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How To Choose The Right Virtual Assistant For You

Choosing The Right Property VA For You

By The Virtual Assistant Company / July 20, 2023 July 20, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing, Property

In today’s fast-paced world, busy business owners and property professionals often find themselves juggling multiple tasks, wearing too many hats, spinning plates, and struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance. But the smart ones are calling on Virtual Assistants to alleviate their workload, enhance productivity, and essentially, buy themselves another pair of hands! Property Virtual Assistants (and Remote Specialists) are remote property professionals who provide a vast range of business, technical and creative support to busy individuals or businesses. Working with a Property Virtual Assistant (VA) can bring a wealth of benefits for you and your property business and give you peace of mind. But how do you go about choosing the right property VA for you? With the demand for high-quality remote professionals on the rise, it’s crucial to choose the right property VA who is a great fit for you, your brand, and your team, and who can meet your specific needs. In this insight article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right VA for you. Assess Your Needs Before diving into the process of choosing the right property VA for you, it’s essential to think about what it is exactly that you are looking for from a remote professional. Think about specific skills and experience they might need, and the type of person that you would work well with. Once you have identified your specific needs and requirements, take some time to think about the specific tasks that you need support with, such as researching areas, sourcing property deals, managing pipelines, setting up systems and processes, scheduling appointments, social media management, content creation, marketing support, proofreading, sales and lettings admin, diary management, or any other tasks or projects you can think of. By understanding your needs, you’ll be better equipped to find a property VA who possesses the relevant skills and expertise. Research Property Virtual Assistant Companies To get started with your search for the right property VA, you’ll want to conduct thorough research on various VA agencies and providers, as well as consider freelance assistants. Start by searching for reputable VA providers online and asking for recommendations, taking time to read reviews, testimonials, and case studies from their clients. Look for companies that have a strong track record in the property industry, positive feedback, and a demonstrated ability to deliver exceptional service. You might also want to check that they are insured and ICO registered. Evaluate Experience and Skills When choosing a property Virtual Assistant, their experience and skills are paramount. Look for property VAs who have expertise in your specific industry or the tasks you require assistance with. Consider their years of experience in the property industry, areas of specialisation, and any relevant certifications or qualifications (such as TPO). A property VA or remote property specialist with industry experience will already have a good understanding of the jargon, challenges, and requirements specific to your field. This is crucial in the property industry, where there are legislation requirements, compliance, and lots of industry-specific jargon. Determine Availability and Communication Another crucial aspect to consider is the VA’s availability and communication methods. Assess their working hours and determine whether they align with your schedule. It’s important to find a property assistant, or property specialist, who can be readily available during the times when you require their support. Additionally, establish how they usually communicate with clients, whether it’s through email, phone calls, or project management tools. Clear and effective communication is most certainly key to a successful working relationship. Remember, establishing communication preference should form part fo the onboarding process, and your VA should guide you through how to onboard them successfully, particularly if you don’t already have your own process. Assess Reliability and Professionalism You’ll want a VA you can be proud to call a member of your team. So, reliability and professionalism are non-negotiable when it comes to choosing the right property VA for you. Whether they’ll be customer facing or not, you’ll want them to be an extension of your brand and represent your business in a good light. Don’t be afraid to ask for client references or testimonials to get a sense of their reliability and work ethic. A reputable VA, or VA provider, will be happy to share references and examples of work, to demonstrate their quality standards and reliability. Assess the Pricing Structure Pricing is of course an important factor to consider when choosing an outsourcing provider. If the VA or VA provider does not clearly list their prices on their website, make sure you get an understanding of their pricing structure following your initial discovery call. You of course need to make sure that it aligns with your budget, but do be mindful that lower rates will generally get you generalist support, and higher rates will buy you specialist support from a remote professional who offers a wealth of experience in your field. It’s therefore important to consider the value for money by weighing the quality of service and industry knowledge against the cost. Choosing the right property VA is a decision that can have a substantial impact on your productivity and work-life balance. We hope that this article gives you some insight into how to find the right property VA who aligns with your needs, possesses the right skills, and ultimately, is the right fit for you. If you found this article useful, you might also enjoy reading about the differences between a Virtual Assistant and a Remote Specialist.

Virtual Assistant or Remote Specialist: What’s The Difference?

