Will my VA need training?
Yes!
Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that VAs are magical unicorns who can swoop into a business and, within seconds, be up and running, as if they had been there all their lives.
If that were the case, I would be in heaven! But I hate to break it to you—it doesn’t work like that.
If you have done your research well, you will have found a VA with the skills and experience you need. However, they still need a bit of training, just like an employee.
The training should only be in YOUR specific ways of working, YOUR systems, YOUR procedures etc. But you shouldn’t have to train them in the basics (unless you are offering the role to a newbie).
Expect to go through your business, etc, on their first few calls/sessions with you.
And be prepared to pay for this time! They are learning these processes, etc, to support your business, so don’t insult them by asking if the time is chargeable.
A good VA will tell you from the outset if they don’t have experience in the areas you need, rather than waste everyone’s time. Don’t be surprised if they say no to a piece of work outside their skill set.
It’s also okay to ask someone to do a test piece of work to check their level of experience. But again, this time, it will be chargeable. If they don’t meet the level you need, you can part ways before you go further down the line.
But with every VA who joins your team, remember to give them time to ask questions and offer refresher sessions if things change, again just as you would for an employee.
Ask yourself this, do you want someone who can do a brilliant job overall, or someone who will fail and make more mistakes along the way?
I know which I would prefer!
