Many a small business owner has come to realise that they cannot continue to do everything on their own. There comes a time when you need to investigate outsourcing some of your work, so you can free up your time and get back to focusing on what you do best. And for many, outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant is the perfect solution.
But if you haven’t outsourced before, the process can seem a little daunting. However, once you have a clearer idea of what it involves and the steps you need to take, you’ll soon be able to outsource easily and efficiently. So, here is what you need to know, to guide you through that process.
#1: Know what tasks you want to outsource to a Virtual Assistant
Think about which tasks you want to hand over to a Virtual Assistant. Go for those tasks you don’t want to do, can’t do yourself or aren’t currently doing, because of a lack of time or skills.
#2: Establish the type of help you need
Once you know your tasks, you will know what specific skills you need your Virtual Assistant to possess. Do you need specialised skills or are you outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant with a more traditional skill set?
#3: Carry out your research before outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant
Ask for recommendations in the business groups you are a part of. Post on social media requesting a recommendation for a suitable VA. Google Virtual Assistants in your area and get a cross-section of VAs to choose from.
#4: Narrow down your selection
You can then narrow down your selection. Look for a Virtual Assistant that has the same or complementary values to yourself. Discard any that don’t have the skills you need and narrow your options down to 3-5 max.
#5: Take advantage of the free initial consultation call
Most Virtual Assistants offer a free initial consultation. Take them up on this offer to get to speak to all your narrowed down options. Get a gut feeling of what they are like, how they sound, and if they’re the kind of person you’d want to work with.
#6: Check out references and establish essentials
You can then check out the essentials – references, insurance, experience, availability, and pricing, etc.
#7: Make your selection
Once you have all the information, you need and have spoken to each of them, you can then make a decision.
#8: Go through their onboarding process
When you are outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, they’ll initially take you through their onboarding process. This is where they officially sign you up as a client, go through how best to work with them and establish your needs prior to starting work.
#9: Take time to settle your new Virtual Assistant or subcontractor into your business
A new VA needs time to settle into your business and understand how you run things. They need a little time to establish more about you and your business, as well as the tasks you’re asking them to do. Take the time to ensure they have all they need from you, to do the tasks to your satisfaction.
#10: Hold regular review calls
Finally, look to hold regular review sessions. When you are outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, you’re not just hiring them and then leaving them to get on with it. You are looking to establish a good working relationship, one that will benefit you and your business, so take the time to regularly check in with them to see how they’re doing. Take the time to feedback on improvements they could make and to share your appreciation for what they are doing well.
Outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant can be the perfect solution for your small business. But if you want to hire the right person, you need to take the time to understand the process involved. That way, you’ll know what’s involved and will take the right steps to find the right VA for your needs.
If you’re ready to look into outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, why not get in touch and see if I’m a good fit for your business? We can discuss your needs and you can find out more about the skills and experience I can bring to your business.
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