5 Easy Steps to Hiring A Virtual Assistant

Congratulations, you have already taken the first step toward hiring a virtual assistant. At this point, you have realized that your workload continues to grow and it is time to delegate some tasks but you are not exactly sure how to choose the right virtual assistant. Hiring a virtual assistant may seem difficult, especially when you are delegating important tasks to grow your business. You want to hire someone who genuinely wants to help your business to succeed. That is ultimately the role of a virtual assistant, to give you more free time, which is a perk!

Discover how easy it is to outsource tasks to a virtual assistant to improve your time management and small business plan. Working in the wedding industry your main goal is to provide the best possible services to your clients. Although daily tasks of running a business can get in the way of real client interactions. Continue to read to learn how a virtual assistant can greatly help to improve your workload and your time management.

As the owner of Appalora Virtual Services, I started my business to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses with digital marketing. Many people do not realize what it takes to run a business. It’s not just working with clients directly, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into running a successful business. Although you will find when searching for a virtual assistant everyone offers something different. So how do you find the right one? Continue to read to get answers.

Step 1. Determine which tasks you would like to delegate:

Start by making a list of all of the tasks that you currently have on your plate. Take a good long look at what you have written down or typed out. I would recommend typing it because it will make the next step much easier. Next, make a column for enjoyable tasks and not-so-fun tasks. No hiding here, everyone has tasks they do not enjoy even though they love their business. 

Once you have both lists completed it is time to figure out how much actual time you want to get back. For example, you have been spending fifty hours a week on your business but you really want to go back to forty hours a week because you are feeling burnt out. Figure out tasks that can add up to ten hours a week from both of your lists or maybe just from your not-so-fun list (that’s ok too, don’t feel guilty). Something that you might not like doing someone else may love doing, we all have our strengths in different ways. Now that you have your list of tasks you would like to delegate to a virtual assistant, it is time to move on to Step 2. 

Step 2. Research Time:

I know what you are thinking, research really? I already have been working overtime for my clients, when do I have time to do research? Don’t get overwhelmed by this, look at it as moving one step closer to getting some of your free time back. Remember that free time, taking a walk in the park with your dog or sitting on the couch with a hot cup of tea and watching your favorite movie, or meeting up with friends that you haven't seen for months sounds amazing right, and totally worth it! 

Starting off you want to research virtual assistants who are familiar with your business. Make sure whomever you choose has a background in the population you serve. This will greatly narrow down the search. I also recommend searching on Pinterest, Facebook groups, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask for recommendations from other local businesses and mentors who might be able to share valuable information.

Step 3. Read Their Blogs

This step is so important to get to know who you might potentially work with. Your business is your baby! You’re proud of what it has become and you want someone who has the same values. You can get a good idea of who someone is by reading their blogs. Do they genuinely want to help their clients or are they being pushy and trying to get money out of you? Are they knowledgeable about the tasks you wish to delegate to them? The best way to find their blogs is on their websites and also on Pinterest. So take some time with a hot cup of coffee or tea (I’m a tea drinker, myself!) and start reading some blogs! 

Step 4. Schedule a Chat 

Most virtual assistants offer a free chat for you to ask questions and to get to know who you might be hiring. It looks good if a virtual assistant asks initial questions such as what services you are interested in and if you want a video chat or a phone chat prior to the meeting. I highly recommend a video chat if you are comfortable because you can get a better feel for who someone is if you can see them. Ultimately you want to feel comfortable paying your virtual assistant for services.

What happens if you find a virtual assistant that you feel would be an amazing fit but they don't offer the services you need to delegate? First off don’t get discouraged, most intake questions ask if you have other services you would like to delegate other than what's listed. Even if a virtual assistant does not have something listed it doesn't hurt to ask if it is something they can provide. If they are willing to take on new tasks for you, be patient and plan to work with them a little longer to make sure they know your expectations and the task at hand. If the virtual assistant does not feel comfortable taking on the task they may be able to refer you to someone else who they think will be a better fit. 

Step 5. Being On The Same Page

You have made it to step 5 and you have found the perfect virtual assistant but before you sign anything you need to make sure every detail is finalized and you fully understand your virtual assistant's role. First off hiring a virtual assistant does not mean you have an assistant to boss around. Instead, you will be purchasing their packages or retainer hours and they will be offering their professional services. Once you choose a package they will go into detail about what that will look like throughout let's say a month. Make sure you ask any questions you have during this time. Your expectations are just as important as your virtual assistant's expectations. Make sure you start off working as a team because communication is key throughout the entire process. 

Let's recap how to hire a virtual assistant in just five easy steps. First, you want to create a list of tasks you would like to delegate. The next step is researching virtual assistants who are familiar with your business. Read their blogs and get a good idea of who they are and their values. Next, you want to schedule a video chat to get a better understanding of their packages and rates. Lastly, make sure you are both on the same page. It will never work if you do not have good communication upfront. Ok, I lied the real last step is to celebrate because you are this close to signing a contract to hire a virtual assistant! If you have any questions about these steps or want to learn more about how Applalora Virtual Services LLC can help your business check out the services we offer, here.

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