Virtual assistants offer a great addition to an existing company with a strong framework of systems in place to deal with the running of a successful business. If you are considering hiring a VA, there are a few steps you should first go through in order to make the most of the skills and experience you are hiring, and not to waste time and money that could be better utilised elsewhere. When used correctly, a virtual assistant offers the chance to become more efficient company wide, allowing you to focus on the tasks that you enjoy and are good at performing.
Let’s take a look at what you should do prior to hiring a virtual assistant.
The first thing is to sit down and work out how your company works on a day-to-day basis in terms of task processes and administrative protocol. Once you have compiled a list of this information you can begin to work out which areas a virtual assistant will be able to help you with. You are likely looking to hire a VA because you don’t have that much time to waste, so why hire someone if you don’t really know what he or she can offer you. In these situations it can often end up with more time spent training a virtual assistant once they’ve already been hired, than is strictly necessary. Any tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming and could be performed by someone else, add it to a list for a VA, and once you have enough of those tasks it is time to hire.
The next step is to create and refine a system of working that is efficient for your specific company. On top of this have notes ready on how to work each stage and process, so that when you do hire a virtual assistant there are clear and simple instructions to follow, allowing for a smooth transition into an effective work process. The idea is that the instructions can be easily transferred to different people, so that you, a physical assistant, or a virtual assistant can easily slot in and perform the tasks without having to query too much.
Lastly, when hiring a virtual assistant, treat it like you would hiring a physical employee that’s going to work in-house. Look for reviews, demonstrable proof that the service you use has the experience and know-how to perform the tasks to a standard that you desire.
Keepoint offers a virtual assistant and telephone handling service to a range of businesses in a variety of industries. If you would like to find out more about our service and how it could help your business maximise productivity and profits as a result, contact our team today. We’ll be happy to offer expert advice and guidance on the virtual assistant choices available to you.
