5 Tips for Working with a Virtual Assistant
5 Tips for Working with a Virtual Assistant
There can be a learning curve when you first start working with a virtual assistant. Use these tips to get your relationship off on the right foot.
You finally found a virtual assistant who seems to be perfect for your business. You’re ready to get started, but what do you do first? There can be a lot of uncertainty and unless you have a plan in place, you may not be able to take advantage of everything your VA has to offer.
By applying each of these tips from the beginning, you can position yourself for success with your virtual assistant.
1. Take Time to Think Through Tasks
It can be frustrating for both clients and VAs where there seems to be no clear plan for assigning work. Instead of sending miscellaneous e-mails as you think of things, take some time to make a list of all of the areas you want your new virtual assistant to be involved. Compile information on each area and schedule a time to talk with the VA to provide details on the tasks and make sure you are on the same page.
2. Ask the VA for Advice
If you’re unsure what direction to take with new projects you want to outsource to your VA, or don’t know the best way to send the VA detailed information, ask! Your VA has likely been in this situation before and can provide some valuable advice to help you get started.
3. Provide Clear, Concise and Complete Information
Once you start sending off information to your VA to take over, be sure to send everything you can think of — too much information is always better than not enough. Give the virtual assistant a chance to read everything through and ask for clarification, if needed. And keep in mind that the first couple of months of the new relationship will not be perfect as you and your VA get used to working together.
4. Keep Lines of Communication Open
Being accessible to your virtual assistant is key. Just as you expect them to be responsive to your calls and e-mails, afford them the same courtesy. Open and easy communication is the only way to ensure you and your VA begin to build a mutually beneficial relationship.
5. Be Open Minded
Give your virtual assistant opportunities to make suggestions and offer new solutions you may not have considered. Your VA has a lot of experience beyond what you may know about, and if you give him/her a chance to contribute, you can benefit in ways beyond what you expected.
Clients – What have you learned in working with VAs?
Virtual Assistants – What would you add to this list to help clients working with a VA for the first time get off on the right foot?
By Alyssa Gregory on 04-Aug-2009
Virtual Assistant Hub
Tags: learning, working together, working with a Virtual Assistant
