What you need to know.

You’ve heard the term and you think a virtual assistant might help your business but you haven’t a clue how to go about finding a virtual assistant that will work with your business.  Let me help you make things a bit clearer.

Take a deep breath and pause before jumping in…

Don’t jump into the process of seeking out a suitable virtual assistant.  It’s necessary to take some time to think about the types of tasks you need done and how you would envision the virtual assistant interacting with your business.  Do you want someone who will become a partner in your business, someone who will step in when you’re not available to be able to take care of things. Or do you simply want someone who’s available to complete the odd task for you without the need for knowing the aspects of your business.

I personally believe that one of the greatest benefits a virtual assistant can offer is partnership.  Many virtual assistants have a desire to see their clients business succeed for the simple idea that your success is the VA’s success.  If you see your need simply for typing and data entry hire a local high school or college student for half the rate and move on.

When you’re ready for a collaborative strategic business relationship then source out a virtual assistant.

Do your homework

There are all types of business using the term virtual assistant and many offer fantastic services but they may not be the services you are truly needing.  Get really clear on the types of services your are needing, do you only need assistance with an affiliate program or maybe you just need someone to manage your email.  Knowing what type of support you are needing before you start your search can help you identify the right type of virtual assistant.  If you don’t have any idea of what you need, but you know you need something then you might want to consider united with a online business manager or high level virtual assistant that provides a holistic approach to support.  An online business manager can become a key partner in taking your business to the next level as well as being your key contact ensuring that all of your tasks and projects are being managed and farmed out as necessary.

What about these services overseas?  Are they any good?

Virtual Assistance services offered overseas in India or Malayasia have their place in the industry.  From my own personal experience the types of tasks that can be handed over to a VA overseas needs to be clear and very specific.  When you require someone that needs to fill in the gaps and maybe take part of an idea and run with it then I have found that such services aren’t that useful.  But if I need a spreadsheet reformatted and recalculated they’re just the type of service.  As long as I can ensure that my project is very specific with very clear guidelines the overseas service is ideal.  (This is from my own personal experience, so don’t shoot the messenger).

If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.  Doesn’t matter if it’s someone you’re hiring to working in your office or around the world.

Think about using a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find your ideal VA

If you’re only concerned about price then you’ll get what you pay for.  Any virtual assistant worth their weight will bring much more to the table than simply skills, consider all of the soft skills that are necessary to operate in any business today and how important they are to you.  If you are simply looking for someone to farm simple basic tasks to then consider using Elance, oDesk or Guru.com. But if you are looking for a virtual assistant that has the potential to be a real business partner with you, offer you strategic and marketing advice and you don’t have a virtual assistant recommendation then consider submitting an RFP to one of the organizations that offer the service to potential clients.  Some of my recommendations:

• VANetworking
• Virtual Assistant Forums
• International Virtual Assistant Association

SHAMELESS PLUG WARNING!!!

If you found this write up useful, feel free to contact me to have a discussion about how I might be able to help you with your administrative needs.