3 Things to consider before looking for a VA

You might think the first post in the series should be around what tasks you could give a VA, and it is a sensible place to start, but actually I think it’s best to make sure your mindset around getting one is in the right place first. 

I’m a big believer in following my gut instinct with business – it’s served me pretty well in the 5 years I’ve been running my own – but the boldest and most impactful moments are when my gut instinct is supported by facts and figures. When they come together their strength breeds confidence.

So, what’s the mindset you need and what possible facts and figures can support it? Here’s some starting points for you.

BUDGET

I don’t just mean have you got the money in the bank to pay for a VA, although obviously that’s a major consideration. I mean are you ready for what they might cost you and are you prepared to part with that amount? The average rate for a VA is £27 per hour, and whilst there are lower and higher out there, it’s key that you understand a bit about the rates so you understand just what value they can bring.  For starters there’s the wealth of varied experience which they will bring to their tasks, and ultimately to your business.  I’m sure your experiences inform a lot about what you do, and the same goes for a VA, so even if it’s not directly related to their task I bet there’s knowledge and experience they will confidently draw on to your advantage.  On a practical level you also need to consider the differences between them and an employee – there’s equipment, insurance, work space and many other overheads that they will be incurring too.

COMMUNICATION

This aspect has a few elements to it too.  It’s essential to understand that whilst a VA will be providing a service to you, the most successful relationships are ones that are partnerships. A VA is not an employee and respecting that independence and autonomy, which you’ll demonstrate through how you communicate, will allow them to work at their most effective.

Again there’s the practical side of communication too.  How do you communicate with people you work with? How do you take your notes or write down your thoughts, strategies and to-do lists? I’m not suggesting you’ll have to change every way you work, but you do need to be prepared to open up with your communication and perhaps trial different processes in order to communicate effectively and efficiently remotely.

STRATEGY

A VA will take things off your plate so you can direct your valuable time and energy where they can best serve your business.  That is exactly what they’re there for.  But if you know where you want your business to go, and the strategy you want to implement to get there, your forward thinking will get you in the right mind-set to really make the most out of having a VA.  Once you have the destination in your mind, you will also have more perspective and so passing over some of your day to day tasks so you can get there will seem less laden with pressure. Not to mention the positive energy you’ll exude with your excitement and drive will make you someone that’s great to work with – that energy can be infectious!

So those are my 3 first things to consider before you make a start of searching for a VA.  If your mindset is in the right place any potential VAs to work with will pick up on it, and that’s a good thing.  Of course your own unique circumstances might mean some of these elements are more relevant than others, but in essence if you’re in a pragmatic frame of mind finding that perfect VA for your won’t be too tricky.

So, now you’re in the right mind-set to make the most of having some support, let’s get you started!