By The Virtual Assistant Company / July 6, 2023 July 6, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing

In today’s interconnected world, remote work has become increasingly prevalent, revolutionising the way businesses operate. As more and more businesses embrace the flexibility and efficiency of virtual collaborations, the need for remote support has grown. However, when it comes to selecting the right remote support for you, it’s essential to understand the various options available. Do you need a Virtual Assistant or Remote Specialist? In this insight article, we’ll help you to navigate the virtual workforce, exploring each of the roles, the differences between them, and the distinct advantages they bring to the table. The Virtual Assistant: The Swiss Army Knife of the Virtual Workforce A Virtual Assistant serves as a versatile remote support system, capable of handling various administrative and other general tasks. Unlike traditional in-person assistants who work physically in the same location, Virtual Assistants work from their own location using various communication tools and technology. They can provide a wide range of services depending on their skills and the needs of their clients. Let’s take a look at some of the skills and characteristics that are typical of a Virtual Assistant. Versatility and General Support Virtual Assistants excel in handling routine administrative duties, managing schedules, organising files and emails, conducting research, and offering customer support. They are adaptable and can handle diverse responsibilities efficiently. Communication and Coordination Virtual Assistants possess strong communication skills, allowing them to interact effectively with clients, customers, and team members. They facilitate seamless coordination, ensuring smooth workflows and effective collaboration. Broad Skill Set While not all Virtual Assistants possess specialised expertise, they are proficient in multitasking and can quickly adapt to changing priorities. They bring a wide range of skills that can be applied across different projects and requirements and still bring a fresh perspective to a business and its team. The Remote Specialist: The Domain Expert Remote Specialists are highly-skilled professionals and are experts in their specific domain. As opposed to a general assistant, a Remote Specialist is an expert within a specific field or domain, providing specialised knowledge and insights. They will often specialise in a particular industry or set of skills. The right Remote Specialist can offer a wealth of skills and expertise and can also consult with businesses in their specific zone of genius, sharing their insights and suggestions. Let’s explore the key characteristics that define a Remote Specialist. Deep Domain Expertise Remote Specialists are highly-skilled professionals who possess specialised knowledge and skills in a particular area. They bring an in-depth understanding of industry-specific nuances and possess the expertise required to tackle complex challenges. Specialised Insights and Analysis When faced with intricate problems or complex tasks, a remote specialist offers valuable insights and analytical skills. They can provide detailed recommendations, tailored solutions, and industry-specific perspectives. Proficiency in Niche Skills Remote specialists are well-versed in niche skills that are essential within their domain. Whether it’s data analysis, graphic design, software development, or marketing strategy, their focused expertise ensures high-quality deliverables. Choosing the right fit To determine whether you need a Virtual Assistant or a Remote Specialist, consider the following factors. Task Complexity Evaluate the complexity of the tasks you need assistance with. If they involve routine administrative duties or general support, a remote assistant is a suitable choice. However, if the tasks demand specialised knowledge or industry-specific expertise, a Remote Specialist is preferable. Project Scope and Duration Consider the scope and duration of your projects. Remote Specialists are ideal for short-term, specialised projects where their expertise can drive optimal outcomes. Virtual Assistants are well-suited for ongoing, day-to-day support and managing various responsibilities. Budget Considerations Reflect on your budgetary constraints. Remote Specialists with specialised skills often command higher rates due to their experience and expertise. If your budget allows, investing in a Remote Specialist can provide a significant return on investment. However, if budget limitations exist, a Virtual Assistant offers cost-effective general support. Both Virtual Assistants and Remote Specialists play crucial roles in virtual work environments, each offering unique advantages. Virtual Assistants bring versatility, adaptability, and general support to handle a wide range of tasks, ensuring smooth operations. On the other hand, Remote Specialists provide deep domain expertise, specialised insights, and tailored solutions to complex challenges within their respective fields. By understanding the distinctions between these two roles and aligning them with your specific needs, you can harness the power of outsourcing to optimise productivity, efficiency, systemisation, marketing, growth and overall success. If you enjoyed reading this insight article, you might also enjoy reading about how a Virtual Assistant can help you, or how to delegate. Are you wearing too many hats or spinning too many plates? Book a free 1:1 call with an outsourcing specialist and learn more about how outsourcing could help you.

