It could be really overwhelming to look at the “to-do” list and realize that the day doesn’t have enough hours to complete all the tasks in the list. If you feel like that every morning, it’s time to hire a helper.
One of this options (cost-efficient and a great deal) is hiring a virtual assistant, which will help you not only by saving time, but also money. With this option, you get a remote worker, so you save money on office equipment and employee benefits. Even though you both may not be at the exact same location, technology and communications make completing different types of tasks much easier (from simple things, such arranging dinner reservations to providing maintenance to your website). If you have never worked like this before, take a look at the next five tips that will guide you on your quest for a remote helper:
- Take a couple of days or a week to organize your work: During this time, take the time to write down all the things you do during the day, and how long it takes to complete each task. After you complete the list, review it and determine which ones are too time consuming, which ones you can delegate to someone else and which ones you can’t.
- Determine which assignments you can delegate: since remote workers have different areas of expertise, it would be very helpful to categorize the type of tasks that you have decided to delegate. Furthermore, this will help you define the profile that you are looking for in your assistant.
- Contact potential virtual assistants that are compatible with your profile: As with any hiring process, you are destined to fail because people contacts (and hires) random, probably not quite qualified, candidates. Save yourself some time by contacting only the prospects that match with the profile that you are looking for, and the ones who have the skills required for the assignments you’ll be delegating.
- Get orientation by creating a job description: Before interviewing and taking a decision, make sure to describe what you expect from an applicant, share with him/her the job description you’ve created. Remember to write a general scope of work and responsibilities.
- Make a list of specific tasks: Once you have decided which candidate is the one that fits your needs, make a list of specific tasks. Describe the task and periodicity. Don’t forget to ALWAYS provide your expectations in terms of urgency and deadlines.
Final (and crucial) advice: Always ask for examples of previous work!
Taking a moment to analyze which applicant has the spirit and skills that you need in your company will save you time, money and will make you feel much more at ease with the decision you’ve made of hiring a competent, knowledgeable candidate.