EPISODE 56
Thank you for tuning in to episode 56! I thought that today I would take you through my journey in finding and hiring a virtual assistant. Believe me; I know what it feels like to be overwhelmed, to want help, but not want to give up control, to be worried about personal information, but know you need to let someone in to help.
LESS BURDEN
I was motivated to share this information with you, so you feel less burdened.
Having help has changed my life and business. Imagine being able to focus on the big things, the things that move the needle, the things that fill you up!
Let’s get to it, so maybe you too can take a load off of your shoulders.
STEP 1-LIST
Keep a log of your time for one week or, at the very minimum, a few days. Make a note of all the things you do to run your business, your home, and don’t forget to include the non-essentials like social media, watching tv, etc.
STEP 2-LINES, CHECKS, CIRCLE
Once you have a log or list of tasks that you do daily, you’ll need to start separating these tasks into three categories.
First, let’s start with the items that you’ll need to eliminate. Make a line through each item that no longer serves your higher purpose. This step might be the hardest, but owning the decision to remove something gives you the power to take back some time and lessens the value of that past habit or action.
You don’t need to be drastic; even a time reduction in certain areas will improve your schedule! If you’re only reducing the time, cross it out and add the time value over the top so you know you’ll be making that change.
CHECKMARKS
Next, you’ll want to add a checkmark beside any items that you and only you can only do.
These should be the things that no one can do like you. It is essential to pause here and take the time to break these tasks down and create standard operating procedures.
By doing this step, you’ll have a template for someone to follow if ever you have to step away from your home or business.
CIRCLE
Now you’ll need to circle the items which you know someone else could do for you.
If you’re unsure of which items someone could do for you, google the task’s name with virtual assistant behind it.
I’m sure you’ll find that most anything on your list can be done by someone else!
Once this list has lines, new time restrictions, checkmarks, and circles on it, you’re now ready to hire!
Here’s one question to take into consideration – how much is your time worth? If you run your own business, you should have an hourly rate established for yourself.
This number will let you evaluate if you’re time to learn and complete a task is less or greater than the time and cost that it would take for someone to complete it for you.
STEP 3-HIRE
Time to Hire! The best thing that you can do at this point is to ask for a referral from a trusted group or friend.
If you don’t belong to a group, the next best thing is to hop onto a platform like Fiverr or Upwork and start interviewing.
Make sure to search for someone who has good reviews, is responsive, and can give you a definite date of completion for your project.
QUESTION #1
Here are some of the common questions.
Does your VA need to be fluent in your language? I would say that it depends on what they are doing for you. If they’re making visual changes to your website or non-content-related updates, you only need to be able to communicate your vision.
I like to create a document in Canva that shows my VA precisely what I want to change. I split the page into two sections and include my branding colors and any other piece of inspiration that I have in one section. The next section is for a snapshot of my page containing the items that need to be fixed. I use a bold color and circle the changes. It may take a little time to put this together, but you won’t have to worry about a language barrier if it’s all spelled out visually.
The great part about hiring on a big platform is that they also have many people to choose from. You can even narrow down your search by your language!
So language does not have to be a barrier!
QUESTION #2
Can you trust your VA with your information? Good question!
I have never had an issue with the VA’s that I have hired. There are no guarantees, but sites like Fiverr and Upwork are all very reputable. I would only provide the information that you need to complete your job. You should never have to give anything other than passwords, and a lot of sites like WordPress and Squarespace have a dedicated sign-in for your assistant, so really, they have their own password.
You can also restrict the type of tasks that your VA can perform. Once your project is completed, you can change your password to something new.
QUESTION #3
What if you don’t like your VA or the work that they are doing?
That’s completely okay. There are so many people out there, and you’re not going to gel with all of them.
The best thing to do in this case is to end your contract early and look for a new VA. If you hired a VA through an agency, contact the agency right away. It’s better to get matched with the right person as soon as possible. The agency wants you to be happy, and you need to have a good relationship with your assistant.
If you hired directly through a platform, it’s easy enough to end your contract with just a few clicks.
QUESTION #4
How Do You Pay Your VA?
If you hire through an agency, you generally pay a price for a certain amount of hours worked. In other words, you may pay for 30-40 hours upfront.
You might also be able to pay on a weekly or monthly basis. It all depends on the agency. If you hire through a platform like Fiverr or Upwork, you can purchase a project for a set price or agree to pay your project’s hourly rate.
I love that there are many options in this area too!
MEET MY VA!
Now let me tell you about my virtual assistant. I may have mentioned him to you in the past.
I tried to hire someone to help me with my WordPress website three different times with no luck. Somehow through all of my searching and interviewing, I finally found Sohag. I was impressed with his ability to take my ideas and do the work that was needed. He went above and beyond in giving me suggestions and always completed my jobs on time. I love that if I don’t understand something, he sends me a video to explain.
I am a DIY kind of girl at heart, but DIY on something like a WordPress site was never my strong suit. I found that it took less time to hire Sohag than it would take me to research and understand a topic.
It has been a couple of years now, and Sohag has become my go-to whenever I need help with my WordPress sites.
When I first launched this podcast, he was there to help me post the show notes each week. He’s helped me straighten out my mail service and even made a nice LinkTree style link for my Instagram accounts.
Since I love to travel, I’ve asked Sohag all about Bangladesh. I’ve learned so much about the culture and can’t wait to visit someday!
TAKE ACTION
I know the road to finding your perfect VA might be bumpy, but honestly, when you find the right one, I promise your workload will diminish, you’ll be able to focus on other projects, and, if you’re lucky like me, you’ll also find a friend in your virtual assistant!
If you’re curious to meet my VA, just visit the links below!
I hope this has persuaded you to find the help you need to continue on your business journey.
If you take the time to do the steps mentioned, I know you’ll not only eliminate a lot of stress, but you’ll free up time that you can devote to growing your business.
Let me know where you’re at in the hiring process!
Ill see you next time!
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