How To Find A Great Social Media VA

By Bethan Trueman / June 9, 2023 June 8, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Marketing, Outsourcing

Over the past few weeks, our virtual social media specialists have been busier than ever, researching, planning, creating, scheduling and posting social media content for a variety of clients. This got us thinking… how do you find a social media VA if you don’t know where to look? Particularly, how to find a great social media VA. As always, at TVAC, we’re here to help make outsourcing easy and to keep outsourcing simple. So, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to find a great social media VA for your business. What is a social media VA? A Social Media VA, or Social Media Virtual Assistant, is a remote expert specialising in managing social media platforms for businesses or individuals. They help with various tasks related to social media management, content creation, engagement, and analytics. The role of a Social Media VA may vary depending on the needs of the client, but generally, their responsibilities can include: Content creation: Developing engaging and relevant social media posts, including text, images, videos, or infographics. Scheduling and publishing: Using social media management tools to schedule and publish posts across different platforms at optimal times. Community management: Responding to comments, messages, and inquiries from followers, engaging with the audience, and fostering relationships with customers. Social media advertising: Managing ad campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn, including setting up targeting, monitoring performance, and optimizing ad spend. Social media analytics: Tracking and analysing social media metrics, such as reach, engagement, click-through rates, and conversions, to measure the effectiveness of campaigns and strategies. Research and strategy: Conducting research on industry trends, competitor analysis, and audience demographics to develop effective social media strategies. Influencer outreach: Identifying and collaborating with influencers or relevant individuals to expand brand reach and increase engagement. Social media monitoring: Monitoring social media platforms for brand mentions, reviews, or any other relevant conversations, and responding accordingly. Reporting: Creating regular reports on social media performance, highlighting key metrics, and providing insights and recommendations for improvement. A Social Media VA can be a valuable asset for businesses or individuals who want to maintain an active and engaging social media presence but may not have the time, expertise, or resources to handle it themselves. By outsourcing social media tasks to a Virtual Assistant, they can focus on core business activities while still reaping the benefits of a strong online presence. Why do I need a social media VA? Building and maintaining a consistent social media presence requires a strategy. There is much more to social media marketing than simply just posting on an ad-hoc, whenever you feel like it basis. Many business owners know that having a social media presence is crucial. But researching, planning, creating and scheduling the right content for your brand and industry requires time and expertise to get right. A virtual social media expert can help you with all of the above, and here are just some of the benefits of outsourcing your social media management: Time-saving: Managing social media accounts can be time-consuming, especially when you need to create content, engage with followers, and analyze metrics. By delegating these tasks to a Social Media VA, you free up your time to focus on other core business activities or personal priorities. Expertise and strategy: Social media platforms are constantly evolving, and it can be challenging to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, algorithms, and strategies. A Social Media VA brings expertise in social media management, content creation, and audience engagement. They can help develop a well-rounded social media strategy tailored to your specific goals and target audience. Consistent and professional presence: A Social Media VA ensures a consistent and professional presence on your social media platforms. They can maintain a regular posting schedule, respond to comments and messages promptly, and uphold your brand voice and values. Content creation and curation: Creating engaging and high-quality content is crucial for social media success. A Social Media VA can help develop and curate content that resonates with your audience, increasing brand visibility and engagement. They can create graphics, write compelling captions, and even edit videos to enhance your social media presence. Audience engagement: Building a strong relationship with your audience is essential for brand loyalty and growth. A Social Media VA can engage with your followers by responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely manner. They can also proactively initiate conversations, run polls or contests, and manage user-generated content. Data analysis and optimisation: Understanding social media analytics is key to refining your strategy and achieving better results. A Social Media VA can analyse metrics, such as reach, engagement, and conversions, and provide insights on what’s working and what can be improved. They can help optimise your campaigns and content based on data-driven decisions. Stay ahead of competitors: Social media is a highly competitive space, and businesses that are proactive and strategic tend to stand out. By having a Social Media VA, you can stay ahead of your competitors by implementing innovative ideas, exploring new features, and capitalizing on emerging trends. Scalability and flexibility: A Social Media VA offers flexibility in terms of workload and scalability. Whether you need assistance for a few hours a week or require more support during busy periods or campaigns, you can adjust the VA’s workload accordingly. Overall, a Social Media VA can be a valuable asset in enhancing your social media presence, increasing engagement, and allowing you to focus on core business tasks, ultimately leading to brand growth and success. How to find a social media VA Finding a great Social Media VA requires careful consideration and a well-defined hiring process. Here are some steps to help you find a top-notch Social Media VA: Clearly define your needs: Determine the specific tasks and responsibilities you want your Social Media VA to handle. This could include content creation, scheduling posts, engaging with followers, managing ad campaigns, or analysing metrics. Having a clear understanding of your requirements will help you find a VA with the right skills

What Is Outsourcing? Outsourcing Explained

By Bethan Trueman / May 12, 2023 May 12, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing

