3 Ways to Maximize Your Virtual Assistant's Potential

When starting a company, time is often in short supply. Virtual assistants, when used effectively, can be the solution to this challenge. As a company transitions from its founding stages to the growth phase, schedules can become overwhelming, with new challenges arising and less time available to handle existing tasks. This issue can extend to team members, who may also become overloaded. After careful research, many business owners turn to virtual assistants for support.

Here are some valuable lessons and advice on how to work effectively with a virtual assistant to benefit your business:

1. Interview before hiring

Hiring a virtual assistant should be treated with the same care as bringing on any other team member. The quality of virtual assistants varies, so it’s important to ensure that the assistant provided speaks the required language fluently to avoid communication barriers. Always request a resume before the interview to assess their experience, motivation, and attention to detail. During the interview, ask the candidate why they want to work for your company. To gauge their commitment and understanding, assign a task, such as providing 20 reasons why they want to join within 24 hours. This exercise reveals much about their work ethic and enthusiasm. Once a candidate excels at this task, they’re likely a strong fit for your team.

2. Encourage skill development

Virtual assistants, like any team member, benefit from opportunities to grow with your company. Many enjoy taking on tasks that allow them to learn new skills. To foster this growth, consider assigning more creative tasks as you become familiar with their capabilities. Seeking their opinions on decisions can also make them feel valued and encourage them to go the extra mile, often conducting research and analysis to provide thoughtful responses. Understanding their interests and assigning related tasks can lead to greater engagement and a stronger sense of being a vital part of the team.

3. Organization and instruction are key

A common challenge with virtual assistants is the potential for misinterpreting tasks. To minimize this risk, provide clear and detailed instructions. For example, if using a virtual assistant for lead generation, outline the process step-by-step, including login times and task completion protocols. Monitor the time taken to complete tasks to ensure efficiency. Over-communicating expectations can significantly enhance productivity and reduce misunderstandings.