Consider giving yourself a special treat this season; you deserve it. I'm not talking about a new gadget from Best Buy or your latest must-have find while you're window shopping. I'm talking about giving you time.
As much as we try to take over the world on our own, we often wish we had a clone to do the rest while we do what we do best. This time of year is especially easy to become overworked and overwhelmed with managing our daily lives. Don't get lost in the hustle and bustle, invest in a virtual assistant to help you tackle your to-do list one task at a time.
If you've never worked with a VA (virtual assistant), are considering hiring one, or have had a bad experience with one, you should definitely read this article to find the virtual perfect professional, knowledgeable, technically friendly. assistant throughout cyberspace. Let the mission begin.
Before working with a virtual assistant, you should assess all your needs – personal or professional. It's important to develop a to-do list what needs to be done and what you are willing to delegate to your VA. They can handle your calendar and schedule your meetings .
They can complement your research tasks and data entry . They can even create an article like this. Plot? They can do almost anything. Once you've developed your list, create work instructions ready for your future VA to have a boost on all your tasks.
With great instruction, your VA can accomplish almost any task with minimal guidance. Based on your list, estimate how long you will need your VA each month and what you are willing to pay for their services. Most VAs require the purchase of a monthly plan. They typically charge $15-$55/hr and offer deep discounts if you need their support for more than 10 hours per month. Once you've figured out what needs to be done and how much you're willing to invest in a virtual assistant, you can begin your search.
You can post a free ad on sites like Craigslist , look for independent sites like Elance , "Google" the term Virtual Assistant and choose the first three search results, Word of mouth , or do as I do – tweet about it on Twitter.
Be very specific about your needs as virtual assistants all have different specialties and may not be able to accommodate your requests. You don't want to hire a VA who specializes in transcription for a podcast project — although you can find one who can handle both, like mine.
By placing your ad or shouting it out on Twitter, you'll instantly receive messages from curious minds around the world. This is when you will begin the first round of the elimination process.
You can always ask for testimonials of their services just like you would a lawyer or a marketing consultant. Feel free to ask questions about their background such as work experience and education. If you posted an ad asking for very specific information, the AV should respond by answering all of your questions.
If they don't, it can translate to this and assume that this VA doesn't take the time to read basic instructions and will often overlook minor details that contribute to the success of any task. Also look for grammatical errors, you need a professional who can write and effectively convey their message in English. You never know when you might need your VA to write an email on your behalf; remember to research the clues to see if they can communicate effectively via email.
Once you've narrowed down your selection, it's time to dig into the details. Most VAs have an online presence, describing what they can do, what they have done, and what they will do for you. You'll find tons of hints on their website to guide you through the second-round elimination process. Is their site polished and professional or does it look like a cut-up 90s model seasoned with bad grammar?
It seems a little biased to judge them on how their site looks, but you have to take into consideration that they are a business owner – their business is your business. If they have a strong online presence free of inaccuracies and errors, it is a clear indication that they are committed and in this profession for the long haul. You must seek a long-term collaborative partnership to take full advantage of it. Time is money; you don't have time to repeat this process. That's why it's important to find a VA that will perfectly match your needs.
Look for more clues such as response time to your email. If they are slow to react, chances are they have a full plate with more than they can chew. Most consultations are done over the phone, chances are you will never meet your virtual assistant face to face.
When you talk to your VA, that's where the magic happens to finalize your screening process. Remember, always look for clues. Did your VA speak with confidence and have good phone etiquette? Were they timely and prepared for the call? Were they able to walk you through the phone chat and engage in conversation? Did you feel a sense of confidence and chemistry? Did the VA listen carefully and show interest in what you are doing by asking intelligent questions?
You need a VA who demonstrates great skills and strong business acumen so that they can handle your workload effectively. After the consultations, you should have the details in order to make your decision.
Once the document is signed by you and your VA, you are good to go. Be sure to state your needs clearly and never leave room for assumptions. Your VA is your partner and their goal is to help you save time. It will take time to adjust, but if you plan accordingly, the delegation process should be as easy as 1-2-3.
First assign the task(s) including all the clear and concise information and instructions that will contribute to the success of the project. Be sure to state your deadlines – most VAs need 24-48 hours to complete assignments, so again, plan accordingly. Also include your time zone to ensure prompt delivery. Provide your contact details and indicate the best way to contact you. Once you have delegated the work, the AV will start the task and update you on the status.
Finally, the job is done and you don't have to. It feels good when you have time for yourself. Maybe with the extra time you've created working with a VA, you can plan that much-needed vacation — oh wait. Your VA can do it for you too!
Written on 12/12/2008 by Alex Shalman. Alex does for self-improvement what Chuck Norris does for the world, and he has a very bad (to the bone) self-improvement podcast. Photo Credit:*Susie*