Outsourcing is a common business practice. Many businesses use outsourcing as a cost-cutting measure, but what is outsourcing, exactly? In this article, we’ll explain what outsourcing is, why businesses choose to outsource, explore the pros and cons, and take a look at some examples of commonly outsourced business practices. What is outsourcing? Outsourcing is a common business practice that involves delegating business tasks or processes to an external provider or hiring an external provider to provide services. It involves transferring the responsibility for completing specific activities to an outside entity rather than handling them internally within the company. A business may opt for partial or complete outsourcing. Partial outsourcing involves contracting specific processes or tasks, while complete outsourcing involves transferring an entire function or department to an external provider. Commonly outsourced processes Outsourcing can take different forms, including offshore outsourcing (the work is done overseas), nearshore outsourcing (the work is done in a neighbouring country), and onshore outsourcing (the work is done in the same country). Outsourcing is a strategic business decision that aims to leverage external expertise and resources to optimise operations and achieve organisational goals. Some examples of commonly outsourced business process include: Why do businesses outsource? Typically, outsourcing is employed to streamline operations, reduce costs, enhance efficiency, access specialised expertise, or focus on core business functions. Businesses may outsource various areas, such as information technology (IT), customer support, human resources, manufacturing, accounting, marketing, or any other non-core business activities. Businesses often choose to outsource for the following reasons: Should a business outsource? Deciding whether a business should outsource or not depends on various factors, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Essentially, whether or not to outsource is a business decision. A business should consider: Ultimately, the decision to outsource should be based on a careful evaluation of your business needs, available resources, cost considerations, and the potential benefits and drawbacks. Each business is unique, so it’s important to assess how outsourcing aligns with your specific goals and circumstances. What are the benefits of outsourcing? Cost savings: Outsourcing certain tasks or functions can often be more cost-effective than hiring and maintaining in-house staff. It eliminates the need for employee benefits, training, office space, and equipment expenses. Access to expertise: Outsourcing allows you to tap into specialized knowledge and skills that may not be available within your organization. You can leverage the expertise of external professionals or agencies to enhance your business capabilities. Increased efficiency: By outsourcing non-core activities, you can focus on your core competencies and strategic initiatives, leading to improved efficiency and productivity. Scalability: Outsourcing provides flexibility and scalability. You can easily adjust the level of outsourcing to match your business needs, whether it’s expanding or contracting. What are the risks of outsourcing? Control: When you outsource certain tasks, you relinquish direct control over those activities. It requires clear communication, trust, and effective management to ensure the outsourced provider delivers the desired results. That said, outsourcing to a reputable company (or individual) can actually improve communication and management. Quality: Outsourcing can introduce risks related to the quality and consistency of work. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and choose reputable outsourcing partners to mitigate these risks. Check the freelancer or agency’s client case studies and testimonials, and feel free to reach out to their clients for a reference. Security and confidentiality: Sharing sensitive business information with an external party may raise security and confidentiality concerns. However, robust contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and data protection measures can help you to safeguard your business. If outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, ensure that they are ICO registered. Communication and time zone challenges: If you outsource to a different country, differences in language, culture, and time zones may pose communication challenges and potentially impact responsiveness and coordination. To avoid this, you may want to choose to outsource within your own country. Need some help finding a UK Virtual Assistant? In conclusion, outsourcing can be a viable strategy for businesses. It offers potential benefits such as cost savings, access to expertise, increased efficiency, and scalability. To make an informed decision about outsourcing, it is crucial to assess your business needs, weigh the potential advantages and disadvantages, and consider the specific tasks or functions you are considering outsourcing. Additionally, thorough research and due diligence in selecting outsourcing partners is essential to ensure their reliability, reputation, and ability to meet your requirements. If you have a question about outsourcing, please feel free to contact us or book a free 1:1 call with an outsourcing specialist.

The Offboarding Process: Free Offboarding Checklist

By Bethan Trueman / May 5, 2023 February 19, 2024 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing, Tools & Tips

