Steps
- Define the tasks you would like a Virtual Assistant (VA) to handle for your business - such as teleclass listings, email, blog entries, ezine, website updates
- Do a search for Virtual Assistant Organizations and pick the top 3. Visit each website to get a feel for it's focus and target market. Make sure that your top 3 sites have an RFP (Request for Proposal) system.
- Fill out your requirements on the RFP site. Be specific about what you want. Do you need marketing skills or coding skills? Graphic design or bookkeeping? Make sure that you check off all the things you require. Some systems will allow you to very specifically choose skill sets, some are more general in nature.
- Be specific about the hours/days of the week you will expect to be able to access your VA. Most VA's can work somewhat flexible hours, but time zones can sometimes work against you if there is a large difference in working times. Also be specific about how you prefer to work. Are you more comfortable on the phone or is IM and email best for you?
- Understand that you will receive a great number of emails with information. Look for those that are clear and concise, without a great deal of rambling. Beware of those with resumes attached - a Virtual Assistant is your business PARTNER, not your employee and those sending a resume may still be in "employee" mode. Pay attention to the VA's language, grammar, spelling and general presentation. Do you want this person assisting your business?
- Ask for testimonials, not references. How many times have you asked your lawyer for references? Your accountant? Same goes with your VA. A VA is a business owner, just like you are. They will be more than happy to provide you with client testimonials for you to get a sense of how they work with clients.
- Ask for a trial. I prefer to offer new clients my smallest package of hours (10 hours) in order to get to know how we will work together. This is an important period in the relationship and will lead to a better understanding of whether our styles mesh or not.
- Go for it! Your VA will be just as committed to the success of the relationship as you will. After all, it's their business!
Tips
- Ask for samples of DTP, web or graphic work
- Be open and honest about how you work - if you are micromanager, say so! It's best to start off on the right foot!
- Check out the VA's website - it will give you a great deal of info on your prospective partner!
Warnings
- You get what you pay for - remember that when discussing pricing!
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Hire a Virtual Assistant. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.