on the administrative things.
And it is here that the concept virtual assistant steps in – A partner; an associate in almost everything; a virtual assistant or VA provides assistance for all administrative tasks; that eventually eats up all your valuable time; which you can devote to the area of your core competencies.
So, is hiring a Virtual Assistant on your cards? – Excellent decision – However, before, actually jumping on to a conclusion and finalizing a VA; you need to take several factors in account. In this article, we shall focus on some of the tips for a successful VA hunt, which will make it easier for you to get the right resource and avail optimum advantage.
- Know Everything Before Your Hire
Sounds very cliché; however, it is always advisable to do a thorough background check. To a virtual assistant, you will be entrusting your info, sometimes, sensitive and confidential, so make sure you take referrals – from your friends, colleagues or even check out social media groups like LinkedIn or Google+.
Always, prefer interviewing the virtual assistant; in case you are hiring an individual. Moreover, for VA owning independent businesses focus on knowing about their business; so to get an insight into their way of dealing and doing business (it will make it easier to pick up the right option).
- Ensure You Built an Excellent Rapport From The Very Start!
Always remember – every VA might not possess the same experience and skills, you are looking for and need.
Therefore, you need to first of all, find the one who can understand your requirements well – Start with a very insightful ice-breaking session to build a good rapport – This bond will help you to easily convey your requirements as well as make them understand what exactly you want.
Also, don’t overlook something really important; i.e., training. Keep one thing in mind that you know your business processes better and no one else can get it immediately; you have to take out some time to make the other person know what exactly defines your business operations. And therefore, training becomes sort of mandatory; if you really want excellent results.
Let us get this point clear with help of an example; you hire a virtual receptionist – This person might be proficient in answering phones, but you need to provide some training beforehand about some specific types of call that is very unique to your business.
- Make Everything Clear about Payment Beforehand
Virtual assistant business structures vary greatly – right from individual entrepreneur; there are small multi-VA practices as well as large employee-based virtual assistant companies – and no surprises, they all their own pricing models. While you might want to go for an hourly pay model; it may not always necessarily be the most cost-effective option.
In short, get the structure very clear in your mind, before you finalize anything to avoid any hassles in the later stages. Moreover, always keep this thing in mind – cheaper is not necessarily better. The more skilled and experienced workers will for obvious reasons charge you more, which apparently it always ends up being worth.
- Communication is THE KEY
Communication is a crucial part of any relationship; even if it is something not-so-personal like business. And it becomes very important when it is virtual in nature – It’s difficult to explain things lucidly when one is not physically present. Therefore, it is necessary to make sure excellent communication; for successful performance.
Remember, when the VA doesn’t complete the task successfully, poor communication is somewhere the root cause. So spend a bit of extra time and effort to ensure communication is flawless and is not hampered at any point of time.
Virtual assistants for hire are definitely going to reduce your burden; but when you cannot find the right one; it backfires. Top Outsourcing Services provide best virtual assistants – you just keep aforementioned tips in mind.
About Ritesh Sanghani
Ritesh Sanghani is a Director at HabileData for the past 15 years. He has worked with several international clients and has executed BPO projects of varying scales and complexities.