It isn’t fun, and sometimes it can be unpleasant, but nevertheless, employee or subcontractor offboarding is an essential part of business. If you’re a business owner, you should have an offboarding process in place. But if you don’t already have one, never fear! You do now. Because we have a free Offboarding Checklist that you can use for each departure to ensure that you are following a consistent offboarding process. What is offboarding? Offboarding refers to the process of transitioning a team member out of an organisation, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. It involves a series of steps designed to ensure a smooth and professional exit for the employee or subcontractor while also protecting the interests of the business. Why do I need to offboard my team member? It is just as important to offboard a team member as to onboard one. Following an offboarding process will make sure that each departure is dealt with efficiently and consistently. By having your offboarding process in place, you will ensure a smooth departure for you and your team member, maintain a positive relationship, protect your business assets, support knowledge transfer, and minimise risk. At The Virtual Assistant Company, we’re organised by nature, and we’re here to help you get your ducks in a row. If you don’t already have an offboarding process, do not worry. Use our free downloadable offboarding checklist every time you need to offboard a team member, to protect your business and make the offboarding process a smooth one. Onboarding vs Offboarding It’s common for businesses to prioritise their onboarding process over their offboarding process, simply because, onboarding tends to be much more enjoyable than offboarding! But having an offboarding process in place is equally as important. On offboarding process will not only protect your business assets and minimise risk, but it will also help you to maintain a positive relationship with your departures and ensure that you are following a consistent process each time you have to say goodbye to a team member, whether that be an employee or a subcontractor. Why should I follow an offboarding process? We’ve already established that having an offboarding process is important. Now let’s go into further detail… Compliance with legal requirements Depending on the jurisdiction, circumstances of the departure, and whether the person is an employee or subcontractor, there may be legal requirements that need to be followed when offboarding a team member. This can include providing notice periods, paying out unused vacation time, and complying with discrimination and other employment laws. Protecting business assets When a team member leaves, it’s important to ensure that they return any company property they may have, including electronic devices, software, keys, and access cards. Proper offboarding can help prevent any company assets from being lost or misused. Protecting sensitive information Proper offboarding can also help protect sensitive information, such as confidential data or trade secrets. Revoking system access, collecting any documents or materials containing confidential information, and reminding the departing team members of their obligations to protect confidential information can help minimize the risk of data breaches or intellectual property theft. Preserving positive relationships A smooth and respectful offboarding process can help preserve positive relationships with the departing team member and any colleagues or clients they may have. This can be important for maintaining a positive reputation and potentially even for securing future business. Knowledge transfer Departing team members may have knowledge or expertise that is important for your business to retain. By following a structured offboarding process, you can capture and transfer that knowledge to other team members, helping to ensure the continuity of operations and prevent knowledge gaps. Download your free Offboarding Checklist Now that you have an overview of what offboarding a team member, and why is it important, download your free copy of our Offboarding Checklist, so that you can ensure each and every departure is dealt with smoothly and efficiently. Offboard your team member smoothly and efficiently with our free Offboarding Checklist. Download Free Guide Get your free Offboarding Checklist to protect your business and ensure you follow a consistent process for each departure. Opt in to receive news and updates. You can opt out at any time. DOWNLOAD CHECKLIST Loading… Thank you! Please check your inbox for your free checklist.

How To Onboard A Virtual Assistant: Free VA Onboarding Guide

By Bethan Trueman / April 28, 2023 February 19, 2024 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing, Tools & Tips

