As a Virtual Assistant that has her own Virtual Assistants I have a unique perspective when it comes to hiring virtual help.

By unique, I mean I know what I’m talking about so listen up.

In the virtual world there are certain norms and etiquette that you will better for knowing.

If not, us VAs are going to talk about you.

(No really, don’t become the next subject of the “Let me tell yall’” email)

As a business owner, you are expected to approach the hiring process with the informed professionalism that is sometimes being abandoned in the online world...no longer.

Here are 5 things you should know before hiring a VA for your business:

Clear Job Duties should be taken seriously.

On the business owners side, having clear job duties ensures that you know what to expect from your VA.

Most VA’s will have their client, you, to sign a contract that will detail their job duties.

Having clear expectations ensures that both parties can clearly identify if/when the mark has been missed or met.

Businesses owners should be sure that their VA knows what is needed now and what will be needed in the future from them.

VAs are independent contractors

This means two things, respect their time and respect their role. Although a VA works for you, they are not your employee. They most likely have other clients (unless you have bought their services out). This calls for you “the client” to be organized each week and know what needs to be done in ADVANCE. If not, there may delay the return of work.

I do know some VA’S that do emergency “drop everything” work for an upcharge but, you should be clear of your VA’s working practices.

VAs are not interns

If you are looking for an intern to provide low or no pay work in exchange for training, exposure, or reference--be clear that is what you want. Otherwise inquiring a VA of their services just to say you can not pay is offensive.

Do your research

Before setting a meeting or interview with a VA you should have done research on their area of expertise, hourly/project rate, and checked out their website.

The VA will have done as much research on you as possible so it is only courteous for you to have a ballpark idea of the person you are inviting into your business.

This is no one night stand

When it comes to having a VA communication is key.

Some Virtual Assistants consider weekly Skype meetings with their client life or death. They tout them to set the tone, expectation, and urgency for the week.

Clear lines of communication help a VA to get approvals for work, check pulse, and to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Hiring a VA is not a one and done thing.

A VA may manage the business but your vision is still needed for guidance.

Get used to getting clear on your desires, direction, and communicating on a regular basis.

One more thing, communication is key but communication is not free.

This is where clarity and communication come into play. Most VA’s do charge for meetings. Well, because, their time and expertise are being used. Meetings with a VA is not just hanging out with a best friend. As much time may be spent with a VA as a best friend but, it should be known, communication is billable time. This means organization and clarity are critical.

Saving time is saving money!

Being a business owner is not easy, I know. There is always something to do and you may be thinking, "If hiring virtual help is going to be this much work I don’t need one."

OHHHHH YES YOU DO!

Being a solo-entrepreneur is a congratulatory step but, at a certain point if you expect your business to grow you must bring on additional help.

You have become a business owner for freedom not to become a prisoner of your own ambitions.

Stay tuned this month! There are going to be some amazing topics coming and we are going to dig wayyyyyyy down deep into the virtual help situation.

See you on the other side,

Bria xoxo

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