By Affiliate Avigayil Pearlman, Owner of H.A.V.E.N. Virtual Assistance
Why do people outsource work? Because there are things that need to get done even though they don’t have the time to do it themselves. However, most people don’t believe the job will get done right if they don’t do it themselves. The problem with doing everything yourself, is that eventually (usually sooner than you realize), your saw is dulled from all of the work that you’re doing, your To Do list is longer than your arm, and the burden of running a business is even heavier. How do you make sure that the work you outsource will get done your way, the right way, the first time?
The answer is to hire a professional that has experience in the specific kind of assistance that you need; someone who has proven themselves to be an expert in the field. Virtual Assistants specialize in particular areas and have specific talents; therefore, they are more likely to be able to do the job you need done at a professional level and with a result that meets (or exceeds) your expectations and standards.
Is a Virtual Assistant the solution to your problem? Just ask yourself the following questions:
1. What problem are you trying to solve?
2. How will a Virtual Assistant help you solve that problem?
3. What would you lose if you don’t outsource this particular project?
4. Is the effort/expense worth the solution? Worth not having to take care of another problem all by yourself?
5. Is your Virtual Assistant someone you trust? (*see below*)
With a Virtual Assistant, you get a long-term relationship with another professional that you can go back to time and time again…someone who has the best interests of your company at heart, as opposed to a temp agency, where you may get a different assistant every single time you call. A temp has no vested interest in the success of your company, but an independent Virtual Assistant does.
Think about it: wouldn’t you be more likely to delegate an important task to another professional such as yourself, rather than someone without that experience? As a young and rapidly growing vocation, many Virtual Assistants are themselves entrepreneurs and business owners. As long as you maintain an open dialogue and are open about how you want things accomplished (and why), you’ll be impressed by the results.
When shopping for a Virtual Assistant, consider the whys and wherefores. Virtual Assistants use different methods by which to bill their clients. Which type will work best for you, and how much bang you’ll get for your buck, will really all depend on what you’re looking to get accomplished
How do you know that you’re hiring a qualified and talented Virtual Assistant? While different than hiring a permanent employee for obvious reasons, there are five things you should ask for when considering your Virtual Assistant candidates:
1.Curriculum Vitae or Resume
2. References
3. Examples of Work
4. A one-on-one session either in person, by telephone or by video conference, to make sure you’re on the same page.
5. A written contract or engagement letter (countersigned) outlining the details of your engagement…every Virtual Assistant should have a form that they use.
You get more out of outsourcing with a Virtual Assistant than you could ever hope to gain by employing a temp agency on a regular basis, and maximizing how your outsourcing dollar is spent is at the forefront of every professional’s mind. In fact, by collaborating with a Virtual Assistant, you form a relationship with a fellow professional. They likely have contacts and networks full of cross-selling opportunities for you and your business from which to pull prospective clients. Talk about capitalizing on an opportunity!
While outsourcing is sometimes a difficult and painstaking decision for many professionals, hiring the right person with the right background and appropriate talents makes it easier, and a lot less painful, than hiring an unknown. The more that gets accomplished quickly, the more you get out of your “outsourcing dollar,” and the more you have maximized the results.
Happy outsourcing!
Avigayil Pearlman is the founder and principal virtual assistant of H.A.V.E.N. Virtual Assistance, LLC. Helping Answer Virtually Every Need.