How do I know I need a virtual assistant?

If you're running a business then I'm sure there have been times when you've thought about bringing in help. The big question is how do you know you're ready? How do you know that you need a virtual assistant? Never fear, this is my area of expertise! To help you out, I've crafted 9 questions that will help you realise if you're ready to start working with a virtual assistant. 

So take a deep breath, grab your cup of coffee and take note of how many of these questions you answer yes to!

Is your email inbox a source of embarrassment?

If your emails always seem to be out of control and you can't keep a handle on them, it might be time to call in a professional. When you've got emails all over the place it's easy to miss something important, to overlook a deadline, or forget to reply to a lead. When you think of the opportunity cost can you really afford not to hire a VA?

Do the same jobs keep appearing on your to-do list?

Outsourcing jobs can feel tricky. If there are jobs that you repeat over and over and over then chances are you can outsource them. Once a process is established all you need is someone to follow your instructions, that person doesn't have to be you. Freeing yourself from repetitive tasks allows you up to focus on the bigger picture or more complicated work where your skills and knowledge is needed.

Are there certain jobs that fill you with dread?

We've all got them, well at least I have! Jobs that when you see them on your to-do list you groan, pretend they don't exist and leave them until last. I'll let you into a secret about those jobs.....there's someone out there who loves to do that work. Find them and set yourself free from despair!

Is free time a myth in your life right now?

The biggest sign that it's time to hire a VA is if you don't have any free time. If every minute is consumed with work, guilt you should be working or thinking about work then it's time something changed. I'm sure one of the reasons you started working for yourself is to be in control of your schedule and if you have no free time then you aren't doing that. Yes, there might be a learning curve to start with for both you and your VA. Once settled in you'll quickly see the difference in the time available to you, and you'll wonder why you didn't hire a VA months ago.

Are you the dictionary definition of “winging it”?

When you start a business you have to do every job going. Naturally, that means you're doing some jobs that you've got no experience, interest or, maybe even skill in! If you find that you're spending more time on Google figuring out how to do that job it's probably time to look into a VA. VA's often specialise in different tasks or industries so you'll be able to find one who understands the task at hand and can do it better than you!

Would you describe your filing and admin as organised chaos?

Unorganised files and invoicing and expenses everywhere are a surefire sign that you need help. To me, that highlights that you don't have enough time to keep on top of the basics and that will bite you on the arse in the long run. Let's be honest, you have *way better* things to do with your time than tidy up your Google Drive, so bring in a VA to help get you organised and stay that way!

Does the thought of hiring a permanent employee bring you out in a cold sweat?

Hiring an employee is a commitment and an expensive one at that. Not only is there the salary every month but there's also tax, pension, equipment, training, holiday and sick pay to account for. You don't have any of that with a virtual assistant. A VA gives you an easy way to lighten your workload without the headache of becoming an employer. For some, it's seen as the stepping stone between having no-one and expanding. It gives you the ability to see what you can achieve with some extra help without tying yourself into anything.

If you can answer yes to half of those questions, hell, even a few of those questions, then hiring a VA will change your business and as a result, your life. Yes, I know that sounds very grand and an impossible claim but trust me on this. Focusing on what you do well and what you want to do will make your work feel, well, not like work! 

For more about how a virtual assistant could transform your business then drop me a message at [email protected] and let’s have a chat about the best things to outsource and HOW.