Question: What is one tip you'd give a fellow entrepreneur who wants to maximize the benefit of working with a new virtual assistant?
Provide Clear Instructions
"Not providing clear and concise instructions for tasks is a large reason why new virtual assistants do not work well with entrepreneurs. The best automation tool that I created with my company was an operation manual that details every task a VA may need to do. This takes quite a bit of time up front, but it's well worth it on the back end with saved time and fewer mistakes. "
@lawrencewatkins
Use the Right Tools
"Using the right tools can really help speed up the process of communicating with and training a new VA. Examples include tools like Dropbox or Evernote for easy access to files and information, Jing or Screenr to create online video tutorials for quick, on-the-job training and Trello or Asana for managing and staying up to date with tasks and tracking progress together."
@leawoodward
Be Kind
"Virtual assistants are people, too! They'll always be more likely to do great work for you if you treat them with respect and kindness."
@thederek
Overcommunicate
"Document everything. Schedule daily one-on-one meetings. Create screencasts. Keep asking if they are having problems or not. The key is to overcommunicate with your virtual assistants. More often than not, it's not that the VA isn't capable; it's that the process is broken. Invest the time into communicating at a high level, and you'll reap the rewards."
@ericosiu
Document All Your Processes
"I keep a shared Evernote folder with notes that outline various preferences and processes (e.g., scheduling, travel, setting up blog posts). This makes it easy to bring a new VA on board. Each time you assign a repeating task, ask the VA to document it in Evernote for future reference. "
@Jenny_Blake
Be Realistic
"Test your virtual assistant with a variety of tasks, some simple and some complex, and get an idea for what he or she is capable of doing without constant chaperoning. There are practical limits to what a virtual assistant is going to be able to accomplish without ever meeting you or seeing your business. This isn't your 1950s assistant sitting outside of your office."
@sethtalbott
Invest Your Time
"Invest a little time in the virtual assistant. The more you give, the more you will get back."
@aatanacio
Set Explicit Instructions
"Upfront communication and repeatable processes are key. In the beginning, provide a couple helpful examples, have them complete a handful of tasks based on those examples, and provide feedback for continuing on."
@azfayad
Develop a 90-Day Plan
"Think through what you want your VA to be able to do in seven days, 30 days, 60 days and 90 days. What's absolutely critical for them to be able to do up front? What can wait, but still needs to be addressed? You've had months or years learning your business and job; develop a plan that phases in performance expectations so that you both can succeed."
@charliegilkey
