"It’s been a great experience. The onboarding process is very simple, straightforward, and easy. You give us the right people when we need them. That’s why I keep coming back."
Chris Montengo, Head of Production at Zero Formation Limited, oversees a dynamic team focused on creating engaging video content. When Chris sought a video editor, he turned to VALUE Virtual Assistants for support.
The Challenge
Chris was searching for a video editor with a flair for social media and a knack for capturing attention quickly. Finding someone with the right skills was essential, especially since the focus was on creating short-form content with a creative touch. VA Sam was selected to meet these needs.
The Solution
When Chris first started working with Sam, he was concerned about adapting to working with a virtual assistant online, especially due to the pandemic. However, the process turned out to be seamless. Chris found working with Sam to be remarkably straightforward and efficient.
He says, "At first, I thought it would be hard, but then it was pretty simple. It was very easy. I almost had a moment when I was like, 'Why didn’t I do this before?'"
Sam’s ability to adapt and understand Chris’s unique needs was evident. Despite not having prior knowledge of football, a key content area, Sam excelled, displaying exceptional intuition and creativity.
Chris remarks, "Sam didn’t know anything about football, but she made it seem like she knew everything about it. That level of intuitiveness and intelligence set her apart from other editors."
Sam’s contributions have been transformative. She played a pivotal role in the success of “That’s Not Soccer,” a show that grew from zero to 115k subscribers under her editing.
Chris highlights, "Sam helped me run a whole football show and grew it from zero to 115k subscribers on a platform that's quite hard to grow subscribers on."
Sam also delivered outstanding results for a Samsung campaign, showcasing her versatility and skill. Chris states, “She did the main crux of the campaign, which was well-received by Samsung and their people. It was well-viewed, and the client loved it.”
Onboarding Experience with VALUE Virtual Assistants
Chris also shared his experience with the VALUE onboarding process. “It’s been a great experience. The process has been simple and straightforward. Even though we went through several assistants before finding Sam, VALUE was always responsive and understanding of our unique needs.”
Adapting to Virtual Assistance
Chris acknowledges that working with a virtual assistant involves a learning curve, particularly when it comes to communication and time zone differences. He emphasizes, “There’s no back-and-forth talking. Their job is actually to make your life easier, but you have to have the systems in place to make your own life easier. If you don’t, the process becomes ten times harder.”
He advises that to maximize the benefit of a virtual assistant, one must have clear systems and expectations in place beforehand.
"You need to be strategic and know what you want beforehand. Have a system where you know what tasks need to be completed, and communicate this clearly."
Chris initially worried about language barriers and communication. He reflects, “The biggest worry was mostly the language. Communication is a big part of work, and I was concerned about whether I could communicate my needs effectively. However, I found that it’s more about improving my communication skills to simplify the process.”
Client and VA Relationship
Chris emphasizes the importance of patience during the initial adjustment period. “You need to have a buffer period, about four to five weeks, for the virtual assistant to understand how you work. Be patient during this time.”
He praises the current working relationship with Sam: “We’ve built a relationship where we understand each other perfectly. It’s almost seamless now. Sam knows I value her skills and that I appreciate her input. We’ve developed a collaborative process.”
Would Chris Recommend VALUE Virtual Assistants?
Absolutely. Chris believes that hiring a virtual assistant can be highly beneficial if done strategically.
"I would recommend people to get a virtual assistant, but you need to be strategic. Use them in a way that leverages their strengths and ensures your tasks are well-defined."
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Chris’s success story with Sam illustrates the powerful impact a virtual assistant can have. If you’re ready to experience similar results and take your business to new heights, we invite you to book a meeting with VALUE Virtual Assistants. Discover how our dedicated team can support your goals and drive your success.
