Whether you have an administration team of one or ten or whether you or your partner currently take care of your businesses administration needs, you may still find times when a Virtual Assistant can provide a little extra help. The main benefit of using a Virtual Assistant as administration backup is that they can just be called on when there is a need. You don’t have to worry about keeping staff employed through quiet periods, and you don’t have to retrain every time you need assistance.
A Virtual Assistant can be a good option at these times for many reasons such as:
- You won’t need to spend time training
- You won’t have to find resources such as a computer, desk etc.
- You can develop a relationship with a Virtual Assistant so that whenever you need help, you can quickly pass off the overflow
- Instead of hiring a temp for a specific period of time, you can use a Virtual Assistant in dribs & drabs, or “until the work is done”
- A Virtual Assistant can be used to cover a shortfall of equipment or knowledge.
- As a relationship is developed with a Virtual Assistant, you’ll find peak periods and vacation leave become less painful to your business as the work can be easily moved between your team members and the Virtual Assistant.
What sort of tasks should you hand off to the Virtual Assistant?
- Typing overflow
- Data entry
- Appointment setting
- Telemarketing
- Research, scanning & creating
- Tasks that your existing administration team doesn’t like or aren’t good at
- Jobs that you don’t have the programs, equipment or skillset to do
To get the greatest benefit when hiring a Virtual Assistant enlist the help of your current administration staff to work with the Virtual Assistant to get things done. Your current administration person will be the one who knows best what needs to get done and how to get it done with the least fuss. They will also be the ones who would be best placed to liaise with the Virtual Assistant regarding what tasks should be done “in house” and which can be outsourced. Also, keeping them involved in the process will also help prevent any bad feelings regarding outsourcing part of their work.
