6 Tips on how to choose the right VA for your business.

In last month's blog, I talked about situations when it's useful to hire a VA. So now the next question in your mind is, how do I pick the right person to support my business?

It is a big decision. Often one that business owners come to make when they are already frazzled, making it feel all the more daunting.

I hope that this blog I can help make the process of choosing some support an easier task.

Tip #1- Ask yourself what’s important to you?

To work effectively with anyone in your business you need to have a good repour with them and be on the same wavelength. To get this right the first thing you need to do is ask yourself what values are important to you. Sharing those values with your support team makes for a smooth working relationship

Tip #2 Know what skills you need help with

This is one of the most common stumbling blocks I hear. A lot of sole traders know they need and want help. However, they feel they need to get “all their ducks in a row” before they are ready to outsource. I’d like to reassure you that this is not the case. After all, you wouldn’t need a VA if you had enough time to do it all alone. If you know the general tasks in business you need help with us VA’s are very good at helping tidy up any details you have been too busy to finish.

Tip #3 Do some social stalking

These days CV’s and references are not the way to get to know people. Check out social media pages for VA’s you are interested in working with. Read their blogs, get a feel for the type of person they are in your own time. Things to consider when your reading are:

• Do their messages and posts resonate with you?

• Do they give you value that helps you?

• Do they show knowledge in the skills you struggle with?

If you answer yes when looking at an account, then this person could become a valuable asset to your business.

Tip #4 Ask away, we don’t mind.

Like with any big decisions you should not go with the first option you come across. Most VA’s offer free discovery calls, myself include. Book some in and have your questions ready. We want to get the right fit for our working relationships too. Asking plenty of questions allows both sides to have a clear picture of what is needed and what can be achieved.

Tip #5 Try a taster

If a VA offers any downloadable resources or workshops take advantage of them if you can. It’s a great opportunity to see if you like their style in action. If nothing else you will get some value and both sides of the potential partnership will get to know each other better.

This is one of the reasons I love running my brainstorming sessions, it gives people a chance to work with me in person. I can show them what I enjoy doing and how I can add value to their situation.

If the VA’s that have caught your eye don’t offer sessions like this you could consider an ad-hoc piece of work to see how it goes between you.

Tip #6 Trust your instincts

Once you have done your research and it’s time to make a choice you will probably have a gut feeling about who you will enjoy working with. My advice is to trust your gut. I am a firm believer in gut feelings.

If you would like to book a call with me as per tip 4 then I would love to chat with you just click here to book a call.