So, you know you want to start outsourcing, and you may have already found a Virtual Assistant. You’ve agreed on the rates, working hours and scope of work, but now what? Where do you start? If you’re new to outsourcing or working with your own Virtual Assistant (VA), you might not have your own onboarding process. Well, you do now! Because we have a free downloadable VA Onboarding Guide, designed to walk you through every step of the way when it comes to onboarding your Virtual Assistant. In this guide, we’ll assume that you’ve already selected your Virtual Assistant and you know exactly who it is that you will be working with. If you’re not already at this stage, then you might want to consider reading our guide on how to choose the right VA for you. What is onboarding? Onboarding your Virtual Assistant is a process that involves several steps to ensure that your new VA is properly trained, integrated into your workflow, and has everything they need to start working with you. Why do I need to onboard my VA? When onboarding your VA, it’s important to get organised. By having your onboarding process, SOPs and systems in place, you will set up the working relationship for success and get the most out of outsourcing. By investing in an assistant the right way, you’ll be able to see the value of your investment better. Get those ducks in a row, it’ll make the onboarding process go a lot more smoothly. But never fear! If you don’t have all of these things in place, you can still get started with outsourcing. You can download our free VA Onboarding Guide to help, and when it comes to getting your business processes and systems in place, the right Virtual Assistant can actually help you with setting these up too. During the hiring process, make sure you mention that you don’t have any formalised SOPs or systems in place, and we’ll make sure that we match you with a VA who has experience in helping businesses get these necessary things set up. Define your needs Let’s begin by ensuring that you have established what your outsourcing needs are, and if you have already selected your Virtual Assistant, assessing whether they have everything you’re looking for in an assistant. For example, what skills and qualifications should the assistant have in order to carry out the work required? Are there any specific industry or technical skills they will need For now, we’ll assume that you’ve already selected a VA with the experience to meet these needs, but if you haven’t yet, you can get more support on this by visiting our guide, How to Choose The Right VA For You. Establish your preferences Communication is key, especially when working remotely, so establishing your communication preferences is an important part of the onboarding process. You should establish clear methods of communication and set expectations for response times and availability. Both of you should mutually agree on how and when you will communicate, as well as agree on response times. For example, you might prefer to communicate via email, WhatsApp, or a project management tool, with a response time of 24 hours or less. By establishing your communication preferences, you will be giving your working relationship the best possible start and you will know exactly when to expect responses and acknowledgements from your VA, without having to chase them. Provide training Once you have established your communication preferences, you should provide training on your specific workflows, tools, and processes. This will help your VA to gain a sound understanding of what is expected of them and what your processes are so that they can work more efficiently. If you don’t already have your business systems and processes documented, your VA can help you to do this, so be sure to discuss this with them. Provide access Your VA will need access to any systems and tools you use in your business that they will require to carry out work for you. Make sure that you share any login information with them securely, by using a secure password sharing tool, for example. It is wise to make a note of everything you have given them access to, so that if it ever comes to offboarding them in the future, you can quickly check which access will need revoking. Start with some simple tasks When onboarding your VA, it can be a good idea to start with some simple tasks to help them get acclimated to your workflow. This will also allow you to assess their skills, delivery of work and determine if any additional training is necessary. Monitor progress As your new assistant begins to handle more fundamental and complex tasks, it’s important to monitor their progress and provide feedback. Please don’t refrain from providing feedback. It is incredibly important to communicate your thoughts so that your VA understands whether or not you are satisfied with their quality of work, and if any adjustments should be made. We mentioned earlier that communication is key, especially when it comes to remote working, and communicating feedback is just as important. This will help ensure that your VA is meeting your expectations, continuing to improve and develop, and is supporting you in the best possible way. Download your free VA Onboarding Guide Now that you have an overview of what onboarding a Virtual Assistant entails, and why is it important, download your free copy of our VA Onboarding Guide, which features an onboarding checklist you can follow to make sure that you onboard your VA efficiently. Onboard your VA efficiently with our free VA Onboarding Guide and onboarding checklist. Download Free Guide Get your free VA Onboarding guide complete with an onboarding checklist. Opt in to receive news and updates. You can opt out at any time. DOWNLOAD GUIDE Loading… Thank you! Please check your inbox for your free guide.

How To Choose The Right VA For You

By Bethan Trueman / April 25, 2023 April 25, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing

Finding a Virtual Assistant should involve more than just a quick Google search and selecting the one with the cheapest rates. If you’re thinking of outsourcing, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most value for money, and the best investment for your business. And that means choosing the right VA for you. Someone with the right skills, experience and industry knowledge to complete work to your expected standards. An assistant who is aligned with your core business values and who understands your goals and the bigger picture. Choosing the right VA for you will result in high-quality work and a successful working relationship that brings a range of benefits for you and your business. But how do you go about finding a Virtual Assistant who is the right fit for you? Here are some steps to help you choose the right VA for you. Determine your needs Before you start looking for a VA, determine what tasks you need help with. Make a list of tasks that you want to delegate, and consider the skills and experience required to perform those tasks. Think of the areas where you bring the most value to your business, and where you are just a pair of hands. You can start by outsourcing the tasks that simply require a pair of hands, to help you free up time and focus on the more important aspects of running your business. What specific skills, expertise, experience and industry knowledge are required to complete these tasks? Do you need a VA with specific industry experience or skills? Make a list of requirements (required and desirable) for your VA. This will help you to begin your search for the right VA. Define your budget Set a budget for how much you are willing to spend on a VA. Remember to factor in the level of experience and expertise that you require, and the quality of work you expect to receive. Also, consider your expectations in terms of communication. If you’re looking for a VA who is a fantastic communicator and will be client-facing, your budget might look quite different from someone who is just looking for some support with basic research tasks. Remember, a VA is an investment. You will gain more time, get more done, and be able to focus on the wider goals of your business. The right VA will also bring additional insight and ideas to your business and may be able to offer skills that go beyond your own in certain areas. The right VA for you will bring value, exceed expectations and be very much worth the investment. Research Research different VA services, outsourcing companies, and individual VAs. Do your due diligence. When it comes to outsourcing, there is always an element of trust, particularly with remote working. Having said that, with outsourcing comes great power, and there are many VAs out there who excel in what they do, are highly-skilled specialists in their field, and have the same level of work ethic as you probably do. The right VA should give you the peace of mind that they will be proactive, deliver great quality work, meet deadlines and put in the effort for you and your business. Reading reviews is a good place to start. Many VAs are active on LinkedIn, and have recommendations on their profile from real clients. This can be a great way to gauge a sense of their reputation and the type of clients they work with. You can also check their websites to determine if they have the skills and experience you require. Once you’ve shortlisted some VAs who you think could potentially be a great fit for you, book a discovery call to meet with them. This is a great opportunity for them to find out more about you and your business, and the type of support you’re looking for, but also for you to get a feel for them and make a judgement as to whether you think they’d be right for you. Check availability Make sure the VA you choose has the availability to work the hours you need and can accommodate any time zone differences. During your discovery call, you should check that they have the capacity to carry out the work you require, with potential for growth if required. This is particularly important if you choose to work with an individual, freelance VA. If you choose to use a outsourcing company, such as The Virtual Assistant Company, you’ll have the peace of mind that in the event your VA does meet your needs or have the availability to carry out the required work, you will be matched with a replacement VA and the company will support with any training or onboarding that is required. By following these steps, you’ll soon be on track to finding a Virtual Assistant who is the right fit for you, your needs, and your business, so that you can outsource successfully and delegate tasks with confidence. Do you need help finding a Virtual Assistant who’s right for you? Book a 1:1 with one of our outsourcing specialists who will be happy to help you. Once you have found the right VA for you, you might be interested in our free VA Onboarding Guide, to help you get your VA onboarded efficiently.

