Just getting started with a virtual assistant? Make sure you have a few key systems in place from day one to make working with your new VA a breeze.
Paid Email Account
First impressions matter! An email is one of the first ways many customers will interact with your business. Using your business's domain name in your email shows that your business is legit and increases trust in your brand.
Avoid cheap email hosting as it'll make it harder for your VA to access your accounts. Instead, use platforms like Google Workspaces or Office 365, which are easy for your VA to access and manage. Trust me, it'll save you a lot of headaches in the long run!
Google Workspaces or Office 365 do cost, but they're worth it. If you need the Microsoft Office Suite, go with Office 365. But if you don't need it, Google Workspaces is a great cheaper option. Both options not only allow your VA to get the access they need to your email account, but allow for improved collaboration and productivity with the additional services that they offer.
Shared Task List
Keep track of tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines with a shared task list. This enables you and your VA to stay on the same page about what needs to be done, who's responsible for what, and when things are due. No more miscommunications or confusion about who's doing what.
Some of our favorite options for task lists include Teamwork (we use this at Strictly Savvy), Asana, Trello (free but limited), To-doist, and Monday.com.
Prioritise keeping the tasks lists up to date and delegate tasks with all the info that your virtual assistant needs.
Communication Channel
Good communication is key when it comes to working with a virtual assistant. You need to have a clear and easy way to talk to each other, whether that's through email, phone, or some other means.
A great starting point could be Whatsapp or Voxer with voice messaging for quick and efficient communication, but some popular options include email, phone, or messaging apps like Slack or Zoom. Whatever you choose, just make sure that it's something that works well for both of you, and that you can easily reach each other when needed.
To sum up, getting started with a VA can be quick and easy if you have the right systems in place.
Using a trusted email platform, a shared task list, and finding a communication method that works for you will ensure that your experience with a VA is a successful one.
Ready to learn more about getting started with a VA? Book a discovery call to chat to us about how hiring a VA can boost your productivity and free up your time to focus on the things that really matter.
