Experiences with Virtual Assistants?

well Brianna Young is a dynamic go getter who is really helping make certain elements of my marketing plan come together! Added bonus is that she is almost a graphic designer(she'll be done with school soon!) But lemme tell you she gotz skillz!

i guess your needs would dictate the VA with the right skill sets for you. Obviously, you should have them do the things that are either critical but can't get to..or the things you don't know how to do..or the things you know how to do but you could be making 4 times more money doing something else so why not pay someone who knows how and go do something else?

For the types of things you are describing may i suggest giving a shout to Rene Russo? She needs work and she's really smart. Bet she could do a real nice job on your little list. Good luck!

Hi Michael -

I'm not going to give myself a sales pitch, however I will share what I believe to be the main benefit of a Virtual Assistant.

Typically, not trying to knock my own skills, our hourly charge is less than yours to your client. While we assist with the work behind the scenes, it frees you up to spend more time working on client projects, thereby increasing your billable time (as opposed to doing the grunt work and getting paid nothing for your efforts). Essentially that's your main benefit.

I think all VAs have their own security features in place, but I, for example, have up-to-date virus protection, spyware sweepers, and firewall. In addition, I password protect all my files and prefer to transmit electronic files to others via password protected FTP (as opposed to email). Security is something I don't take lighty and no one should.

If you have any other questions about VAs I'm happy to assist.

-Hil

Hi Michael,

Those are all fantastic tasks for a VA to handle for you. Hilary's description of how a VA can increase billable time is just perfect.

The bottom line is that you need to chat with several VAs. Some VAs' personalities are better for certain people than others. It all depends on you and your work style. Some VAs are more laid back, creative types and others are more structured and work well with people who require tight deadlines.

Also, regarding confidentiality, I personally wouldn't enter into any agreement with any VA unless their contract contains a confidentiality clause. The reason I say that is because VAs quickly become very intimate with the inner workings of a business. Don't let that scare you at all, though. A VA can be a true extension of your business. You'll be able to see that as your time with clients increases.

I know there is an ethics systems out there for VAs to become ethics-checked, but that doesn't really mean they are.

Like I said, just chat with a VA or two or three and get to know them. There are a lot of them out there (and several on Biznik) so it shouldn't be hard to find a good fit. If the VAs you talk with specialize in research, have knowledge of image organization, and calendar management experience, that should also help create a smooth transition when you hand those tasks over to a VA.

Like Hilary, I'm here to answer any questions you have as well.

P.S. Thanks for the compliment, Justin!

If your tasjs reflect the need of an in-house admin, I will warn you that most times this is not considered as an Independent Contractor position. You would be liable for all state and federal responsibilities, such as taxes, unemployment, and payroll. It's a very fine line in regards to Independent Contractors vs. Employees. Also, most in-house admin's have non-job related functions that take up a portion of their day, such as idle time and personal Internet and telephone use. There are also equipment, space, and utility costs to consider too. I could go on about Independent Contractor vs. Employee quite a bit more, but I will save you the torture and stop here :)

Honestly, the most rewarding VA positions that I have had involved marking and business management functions. I worked as a Marketing Manager for a streaming media company as well as a realtor. Both positions had very different marketing needs, but for me the enjoyment was seeing that my efforts could make a direct impact on their bottom lines. I've cold called…I've done email campaigns…I've investigated venture capital firms. With all of these tasks I got to witness the benefits of my efforts - what a great feeling!

I also was contracted as the Business Operations Manager for an US-based mobile spa franchise and managed three of their locations! Boy was that exhilarating! I got the chance to work with some great corporate clients and it gave me a wealth of experience.

What I'm really trying to say (in the long winded fashion that is me), while you may need someone to do calendar management, etc., VAs are capable of handing a lot more than you may not even realize! I know it's difficult to delegate responsibilities to others (especially when it involves your livelihood!), but there are numerous benefits to hiring a VA that you may not have previously considered.

Good luck with everything!

errr....tasks......(typos irk me.....lol)

Like you, I held off on hiring a VA for a long, long time, wondering what they could really do, and if it was worth it.

Man oh man, was it ever worth it! We graduated to hiring an actual assistant as an employee at this point, but the VA was a life-saver.

How?

Well, once trust was built, our VA taught us how to delegate- I actually learned about delegation through my interactions with my VA. We slowly gave more and more and more.

Our VA was handling: - article distribution - customer service complaints/issues - email replies when I was on vacation, or just not around - my email newsletter formatting

Here's what I would do if I were you, especially if people are telling you that you need some help:

• listen to them. :)
• hire a VA on a very limited basis
• give just one annoying, time-consuming, but low-priority task to them

And see how it goes. As you build trust with them, you may be surprised at how much they take on over time.

Hey Michael,

Beware, I'm plugging my business...

Don't forget there are local (Seattle) PA's who will help you on a one-time or on-going basis. Whatever you need done.

Make a list of your highest priorities of what you want to accomplish. How much time will it take to complete? Is there time in your day (not being stressed) to complete the priorities? If you are stressed and you're not getting things completed then you need to bring someone in, either a VA or someone local.

My two cents.

Good luck,

Mary Boisselle My Concierge, LLC

Michael...

In my past life, when I had employees and managers working for me, I always employed an "executive assistant". We used to call the position our "gal Friday" but today it appears "VA" has replaced that need for new operational styles.

With each new business I've started, this position was usually one of the first "hires" during the growth phase. And, this person usually became a KEY counselor, adviser, and go to person that became indispensable. You are about to embark on one of the major decisions of your entrepreneurial journey that will have a HUGE impact in your future success.

My new solopreneneur career is beginning to grow to the point that I would normally bring on that key person. I will be using a "VA" instead of hiring a new employee for numerous personal reasons.

Ping me if you want a short visit downtown sometime and I will be happy to share with you some "horror stories" and some "wise guidance" in your quest to solve your current need.

...Howard

P.S. Hilary... BTW, I used to have the same frustration with typos. I solved it by switching from IE to Firefox with a built in spell-checker.

Hi MIchael, I wanted to weigh in on 2 counts: I have used a VA for 4 years, she is in Vegas and has helped me to learn to delegate work flow. I use her for creative and marketing assistance and I selected her because she was highly qualified. On the second point, My Day Office has administrative assistants who can work with you in person at our business center or virtually, that may be a good compromise when you need more help. That way you don't have any of the human resource issues. Drop in and check out My Day Office. Good luck with your business, it's fun to manage growth and success! These are good problems to have!

Hi all..

You all have many good points regarding the pros and cons regarding virtual assistances. I think what it comes down to is (1) your comfort level (2) your budget.

Understand, to hire an experienced executive assistant will cost you. Not only in taxes/insurance as Hilliary mentioned but also the "down time" between projects. With a VA you only pay for the time you actually use.

Also with a VA since they are versed in the web, the majority of the times they will have more understanding about online marketing/networking then regular assistances. We use the web to market ourselves. Therefore VAs can be a valuable resource for you to have the ability to reach a larger marketplace.

However, I understand it's scary for most clients to work with someone they never met. So why not find a local VA in your area? As with my local clients, you can meet face to face or schedule weekly meetings to give them a "task list". Or have them meet work occasionally in the office if they are willing. You can gain the benefits of both worlds (in house-virtual) and have the security of knowing who you are working with.

It's a tough decision....but if your willing, can be a very rewarding experience.

Kindest regards, Kimberly Gopher Girl Virtual Assistance