The title says it all – as much as I like to think of virtual assistants being able to do everything an on-site assistant can do, there are some people who are just not suited to working with a VA. So how do you know if your business would be improved by hiring someone or whether it would leave you frustrated and still having to do your own admin?
Here’s who shouldn’t hire a VA:
- Do you need someone on site? It’s a fact – some tasks still require an on-site employee. I’m thinking for customer facing roles like in a shop or a business where you physically need someone to perform tasks like manufacturing or packaging. Much as we are very good at mastering tasks virtually, we still haven’t managed virtual coffee or remote avatars to show clients into the boardroom.
- Are you reasonably tech savvy? You need a reasonable level of knowledge to be able to work with a VA. Mostly this will be sending emails with attachments, but it could also involve other elements of being comfortable with computers.
- Are you prepared to pay? Average VA rates range from £15-£35 per hour. Anyone charging less than this is not a professional VA as they haven’t factored in the costs of continuing in business, updating software, paying tax, security/data back up etc. You’ll be disappointed with the results and won’t be getting the full benefit that a VA can bring to your business. VAs are small businesses too, and they can’t afford to be bankrolling your business – make sure they get paid!
- Are you a start up? If so, learn how to do the task yourself. An unusual position for a VA but I say it because 1) you probably don’t have the budget to hire me long term and 2) it’s important that you understand the admin process so you know what you’re asking me to do and can check I’m doing a good job.
- Is all your data in one place? VAs rely, to some extent, on clients being able to supply them with data in the first place. You might need to spend a few hours collecting and collating information for them before you start using a VA. It’s time well spent though as once it’s done, you’ll be able to outsource the task and never have to do it again! Those who love paper beware – we’ll be sending a courier and digitalising it.
- Are you ready to relinquish control? Micromanagers don’t make good VA clients. Whilst your VA should check in regularly and keep you up to date with your projects, they do have other clients and will need to juggle commitments in order to hit deadlines.
- Is everything urgent? For the same reason, clients who leave everything to the last minute will be sorely disappointed by using a VA. The VA can help you to avoid time crunched projects by helping you to organise in advance, but if you have a habit of leaving everything to the last minute there’s a good chance that your VA might not be able to hit your deadline or that you’ll be charged rush-job fees.
- Are you running for the hills? Working with a VA is so great that we find a lot of clients revel in their new found freedom… They are no longer tied to their desks, they are free of their phones…. And they LOVE it! In fact so much that we occasionally have to remind them that it is still their business and they have certain unshirkable responsibilities. Make sure you return phone calls and stay on top of your other responsibilities.
But if you are the perfect VA client – we’ve have some exciting news for you… The UK Approved Virtual Assistant Scheme is back up and running!
Click here for more details: https://www.societyofvirtualassistants.co.uk/?p=823