The time has come—your business is growing and that list of extra tasks you normally handle, while necessary, is becoming impossible to do while you run your business. You need a Virtual Assistant, and you need one now. So where do you start?
Before you even post an ad or reach out to a company, take the time to write down everything you’re looking for in an assistant, and be specific. Of course, you might not find that unicorn of a person who can solve your every problem and anticipate all of your needs—but what if you do? The more specific you are with what you’re looking for, the higher your likelihood of finding it! So before you start searching, answer these questions and hone in on your ideal VA:
What is their job description?
Are they focusing on client outreach, data entry, social media management, or all of the above? Do they need to have a marketing background, financial experience, etc.
While a knowledgeable Virtual Assistant can often take on projects across different specialties, you need to ensure the VA you’re hiring is comfortable and experienced with the work you need. What systems do you use (i.e. Google, Microsoft, etc)—it’s helpful to find an assistant who is already fluent in the system you’re using so they can get to work with ease.
What are your priorities?
You probably have a never-ending list of all the things you could offload (which we applaud!) but you’ll have to start with a few tasks off the top. Eventually, you’ll be able to add more to their plate, and as they check off projects they’ll move down your list.
Does their location matter?
While you might never need to meet your VA in person, is there a chance you’d like them available for the occasional in-person business task? Or is having them in the same time zone necessary for scheduling meetings and client outreach? Something to keep in mind before you bring them on!
Do you click?
It sounds simple enough, but this is a huge factor. You might not have to see them at the water cooler every day, but it’s important to know you’re hiring someone who you get along with, who is easy to communicate with, and who you’ll want to keep around for, hopefully, a long time. Remember that you’re trusting them with sensitive and important information—it’s okay to be picky!
Do they need to follow a certain schedule?
Depending on your needs and their availability, you’ll need to clarify how they distribute their hours. Unless you’re hiring an assistant full-time, they’ll likely have other clients who share their hours as well as their own set work schedule. Of course, they’ll work with you to meet deadlines and schedule consistent meetings, but if it’s important to you that they only work during your business hours, that’s necessary information to give them before you hire.
Once you’ve answered these questions and you have a clearer picture of who you’re trying to hire, you’ll need to decide how to research, recruit, interview, and hire.
Or…and you knew this was coming…
Let us know all of your needs, qualifications, and priorities, and we’ll take it from there!
At MOD, we assign assistants based on four criteria: skill set, location, schedule, and personality. We want to make sure that your assistant has the skills necessary to do the job and works well with you. That is why we ask you so many questions—like these—during the onboarding process!
Remember that choosing an assistant is a time when you get to be as specific and personal as possible—they are, after all, there to solve your problems and ease your workload. Looking for your perfect match? We’re here to match you with one of our many qualified assistants when you’re ready!
