How to find the right Virtual Assistant?

Have a lot of things to do but don’t know where to start?

Finally, just as a friend of yours gave you an idea on how to cope, you go to your computer and try to make a search for a virtual assistant… what do you get? I know… a search result generating about a hundred pages of companies that offer the kind of services that you need.

So, where do you go from here?

Most of the time, people back off from the idea of outsourcing because of the fear that they’re about to lose more than they’d be gaining. It’s really a gamble especially when you’re a beginner or a first-timer as we all call it.

You should never be ashamed to ask your peers or people you know before venturing into this kind of work space. If you’re the type who is used to working alone, having someone to work alongside you could prove to be quite difficult for starters. A referral could possibly land you on a good deal as they have already experienced services from that virtual company.

If you’re the type who likes to find things for yourself, you can go on and inquire with those companies that you see online.

Here are some tips that could be helpful with your search:

• Don’t be fooled by fancy websites. As we often say, you can never judge a book by its cover. It’s very easy to have a website made complete with all the works. There are virtual assistant companies who use this camouflage to capture audiences.

• Don’t be fooled by long and extensive CV’s. You are looking for people whom you want to outsource work to. Though extensive CV’s are a plus, it would help if you’d be able to scrutinize the person for what he could offer. It’s fairly easy to put up anything on one’s resume just to make it look appealing.

• Get a feel of the person you’re talking to. The only way you can tell if you’re talking to someone real is through conversation. You could easily assess the capability of the person with the way he or she writes. When you’re impressed by his or her writing, you might want to talk to them over the phone to find out more. Their bearing should be able to jive well with the CV that they’re presenting.

• Stay on top of things. You might be looking to outsource but this doesn’t mean that you’re asking them a favor to help you. Virtual Outsourcing is really a two way relationship. While you are at their mercy because you’ve given them tasks that are really important for you, you should, in turn, be treated how you are placed within that bargain. You are the boss and you have the right to demand.

• Looking at the Long Term Side of Things. Your virtual assistant should be able to understand the concept at which you are outsourcing work. Though they are not really employed by you, each relationship should be looked upon as a long term one. Why keep you for a week if I could keep you for a month and on and on? You should be able to feel that your virtual assistant sincerely cares and values the work you provide.

• Affordability and Quality Combined. Who would want to turn their backs to those companies who already have a name? Of course, it’s everyone’s dream… These skills are learnable and if you’re one who really couldn’t afford their costs at the moment, you could find a lot of virtual companies out there who could accommodate you for what you can afford. Beware however. There’s a low end and there’s a high end on everything. You may want to stay somewhere around the middle for reassurance.

• Flexibility to your need. They’re all offering the same thing. “Quality and On-Time Service” and keeps on saying that their package rates are affordable. The virtual assistance company you choose should be able to flex their package plan to fit your need. Payment terms, payment modes should be well accessible and within your terms as “you” are the client… and you get to have the last say.

It’s really a big risk to go and outsource. You may be wondering how others get to enjoy. If you’re one who would like to try it out, these are just tips that you could use in the process.