How to Contract a Virtual Assistant

Are you one of the many business owners that needs help with your paperwork? Instead of doing it all yourself or hiring an employee, a Virtual Assistant may be your solution!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Paperwork that you would rather not do
• Idea of what to do with the time you have for yourself

1. 
   Are you overwhelmed with paperwork?

   First, take a look around your office or workspace. Are you doing more paperwork than you would like and would prefer to spend your time on the things that bring in your income? Maybe you need help but not enough to go through the expense and hoops of having an employee. Most Virtual Assistants can be contracted to work 10, 20 or 30 hours per month. Go through your paperwork, billing, word processing, and other administrative tasks that take up your valuable time and decide if you can put your own time to better use.

2. 
   Give away the paperwork and enjoy

   Decide how much work you can delegate successfully. What needs to be faxed, emailed or snail mailed to your Virtual Assistant. Think about the amount of time it would take you to accomplish these tasks and what amount of time you feel you need to contract your new assistant to do them for you. Are the tasks on going or more project work related?

3. 
   VAs work from home and save you money

   Create a wish list. What are all the types of services you could find useful from your assistant. Begin to research what services a Virtual Assistant can offer. There may be services that you will find will help you that you has not considered so far. See the resources below for recommended Virtual Assistants.

4. 
   Now you can relax - instead of doing it all yourself

   Examine what is offered on several Virtual Assistants' websites and find a few that you feel will suit your needs. Keep in mind services that you may need in the future as your business grows. After you have narrowed down your choices to three or under, contact each and set a conference call to discuss your needs and what package or rate plan will best suit you.

5. 
   Spend more time with family and friends

   During your conference calls, get a feel for not just the services and rate plan but the personality of the Virtual Assistant you are contacting. Is this a person you feel comfortable and relaxed regarding your business needs. Are you satisfied with the amount of experience that Virtual Assistant has in the brick and mortar world?

6. 
   VAs are more cost effective

   Choose your new Virtual Assistant. Call or email each person you spoke with over the phone and thank them for their time. Have your new Virtual Assistant send you a contract that clarifies your agreement. Look over your contract carefully, sign it and return it in a timely manner. This is your first step in a terrific business relationship!

7. 
   Get back the balance in your life

   Relax. Go do something fun with the new time that you now have available to you. Focus on your most meaningful goals, whether that be more quality time with your family, bringing in more business, or that trip to Disney World you have been wanting to take! Hey, maybe your new Virtual Assistant can set that up for you...

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a hard time deciding between Virtual Assistants, go with the one you enjoyed speaking with the most. Business skills can be learned much easier than personal skills.
• Remember that you are contracting a Virtual Assistant for his or her time, and not hiring an employee. There is a difference - You pay a VA for the time upfront and use it during the month to best suit your needs - an employee spends a set amount of hours to physically be there to do your work, then you pay them for the time in your office.
• VAs will bill you only for the time actually spent on your work, not for breaks, vacation time and sick days. And being professionals, they tend to work faster than an average employee, so you may not need as many hours as you think each month. Better to start with less hours and build as you need them.
• Communication with your VA is always key to the best results. Be proactive and give your VA a few days to get your projects done so the VA doesn't end up rushing all your work.
• Do not be sticker shocked on "hourly" rates. VAs pay for all their own taxes, office space and equipment. And again, they work faster than your average employee who you pay for break time, vacations and office chit chat.
• Do not be afraid to use a Virtual Assistant located in another state or country. These Assistants can do the same job from "Virtually" anywhere!

Resources

• VAs for hire: Time For You Assistance Website
• VAs for hire: Admin 911 Website

[Fuller1972]

on 6/21/2008 Great information, very informative. Perhaps you could write another article on how to become a virtual assistant.