How to Contract a Virtual Assistant
Are you one of the many business owners that needs help with your paperwork? Perhaps you feel you would have more time to focus on growing the business if you had to focus less on processing files, drafting documents and handling some of the routine office work. If so, hiring a virtual assitant may be the best solution for you.
- 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
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1
First, take a look around your office or workspace. If you are doing more paperwork than you would like and would prefer to spend your time on the things that bring in your income, you may need help, but not enough to go through the expense and hoops of hiring a full-time employee. Most virtual assistants can be contracted to work 10, 20 or 30 hours per month. Start by examing your paperwork, billing, word processing and other administrative tasks that take up your time and decide if you can put it to better use.
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2
Decide how much work you can successfully delegate. What needs to be faxed, emailed or 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 ongoing or more project work related?
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3
Create a wish list. What are all the types of services you would find useful from your assistant. Begin to research what services a virtual assistant can offer. There may be services they can provide that you find will help you that you have not considered so far.
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4
Research several virtual assistants by conducting an Internet search. View their websites and identify those that 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.
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5
During your conference calls, get a feel for not just the services offered and the rates of each, but try to get a feel for the personality of the virtual assistant you are contacting. Ask yourself if this a person you feel comfortable in speaking with regarding your business needs. Also, ask yourself if you are satisfied with the amount of experience that virtual assistant has.
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6
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.
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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 her time and not hiring an employee. There is a difference: You pay a virtual assistant for the time upfront and use it during the month to best suit your needs; an employee spends a set amount of hours tin the workplace, which you pay for. Virtual assistants will bill you only for the time actually spent on your work, not for breaks, vacation time and sick days. And they tend to work faster than an average employee, so you may not need as many hours as you think. Better to start with fewer and up them as you need them. Communication with your assistant is always key to the best results. Be proactive and give your assistant a few days to get your projects done so he doesn't end up rushing all of your work. Also, do not be sticker shocked regarding hourly rates. Virtual assistants pay for all their own taxes, office space and equipment. Do not be afraid to use a virtual assistant located in another state or country. These assistants can do the same job from anywhere.
