4 Tips for Using a Virtual Assistant

4 Tips for Using a Virtual Assistant by Ashton Brackett

Are you struggling to get through your task list? Emails backed up? Social media hanging on by a thread? Drawing a blank on website content?

Well, have you thought about using a virtual assistant?

If you answered no, or even yes, then you’re in the right place!

Adding a virtual assistant to your team can be a big step for any entrepreneur, especially if the dollars are tight. So, it's important to make sure you are spending your money wisely, and using an assistant effectively.

Define Expectations

Virtual assistants can be used for a number of tasks from building a lead list to helping schedule meetings. They can basically handle any task that you need completed where they don’t physically need to be present.

The more challenging part after understanding what role you want the virtual assistant to take is setting clear expectations. To set clear expectations, you need to either complete an example task of what they would do, or conduct a brief training with them. Defining expectations can be as simple as laying out exactly how you want the relationship to be conducted.

Maintain Open Communication

One of the biggest pitfalls of a relationship between a VA and their client is a lack of communication. This can mean that clear expectations were not defined, expectations were not met, or that no communication method was discussed. It is my suggestion, that even if you are only using a VA for occasional tasks, to maintain weekly updates. Something as simple as “hey Ashton, I don’t have anything for you this week, but be on the lookout for a few tasks next week.”

Use the Right Tools

A big factor in the overall success of a VA is using cohesive tools. This will be dependent upon the type of task they are completing, but in general this means giving admin access to a CRM, having a company email address, and getting calendar/email access.

Then there are tools such as YAMM, Constant Contact, Canva, Mailchimp, Slack, and Lastpass that are just a few options to make your VA work more effectively and efficiently.

Education Yourself on all Services

Earlier we talked about the fact that a VA can do a variety of tasks. Well it is essential to know what their full capabilities are. If you hired your VA to do general admin and email management, but are still struggling with content creation…. Why not utilize the same VA for both services if available?!? Talk about two birds… One Stone!

A virtual assistant can be a vital asset to your team, but it is critical to know that you are utilizing their service to its fullest potential. If you follow these few tips, you will have  a great start to your new partnership!

Interested in getting started with a virtual assistant? Head over to Milrich Virtual Professionals, LLC. and schedule an appointment today!

Ashton works from home as the Director of Marketing and Sales at Milrich Virtual Professionals, Owner of TJ Elite Contracting, LLC., and Owner of Homegrown Momma. She has a passion for helping businesses and individuals reach their full potential. Ashton is a boy mom of two toddlers, and survives on coffee. When she is not working she can be found in the gym or playing with her boys. 

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