You may have recently heard the terms outsourcing or out-tasking. They pertain to delegating some of the responsibilities of your business to someone else. Are you ready to outsource? Find out with these questions and things to consider.
Definition
A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent contractor who provides virtual or online office assistance in the form of administrative, technical, and sometimes creative services. In a typical office, this person would be called an administrative assistant or secretary. A virtual assistant’s clients may be large corporations, small businesses, or home business owners.
The decision to hire a virtual assistant is not always an easy one; however, it can be one of the best business moves you make. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you should be outsourcing or out-tasking.
- Do I feel guilty because I don’t have enough family time?
- Do I miss spending time doing things I enjoy?
- Do I desire more time to build my business or work on special projects?
- Do I feel stressed because I’m trying to do it all?
- Do I fear what would happen if there was an emergency or I went on vacation?
- Do I lack experience in an area and need skilled help?
- Do I feel that my existing support is overwhelmed or stressed?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you’ll probably be looking for an assistant soon.
What can you outsource?
One of the most frequently asked questions is about what can you outsource. In general, a virtual assistant can do almost anything that an administrative assistant or secretary could, except bring you coffee. You can see a list of some things that a VA can do on the Services page, where I have listed our specialties and services.
Every business is different so only you can decide what a VA can do for you. To find out exactly how a virtual assistant can help you, take a few notes during the next few days. These notes should include tasks that:
- You don’t like to do
- You don’t know how to do
- You don’t have time to do
- You find frustrating or tedious
- You are tired of doing
- You find boring
- Take time away from the things you do best
Can you afford a Virtual Assistant?
In most cases, you can afford to hire a virtual assistant. Many assistants will work with you on the price or work out a trade of some kind. You may also choose to assign small tasks to help you stick to your budget. The point is that you need to know of someone you can contact if an emergency arises. This takes planning on your part. Talk to your online business friends. Get suggestions from them and then start working on small projects with a VA.
How do you ask a Virtual Assistant to do a project?
A business owner and VA usually communicate through email, fax, and/or telephone. Assignments are often agreed upon through email, where business owners initially ask the VA if s/he can do a specific task or project. Depending on the VA’s skills, specialties, and time limits, the assistant may accept or decline the project.
If the task is accepted, a price or rate of pay is agreed upon. (Our prices can be found on the Rates page.) The business owner then writes a detailed list of instructions and provides the assistant with any background information, links, and passwords needed to complete the project. This list is usually emailed to the VA through a supplied email address or contact page.
Did you find out that you are ready to outsource? You probably discovered that you are ready on some level. Begin taking steps to make your life easier. Make a list of things you could have a VA do. Ask your online business associates to help you find a VA who is trustworthy and has a personality that is compatible with your own. This is a must since you will be working closely together.
Best of luck,
Kit
P.S. If you’d like to learn more about outsourcing, sign up for these outsourcing tips and resources.
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