When most people start their online businesses, they typically fill all the positions of chief, cook, and bottle washer. This isn’t a bad way to start, as in the beginning, finding clients is generally the focus. And until you’re swimming in them, it’s pretty easy to run your business yourself.
But as soon as you start getting busier, your ability to keep up gets compromised. Oh, oh…this is an unfortunate part of the process…now tasks start slipping through your fingers, and soon clients will, too, if you‘re not careful. As the weeks start flying by, you keep thinking to yourself: That’s okay. I’ll just catch up on the weekend. The weekend comes, and you’re in another frenzy, trying to finish a presentation for a meeting with your exciting, new client or the family has talked you into a day at the beach. Now the harder you try to keep up, the more overwhelmed you get. Yikes, not a good place to be!
Well, guess what? This is the ideal time to bring a virtual assistant on board.
You might think this is intimidating, especially since you’ll be handing over tasks to someone you can’t see. Not to worry, though, it is easier than you think. Just have a little faith!
Here is a simple checklist that will help anchor you as you take steps toward hiring your first VA:
1. Make a list of all the things on your plate, no matter how big or small. Then separate the list into two sections: “Tasks I know/want to do” (List 1) versus “Tasks I hate doing/don’t know how to do” (List 2). Now choose what the priorities are on List 2. You’ve just zoned in on what you need to hand off RIGHT NOW. The rest can be added in as medium and lower priorities accordingly, and expanded as you grow.
2. Choose the priority tasks you will hand over first to your new VA. Then create a job description that summarizes what they are so you are well prepared ahead of time when it comes to interviewing potential candidates.
3. Create your ideal VA list. Put down all the qualities you want, e.g., do you prefer someone who is upbeat and cheery or someone who is straightforward and direct? Also add the things you’re looking for in the relationship overall, as well as what your expectations are for the short and long term.
4. Decide on what you can afford. When hiring someone else to help you shoulder tasks, don’t look at doing this as an added expense, but an investment in you and your company. Your business simply cannot grow without this crucial step.
Once you’re really clear on what you need to delegate, who your ideal virtual assistant is, and what your initial investment will be in this partnership, you can then begin searching for the right candidate. Give yourself plenty of time to do some online research, ask colleagues for referrals, carry out phone/Skype interviews, and check references before making your decision. With any luck, you’ll hit the bulls-eye on the first try, and start getting the relief you deserve so you can carry on building the business of your dreams.
Great article Marta, I agree with what you said on the article, this 4 tips is a big help to those people that looking for a virtual assistants, because they will realized that VA can expand your business with minimal cost.