If you’re thinking about hiring a Virtual Assistant, take a pause for a minute. There are certain things you need to have in place before you start hiring if you want it to be a successful venture. It isn’t enough to decide you want an assistant and then simply look for a suitable candidate. You need to ensure you and your business are prepared.
But if you’re not sure how to do that or what it means, don’t worry! Here’s a quick breakdown of the three things you need to do before hiring a Virtual Assistant for your business.
#1: Establish how ready you are before hiring a Virtual Assistant
You need to know that you’re in the right position and place to outsource before hiring a Virtual Assistant. It requires an investment of time and money and a willingness to let tasks be handled by someone else. So are you ready for that?
Start by asking yourself the following questions – Can you afford to hire a VA – and can you afford not to? Are you ready to outsource, and do you know what you’ll outsource? Are you prepared to delegate, and are you up for managing a team? These questions will help you decide how prepared you and your business are for this change. I’d also recommend you check out this blog: 5 signs you’re ready to hire a Virtual Assistant.
#2: Have procedures and guidelines set up
It pays to have a solid system set up before hiring a Virtual Assistant. After all, you’ll want clear guidelines in place, so they know how you work and what you expect from them. So document the processes you’re going to be getting them to do. Create templates, worksheets and checklists to make it easier for them.
As you grow and scale, you’ll need to create your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) manual anyway, so you might as well start now. They’re an excellent way to plan for the growth and consistency you’re aiming to achieve.
#3: Know your budget
Have you researched a VA’s hourly rate or how many hours you’ll need them for? It’s one thing to know what that rate is, but can you currently afford it in your budget? Sometimes it’s a case of deciding whether you can afford not to hire a VA. For example, you may feel that standards are slipping or you’re taking on too much yourself. So decide how much you can afford to invest in a Virtual Assistant and how many hours you think you’ll need one for.
Also, decide what level of expertise you will need; a specialist VA will cost more than a general one. You’ll also need to consider if you want a local VA or an overseas one. As again, rates can vary depending on your needs and the VA’s location.
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to hire a Virtual Assistant and have found the one you want, check out How to build a great working relationship with your Virtual Assistant. This blog will help you make the most of having a new assistant and ensure you work well together.
If you’re ready to hire a Virtual Assistant and would like to find out more about hiring me, why not get in touch? During our initial free discovery session, we can explore your business needs and establish whether we’d be a good fit for each other, as well as what those next steps may look like. So head here to get in touch. I look forward to hearing from you!
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