Engaging a VA?

Then it’s important to remember:

There is no ‘standard’ rate for engaging a VA.  Their cost of living, location, currency, experience and skillset vary considerably.  First you will have to weigh up whether you need to engage someone who is local to where you work, or whether virtual is what you need.

We find that most work can be carried out 100% virtually, unless you need for that VA to be onsite (Minutes of Meetings for example) or to do research that requires local geographical knowledge.

Advantages for working with a Virtual Assistant (VA)

• They’re self-employed, therefore responsible for their own taxes, superannuation, insurances, etc
• They have their own equipment and work in their own office so you don’t have to have the space or equipment available to them
• They own their own software so you don’t have to buy it for them
• Available for short-term or long-term work, i.e. your personal assistant whenever you need them
• You pay $$ per hour for the work they do, not for their lunchbreaks, tea breaks, sick leave, etc
• Already experienced – you don’t need to train them, other than explain how you normally operate – however if there is a need for the VA to learn a new skill, they are generally very willing to do this, or help you find the right VA for that skillset.

Tips for working with a Virtual Assistant (VA)

Be clear about your expectations at the beginning of your project to avoid misunderstandings:

• Understand that the VA is not someone you are going to see every day and is not an employee but instead a business owner who will view your business in a different perspective – they should be seen as a business partner
• VAs do not need to be micromanaged – you’re paying for someone who doesn’t require a lot of supervision and who has experience on their side
• VAs are not sales people so do not expect them to generate sales for you. They are there to assist with aspects of your business that prevent you from generating more income.