Building the Perfect Partnership with your Virtual Assistant

Using the services of an experienced virtual assistant, will save you time and money as well as simplifying your work life, meaning you have more time to focus on the things that are important to you, whatever that may be. However, it is important that you find the right match when it comes to selecting the perfect virtual assistant and that means finding someone who not only has the knowledge and skill relevant to your needs, but also someone who is able to understand your requirements as well as being able to deliver work to your exact specifications; promptly and well within set deadlines. Where do you find such a virtual assistant? Here at Transcription City, we have composed a simple check list for finding your virtual assistant super hero!
One Size Does Not Fit All! Anyone who types ‘Virtual Assistant’ or ‘Online Secretary’ into Google (or any search engine for that matter) will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding an online assistant. However, before you close your eyes and pick one at random, it is really worth looking at what skills and services you need from such an assistant. We strongly suggest that you make a list of what you require from your virtual assistant, in terms of experience – are they experienced in your industry? Skills – are they familiar with the software you use on a regular basis? Availability – do you need someone on a casual or regular basis? Turnaround times – do you need someone who can stick to strict deadlines or do you have a more laid back approach?
These are all questions that should be both asked and answered appropriately by whomever you choose to take charge of your important work tasks. It cannot be stressed enough that any virtual assistant who claims they can do anything, probably won’t give you the standard of work that you are looking for and when it comes to business, no one wants a Jack of all trades!
Communication is key to any good relationship. This is especially true when it comes to you and your virtual assistant. When it comes to delegating important assignments and projects to your virtual assistant (be it dictated letters, PowerPoint presentations, travel arrangements or whatever you are hiring them for) it is absolutely essential that you and your virtual assistant have a clear understanding of what is expected from each other in terms of the finished work. Clear communication is imperative from both sides to obtain the desired outcome and this means being patient with your virtual assistant if he or she has questions and for the virtual assistant to be assertive and proactive enough to ask questions if he or she is uncertain of anything!
Respect! Depending on how much and what type of work you send your virtual assistant; you can give them the power to make your business thrive. By communicating and sharing a mutual respect for your virtual assistant, you may well find that they can come up with some almost genius ideas and suggestions to help make things run like clockwork and drive your business forward. If you choose to see your virtual assistant as just another one of your worker bees, you may well be missing out on the bigger picture!
These are just a few of the things that you should consider when choosing a virtual assistant or online secretary for you or your business. If you would like more information on our virtual assistant, online secretarial or transcription services, why not get in touch with us today? We have a large and diverse team of experienced, virtual assistants, transcriptionists and secretaries who are happy to help.