9 Things To Consider In Finding Effective Virtual Assistants
Virtual assistants refer to independent contract workers, who render administrative, technical and creative tasks. Hiring one can benefit from effective time management, increased productivity, and profit boost. But before one, consider the services the applicant can provide.
1. Reliability. A virtual assistant should be consistent and precise with regards to the tasks being handed. He should be someone who can work under minimum supervision, or left alone, but can still deliver results, or what's expected of him. He should be reliable.
2. Performance. Find someone who knows how to perform different sets of tasks. Basic duties include travel arrangements, billing and accounting, and research. It will be efficient for a client if his assistant can perform a handy list of activities and handle multi-tasking.
3. Prioritization. In providing the best virtual assistant services, meeting deadlines is crucial. Even when not told to, your virtual assistant must know what project or task to do first. Find a flexible assistant who can make last minute changes in your plans or proposals.
4. Communication. Communication between you and your assistant is essential. It is necessary that your virtual assistant can handle your queries over the phone or through e-mail. Specific and detailed instructions will help a lot to acquire a satisfactory output.
5. Strategies. Considered an outsourcing provider, a virtual assistant should also have basic knowledge about search engine optimization, social media, and other online marketing strategies. He must be updated about the trends and development in the market as well.
6. Creativity. Virtual assistants tend to stay on top of technological advances to be ahead of the game. Being able to come up with innovative ideas can contribute to your firm's competitive advantage. With creativity, he can suggest alternate ideas to the table for you to consider.
7. Accountability. Mistakes do happen, and they can be inevitable. You're lucky if you have an assistant who is ready to own mistakes and fix them as soon as possible. When he admits his errors, the cause of problems will be detected, and solved, at a much faster rate.
8. Criticisms. There are times when clients will request changes about a certain project. Your online assistant should not take criticisms personally. By taking the time to tell him what you don't like, you're also taking the time to groom him into being a better VA for you.
9. Problem-Solver. You are also hiring an online assistant to be an additional problem-solver for your company. When an obstacle emerges, he must not only contact you with the stated problem and ask what to do. He should inform you what happened, and the possible workarounds.
10. Fair and Honest. Your assistant should also clock his time honestly. He should let you know when his internet connection slows down, unexpeccted error messages occur, or a program isn't working. You wouldn't want to pay for this, and he should understand.
It is important that your assistant understands your business needs and can handle given tasks and responsibilities. To avoid consuming too much time on conducting interviews, search for a BPO firm that offers expert virtual assistants, who can tailor their services according to your needs.
Now, you can provide your company with better management skills, especially in times of 'too many' projects, insufficient budget and not enough people. Hire a virtual assistant and affordable search engine optimization services, and take your company to the top!