Finding the right Virtual Assistant

You’ve made the decision and accepted the fact that you need help in your business - good for you! That really is the hardest part over and done with. Virtual assistants perform tasks that an employee would usually do and will help free up your time so you can focus on other areas of your business.

Now it is time to find the right VA. There are a lot of Virtual Assistants around, the Society of Virtual Assistants has over 3,500 members in the UK alone! You can search their data base here

Things to consider:

• Have a list:

  Have an idea of the tasks you would like them to take off your hands. Don’t worry about having a master plan (that will work itself out as the relationship grows). I would suggest writing a list of all the things admin that you a) don’t like doing b) are not very good at or c) take up too much of your time. Write the list as you are doing them so you don’t forget about them at a later date.

• Hours:

  What hours would you like your Virtual Assistant to be available for you, it is no good having someone who only works 4 days a week when you need them for 5 or someone that is only available between certain times of the day if you need them to be available during your working hours.

• Meet them:

  Some clients that I have onboarded don’t feel this is necessary but if you do, ask for a telephone or video call with them to see if your personalities are compatible. If they are local to you (which they don’t have to be!) you could always meet for a coffee!

• Software:

  Do you need them to work on any specific software? Have they got experience or knowledge of it? It is not the be all and end all if they haven’t. A good VA will take time to familiarise themselves with any new programme they need to.

• Experience:

  Do they already support other people in your industry? Again, it is not the be all and end all if they don’t. In my opinion, admin is admin and every one has their own way of working so chances are they are going to get on just fine either way.

• Reviews/online presence:

  If you have time, check out their online profile. If they have one, take a look at what they get up to and what past and present clients have got to say about them.

None of these things are vital but they may be important to you so they are worth considering during your search.

If you have looked at our site and think that TOTAL PA may be the team for you and your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch or book a call with us to find out more.

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