If your to-do list is full of admin, systems, and support work (and you’re still the one doing all of it) it’s time to ask yourself:
What if someone else could take this off your plate?
That someone? A virtual assistant.
But with so many options out there (local, offshore, agency, freelancer), how do you know which is right for you? Here’s how to hire the right VA for your business - without wasting time, money, or momentum.
Step 1: Know what kind of support you need
Start by listing the tasks you:
Don’t like doing
Aren’t good at
Keep putting off
Know you shouldn’t be doing anymore
These are prime candidates for delegation.
Now ask yourself:
Do you want support with admin, finance, marketing, or tech?
Do you need occasional help, or consistent day-to-day support?
Do you prefer working closely with one person or accessing a wider team?
Your answers will help you decide what kind of VA is the best fit.
Step 2: Choose the right model for your business
There are three main options when hiring a VA:
1. Offshore/Overseas Virtual Assistant
Lower hourly rate
May require more hands-on management
Ideal for task-based or process-driven work
2. Freelance Virtual Assistant (Local)
Mid-range cost (usually $30–$60/hr NZD)
Great if you want to work with one person long-term
Limited to their individual skillset and availability
3. VA Agency (Like Strictly Savvy)
Higher investment (typically $70–$150/hr)
Access to a team of specialists (bookkeeping, marketing, tech, etc.)
One point of contact, built-in continuity, and full project management
Want help deciding which model is right for you? Take our Support Option Quiz.
Step 3: Do your homework
A quick Google search isn’t enough. Look for:
Specific experience with your systems or industry
Clear processes for onboarding and communication
If you’re hiring a freelancer, ask for references or work samples. If you’re working with an agency, ask how they match you with the right VA.
Step 4: Book a discovery call
This is where you figure out the fit.
Come prepared to talk about:
Your business and what’s slowing you down
Tasks you’d like to delegate
How you prefer to work
From there, you’ll get a tailored recommendation for the level of support you need - whether that’s a few hours a week or full-scale daily support.
Step 5: Get started (you don’t need to have it all figured out)
You don’t need a perfectly prepped task list to hire a VA.
Start with what’s most urgent or time-consuming. That might be:
Inbox and calendar management
Invoicing or reconciling accounts
Posting to social media
Following up with leads
As you build trust, you’ll be able to hand over more - and your VA will start recommending better tools, systems, and workflows along the way.
Want this to actually work long term?
Hiring a VA isn’t a quick fix, it’s a strategy. But with the right setup, it can be a game-changer for your capacity, clarity, and business growth.
We cover more about getting started in our blogs:
Ready to get real support in place? Book a discovery call and let’s talk about how we can take the load off - so you can focus on what actually moves your business forward.
