Choosing A Virtual Assistant

By Lorianne Vaughan Speaks

In this premiere issue of the Success Champions, I want to introduce myself to those who don’t know me. I own a virtual assistance company that specializes in speakers, authors and podcasters. I know that doesn’t fit all of you (and your situations), however, we all need to learn to delegate and outsource tasks that can be done quicker (and usually better) than we can. This can motivate us to do what we do best! We can focus on our strengths; whether that is sales, farming, artisanship, or technical expertise when we outsource the administrative functions.

Most of us started off as solopreneurs, but if we want to grow, we need to bring in help so we can scale our services and products to service more clients. In this first issue I will talk about what YOU need to do before hiring that additional person (both virtual assistants or full-time employees). We need to move from the employee mindset to the business owner mindset and outsource the things we don’t like doing. I think we have all had that boss that gives all the stuff they don’t want to deal with – but when outsourcing to a VA you can hire the specific person who loves to do those duties.

However, before reaching out to find an assistant, take the time to incorporate this person, their skills and their salary into your business plan. You set both of you up to fail if you don’t.

Things to determine:

• What are your superpowers/ strengths on which you want to focus?

• What do you hate doing that is taking too much of your time?

• What is your budget?

• When does this need to be finished (if project based)?

• What do you want this person to accomplish for you?

• What type of person will this need to be?

I think we all have superpowers that we love bringing to the world! If you can focus on those, your business will grow; and bringing in that person to either sell, handle administration, handle social media for you, or just keep you organized is a huge, but important, step to growing your business. A virtual assistant is the perfect step since you won’t have to guarantee 40 hours a week (and deal with taxes, benefits and vacation pay).

But first – what can you afford? If it’s just $50 a week – for a low cost VA you could get up to 5 hours a week. Think about what you could do with those extra 5 hours….. maybe that gives you the opportunity to close one more deal…..which will bring you an great ROI! I had a client tell me that when she hired her first VA – when went from $1500 a month to a 6-figure year! Baby steps can take you places!

After determining what you do best, you probably know what hard skills you need from others…but there are some soft skills to keep in mind as well. Depending on the job – keep in mind:

• Personality (and does it fit with yours)

• Experience in your industry

• References (get them!!)

• Bottom Line:

Take your time to determine what you need and what you can afford. Hire Slow…and Fire Fast if it isn’t working.

What is it that will motivate you to hire a VA? Is it more sales because you can focus on making more deals, more time with your family since you won’t have to do all the paperwork at night, or just making your life a little easier?

The next issue will cover the hiring process, and the possibility of trade for services.

As we continue this Outsourcing Corner, I would love to know what your issues or questions may be. Feel free to pose a question by emailing me at Lorianne@LVSConsultingServices. com.

Lorianne Speaks is an expert in the area of Speaker/Author support. She amplifies the visibility of Authors/Speakers/ Messengers while they do what they love - SPEAK! Lorianne has helped spearhead multiple best-selling book campaigns - editing, proofing, through to launch and social media marketing to help authors create buzz and momentum throughout the social media platforms and increasing their message World-Wide. Lorianne and her team have made it their mission to empower speakers to deliver their message by handling the rest of the details!