Denise Griffitts is known as your Nerd In Stilletto’s, and today we talk about Virtual Assistants and Online Business Managers, and how they should be your partner in success, not just a person that does a few daily tasks for you.
You wouldn’t hire a receptionist or office manager without first screening them, and training them, and this is how you should approach using the services of a VA.
Repetitive Tasks
Look at the business you’re running and look at what you’re doing each day that you should not be doing. Make a list of all your repetitive tasks, then create a standard operating procedure document and hand them off.
Then go and do what you do best, the activities that bring in the money.
SOP
You need to create a standard operating procedure because a VA cannot read your mind. You also need to train your VA, so they become your partner in success.
It is important to have 30-60 minute weekly planning sessions, where you deep dive into your business needs.
What do You Need?
Some businesses need a VA, a Social Media Manager and Online Business Manager because they do different roles, or you can hire an agency like Your Office On The Web.
You want fresh ideas, therefore look for VA’s etc. that run a business and works with multiple companies, not someone that treats being a VA as a hobby.
How to Get Started
You need to just put your foot in the water and test it out. No different to hiring your first employee in a brick and mortar business. Put them on a thirty-day trial and see what they can do. They should be working with you and also bringing fresh ideas. If they only do what you tell them and nothing more, be careful.
An incompetent VA can do a lot of damage, so a trial is essential and also recommendations from people that have used a VA.
Some VA’s try and learn on your dime, (as do some businesses coaches).
Don’t Dive In Too Early – Prep First
If you’ve never used a VA before, here are some steps you need to follow before you dive in:
- Learn your own business first. You need to know how the task should be done before you hand them off.
- Write a list of repetitive task and write your SOP/systems and frameworks
- Think about where you want to take your business
- Remember your VA is a partner in your success, not an employee
Where To Find Your First VA
Who do you know, like and trust? Ask for their recommendations. Otherwise follow people online and see what they’re doing and how they get stuff done. See if you can find out who is on their team, and reach out for recommendations.
You also need to know your budget. What can you afford?
Monday Morning Tip
FOCUS: You get a lot more down by not multitasking. Segment your tasks into 45-minute time slots, without any other distractions and see how much more you get done.
If you have any questions, you can email me directly at
Dave Frees MASTER CLASS – CAIRNS
On the 17th of August 2018, Dave M. Frees will be running a one-day MASTER CLASS on ‘Communication, Persuasion and Influence’. Bookings are NOW OPEN and for more details, please visit https://www.tysonfranklin.com/it-s-no-secret-business-conference (Limited to 50 attendees)
I will be the MC for the day and also be doing a presentation ‘How To Use Audio In Your Business To Increase Sales And Make More Money’.
FREE DOWNLOADS:
First 16 Pages of My Book – It’s No Secret There’s Money in Small Business.
12 Secrets to Get More People Through Your Front Door.