Thinking about hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) to lighten your workload?
A VA can be a powerful asset for busy business owners, helping you free up time, stay organised, and focus on high-value tasks - but only if you set them up for success.
To ensure a smooth and productive working relationship, here are six key tips to follow:
Tip #1: Provide All Necessary Details
Ensure your VA has all the necessary logins, passwords, tools, and resources they need from day one. This avoids unnecessary delays and allows them to get started efficiently. Use a password manager like LastPass to securely share login credentials.
Tip #2: Give Context and Relevant Information
This is key! Your VA can complete tasks faster and more effectively when they understand the why behind what they’re doing. Sharing the bigger picture helps them:
Make better decisions.
Deliver higher-quality results.
Anticipate your needs.
Tip #3: Spend Time Upfront
Take the time to train your VA and help them get to know you better. Spending a little time upfront to train your VA and introduce them to your business pays off in the long run. Help them understand:
Your work style and preferences.
Your company values and tone of voice.
Key processes and expectations.
The more they know, the less hand-holding they’ll need later.
Tip #4: Regular Communication is Essential
Regular updates keep everything running smoothly. Messaging apps like WhatsApp or Slack make it easy to check in, share quick updates, and clarify expectations. A 10-second voice message can often replace a lengthy email!
Tip #5: Be Open to Feedback and Suggestions
Your VA isn’t just there to take tasks off your plate, they bring experience, insights, and fresh ideas. They’ve worked with other businesses and know what works. Be open to their suggestions for:
Streamlining processes.
Automating repetitive tasks.
Improving efficiency.
Tip #6: Set Deadlines
Without deadlines, tasks can slip through the cracks. Help your VA prioritise effectively by setting:
Due dates for tasks.
Urgent vs. non-urgent priorities.
Expected turnaround times.
This ensures work is completed on time and in the right order.
Ready to Make the Most of Your VA?
By following these tips, you’ll build a strong, efficient working relationship with your VA, helping you reclaim time for what really matters - growing your business, focusing on strategic goals, and enjoying a better work-life balance.
Let’s chat about how we can support your business. Book a discovery call today!
