How do I use a Virtual Assistant?
If you have identified that you need some support in your business, to enable you to grow your business or to spend time on other areas of your work or with your family, the next step is to either take on new staff, or start outsourcing.
Outsourcing is a great way to grow your team with little risk. The cost benefits when compared to employing staff are considerable, especially for small businesses. However, some business owners find it difficult to delegate and don’t know how to communicate what they need to their new virtual team member. In this blog, we provide a simple, structured approach to doing this.
Identify what tasks you need doing
It seems obvious, but we do get calls from business owners who know they need help, but don’t know what we could help with, or don’t know where to start with delegating. To find out how to draft a list of tasks, read our blog here.
Be specific about what the task is and provide examples if necessary
Communication is key – ensure that when you delegate any tasks that you are very clear about what you expect – this may include the type of language to be used, the images or the deadline it should be delivered by. You may wish to create videos or procedures for your Virtual Assistant to follow. Ensure that your VA understands what you need and can articulate this back to you.
Be clear on your deadlines
Virtual Assistants work for a number of clients at once, and in order to ensure that we meet all our client’s expectations (and exceed them), deadlines need to be communicated. ‘ASAP’ is not a deadline – be very clear of the date and time by which you need tasks to be done, to ensure that your VA can deliver them on time, and in full.
Be clear on your budgets
This can apply to the project that you are working on (for example if the task is to source a supplier or a venue there may be a budget involved) or it may be in regards to the amount of support that that you need. If you are not working with your Virtual Assistant on a retained basis (a set number of hours per month) but on an hour-by-hour basis, ensure that you communicate a maximum spend or maximum number of hours.
Delegate away!
Once you have completed these steps, it’s time to take the plunge and start delegating. What are you waiting for?
To find out about how your Virtual Assistant will get to know you and your business, read on.
I have also created for you a few handy guides:
- 30 ways to use a VA
- 30 ways to use a VA – coaches guide
- Delegation checklist (how to decide what to delegate!)
I hope you find these useful.
If there is anything else we can help with, or you would like to talk to us to see how we can help you to find the space to grow your business, call us on 07814 218142 or email joanne@joannemanville.co.uk