Do I need a virtual assistant? It’s a question more and more business owners are asking. Virtual Assistants are a growing solution for businesses looking for smarter, more flexible ways of working. Numerous mobile devices, faster network access and online collaboration tools mean that physical offices are becoming less essential. The rise of the VA is well and truly here.
Do I Need a Virtual Assistant? Key Questions to Ask Yourself
Before hiring, ask yourself these questions. Are you overwhelmed running your business? Is your admin list growing and becoming unmanageable? Can you grow your business effectively on your own? Do you have the resources to keep up with back office administration? If the answer to any of these is no, a VA could be exactly what you need.
What Can a Virtual Assistant Do for You?
Start by listing every task you carry out in your business. Decide what only you can handle and what you could hand over. What tasks do you dislike? What tasks take longer than they should because they fall outside your skillset?
Analysing your daily, weekly and monthly tasks helps you estimate how many hours of VA support you need. Think about what you would do with those extra hours. Grow your business? Spend more time with family? Pursue personal goals? Find out more about our services to see how we can help.
Can I Afford a Virtual Assistant?
Budget is an important factor. Compare your estimated hours against your available budget. If the budget doesn’t stretch, start small. Hand over the most time-consuming tasks first and add more later. Factor in the extra revenue you could generate with the time you get back.
How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost?
Costs vary depending on experience and skillset. Some VAs charge by the hour, some work on a monthly retainer and some charge per project. A typical hourly rate for a VA in the UK is between £25 and £40. View our pricing plans to see what works for your budget.
How to Find the Right Virtual Assistant
LinkedIn and Facebook are good starting points. Search for terms like “virtual assistant”, “virtual secretary” or “remote personal assistant.” If location matters to you, add that to your search — though one of the great advantages of hiring a VA is that location doesn’t have to be a factor.
The UK Association of Virtual Assistants at ukava.co.uk also has a useful directory of vetted VAs who agree to a code of conduct.
Don’t overlook word of mouth either. Ask friends, colleagues or other business owners. You may be surprised how close a recommendation is.
Take Your Time Before Deciding
Once you have a shortlist, find out how each VA works, what their skillset is and whether they have experience in your industry. Treat the decision as seriously as hiring a full time employee. A VA may tick every box on paper but if your working styles don’t match it can lead to frustration.
A face to face or video call meeting before committing makes a big difference.
Conclusion
Hiring a virtual assistant is a smart move for any business ready to work more efficiently. Too often we assume full time physical staff are the only option. They are not. If you are ready to reclaim your time and grow your business, it may be time to find out if a VA is right for you.