6 mistakes smart people make while hiring a Virtual Assistant

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Hiring people can be tricky indeed. You hire talented recruits and these people are going to transform your business. On the other hand, when you make bad choices in terms of hiring recruits, these guys can screw up your business operations in no time. In today’s tech driven world, you require affluently trained Virtual assistants, freelancers and location exclusive workers to get the momentum going.

This online guide mainly aims at helping you identify 6 mistakes smart people make when hiring a virtual assistant. Shall we go down the lane?

Not knowing where to start

Chris Decker has successfully launched an online brand via Youpreneur. He has built online teams for his very own venture. While he has also helped hundreds of others operate a virtual workforce team. According to his theories, one needs to create three lists to earmark activities you would want a virtual assistant to do. Here are highlighters to help you create lists:

1. What are the things you hate doing everyday?
2. List down things you cannot do all by yourself
3. List down business activities you should not be doing at all.

Mr Decker feels most of the entrepreneurs struggle on where to begin with. With the freedom lists you have on hand, things get way easier. Firstly, the list covers mundane or stereotyped business operations which you would want an AI pioneered device to help you out with. Secondly, you throw light on entrepreneurs hiring VA over detailed or time-consuming activities. Thirdly, the list  talks about simple business operations that can easily be outsourced or automated. With the list on hand, you know where to start. This can help you save energy, resources and money.

Micro-managing virtual resources

Ereland Bakke is the founder of Mr Outsource and also the author of the best selling book titled ‘Never Work Again’. The industry veteran has successfully launched virtual teams online. Bakke feels that you cannot allow the VA to carry on with his/her job without regular updates on where the workflow is aiming at. You must have a tab on what your team is doing.

Allotting a work task and micro-managing the virtual work-force is a strict no-no. The entrepreneur must ask for a daily update. To make the task easier, you can upload a shared excel sheet and ask the virtual employee to enter the date and number of hours worked. You can include one more column asking the VA to state particulars on the work done for the day. A daily update can save you and your firm millions of dollars.

Failing to share your goal and vision with virtual teams

Many entrepreneurs are so engrossed with the daily charter of activities that they fail to share the vision or goal of the business with virtually formed teams. This is a grave mistake that should never be done. Simply because, your remote team members may lack the motivation to work well.

As the founder of ‘Suitcase Entrepreneur’, Ms Natalie Sisson has built a successful brand online. While she travels the globe like a modern day nomad. She clearly attributes her success to her virtual team onboard. When you have the right type of people, they help steer the boat in the right direction is what she clearly feels. You must not only motivate your team to perform skillfully but also convey the bigger picture to them. Sharing your business vision with a VA can help him/her understand what should be done. And why they should be doing it in the first place. Getting the bigger picture of the role ownership! Plus, these motivated virtual employees are going to lend your business, the right kind of dimension.

Overlooking the importance of creating value to your VAs

Many entrepreneurs take their virtual employees for granted. They fail to appreciate the importance or value, a VA can do to the business. Ari Meisel built a virtual assistance ship named ‘Leverage’. The firm provides virtual assistance to clients across the globe. He uses tools that appreciate the value or commendable performance of each employee who works for the firm remotely. The entrepreneur must value the contribution of people in different rooms, countries and continents. You must make the value of every employee count. Communication messaging via Slack and Video messaging via Fika can create memorable experiences for your VA too.

Not creating back-up plans

Erin Blaskie has helped several clients build virtual platforms and has provided a helping hand at building online teams. For VA too, the entrepreneur must have Plan B. The business enterprise may be a one-stop one shop hub at getting things done. But what happens if lead designers or freelancers suddenly leave the team? You may not be able to sign off lucrative projects. Or might lose important clients who were doing regular business with you. Back-up plans and alternative staff you have today can save your business tomorrow feels Ms. Blaskie.

Giving access to every part of business

Kimanzi Constable is a globe trotting management consultant who works for MultiNational Corporations. He has built a successful Virtual team online to take care of his itinerary, resources and online brand. Mr Constable however had a bad experience when one of his VAs went behind his back.

You must therefore clearly outline what part of the business you give your VA access to.  Revealing business secrets to your virtual assistant can cost you, your business empire you have taken years to build.

Conclusion

You now have a fair idea on top 6 mistakes smart people make when hiring a Virtual Assistant. Your business is your legacy. Hence, you must take ample steps to protect your business. Be it an online brand or a physical establishment.

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