• Home
• /
• Business
• /
• How to Find the Right Virtual Assistant

How to Find the Right Virtual Assistant

The majority of business owners are aware that they should focus their time on high-value activities like expanding their business instead of working on routine, time-consuming tasks. Furthermore, a lot of business owners are aware that hiring someone might free up their time from activities that they should avoid. This is where a virtual assistant comes in.

There are many benefits to hiring a virtual assistant, but the key question is: How do you select the ideal virtual assistant for your particular needs?

Here are three tips that will help you find the best virtual assistant.

1.  Create a Strategy

Analysing what you need is the first step in choosing a virtual assistant (VA). You must decide which responsibilities—and to what extent—you are willing to entrust a complete stranger who may be located on the other side of the globe. Make a list of everything you need assistance with, from the smallest tasks to the largest management responsibilities. The more detailed your list is, the narrower your search range will be.

Next, consider whether the tasks are one-time or continuous projects. This will help you decide on your budget and timing. It will be easier for you to make the appropriate preparations in your working relationship if you know precisely how long the assistant will be employed.

Last but not least, be sure to determine which tasks should be completed right away and which may wait. Understanding your preferences will enable you to more accurately determine the capabilities you require from a virtual assistant.

2.  Do Your Research

Many business owners rely on professional companies like BELAY Solutions to select their virtual assistants for them based on their needs. This can save you a ton of time and effort, but you should still try to participate in the process and personally check the credentials of any potential VAs.

Find out their areas and levels of expertise, and whether they can live up to your expectations. Are professional certifications required for the tasks? What about unique licenses? Do you have any legal requirements that they must meet?

Be sure to look at the testimonials of the VA company, as well as the actual virtual assistants. Even while you can’t totally rely on what others have to say about the business or the assistant, you might have a better understanding of who they are and how they operate.

3.  Refine the List of Virtual Assistants

Once your research is complete, you will probably have a list of potential choices. It’s time to narrow down this list to those who are best equipped to help you. Here are a few tips that will aid in finding the best VA:

Look for a candidate with relevant experience. For instance, if you own a B2B company that targets decision-makers who are part of a more mature and serious demographic, you ought to look for someone who is sufficiently knowledgeable about the sector. Someone with prior experience and extensive industry knowledge will be able to discern what the target audience wants and needs.

Ask for references. To evaluate a potential virtual assistant’s abilities and traits, consider asking for references and endorsements from previous employers. Take note of what their prior employers have to say about their work, demeanour, and skills.

Look for a tech-savvy person. You should look for someone who at the very least has a fundamental knowledge of the software you intend to utilize. Your new assistant should also be comfortable using technology, from handling emails and social media to maintaining spreadsheets.

Look for someone who asks questions and offers suggestions. Professional VAs are sure enough in their abilities and knowledge to offer advice that will advance your company as well as their own career. Additionally, it demonstrates a potential virtual assistant’s interest in living up to your standards when they inquire about the job description and duties.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right virtual assistant for your business is a very important task, so make sure you give it the time and consideration it deserves. You need to be sure you’re employing a VA who is up to the task and someone you can work with because they will need to collaborate closely with you on a daily basis.

Whether you need to hire one virtual assistant to handle all of your chores or numerous VAs with specialized skill sets, the tops in this article will help you find the ideal person for your business needs.

Dave Schneider

Dave is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded Shortlist in 2018, a marketing un-agency that serves as an outsourced dedicated marketing team. He has also co-founded Less.churn, a churn reduction app, prior to selling it in 2018. In 2012, he quit his job to travel the world, and has visited over 65 countries.