Hiring a Virtual Associate (VA) can be a good thing for your business. A VA can help take some load off your shoulders and make things run more smoothly. However, it all comes down to hiring the right VA for the role. When looking for the perfect Virtual Associate, here are some of the things you need to avoid:
Lack of Clearly Defined Expectations
Before anything else, you should clearly define your expectations for your VA. This means giving them clear instructions about the type and amount of work they are expected to do. Like filling any other role, it would be best to outline a job description. The job description you put out should include a brief scope of the work, a list of required skills, the type of work arrangement expected, and whatever additional information you see fit.
Lack of SOP
For things to run smoothly and efficiently, you need to have a standard operating procedure (SOP) that all your employees should be familiar with. By clearly explaining the SOPs to your VA, you can cut down unnecessary back-and-forth and allow them to perform their work as expected.
Lack of Proper Training
Training is always necessary when hiring new employees on board. You should not assume that your VA already has the industry knowledge and advanced skills they will need for the job. While they may have the basic knowledge and skills you hired them for, there are still some areas they would need proper training in.
For example, they may not be familiar with the specific software and platforms your company uses to communicate with each other. Or their experience from their previous employer may be vastly different from yours. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a clear and seamless onboarding process for all your new employees.
Assigning Too Many or Not Enough Tasks
Some employers make the mistake of thinking VAs can handle it all. On the other hand, other employers simply hire a VA for one specific task. Either scenario is not good for your business. You need to ensure you are maximizing your VA’s potential while not stretching them out too thin in their workload.
Lack of Proper Communication
Good communication skills are crucial. You’d be surprised by how much trouble miscommunication can put you through.
So, it’s never a good idea to assume your VA understands what you need them to do without even a brief explanation. Yes, you don’t have to coddle them, but you at least need them to affirm that they clearly understand what you need them to do. And it’s also good to encourage questions to further prevent miscommunication down the line.
Additionally, since it’s going to be a remote setup, you have to drive the importance of timely communication. So, it’s best to set clear hours where you expect them to respond to you.
In Summary
Hiring a Virtual Associate can really make a difference, especially when you feel you have so much on your plate. You just need to make sure you hire the right one by being clear from the start. State your expectations, explain the SOPs, give them proper training, be realistic about their workload, and don’t forget to communicate.
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