4 Myths about working with a Virtual Assistant
Working with a Virtual Assistant is the quickest and most cost-effective way to get things done in your business. We’ve talked before about the many different ways that VA’s can save you time and money in your business in a previous article, but they can definitely help you focus on your business, save you time and money, and make the ideal work-life balance more achievable.
Have you tried working with a virtual assistant?
The demand for online help grows every day as more and more people move their businesses into the virtual marketplace. That being said, there are still those who are reluctant to give virtual assistants a try, and that is why we are here today to debunk these common myths about working with a virtual assistant.
Myth #1: A Virtual Assistant works 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.
As a virtual assistant, I work bizarre hours. Some days I start at 4am, and I’m finished by noon and some days I don’t even get started until 5 pm. It’s all based on what my current customer’s needs are.
That being said, I don’t work constantly, I don’t work on weekends (unless it’s arranged before the weekend) and most of all, I don’t work on holidays.
Why?
My family is important and I have time reserved for them. I work out my schedule with my clients. I work when needed and plan my life accordingly around meetings and family. Virtual assistant does not mean superhuman; it’s a job just like any other one in the workforce.
MYTH #2: Communication is a difficult thing when working with a virtual assistant
We’ve had this conversation before. Communication is the absolute most important thing when it comes to a virtual relationship. However, is communication hard when working in a virtual relationship?
No. Thanks to things like slack, WhatsApp, text messages, and discord it has never been easier to stay in touch regularly with your virtual team. This makes creating a trusting partnership with your new VA a smooth and comfortable process and makes building your working relationship a breeze!
It makes it possible to have regular check-ins and even virtual team meetings regarding tasks and upcoming deadlines. Everyone has their communication preference, but since most platforms are pretty simple, communication should remain a painless process.
MYTH #3: All VA’s do all of the things
This myth makes VA’s crazy. We are not a winter glove… one size does not fit everyone. Each VA is different in what they enjoy doing, skill level, preferences, etc.
You often won’t find a VA that loves doing your basic admin tasks and also enjoys building your WordPress website. This is where it comes in handy to work with a team of VA’s because teams have diverse skills in order to serve you best.
You will want to find a person or team that is passionate about the type of work that you need them to do. This will ensure that you get high-quality work for your business.
MYTH #4: Literally anyone can be a virtual assistant
Last but not least… this is our favorite (or least favorite) myth. Anyone or their best friends dog can be your virtual assistant.
No. Just no.
It takes skill and a particular type of person to effectively manage the needs of multiple clients. While some think that all it takes is a computer and a great phone voice… that’s just not true.
Commitment. Drive. Accountability. These are just some of the traits that are important for every VA to have. You need someone that will be able to walk in, learn your business, and just get the stuff that needs to get done, done.
Did that help debunk some of the common myths about working with a virtual assistant for you? I hope so… but if it didn’t, please feel free to comment below.
So if you’re ready to get started working with someone that will understand your vision and help you take your business to the next level… Contact us. We’d love to help.
Originally published at webscientists.net on October 11, 2018.
