In modern business, staying ahead requires strategic decisions that redefine the way we approach our level of productivity and efficiency - something that can be hard to achieve single-handedly. That’s where having the right business support comes in.

You may have heard of the concept of hiring a ‘Virtual Assistant(VA)’ before, and if you find yourself contemplating this shift, here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

Key Takeaways:
- A Virtual Assistant is a skilled professional offering remote assistance in administrative, creative, and technical support. They may provide generalist or specialised services, such as executive assistance, bookkeeping, or social media management.
- VAs serve as invaluable assets, contributing to overall business operations. Benefits include cost savings, time efficiency, and the ability to focus on core business priorities.
- Hiring a VA is a cost-effective solution compared to employing a permanent staff member.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

A VA is a skilled professional who provides remote assistance to businesses, usually in the areas of administrative, creative, and technical support. They are an independent contractor that usually charges hourly rates or fixed service plans.

Many VAs are generalists who offer a large variety of all-round services, then there are more specialised VAs who have a specific skill set and expertise such as Executive Assistance, Bookkeeping, Social media management, etc.

Virtual Assistants can become an invaluable asset to any business and can become a key component of your overall business operations. There are many benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant, from cost savings to helping you save more time to put your focus where it’s needed most.

What to consider when hiring a VA

Define Your Needs

Before diving into taking onboard a VA, consider taking a moment to reflect on the critical areas of your workflow and responsibilities that are consuming significant chunks of your time. Identifying these specific pain points allows you to articulate a well-defined scope for your VA - setting up the stage for a successful working arrangement.

However, you might also know you need the help but aren’t really sure where to start. Many VAs offer an initial free discovery call that can help guide you to identifying where the inefficiencies are and the areas that the VA can help.

**Are you really ready to let someone in?**

Welcoming a Virtual Assistant into your professional realm is more than just a transaction; it's a partnership that demands trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for success. It’s about letting go of some control over routine tasks to free up the mental capacity to drive you further towards achieving your goals of where you want to be.

Hiring a VA is a collaborative process that includes continuously working together to create and streamline better efficiencies in your daily life and business. They are not a set-and-forget. Whilst most VAs have the skill and initiative to just get on with it, if you aren’t prepared to foster the relationship and ensure consistent communication, you may not get the desired outcome you want.

Can you manage them not being there in person?

It’s the era of remote work, so this shouldn’t even be in question. But if you’re someone who lacks trust or has been burnt before, it’s a reasonable query to ask yourself. Technology now allows us to communicate and work effectively, bridging the traditional notions of physical proximity. Virtual Assistants are well-equipped with modern technology and have learned to adapt their communication to deliver value and build trust through a screen. If you have a computer and a phone - there’s a way to communicate.

It’s important to remember that your VA is also a business owner who relies on trust, integrity, and the fact they won’t get paid if they don’t do the work.

Set a budget

One of the key reasons businesses seek a VA is due to the cost savings versus hiring a permanent employee. When hiring a VA, you aren’t paying for all the additional overheads, downtime, superannuation, leave entitlements, and recruitment and training costs, you are only paying for their time based on a 100% productivity rate.

During the free discovery call, you are likely to go over what your budget is for the VA and the VA will advise you of their rates. Taking into consideration the above points, your budget can be set significantly lower than if you were taking on an employee. Also note that the VA will work a lot less hours and achieve the same outputs than an employee would due to their 100% productivity rate.

We are in a new age ‘digital’ world now, hiring a Virtual Assistant can be a strategic move that can redefine the efficiency and trajectory of your business. A VA isn't just an extra set of hands; they’re a catalyst for growth, a partner in productivity, and a key player in your journey towards success.

Ready to unlock your full productivity potential?

Hire a Virtual Assistant with EAssist.

EAssist help busy professionals put their focus where it’s needed most.

As a proven, reliable, and trusted New Zealand-based virtual resource, we offer an alternative solution to traditional employment. With EAssist, you gain all the advantages of an in-house employee, while significantly reducing costs and maintaining quality. Leverage our administrative expertise to bridge skill gaps and get things back on track, allowing you and the team to put your focus where it’s needed most.

What to consider when hiring a Virtual Assistant