Time is the one thing that many business owners are trying to create but are very short of. In the middle of juggling work and life, you can easily get overwhelmed.
Consider letting someone else relieve some of your workloads by doing part of your responsibilities that can exhaust your brain and time. Hiring virtual assistants, also known as VAs, allows you to free up critical time to concentrate on what you do best and on the bigger picture of growing a business and enjoying your personal life.
How to find the right VA for you
There is a plethora of highly skilled VAs to pick from with a wide range of talents and expertise in various businesses and industries. There are different ways to find a virtual assistant, depending on your budget, preference, and requirement.
You may either go directly to an independent VA who works as a freelancer or you can utilize a VA agency like VALUE Virtual Assistants. Both ways offer advantages and disadvantages. A virtual assistant may not only provide all of the assistance that an in-house employee would, but they also provide additional flexibility and frequently come at a fraction of the cost.
Working with a virtual assistant
As the world opens up again and recognizes the opportunities in e-commerce and the digital economy, remote work and virtual assistance increase quickly. Virtual assistants can help you with in-house responsibilities and connect online through Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, or over the phone.
Assistants may be recruited on an as-needed basis, or you can work with them on a long-term basis. Some charge by the hour, per job or project, or in time blocks, while others may charge a monthly retainer. If you hire a VA via an agency, you will most likely pay a monthly fee for a certain amount of hours. During your consultation, you should define work arrangements, the scope of work, payment terms, and invoices. Everything must be clear and clearly defined from the start and confirm that you are a suitable match for one another.
The connection between a virtual assistant and their client should be mutually beneficial; the position of a VA is very gratifying, and assistants often learn just as much from their customers as their clients may gain from them.
Tasks you can delegate to a virtual assistant
You can find a virtual assistant to assist you with practically almost everything. A virtual assistant may specialize in a particular field, such as marketing, website maintenance, or a wide variety of administrative work.
Why VAs are called the “secret weapon” of successful businesses
Feel comfortable with delegation
Entrepreneurs and small business owners are understandably accustomed to doing everything themselves. However, it is exhausting especially if you work hundred hours per week. Working with a virtual assistant allows you to exercise your delegation skills, a skill that will come in handy as your business expands. Be advised though that delegating will take an initial investment of time, evaluation, and training. However, this initial expenditure will reward you with more flexibility to pursue activities that only you can perform.
VAs are capable of filling in a variety of function
Perhaps you want additional support on primary roles, such as a receptionist or in a data entry role. You can also benefit from high-level assistance like a business manager capable of designing the processes and documents required by your growing business. VAs can work as personal assistants, so you will have an opportunity to balance your professional and personal life. Whatever kind of support you need, a virtual assistant can assist you.
VAs allows your business to grow within your budget
You need support but your financial resources are preventing you from getting the help you need. Virtual assistants have a lot of freedom, making it easier for businesses to hire them. Determine the budget you have and then look for a VA who can work within that budget. VAs may work on a schedule that fits your requirements or in a flexible schedule.
VAs help keep in touch with customers
Handling client inquiries and aftersales and managing social media are two of the most time-sensitive activities in a business. It is vital to allocate the resources required to remain on top of both. If a consumer contacts you by email or a post on your business’s social media page, you must answer right away, or you may lose a potential customer or if an inquiry is coming from an irate customer, then it may escalate more. Having someone devoted to functioning as your social media eyes and ears may help you safeguard your brand and remain attentive to your customer base.
VAs grow with your business.
VAs usually start with low key functions like doing data entry, organizing emails, and booking flights and hotels. As VAs get better at these tasks, they may be ready to take on more. This is a great way to try out support staff and find people who can become an essential part of your business growth.
