How to help your VA to help you.

There’s quite a lot documented about an employer’s requirements of a virtual assistant, but what about the VA’s requirements? And here I’m referring to the way an employer makes use of the services of the VA. Yes, an employer can expect confidentiality, and a professional time-efficient service, but what are some of the things employer’s need to remember when using the services of a VA that would make it easier for their VA to offer a better service?

After working with a variety of clients in the last 5 years here are some of my recommendations for employers to remember:

  • Communication is key.  Your VA is not in your office space with you and therefore not privy to all your discussions, phone calls etc. More is best when it comes to keeping your VA updated on work matters that might affect their ability to conduct your work requirements effectively. Your VA cannot mindread! Whatever means you use to communicate, be it email, phoning or texting, always try to give as much detail as possible when relaying requirements or updating on a project in progress.
  • Send work to your VA sooner rather than later. VA’s regularly complete tasks within a short time frame, working after hours and even weekends to do so, but there are only 24 hours in a day! Most VA’s have more than one client, so remember to send that meeting recording for the minutes to be transcribed as soon as possible after the meeting – preferably not the evening before you need them the next morning!
  • Provide you VA with short testimonials. When you VA has conducted their services well – let them know! They also need the positive feedback, and if possible, write a short testimonial for them to use in the future to obtain new clients.

Remember…. “No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.”  Joseph Addison 

 I would like to think that this refers to VA’s as well!

Have a wonderfully productive week everyone!