Beginners Guide To Hire The Best Virtual Assistant

March 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment

I also needed this kind of post not that long ago. It took me several tries to get a great virtual assistant.

This is the beginners guide to hire the best virtual assistant. We start with the stuff you need before you get going.

Requirements

  1. Clear job description - This includes video that your virtual assistant can watch to know what you want.  Try screen toaster to record quick training videos.
  2. Operations guide - This does not have to be complex, but you need to be able to let the virtual assistant know how you operate.
  3. Budget - If you do not set limits you will regret it later.
  4. Job Listing – Write up your listing for the job.

When you have that follow these steps.

STEP 1: Post your listing at one or more sites

There are many places to post your job listing, such as eLance, ODesk and craigslist.

STEP 2: Sort Applicants

I put clear instructions in the job description, such as “reply with hourly rate” and anyone that does not follow the instructions goes into a “not qualified” pile no matter how good the resume looks.

STEP 3: Interview and Hire Top Virtual Assistants

I typically hire 2-3 people for a trial project and will keep the one (or more) that does the best job.

STEP 4: Manage daily until comfortable

I have the best success when I review work done daily up until I have a great track record with the virtual assistant.

We really hope this has been the type of useful virtual employment information that you needed. If you are looking for more complete instructions consider contacting us and we are here to assist.

 

Posted by va | Filed Under Blog 

7 Things to Review Before Hiring a Virtual Assistant

March 6, 2010 | Leave a Comment

Here is a list of the seven important things to review when purchasing virtual assistant services. These are very important if you are looking for a great price on outsourcing.

Here are the important ones

  1. References – Talk to people that have worked with them.
  2. Availability – How many hours a week are they personally available?
  3. Payment method – Depending on where they are, it can cost a lot sometimes to transfer money.
  4. Experience with your direct need – do not hire someone that says they are good at everything.
  5. Hire two people for small projects and then keep the better of the two long term.
  6. Review work with the virtual assistant every day and stop projects quickly when it is not working out.
  7. Do a self assessment.  Could you do the work in the time you are asking?  Are you expecting too much?

Those are the really important issues.I hope our getting started list is what you needed. In case you are looking for a good virtual assistant right away, you should check out the list on our virtual assistant directory. You might also enjoy some of the other posts on our site that go into greater detail on outsourcing. As you search around, visit trusted blogs and be careful that the information you read about virtual assistant is written by someone who know what they are talking about. Make sure you talk to a skilled professional as well.

 

Posted by va | Filed Under Blog 

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