Virtual assistants can be an amazing addition to any business. Virtual assistants provide support to business owners but do so from their own home or office. Assistance can come in the form of Internet marketing, social media, web design, administrative support or any other area of support that the business owner may need.
Virtual assistants are a huge asset to business owners that need support but who do not want to spend the time and money on hiring, managing and paying full-time staff. The beautiful thing about a virtual assistant is that the business owner doesn’t need to pay for taxes, benefits or vacation/sick days.
In an article on MSN’s Business on Main called, “How Do I Hire a Virtual Assistant“, the multiple authors involved with the article share their tips on hiring a virtual assistant and provide advice to all types and sizes of businesses.
However, before you hire a virtual assistant, there are three things you should consider before you set out to hire one.
[1] Am I Ready for a Virtual Assistant?
Not every business owner is ready for the responsibility of another team member. However, if you have a clear idea of where you want your business to go but you need support getting there, you just might be at the right spot in your business. If you are unclear right now about where your business needs to go, you will waste money hiring and working with a VA because you won’t be delegating out clear tasks that relate to the end goal.
[2] How Much Can I Budget for a Virtual Assistant?
The first thing to think about is the idea that you should be using the time freed up from delegating to generate revenue for the business. Whether that is info-product creation, one-on-one coaching or getting out to speak, you want to focus on the income generating activities while your VA does the other “stuff.” With that being said, think about how much you could generate if given the extra time and put a percentage of that away for support.
[3] What Is an Initial Project I Want to Delegate?
A lot of times, people come to the outsourcing table with nothing to offer. Instead, they want to simply explore the opportunities of working with a VA. Most people who do this will be left disappointed as they assume that the VA is going to be more like a business coach. When you hire your VA, give them an easy-to-do project that taps into their expertise but also gives them opportunity to get their feet wet.
Once you have thought about these three questions, then move on to Hiring Your Virtual Assistant! Be sure to check out the MSN Business on Main post for more ideas.
Check Out This Awesome Giveaway!
If you pop over to the Business on Main post (links above) and leave a comment there with your outsourcing / delegation question or tip, you’ll be entered into a draw for two free hours with our VA firm at www.bsetc.com! That’s a $100 value 
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My blog is part of an online influencer network for Business on Main. I receive incentives to share my views on a monthly basis.
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