10 Things You Need to Know Before You Search for a Virtual Assistant

1. Have a good understanding of what you want the VA to do for you before you search. Keep an ongoing list next to your desk of responsibilities you really want to delegate. List those items which keep you from doing the work you enjoy.



2. Prioritize that list. Break the list down to three categories: Items which should have been done yesterday; those which need to be done this week and those which can wait until next month.



3. Decide how much your budget will allow to contract with a VA. If you can spend $200 a month then stick to that budget.



4. Post a request for proposal Make your RFP as detailed as possible and do not forget to include your website address and alternate email address. Any information you offer ahead of time only helps to weed out those who may not meet your needs.



5. Give a timeline as to when your request for proposal response has to be submitted but give a fair amount of time to respond. Anyone who is really interested will respond right away but it does take time to reply properly to RFPs as they are often customized to clients' needs. Specify what you want the VA to send you in the first pass…i.e., links to sites, blogging samples, graphic samples, articles, etc. It is not necessary to ask for a resume. This is not an employee-employer situation. A VA is a business owner as well.



6. Ask for testimonials. And by all means ask for feedback on the VA's work and turnaround time.



7. If you know someone who uses a VA, then ask for a referral from that colleague. Many VAs handle multiple clients. If you like the work you see, then this can be indicative of a VA you might wish to work with.



8. When you have decided upon the right person for the job, expect that in the beginning you will need to 'hand over' passwords and usernames and business information to get started. Be sure that your VA has a confidentiality agreement. You will need to open up your business to another person with whom you have never been physically introduced. Trust will grow over time.



9. Review the service contract needed to begin and return back to the VA in a timely fashion. If you are not in agreement with something in the contract, say so upfront.



10. Communicate... communicate... communicate… Set aside time during the work week to answer your VAs emails and questions. The faster you return your replies, the faster the work will be completed. Share ideas... which spur conversation and brainstorm to grow your business. Suggest that the VA read online newsletters or mail her/him publications which are related to your business.