Last night's #HandmadeChat topic was the How To Hire A Virtual Assistant. My guest and co-host was professional organizing coach and virtual assistant, Alaia Williams.
Alaia and I led a fun discussion of what to consider when you engage the services of a virtual assistant to help you organize and grow your business. Here is an overview of some of the ideas and important questions we asked and answered, a link to the transcript, and some actions you can take right now to turn your knowledge into power for the benefit of your business.
- Consider what you do that someone else can do. Make a list of important tasks you do that you can train someone to do for you. Is not delegating certain aspects of your business holding you back?
- Using your voice does not mean you can't hire help! Hiring someone to help with social media outreach does not mean you're compromising your authentic voice. In other words, authenticity is not compromised simply because you hire help. In fact, when it's done with care and respect for your customers, an assistant can only help you serve them better, thus enhancing your authenticity and not taking away from it.
For example, one of my assistants helps me manage the Indie Business FaceBook Page. She formally introduced herself to our community in this post, and look how well she was received!
- Qualities of a good virtual assistant. There are many, but topping the list are: good communications skills, good writer, professional manner. Also look for a good personality fit and someone who is flexible and can be as nimble as your business is.
Get more tips in the How To Hire A Virtual Assistant transcript (PDF). Also, use the transcript to follow up on new connections or find links or comments you wanted to follow up on.
Follow Alaia Williams or visit One Organized Business.
Special thanks to Cathy Larkin for her enthusiastic encouragement and help!
The topic for #HandmadeChat for Thursday, October 27 will be announced shortly.
Meanwhile, click here for more information about the mission of #HandmadeChat, and how you can participate.
Question: What fun thing did you learn, or what fun person did you meet at our #HandmadeChat?
