5 Tips on how to find the best VA for you.
We’ve all seen the posts haven’t we – “I need a VA to help me”. Maybe you have posted something similar yourself?
This is great – you have identified you need help, and you are reaching out.
However, then the replies and the tags start coming in, and before you know it, you are overwhelmed with responses, many of which are just not suitable.
So how can you ensure that you get more of the right people responding to your “I need help” post?
Here are 5 tips to help you secure the best support available:
1. State your location.
While you may be looking for a “virtual” assistant, you may want to have the option to catch up with them face to face. Or you may need them to be aware of certain country legislation. So, say this and be clear: “I need you to be based near Sheffield.”
2. State any specific skills you may need.
Do they need to have experience in a specific area, e.g., diary management, or bookkeeping support? Make this clear in the post: “You must have mail list experience.”
3. State any specific software you want them to be familiar with.
Do you have time to show them the basics? Yes, you will need to show them how your system is set up, but if they know their way around the system in the first place, this will save you loads of time. “They need to be familiar with Mailchimp.”
4. Do you have an idea of the number of hours you will need them for?
Not everyone may have the capacity, so stating the approximate hours lets them know straight away if they can support you or not. “Ideally, I’m looking for around 10 hours per month.”
5. Many virtual workers are flexible in their working days, but if you need your inbox checked by 10 a.m. every day, it’s great if you can share this in your post. Again, it will mean you only get responses from people who can definitely provide that support.
How does that post now look?
“I need a VA to help me, please. You must be Sheffield-based or happy to travel, as I would like a face-to-face catch-up monthly. You must have experience in mailing lists and, ideally, be familiar with Mailchimp, as this is the platform we use. We think we will need about 10 hours a month of support from this person, and someone who is available during working hours would be great.”
Anyone reading this post will now see exactly what’s needed and should only apply if they meet the criteria. Unfortunately, you will always get the chancers who will apply, but fingers crossed they will be less.
Good luck with your search (but remember to ask us first in case we are just what you are looking for!).
