So, you found a virtual assistant to work with, and you’re ready to get started! It is so exciting, and you are probably dreaming of all the tasks that you can delegate and what you expect. However, have you considered what your VA expects from you?
Trust me, your VA wants to provide value to your business and wants this to work out just as much as you do. So, what does your VA need from you to make this a successful, long-lasting relationship?
In this article, I will share three areas that I consider when looking for clients: communication, accessibility, and open mindedness.
NOTE: If you haven’t read the first part of this series, I recommend that you do so. By understanding what you need from a virtual assistant, providing clear instructions and feedback, and being open to communication and collaboration, you can create a strong partnership that will benefit your business. So, take the time to find the right VA for you – it could make all the difference!
Being Available
Your virtual assistant is going to need to touch base with you regularly about the tasks that they are assigned. While that may not necessarily mean meeting weekly, you should still be available to provide direction, answer any questions, and give feedback.
It may take some time to figure out what “regularly” means for you – each relationship is different, but the important thing is that your VA knows how and when they can reach you and vice versa.
Being available means they can move forward more quickly, and you can both get into a good working rhythm.
Clear Communication
It is crucial to have crystal clear communication with your VA. Explain the project, timelines, and expectations clearly so they can work better. This will help things run much smoother. Don’t forget – your virtual assistant has multiple clients with various tasks from each.
Understanding the full scope of the project will:
- minimize the need for your VA to seek out clarification;
- help them prioritize their to-do list so that everything is completed on schedule; and
- ensure that the end result meets your expectations and requirements.
Of course, things can change in the middle of a project, but keeping your VA up to date on any changes will be respectful of their time and effort.
Within your business, you have probably forgotten how much you know! What might be second nature to you is still new to your VA, and if you want them to do something, don’t assume that they know how. By explaining the entire process, you can avoid misunderstandings and miscommunication.
Another aspect of communicating is ensuring you speak and understand the same language. Don’t assume that your VA knows all the terminology or the latest developments in your industry. Take some time to explain what you’re looking for so they can better understand it, too.
Open-Minded and Willing to Learn
Think of working together as a long conversation with your VA. Above, we talked about how to communicate with them. Now let’s look at the other side of communication: listening.
Virtual assistants, especially experienced ones, have worked with many systems and software and learned a few things. They will have helpful ideas on tools or processes to help your business. Make sure you are open-minded and willing to learn from them. While you may not necessarily implement every suggestion, it would be beneficial to hear them out.
Streamlining your business and working with a VA to put systems in place likely means you will have to learn new ways of doing things. This is all part of your business growth! Don’t be afraid to learn and make changes – it will benefit your business in the long run.
Building Your Relationship
To build a good relationship with your virtual assistant, you need to understand that you are both on the same team and want the same things: a long-term, frictionless relationship.
How can you do that? Provide clear instructions and be sure to provide feedback when required. Be open to listening to the unique ideas that your VA may have, as they can often offer valuable insights.
Stay tuned for my final article, where I will share more about how you can overcome any challenges that might arise. In the meantime, if you would like to discuss your administrative needs, please book a call today!