There are some things to keep in mind when you are hiring a virtual assistant. You want to ensure that you are able to communicate with your VA and that you are able to get the tasks done. You will also want to ensure that you are paying your VA per task. This means that you will be able to have more control over what your VA does.
Paying a VA per task
If you have never hired a virtual assistant before, you may be wondering how much you can expect to pay. It depends on your industry, experience, and niche expertise. There isn't a magic number, but the salary of an experienced VA will be higher than a new VA. You'll also want to make sure that the VA you choose has the right communication skills.
Some virtual assistants charge by the hour while others use a project or retainer basis. This method lets you hire less experienced VAs without requiring you to track their time.
If you don't want to use an agency, you can find VAs on job boards, freelance sites, and social networks. Most well-known freelance websites have tests to show how competent a candidate is in specific areas, including computer skills.
When you're looking for a VA, it's a good idea to check out their portfolio and testimonials. If the VA you're interested in works on retainer, be sure to read the T&Cs. You don't want to get a bad deal.
Establishing a strong bond
When you hire a virtual assistant, establishing a solid working relationship is key. You will find that they are willing to work harder and longer for you when you make them feel valued. In turn, you will also find that your relationship with your VA will grow and develop.
A good start is to have a clear set of instructions. This will save you time and effort in the long run. If you are not sure how to go about creating these instructions, take a look at some of the popular online tools. Some of the most popular include Evernote, Slack, and Trello.
A good idea is to schedule a regular touch base with your VA. This will help you to keep track of projects, catch hiccups before they become major headaches, and build a stronger bond. You might even want to ask your assistant if they are aware of any upcoming opportunities.
Communicating with a virtual assistant
When hiring a virtual assistant, it's important to communicate. A good way to do this is to use tools and techniques that are more technologically advanced than email. For example, use a project management system like Asana, Trello, or ClickUp to keep track of your tasks. You can even assign tasks to your VA.
When choosing the best tool for the job, consider the specific needs of your business. For example, you may want to find a virtual assistant who can help you with copywriting. If your business involves travel, you may want to look for an assistant who can book your flights.
For the most part, you will want to make sure your Virtual Assistant is trained and familiar with the most basic aspects of your business before you begin working together. If you're hiring a virtual assistant for the first time, you should consider creating a trial period. This will give you the chance to gauge the assistant's work ethic and provide more incentive to complete the project.
Avoid micromanagement
Hiring a virtual assistant is a great way to boost your productivity. However, there are some things you need to consider before hiring one. You also need to be aware of the disadvantages of micromanagement.
Micromanagement is a dangerous habit that affects both your company and the people you work with. It can lead to stress and resentment in your team, demotivation, and poor work.
When you hire a VA, you should set expectations and deadlines that are realistic. In some cases, you may need to set aside time to train your VA. Be sure to offer clear payment terms and a clear salary range.
In addition, you should be prepared to set up weekly meetings to keep track of the progress of the VA. These meetings will help you to check on the workload, set timelines, and give constructive feedback.
If you are working with a remote VA, you will have to overcome the challenge of communication. You might need to have a video chat to resolve a problem.