Heard about the 4 hour work week? Ready to join the new rich and hire your own virtual assistant?
Here are my 10 best personal outsourcing tips ever:
1. Take the time to shop around
Use Google, Elance and other resources to find a list of potential outsourcing providers. Narrow them down to those that you feel comfortable with the most.
2. Due diligence matters
Most providers require payment upfront, usually on a monthly basis. Make sure you find out as much as you can about the provider before committing. Ask for testimonies from their clients, check their feedback, and look them up on search engines.
3. Always ask for a trial
Indian providers in particular have a habit of inflating their promises (and your risk of disappointment). Insist on a trial/discounted period to see how professional and able your virtual assistant is. It minimizes the risks significantly.
4. Clarify the terms before starting
Before you send the money, read over the written agreement and raise anything that appears not right (e.g., working hours, required skills, etc.) This will definetly save you a lot of headaches.
5. Be persistent
Most providers require you to wait a period of time as they process your application and appoint you an assistant. This ranges from a week to a month after you pay. Some providers are notorious for delays during this period. Be persistent and make sure they commit someone as soon as possible.
6. Get to know your virtual assistant
Even though your assistant might be thousands of miles away, they are still human beings. Rather than jumping straight into it, take the time to get to know your new assistant and find out more about them. Share some common interests to make the experience better for everyone. A healthy working relationship equals healthy productivity.
7. Be clear and concise
English may not be your assistants first language and you should keep this in mind. Be as clear and precise as possible when assigning tasks. Be concise by breaking down tasks into its simplest form. Send tasks individually rather than all in one go. Communication problems are inevitable in any working relationship but you should try to minimize it as much as possible.
8. Setup the parameters early
One of the most common problems with virtual assistance is that tasks don’t get completed on time. When assigning tasks, make sure your virtual assistant knows the deadline early. Tell them straight-up and tell them clearly.
9. Work out concerns immediately
No one is perfect and your virtual assistant will certainly make mistakes. Often, the assistant does not know they were wrong. It is up to you to address the problems quickly and professionally. Don’t get angry, but make sure they know what to do in the future. If it is a serious problem, let their supervisor know.
10. Benefit of the doubt
Your virtual assistant is the catalyst for your stress-free lifestyle. They are here to increase your productivity and handle the mundane tasks. Find the right balance: not too strict but not too playful. Review their work consistently but give them the benefit of the doubt - encourage them to use their initiative. Hiring an assistant should be less work for you, not more.
