Protect your time by bringing in a virtual assistant
Is your small business running you ragged?
86% of small business owners work on the weekends. 29% work more than 50 hours a week.
Was this your vision when you created your business?
If the hustle has taken over your evenings and weekends, it's time for a change.
What is a virtual assistant?
Virtual assistants are typically freelancers that you pay hourly or by the project. Some work with monthly retainers, meaning you can count on your VA for 10 or 15 hours a month.
Too many of us are wasting our talents (and sacrificing a good night's sleep) for tasks that we could delegate.
Your working hours should be full of work that only you can do.
Virtual assistants pick up the slack. They handle a variety of tasks, from responding to customers on social media to scheduling client meetings.
Hiring a virtual assistant can be a long-term solution or a stopgap to get through a busy time. It's up to you. You may bring someone in for a big project, but find them so helpful that it becomes an ongoing relationship.
The key is figuring out what you can delegate. As small business owners, it's easy to believe that we have to handle it all. The reality is that some tasks don't need us.
How can a virtual assistant help?
Virtual assistants can do virtually anything. Some run entire marketing projects. Others might enter leads into your CRM system or organize your expense receipts.
“What can a virtual assistant do?” is the wrong question. The right one is “What do I need?” Once you know what you need, find the right VA for the job.
What tasks don't require your expertise?
Which tasks take a lot of your time?
Is there something you dread doing?
Can you train someone else to take a certain task?
Here’s a great tip for training a virtual assistant: Set up a Zoom meeting, turn on screen sharing, and record yourself doing the task. You can share the recording as training material, and you haven’t spent more than a few extra minutes on the task!
The list of services provided by VAs is long. Here’s a sample to get started:
Inputting data in your CRM system
Bookkeeping
Updating your website content
Scheduling appointments
Editing podcasts and videos
Where can you find a VA?
Ideally, you’d start by asking your network for recommendations. VAs, like many of us, find their best clients through word-of-mouth referrals.
Look at a freelance marketplace like Upwork. You can see upfront what someone's rates are and what services they offer. You’ll also get to read other client's feedback.
Turn to your social network of choice. Many VAs are also social media pros, so you'll find profiles on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
How do you find the right virtual assistant for your business?
Make sure that your tasks line up with the VA's experience. The field is broad: there isn't a single skill set for virtual assistants. Need project management help? Look for a VA who specializes in project management. Want a social media expert? You'll find one. Need a bit of everything? Identify 2-3 key tasks and find someone who excels at those.
Think about time zones and availability. Yes, your VA is virtual. No, that doesn't mean time zones are irrelevant. If social media engagement is important, what time does your VA need to be active on your channels? If you prefer a phone call to hand off tasks, you need to find someone who is available during your working hours.
What’s most important? Find someone that you trust. The hardest part of delegating work is loosening our grip. Letting go requires trust.
Hiring a virtual assistant an investment in your business
Once you figure out how to let go, the hardest question you’ll need to answer is “How am I going to spend this newfound time?”
What are you going to delegate first?
