Are you looking at hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA)? It doesn’t have to be a complicated process, but hiring a VA is something that you need to put time and effort into. A VA can become an important asset in your business and an essential part of your business’s overall success. So it’s crucial you spend the time needed to find the right assistant for you.

But if you’ve been wondering what the actual process is and the steps involved, I’m here to help! Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps you need to take when hiring a Virtual Assistant for your business.

Step #1: Know why you’re hiring a Virtual Assistant

Get clear on the tasks you’d like to outsource to a VA. Start by making a note of the tasks you do. Include those you don’t like doing and the ones that are currently getting neglected. You can then group them together and decide what type of help you need. For example, are you looking for a VA who can provide general administrative support or one who specialises in tech or websites? Would you prefer a local VA who you can see in person, or are you happy to work remotely?

Step #2: Get recommendations

It’s always better to get personal recommendations from other peers. Word of mouth is such a strong endorsement and helps you narrow down your options. You can start by putting the word out that you’re looking for a good VA and posting on your various social media platforms. Next, look to ask your peers who they use and if they have capacity.

Step #3: Interview and decide

Don’t just pick the first Virtual Assistant you come across. You’d treat this process no different to hiring a person in-house. Narrow down your options, hold interviews and carry out due diligence. If you can’t meet your candidates in person, opt to see them via a video call. This will help you connect with them and get a feel for their demeanour etc. 

If you’re wondering what you need to ask during those interviews, check out ‘Questions to ask a Virtual Assistant before hiring’.

Step #4: Have a trial period

Always have a trial period when hiring a Virtual Assistant. You don’t want to be committing to a contract if you don’t yet know whether you’re a good fit for each other. It’s one of the reasons Why I think a monthly retainer isn’t always a good idea and why I start my new clients off on ad-hoc hours. 

So start with ad-hoc hours or set a low set minimum amount of time. Begin by outsourcing small tasks as well as things that aren’t of high priority or importance. And ensure that you’re clearly communicating your expectations and needs during this time.

Step #5: Work to build the relationship

Your role doesn’t end, once you’ve hired your VA. You need to take the time to onboard them into your business and train them in your ways. It’s crucial you build a good working relationship with your VA, as they can help you more as your business grows. So invest time and effort into building and nurturing a great working relationship with your Virtual Assistant.

If you’d like to find out more about hiring me as your Virtual Assistant, 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!