I've just hired my first Virtual Assistant (VA), what happens next?

Hopefully you've already had a video call or a face to face meet up with them, to discuss your expectations, and what you need from them. If not - That's a very good place to start! Get to know each other, and get a feel for how each other works. Make sure it's compatible with your own style. 

They should have sent you through a Statement of Work, or a Service Agreement, laying out exactly what tasks they will be performing, and timeframes they will be done in, whether it's a one off project, or an ongoing service. 

If you need them to sign an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) now is the time to make these  arrangements. Most Virtual Assistants will have access to these documents and can send it to you, all ready to go. 

Discuss how you will share information - popular methods are a shared Google Drive (my preference) Drop Box and We Transfer but there really are heaps of options.

What is the best way to communicate? I have a few clients that for quick communications we use What'sApp, and everything else is done via email. This works really well for us. Other clients rate Slack really highly, and this too can be effective, as you can set up channels for different areas and different people.

How about task assignments, if that's something you need? I love Airtable and Monday.com, but there are hundreds of different options out there - this is the time to discuss if you already have an in house way of assigning work, or if you would like them to set something up for you. 

I'm all set up, agreements are signed. What's next?

Now it's time to start preparing the work you are handing over to them. 

Make sure that anything that needs login details, you either provide these, or if possible, add them as an administrator. Different platforms and systems have different ways of adding users, if you're not sure, your Virtual Assistant can advise. 

A safe way of sharing passwords and other important information is to use Last Pass. It's free, safe, and means you don't have to disclose the specific login details to give your VA access, keeping everything secure. 

They have access to everything they need, now what?

Once your Virtual Assistant has access to everything they need, it's time for them to start on the work you hired them for! It's natural to be nervous about this. Your business is your baby, right?

Up until now, you've not entrusted it to anyone else, and the thought of someone completely new working on it can be... terrifying!

But that's where you can relax. There is likely to be a period of questions and checking, as we like to ensure we get everything right and done just the way you like it. 

This can take time, usually not long, but once we're up and running, just think about how much extra time you're going to have now. Time to focus on other tasks, or time to take a break, even! And that's the whole point of this process - outsourcing work that doesn't HAVE to be done by you, to free up your day for more important tasks, or things that you actually want to do. 

But yes, even a seamless transfer of tasks will take a little time. But the right Virtual Assistant will have a process in place to make it as stress free as possible. 

To have a chat about how we can work together on your content, social media, newsletters and blogs, head to my website and book in a time!

Nikki