Ask any successful internet business owner what is the one thing that contributes to their success. Ask them what is the one thing they wish they’d done differently right from the beginning? Almost all of them will have the same answer – outsourcing to a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can be a real business saver as, generally, you only pay them for the time on task.

However, not all virtual assistants are created equal. Here’s how to recognize a reliable virtual assistant.

#1 Ask people you know and trust. Networking can save you a tremendous amount of time. Simply ask people you know, whether they’re in your industry or another one, who they use to manage their administrative tasks. But don’t stop there. Ask them what the person’s strengths are and if they would recommend them to others.

#2 Visit their website and look for clues. A good virtual assistant will have a well thought-out website. It’ll clearly list their strengths and services and make it easy to get in contact with them. They may also provide learning materials for you. For example, a free downloadable report on how to hire a virtual assistant. If their website is a mess, red flags are waving!  If they are unable to manage their own business website, they won’t be able to manage yours.

#3 Testimonials. Happy customers love to give rave reviews and a savvy virtual assistant will publish those testimonials proudly on their website.

#4 Clear terms, policies and communication. Because much of what you do with a virtual assistant will rely on attention to detail, it’s important to have that groundwork established from the very beginning. A virtual assistant that is vague about how they charge, and is slow to respond to your emails or phone calls isn’t going to be the reliable assistant you’re looking for.

#5 They ask questions. You know someone is listening when they ask questions. Questions demonstrate not only a desire to make sure they do the job right. They also indicate a knowledge or skill set. If your initial communication with a virtual assistant is question free, you may want to dig a bit deeper. Make sure they understand your needs and will be able to meet them.

#6 Can they provide references? Some virtual assistants take matters into their own hands and actually publish references on their website. With others, you need to ask for them. Either is fine. What isn’t fine is if a virtual assistant cannot immediately give you a few references to contact.

#7 Guarantees and initial deposits. Don’t pay a virtual assistant the entire project cost up front. The most an assistant is likely to ask for is a 50% deposit with the remainder of the fee due once they’ve completed the job. Also look to see if they have any guarantees or what their policies are if you’re unhappy with the results.

It’s always smart, no matter how reliable you believe the virtual assistant to be, to start small. Run a few test projects so the two of you can get used to working together. Often the best business relationships are based on clear communication and goals, and that can take a little time.  But stick at it, because building a strong working relationship with a virtual assistant you can trust might be the best thing you ever did for your own business.

AUTHOR: Helen Byrne
Helen Byrne is a UK-based Virtual PA and she established her own business - PA-as-you-go.com - to promote the Virtual Assistant industry in the UK and to provide businesses with a flexible and cost effective alternative to employing support personnel full time.

This article may be freely reproduced with the Author’s details intact, including all links.

Well, it’s been a busy few months.
While the “credit crunch” is bad news for many businesses, it’s actually generated renewed interest in the virtual services available through PA-as-you-go.com.  As more and more businesses are warming to the idea of “virtual” working arrangements, hiring a Virtual Assistant can be a very flexible and cost-effective solution to staffing problems in these uncertain economic times.

Don’t forget if you need an extra pair of hands but can’t commit to employing a full-time member of staff right now, maybe PA-as-you-go can provide the perfect solution.  Why not give me a call?

Now for the news on my City Centre Spot…………………
Along with a number of other local businesses here in the North West, I was recently offered the opportunity to get massive exposure for PA-as-you-go by having my logo included on a billboard outside the MEN Arena in Manchester.

To see it for yourself, just go to www.brother.co.uk/manchesterad.  The moving logos across the bottom of the page provide links to the individual websites.

Here are a couple of photos…………  second row, third from right.

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Time is money.  So, if you outsource work (particularly non-income-earning work) you have more time to spend personally on activities that generate income for your own business.
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Depending on how you promote yourself, you may be sending out the wrong message as to the skills and abilities that you offer.  Instead of listing many areas of expertise or services, it might be better to focus instead on just six or seven hot spots. These would be the areas where not only do you have the most experience and expertise, but they are also the kind of tasks you enjoy the most. (more…)

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