It may not be generally known that before the COVID-19 outbreak, virtual assistants had already been setting the stage for the work from home setup. Thanks to technology, it has set the stage wider and faster.
The global economic crisis in 2007 has led companies and businesses to search for ways to cope up with the crisis by reducing the operating expenses without sacrificing quality and customers. The impact weighs heavier on small business owners. As innovative as they are, business owners and companies found ways to adapt to the increasingly challenging economic landscape of the world.
Outsourcing has grown in popularity as a result of the desire to cut operation costs, especially for mundane yet time-consuming tasks like data entry, administrative functions, and other online support jobs. A small business owner with limited financial resources would benefit more from employing virtual assistants in order to maximize the use of available resources.
Managing a team of virtual assistants from across the world has a lot of advantages. The first and most apparent advantage is a reduction in operating expenses. Not only will there be cost savings in costly payroll, but the business will also save on expenses such as equipment, tax, electricity, and internet costs by not having to designate funds for these items.
Managing a Business with a Global Team of Virtual Assistants
Leading a team of virtual assistants is different from managing a team of office-based employees at all levels. Virtual assistants work from home due to several reasons like convenience, saves time and energy, absence of office drama and bureaucracy.
Virtual assistants, as stated, are located halfway across the globe and are also separated by time zones. In addition to the timezone and geographic differences, keep in mind cultural and social subtleties that shape their work ethics.
Knowledge is power and knowing how the distinction between traditional employees and virtual assistants can help you understand how assistants work and to benefit from these differences.
Apart from the mentioned differences, there are challenges that you may face especially if you are new to virtual assistants and remote teams:
- Absence of one-on-one supervision.
- Lack of access to information.
- Isolation.
- Increased problems with previously existing silos as a consequence of reduced on-hand supervision
How to Better Manage Virtual Assistant Teams
Even though remote teams can be challenging at the start, there are several simple and more practical ways business owners can do to make the transition more manageable.
Create a System of Communication
To keep everyone updated on the latest announcements, updates, and urgent concerns, it is recommended to set regular check-ins and constant communication with the virtual team. This will give the virtual assistant the platform to address issues they may have. Establish a time and day convenient to all for meetings.
Focus on Trust
People who trust one another realize that their actions, judgements, and expectations are influenced by the actions, judgments, and expectations of the other team members. If you want your virtual team to utilize their full potential, you need to take into consideration the role played by the mutual trust that exists between you and your team.
Outcome versus Activity
Instead of constantly checking on your team on their activity and asking “what are you doing,” focus on the output and outcomes. Micro-managing encourages distrust and discourages team’s motivation. Empower your team by allowing them to create and plan their execution, involving them in the process and accountability. Remember, the important thing is your remote team is able to deliver the results you are aiming for.
Share the Purpose of your Goals
To emotionally engage your remote team to the purpose, define the WHY. Share with your team of virtual assistants the mission and the complexity of your goals, so they will understand the overall purpose and their role in achieving the success.
Provide the Resources they Need to Complete the task.
Virtual assistants are armed with their own laptops, internet connection, and knowledge to help your business get off the ground. But provide them too with the right tools and resources for them to effectively quickly and accomplish what they need to do, like a cloud-based drive, social management platform, project management tool, time tracker tool, and mo
Mentor, Not Manage
Many of the most effective business leaders do more than just “manage.” They also grasp the various subtleties and distinctions between leadership and management disciplines. We live in a volatile, complicated and uncertain world, but that should not stop you and your business to scale and grow teams – and ourselves. You may need assistance and outsourcing your virtual assistant team may be the solution for you so start now.
As you can see, each of these suggestions is straightforward, yet not easy. Each one requires a certain amount of time, effort, and dedication. But your team will thank you and your business will reap the rewards.
You will be better prepared to navigate the murky seas of transition with your newfound combat gear – the team VALUE Virtual Assistants. All the best.
