Successfully working with a Virtual Assistant can help you regain time and control over your business. However it doesn’t just happen, it requires a bit of work in the early days to become used to sharing the load. You’ll also need to take the time and effort get your Virtual Assistant up to speed on how you like things done. Here are three key aspects that will help you get up and running with a minimum of fuss.
Clarity!
- Be clear about what you expect from your Virtual Assistant
- Be clear in your own mind what you want to achieve
- Create processes for regular jobs. Get your Virtual Assistant to document them if they’re not already done
- Write down what you want, use sketches and diagrams if necessary. If it helps you get it straight in your head, it will be easier to get across to your Virtual Assistant
- Use video to demonstrate how things are done
Communication!
- Always let your Virtual Assistant know when you’d like something done differently
- Don’t be too concerned about giving too much instruction
- Make sure you keep the lines of communication open
- Your Virtual Assistant is a professional, so don’t get bogged down in minutiae but do let them know anything that is important
- If you’re not sure whether you should discuss something with your Virtual Assistant – you probably should
Continuity!
- A big picture view helps make sure the small picture tasks are on track
- As your Virtual Assistant gets to know your business they can suggest other ways they can help
- Initially you might find there’s a period of adjustment, but over time your Virtual Assistant will need less instruction and be able to take more off your hands
- Over time your Virtual Assistant will be able to help you find more efficient and effective ways to do things
- The more involved your Virtual Assistant is and the better they know you and your business, the more helpful they can be.
