If you feel like you’re juggling a dozen tasks at once and still struggling to keep up, then the chances are you are in need of some support!
As a fellow small business owner, I’ve been there too. But thankfully we now have Virtual Assistants (VA) available to support us without the need to risk the costs of employing permanent staff. They can take care of those tedious tasks that are eating up your time and energy. Let me show you how to harness their superpowers effectively!
How Do I Know If Now Is The Right Time To Work With A Virtual Assistant?
You’re drowning in emails, buried under piles of paperwork, and you can’t remember the last time you had a moment to breathe. Sound familiar? It might be time to call in reinforcements.
Take a step back and assess your workload. Are there tasks that make you groan every time you think about them? Those are prime candidates for delegation.
And hey, don’t forget about the perks! Virtual assistants can save you time, money, and sanity, giving you the freedom to focus on the stuff you actually enjoy.
What Are The Right Tasks to Delegate To A VA?
Before you dive in, take a moment to think about what tasks you want to hand off to your VA. Make a list of the things that are weighing you down and slowing your roll. Take a look at your to-do list and ask yourself:
- Is this task essential to my business’s success?
- Is it something only I can do?
If the answers are “no,” it’s time to pass the torch.
Be strategic about it! Think about the tasks that eat up your time (e.g. managing emails, or doing research). Focus on tasks that are repetitive, time-consuming, or outside your zone of genius. Those are the ones your VA can tackle like a pro. Those are perfect for your VA to tackle while you conquer the bigger, bolder tasks. Don’t feel like you need to delegate everything at once. You can start small and work up to bigger more complex tasks as you build up trust and understanding between your two businesses.
How Do I Know Which Virtual Assistant is Right For Me?
Now comes the fun/scary part: finding your virtual assistant match.
Start by thinking about what skills you need. Do you need a social media whiz? A spreadsheet wizard? A customer service champ?
Next, research on the web, after all that’s where VA’s live! In the UK you can check out The Society of Virtual Assistants as a start point. They have plenty of approved VA’s with details about what tasks they perform. Check out the VA’s website too to get a feel for them, their personality and style.
And don’t forget to consider things like time zones and communication styles. You want someone who’s not just skilled, but also easy to work with.
Using a VA is like working with any other contractor or consultant. You need to give them the lay of the land, introduce them to your business, and make them feel part of your business.
Normally a VA will offer a free call before you make your final decision so take some time to chat, get to know each other, and set expectations. The better you understand each other, the smoother the sailing will be.
You Know What You Need Doing and Who You Want To Do It, Now How do you Onboard Your Virtual Assistant?
Prepare Clear Instructions:
- Communication is key, my friend! When you’re delegating tasks, be crystal clear about what you need. Write down instructions, create checklists, or even record videos if that’s what you like.
- Don’t be afraid to over-communicate. It’s better to give too much info than not enough.
Set Deadlines That Work for Everyone:
- Deadlines are like guardrails on a winding road—they keep you on track and heading in the right direction. Set clear deadlines for tasks and agree on them with your VA.
- But remember, flexibility is key. Life happens, things change, and that’s okay. Be open to adjusting deadlines as needed.
- Your VA will also have lead times for work to be completed and other clients so ensure you can both fit in to one another’s scheduling
Realize You Don’t Need to Control Everything:
Repeat after me: “I am not a micromanager.” Delegating tasks means letting go of the reins a little bit and trusting your VA to get the job done.
It’s okay to loosen your grip and give your VA the freedom to do their thing. You hired them for a reason, right?
Remember you hired them for the outcome, not how they got to that outcome
Trust Your Virtual Assistant:
- Trust is the glue that holds the delegation process together. Believe in your VA’s abilities, give them space to shine, and watch the magic happen.
- Remember, trust is a two-way street. Show your VA that you trust them, and they’ll go above and beyond to deliver.
Give Enough Time for Amendments on the First Few Tasks:
- Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a perfect working relationship. Give yourselves some grace and space to figure things out.
- After your VA completes their first few tasks, take some time to review and give feedback. It’s all about learning each other’s styles and finding your groove.
Conclusion
So there you have it! With your virtual assistant by your side, there’s no task too daunting. Like with any business though, preparation is key. Yes, it might take a bit of time to prepare and set up but think of the time you will get back and the advantages you will see from using a VA!
By delegating like a pro and trusting your VA to work their magic, you’ll free up time to focus on the stuff that really lights your fire. So go ahead, take the plunge, and let your VA be your catalyst. Together, you’ll conquer the business world, one task at a time.