What Is A Virtual Marketing Assistant And Why Hire One

By Bethan Trueman / March 31, 2023 March 31, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Marketing, Outsourcing, WordPress

So, what is a virtual marketing assistant? And why should you hire one to support your marketing agency (or another type of business, for that matter)? A virtual marketing assistant, put simply, is a remote professional who supports businesses with their marketing efforts. They work remotely – from a home office, for example – and can handle a variety of tasks such as social media management, email marketing, content creation, website management, search engine optimisation (SEO), design (such as Canva), preparing slide decks, analytics, reporting and more. A day in the life of a remote marketing assistant might look like: The tasks a remote marketing assistant does will depend on the type of clients, businesses and industries they are working with. Each business will have its own unique set of processes and requirements, but virtual marketing professionals are used to being adaptable and working flexibly to meet the needs of multiple clients. Here are some reasons why a business might want to hire a virtual marketing assistant: Cost-Effective Hiring a full-time marketing employee can be expensive. In addition to that, there are other commitments you will face as an employer such as legal responsibilities and equipment. By hiring a virtual marketing assistant instead, you can reduce staffing costs and enjoy the flexibility that outsourcing offers. You’ll also be opening the door to a vast range of talent across the U.K., rather than restricting yourself to hiring (and finding the right person) in your local area. You’ll only pay for the services you need, and you don’t have to worry about providing benefits or paying for office space, and all the other burdens of becoming an employer. Expertise Virtual marketing assistants are trained and experienced professionals who specialise in marketing. They have experience in different areas of marketing and can bring a fresh perspective to your business. Whether you need some assistance with websites, social media management, analytics, preparing slide decks, blog, email newsletters, or another aspect of marketing, you will find a remote assistant who fits the needs of you and your business. Time-Saving By delegating marketing tasks to a virtual assistant, business owners can focus on other areas of the business. Virtual assistants can handle time-consuming (but necessary) tasks such as social media management, email marketing, and content creation, allowing business owners to focus on more important tasks and on the growth of their business. Scalability Virtual marketing assistants can provide scalable support. As your business grows, you can increase the number of hours or services provided by your virtual assistant. In addition to this, outsourcing makes it very easy for business owners to change assistant, or to stop outsourcing completely. There are no lengthy HR processes to worry about – simply adjust your level of support whenever you need to. Flexibility Virtual marketing assistants work remotely, so you don’t have to worry about providing office space or equipment. You can communicate with them via email, phone, WhatsApp, Slack, video conferencing… whatever works for you! This provides flexibility for both you and your assistant. In summary, a virtual marketing assistant can help businesses save time, money, and resources while providing expertise and flexibility. They are a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes and can help with a vast range of marketing tasks. Want to see some real-life examples of how virtual marketing assistants have supported businesses like yours in the U.K.? See our success stories page.

