How to choose a Virtual Assistant

You just made the decision to hire a Virtual Assistant. What’s next? What should you pay attention too?

Here are a few tips to make the process a little easier for you:

1. Take a look at the VA's website. How is the spelling and grammar? Do you like what you see, does it "speak" to you? Is the Website neat and clear ? Remember, if a VA doesn't pay much attention to her own website, it’s likely that she won't pay much attention to your work either.

2. How does she answer her phone? Does she put you on hold to take another call? Is she answering her voicemails and e-mails in a timely manner?

3. Make sure you feel the “click” when you have your first telephone conference with any potential VA. Is the VA confident, friendly, and enthusiastic? Moreover, is she a good listener? Is she treating you with respect? Are you feeling comfortable speaking with her/him?

4. Find out what system she has in place to handle different tasks for different clients. Does she have a limit of clients she will be taking on? How does she handle and prioritize her client’s needs? What are her turnaround times?

5. You can delegate many tasks to a VA. It helps if you have a list of tasks you want her to take over from you, available during your first consultation. Discuss that list with your potential VA and determine whether she will be able to handle those tasks.

6. Ask your potential VA what software products he/she is using and how familiar she is with them. If you use any particular software for your business, make sure to ask the VA whether she is familiar with the system and if not what she suggests how to handle it. She might be offering to train herself on the software and you will have to decide whether that is suitable for you.

7. Last and least – the experience! While it's helpful to know how long she has been in business as a VA, as well as it’s certainly great to work with a “Veteran”, you might find it helpful to learn how long she has done the tasks that you want her to do. If your potential VA just started her own business, you might want to ask her about her experience prior to becoming a VA and she may have just done the very same work you need to delegate for a previous employer for many years and is therefore equally qualified to assist YOU!

Not every potential VA will be the perfect fit but be assured that YOUR perfect fit is out there!

Let me rest “my case” in adding a great resource to find the best fit for you and your needs:

The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce :)

Have your choice.....

You've probably heard the old adage: "Fast, Cheap, Good. Pick Two."

1. If you want it fast and cheap, it's not going to be good;
2. If you want it good and cheap, it's not going to be fast;
3. And if you want it good and fast, it's not going to be cheap.

According to the triangle you can't have it all- what is your preference?

What is behind the meaning of working virtually ?

As a (new) VA my understanding of providing services "virtually" is, that I work from my own home office, use the latest technology to provide administrative services as well as to communicate with my clients.

By now we know it's not really necessary to sit in an office to provide administrative (and much more) services but it can be and is being done by simply using your PC, high-speed internet access and programs which are now offered in the virtual world ...No don't get me wrong being a VA means a little more than just owning a computer and having access to the internet and a phone line for your business but that's not what I am trying to get at -THIS TIME :)

What I am trying to get at is, that I had quite a few requests of prospective clients for my services BUT for some funny reason they opted out and did chose a VA in their area. Just recently, I had a request from one person to explain more about MY services and my prices BUT in the same line asking for recommendations for a VA in his area. Yes, I pointed him in the right direction (VACOC of which I am a proud member btw...) BUT what I really do not get is, that many people seem to look for a VA but actually prefer a VA close by. WHY???

As far as I know we are all working virtually so why people are so adamant to have THEIR VA in their area?As I am absolutely clueless about that I decided to ask that question to our dear beloved "Gritty VA" http://www.grittyva.com/ and I got the reply today , that I will get my answer next week - Thank YOU dear Gritty :)

If you are as curious as I am - check out her blog next week Wednesday !