Working with a VA - are you looking for a hero?

People love the idea of someone swooping in and taking the admin of their business off their hands - a bit like a superhero might! I have heard Virtual Assistants being described as such. I agree - having a Virtual Assistant can transform a business, but I would say that I am a VA!

However..... and this is the big caveat to working with a VA, you have to put in the work too!

Do not let this put you off, like everything in life you have to put something in to get the best out and a good Virtual Assistant will assist you in this to ensure you get the best experience, you don't want to be wasting your time or your VAs time.

What can you do to make the most of your VA?

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate

The whole point of having a VA is to be able to delegate tasks so it might seem odd that this is at the top of the list. You will be surprised how many people struggle with this aspect of having a VA, learning to give those tasks you have always done yourself to someone you have only just met can be daunting.

If you make a list of your tasks for your VA, on a regular basis and communicate them you will be able to concentrate on other aspects of your business and take it forward.

Trust Them

I know it is easy to say, but you need to trust your VA and your VA needs to trust you. If you have spent the time finding the right VA for you and your business, then you have the confidence to put your trust in them. Remember this is their business, and they are also business owners who strive to serve you and your business. I always view myself as a cornerstone for my client's business, for any business to grow it needs strong foundations and I am loyal to my clients and love watching them succeed.

Communicate

Found the ways that work for you and your VA to communicate. Whether it is via a system like Trello, WhatsApp, text, email or regular meetings. Communication is a two-way street, listen to the feedback a VA gives and give your VA the information they need to be able to complete the tasks you require completing. When communication breaks down it is when a relationship starts to break down.

Boundaries

Be sure to put your boundaries in place and respect your VA's boundaries. As people's workstyle requirements are so key to the working world now, we all have to be respectful of the boundaries put into place. This will lead to trust and respect on both sides of the relationship. However, you need to make sure your boundaries are known and you know your VAs, no one likes a text with an urgent request when you are off. Whilst we know emergencies happen and are more than likely to help out if these emergencies happen regularly a real emergency will be ignored.

Are you ready?

It is a big step; however, if you think you are ready, it is time to commit. I'd recommend speaking to a few VA's before deciding whom to go with; everyone has their foibles, and you must choose someone you will trust.

?If you'd like to talk, please call me at Dunn Virtually on 01233884323 or email [email protected]