Rita J. Cartwright Southern, Founder
Now you have investigated and researched the concept of Virtual Assistant (VA), you have finally decided to give it a try. Congratulations! As an entrepreneur and small business owner, you will quickly realize that you made a wise business decision. Your plate will suddenly be cleared of all those pesky “to do” items. Your “bottom line” will increase. You will have more energy and time to spend with your family. They will appreciate it. For the first time, you can close early on Friday and get started on your weekend with the peace of mind that everything is taken care of.
Keep in mind, when working with a Virtual Assistant, it is important to keep an open line of communication. If possible, give your VA a list of tasks with proposed due dates, preferably 3-4 weeks in advance. Chances are you are not your VA only client. With advance notice, your Virtual Assistant can complete your tasks in plenty of time. Last minute notice leaves room for error. “Haste makes waste.”
Try to keep your communications to a minimum. When you interrupt your VA’s “train of thought,” it takes time to refocus on your project that they are currently working on. We realize that traditionally employers are accustomed to having their employees available at their “beck and call.” However, VAs are not employees. We are entrepreneurs and small business owners just like you. We don’t work for you, we work with you.
All in all, the advantages in working with a Virtual Assistant outweigh the advantages of the traditional working relationship. As you know from your research, you do not have to provide any benefits, equipment, or office space and, most importantly, you will pay only for the actual time you will use.
So true, Rita! My favorite clients, and the ones that I keep working with, are the clients who treat me as a partner and not an employee. I’m able to help them so much more when I have a good picture of their entire business, and not just the piece that I’m assisting them with at the moment.