Why Virtual Assistants Are Great For Startups

By Bethan Trueman / March 22, 2023 March 22, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing

Virtual Assistants can be a great asset for startups, especially for those who are looking to minimise costs and maximise efficiency. With no employer responsibilities, startups can scale with the support of a team, but without the legalities and commitment that come with hiring someone in-house. Outsourcing offers a flexible, cost-effective way to grow your startup. You’ve no overheads to worry about you can change assistant (or stop outsourcing completely) whenever you need to. Here are some of the top reasons why Virtual Assistants are great for startups. Cost-effective Hiring a full-time employee can be expensive, especially for startups that are in the initial stages of their business. Virtual Assistants are a great alternative to employees, as they are generally a more flexible and affordable option. Paid on an hourly, retainer or project basis, they are also much easier to ‘cancel’, which means no risk or liability. Flexibility Because Virtual Assistants can work from anywhere in the world, they can provide support to a startup no matter where it’s located. This makes it easy for startups to hire people with the skills they need, regardless of geographical barriers. It also opens up a much larger talent pool, making finding the right people a lot easier than restrictive local recruitment. Expertise Remote Assistants often have specific skills or expertise in areas like marketing, social media, customer support, and administrative tasks. Hiring a Virtual Assistant with specialised skills can help you focus on your core business priorities and delegate tasks that are not part of your expertise. Outsoucing is also great for delegating the tedious – yet important – tasks that are quite easily done by another pair of hands. 50 Tasks You Can Outsource To Your Virtual Assistant Time-saving Startups have a lot to do and little time to do it. A Virtual Assistant can take care of tasks that would otherwise take up valuable time, like scheduling appointments, managing emails, or organising paperwork. This frees up time for the startup’s team to focus on more important tasks. Scalability As your startup grows, your needs will change. You’ll want to start working smarter instead of harder, and focus more time on working on your business rather than in it. A Virtual Assistant can help you to scale up quickly to meet the changing needs of a growing startup, making them a flexible resource for startups in various stages of growth. In summary, Virtual Assistants can be a valuable resource for startups, offering cost-effective, flexible, and expertise-driven support that can help them grow, thrive and succeed.

How To Delegate As A Small Business

By Bethan Trueman / March 17, 2023 March 17, 2023 / Leave a Comment / Outsourcing

Delegation is an essential skill for small business owners who want to scale, grow, and maximise their productivity and efficiency. Delegation as a small business owner is essential if you want to grow your business. There’s only one of you, and you can’t do it all! There will reach a point where you hit an income ceiling because you’re spending too much time working in your business and not enough time working on your business. If you’re wondering how to delegate as a small business owner, here are some steps you can take to delegate effectively. Identify tasks to delegate Start by making a list of tasks that you can delegate. These may include administrative tasks, bookkeeping, customer service, social media management, writing blog posts, creating content, email and diary management, for example. Identify the tasks that are time-consuming and do not require your direct involvement. The tasks that can be done by ‘another pair of hands’ that don’t require your specific expertise. Or, tasks that require the expertise of others, for example, marketing. Find the right person Look for someone who has the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to complete your business tasks successfully. It isn’t always easy finding the right person for the job, but it’s worth the time and investment. Consider hiring an employee, outsourcing to a freelancer, or delegating to an existing team member. If you’d like to find out more about delegating to a Virtual Assistant, we can help! Get in touch for a free, friendly and informal chat with one of our team. Communicate clearly Clearly communicate your expectations and goals for the task, as well as any deadlines or specific instructions. Make sure the person understands the task and what is expected of them. Experienced remote assistants are used to being delegated to, and will work with their clients to prompt and help the delegation process where necessary. Provide resources and support Provide any necessary resources and support to help the person complete the task successfully. This may include access to software, tools, or training. By providing them with a brief and everything they need upfront, you will minimise the need to go back-and-forth and this will speed up the delivery of the work. Establish accountability Set up a system to monitor progress and ensure accountability. This may include regular check-ins, progress reports, or feedback sessions. Virtual Assistants are experienced in working in this way and will work closely with their clients to help set up processes, SOPs and project management systems where necessary. Trust your team Once you have delegated a task, trust your team to complete it successfully. Resist the temptation to micromanage or take over – you will soon start to reap the benefits and experience how empowering outsourcing can be. Put your trust in an experienced Virtual Assistant who’s as invested in your business as you are. Remember to give feedback Feedback is essential for any professional and should be welcomed by the person, or people, you delegate to. Once the task is completed, provide feedback to help your team understand what they did well and what they can improve upon in the future. You’re not the only one who has to do your job Let’s free up your time and get your business moving forward. Need an extra pair of hands? Discover how an experienced remote assistant can help you and your business.

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