What is a VA?

A Virtual Assistant (VA) is a highly skilled professional who can help with tasks that are typically done in an office setting. They normally offer administrative assistance, such as scheduling appointments, booking travel, diary and email management. They may also offer marketing services, such as social media management, ad campaigns, and blog and website creation.

Virtual assistants are often used by small businesses and entrepreneurs who need help with managing their tasks, but don’t have the time or resources to do everything themselves. With such a diverse skill set at their disposal, it’s no wonder that many small business owners are turning to virtual assistants to help with the day-to-day running of their businesses.

Not only that but most virtual assistants are running their own small businesses themselves so they can empathise with you, understand your challenges and are often a great sounding board to bounce ideas off.

The benefits of hiring a VA

Time savings

A VA allows you to free up time and resources. You can outsource all those essential yet time-consuming tasks that stop you from focusing on other areas of your business. They can also give you a break to focus more on personal time.

Cost savings

A VA is usually more affordable than hiring a full-time employee, as they can be hired on a project basis or on a retainer. This means you only pay for the services you need when you need them. This can be a great way to manage your budget and get the help you need without breaking the bank. Having a VA check in for you a couple of times per day can also give your clients the impression that you have a team working for you, when in fact you are still a one-man band, improving your customer’s experience with your business.

Increased efficiency

By hiring a virtual assistant, you can ensure that all your tasks are completed on time and to the highest standards. By taking advantage of their skill set, you will be able to focus on other core activities while knowing that all tasks are being handled effectively. They can also hold you accountable for those core activities helping to ensure your business is staying on track.

Access to specific skills

When you hire a VA, you can find the right expertise for your project and benefit from their diverse skillset. Whether you’re looking for someone with specific language capabilities, in-depth industry knowledge, or something else entirely, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your business. What’s more, a VA will have access to an extensive network of professional people, which means you don’t have to worry about wasting time or money looking for suitable candidates for a specific task or project – it’s all taken care of for you.

What to look for when choosing a VA

A VA is an asset for any business looking to grow and succeed, but there are some things to consider to ensure that person is right for your business.

The virtual assistant you work with should be reliable and have relevant experience with the type of work you need them to do. This could include having the right technical skills and experience, such as Microsoft Office, online calendars, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and other tools and software that you’re are already using in your business.

Think about your budget. VA services can vary in price, so knowing what you are happy to spend is key to getting the balance right between costs and the level of service you need. Always agree upfront on a set number of hours per week or month, as this will help to avoid any surprises on your bill.

Good communication is key to developing a great working relationship. Be clear about what tasks you expect them to complete and what your deadlines are. By doing this, you can be sure that both you and your virtual assistant are on the same page from the start. We also recommend a weekly check in call with your VA for a quick sit rep and to give both parties the opportunity to ask questions and remove bottlenecks preventing progress with particular tasks.

By taking the time to find the right person for the job, you can ensure that you have an experienced and trustworthy virtual assistant who can help take your business to the next level. If you are considering working with a VA, feel free to schedule a call so we can talk about your business, and how Shift-MVA can help you.