The Three C’s to Consider When Hiring A Virtual Assistant (Part 2 of 2)

Last week was the first part of this two-part post. It was titled The Three C’s You Should Offer Your Clients As A Virtual Assistant. Feel free to click that link and read what you missed. Today we’re going to flip the script. The first post was looking through the eyes of a virtual assistant. Now you’re the consumer. Business is booming and you need help. You’re thinking of partnering with a virtual assistant. I suggest that you consider the same three C’s in your search: Connect, Communicate, Customer Service.

Work with a virtual assistant
You and a VA: A Perfect Match

CONNECT

Take a moment to research a bit about the VA. Check out their website and social media presence. Feel free to connect with them by calling or sending an e-mail or a tweet. Tell them why you’re interested in their services. Striking up this conversation will help you to decide if the two of you are a good fit. Did you feel comfortable speaking with them by the end of the conversation? Often the initial connection is all it takes for you to decide to move forward.

COMMUNICATE

Now that you’ve made the initial connection, was the person easy to reach? A good virtual assistant will be willing to communicate with you by whatever means you prefer. If you prefer e-mails over phone calls or tweets versus texts, your virtual assistant should accommodate this within reason. Don’t be afraid to ask for a trial run if you’re not sure that a VA is right for you. Remember to be very clear with your expectations. You are immersed in every detail of your business on a daily basis. This person is new to what you do and how you do it. Therefore, it is important to clearly communicate your needs and not assume that they know what you want.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

After communicating your needs, give the virtual assistant time to respond. Remember that helping others to succeed in their business is what they do. The VA may come up with a solution you may not have thought of or a way to automate something to save you time and money. A virtual assistant doesn’t work under you in your business. They are independent contractors. They work with you in your business. After you work on your first project together, evaluate the situation. Did they complete the task in a timely and professional manner? Did you achieve the goal you set out to accomplish? In other words, evaluate the service you received as a customer.

If you answered “yes” to the questions above, you may have established a great relationship. Keep it going and you will see the benefits in no time at all.

Have you worked with a virtual assistant? What was your experience? Thinking of working with one? What’s holding you back? I’d love your feedback in the comments section.

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2 thoughts on “The Three C’s to Consider When Hiring A Virtual Assistant (Part 2 of 2)”

  1. Outsourcing and VA’s seem to be gaining a lot of traction especially in these economic times.

    I’m guessing the customer has to take into consideration the value being provided and how it aligns with their expectations; the cost; is it convenient, readily accessible? And this is where the communication piece is key to make sure it is a good fit for both parties.

    Good info and thanks for sharing; hope you have a great weekend.

    1. Hi Bill!

      Yes, outsourcing is becoming more common as more online (and offline) businesses develop and grow. You are absolutely right when you talk about considering the value of it. I see it all the time. VA’s will talk about potential clients who just aren’t sure if they want to spend the money to outsource. Then they do it. They’re so thrilled that they wish they had done it sooner and would pay so much more than what they’re being charged. Thanks for stopping by:)

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