The use of virtual assistants has been gaining some popularity amongst many entrepreneurs nowadays due to their ability to offer a wide range of services that can bolster business productivity.
Virtual assistants often refer to a group of focus driven individuals who work remotely to provide vital input that their client needs. Many aspiring business owners tend to push themselves too far that they let their hectic schedule ruin the way they manage their trade; hence seeking the help of a virtual assistant is the most viable solution to lessen their burden.
If you ever experienced hiring a virtual assistant before, there is a good chance that you already encountered some difficulties while working with them. Probably one such challenge that you must face is ensuring that they’re doing their job correctly. Though errors from virtual assistants rarely happen, establishing a strong connection between the two of you is highly imperative in order to get the result that you want.
To help you get the most out of your virtual assistant experience, here are some of the proven ways on how to work effectively with a virtual assistant:
- Strengthen your line of communication
Having a scheduled phone call per week is not enough if you really wanted to create a solid line of communication with them. Remember that even if you cannot assess their performance in person, you can still talk to them every day about everything that happens within their line of work. This way you can immediately get notified of any possible issues that might cause a lot of trouble in the future.
- Set your expectations
Your virtual assistant could accomplish certain tasks that you might be unable to do so due to a variety of reasons. But what’s really important is the way you assign their roles that could benefit your business in the long run. When assigning tasks on a virtual assistant, you must first set your expectations. You can define your expectations by making an example task that they can imitate to see how skilled they can be on doing such a job.
- Let them use the right tools
With the advent of digital technology, almost everything that we do can be now performed in the most convenient way possible. If you wanted to increase the odds of receiving high-quality outputs from your virtual assistant, you should encourage the utilization of the most modern tools available. You’re not only making their tasks easier, but it can also bring a positive effect on your part in terms of saving time and increasing productivity.
- Keep your files shared
Working effectively with your virtual assistant also requires you to have an efficient way of storing and sharing all of your files to track and record the flow of your business operations. The best way to do this is by taking advantage of Cloud-based services such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
- Use basic English
While a great number of virtual assistants today came from countries where English is not the native language, it is unnecessary to consider this as a hindrance. Speaking in elementary English without using any uncommon words is enough. Once you finished explaining something to them such as their task, gave them the chance to ask questions afterward.
- Track their time
Aside from maintaining constant communication, you should also be aware of the amount of time they spend in doing your tasks. Tracking their time is one of the most effective ways to know if they can properly manage their time when working with you.
- Appreciate their efforts
Complimenting your virtual assistant for a job well done will motivate them to exert more efforts in finishing more of your upcoming tasks. Simple reward such as this can affect them in a psychological way, which could also promote healthy relationship between both parties.
When it comes to working effectively with your virtual assistant, it’s important that both of you are willing to build rapport and trust with each other. Try to implement each of these methods and see the difference!
Sources:
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorieclark/2014/09/16/how-to-work-well-with-your-virtual-assistant/#370c56eb5636
- https://freeeup.com/blog/business-tips/effectively-working-virtual-assistant/