TRUSTING THE RIGHT

VIRTUAL ASSISTANT (VA)

IN THE RIGHT PLACE

Today, in my blog, I wanted to touch on a few hiccups my clients experienced, things they never thought of, or addressed before working with an offshore virtual assistant company.

Value Price vs Cheap Price
For a small business or entrepreneur I clearly understand the attraction of paying a low hourly rate of $3 - $5 for a virtual assistant, yes, it sounds affordably inviting, but some things also hold true, "You get what you pay for," both in merchandise and service.

Things to consider when hiring a VA

Homeshore vs Offshore VA Services
Are you looking for a virtual assistant offshore company who farms out work to 'whoever is available', or do you look for an independently owned, domestic company you can build a relationship and communicate with in the U.S.?  When you homeshore certain aspects of your business, you generally work with an in-house team who assigns a personal assistant for the duration your project, and not to 'whoever is available'.



Trust, Safekeeping & Confidentiality

Safekeeping is the key component when hiring a virtual assistant, privacy matters to your business even if you have nothing to hide. Remember, a VA will be spending time in your email box, sometimes viewing sensitive information, typing important correspondence, even having access to user names and passwords.

Homeshore vs Offshore Language Barriers

Breaking down the language barrier of the various nuances in how English is taught, spoken, and communicated in different cultures is critical to understanding your needs and expectations.  In the U.S., our sometimes overbearing style of verbal and non-verbal communication is "it's all about time and money", I need this yesterday approach.  Will language barriers affect productivity and delivery of your time sensitive projects?

Satisfaction vs Discontent

Are you looking to have the perfect, long-term balance for your business to help you succeed?  There are many outsourcing firms who are not business owners, and they do not have a stake in the success of your business, but you do.  Find a business who treats their clients as part of their team, because they 'get it' - they will not succeed unless their clients succeed.  

The Right Virtual Assistant

Dig deep to find the right virtual assistant for your situation, identify your objective and what you want your VA to do.  Ask yourself:

• Can we communicate effectively?
• Does he/she understand my needs?
• Are they easily accessible?
• Are they willing to sign an non-disclosure agreement?

The bottom line: Hire someone you feel good about, and look for a company who wants you to succeed in your business, because your success becomes their success.

Are You The Symptom Of An Overworked

Small Business Or Entrepreneur?

There is a better way to increase productivity and give up your 15-hour days - give outsourcing a try.

Do You Really Mean Business?

What is your incomplete profile costing you?

After snooping around on various professional business networks and local directories, I encountered numerous business listings where that "first impression" was not impressive,  because either their accounts lacked a profile picture, they neglected to list a category, the 'about us' was blank, or it was simply out-dated and incomplete.

The first impression an incomplete profile makes on a potential client is not good.  An incomplete listing can hurt your business.  Does the online platform that you have failed to maintain represent a 'don't care' brand, will potential customers have the confidence and desire to make a 'referral' and 'connection' with your 'don't care' business?

We live in a digital world where consumers use search engines to gather information on local purchases and services.  They seek out your business hours, and contact information online because it helps them save time.  A businesses with a complete listing is more likely to be viewed positively than a businesses with incomplete listings.

Keep it simple:

If you market or list your business online, google yourself, check your business listings, make your contact information easily available, check your links,  review your 'about us' page, and if you want consumers to connect with you it helps to have an image/logo, because we're living in a selfie-image world.