How to Decide What to Outsource to a Virtual Assistant - Priority VA (2024)

FAQs

What made you decide to be a virtual assistant VA? ›

“I want to have the freedom to choose where I work, who I work with, what hours I work, the type of task I do and to be able to focus on one task at a time without continuous interruptions. Also, being paid at a rate that reflects my skills and worth.”

You won't have to pay for taxes and benefits, office rental, utilities, and other expenses. The virtual assistant will have their own equipment and pay for their internet connection and electricity bills. Hiring a VA could save your business as much as 78% in operating costs.

But it's not just about being reliable. Adaptability and flexibility are also key factors to consider. Your virtual assistant should be able to adapt to your unique requirements and adjust their approach accordingly. They should flexible juggling multiple tasks for you.

Determine Required Skills and Experience

When selecting a virtual assistant, it's crucial to consider the specific skills and experience you require. Determine whether you need someone with expertise in a particular software or industry, or if strong communication and organizational skills are a priority.

Tailored Training and Support: One common virtual assistant weakness is a lack of familiarity with specific business processes. Outsourcing firms like Clark Staff provide tailored training and support to virtual assistants, ensuring they understand your unique requirements.

Task Management

Throughout the day, a virtual assistant will likely juggle multiple tasks at once. For illustration, they may spend an hour working on social media content creation, followed by many hours of data entry, and also switch to scheduling appointments.

Lower Quality Work

Without direct supervision and oversight, it can be harder to ensure that tasks are completed to the same standards as an in-house employee. Additionally, some outsourced VAs are prone to distractions – especially those working at home – that could lead to poor quality of work or late deliverables.

The cost to hire a virtual assistant can vary based on factors like their location, experience, and tasks. On average, you can expect to pay between $15 to $50 per hour for a virtual assistant's services, but rates may be higher for specialized skills or industry-specific expertise.

How do I choose a niche for virtual assistant? ›

Analyze the landscape of other virtual assistants in your chosen field. What services are they offering, and how can you differentiate yourself? Identifying gaps or areas where you can offer a unique perspective or specialized services can help you carve out your niche.

Tell me about the experience. Provide an example of your time management skills. Tell me about a time when you had to work with people with different communication styles. Explain your process for working with difficult team members.

On Upwork, freelance virtual assistants charge an average of $18-35/hour depending on skills and experience. If your organization is larger with a more “corporate” structure and protocols, it may benefit you to hire a VA with corporate office experience who is more comfortable navigating the ins and outs.

Virtual assistants excel in handling administrative duties. They manage emails, respond to inquiries, and keep your digital workspace organized. With their attention to detail, they can enhance your professional image and communication. For making informed decisions, research and data analysis are vital.

Companies outsource jobs and services for several reasons – cost saving, cutting back on resources, making more room for growth, remaining on top of the industry ranks, and more. Businesses are better off with outsourcing as one of their primary business models.

Save time on initiatives and projects

Many of the tasks undertaken by virtual assistants tend to be somewhat tactical or repetitive, such as taking notes or submitting weekly or monthly expense reports. These tasks can take away from more pressing issues, such as client meetings or lead generation.

An outsourced company works 24 hours a day, with staff on shifts. A virtual assistant is a lone soldier, usually available for 8-10 hours per day. A VA is constantly shifting gears, re-prioritizing, and managing conflicting demands.

In conclusion, working as a virtual assistant comes with a unique set of pros and cons that need careful consideration. The flexibility, diverse skill set, and entrepreneurial opportunities are attractive advantages, but they come with challenges like isolation, income uncertainty, and the need for self-discipline.