QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Don't worry - you're not the only one wondering!
WILL I MEET MY VIRTUAL ASSISTANT IN PERSON?
This is totally up to you. I work with some clients completely virtual and some clients I meet weekly, monthly, bimonthly, etc. I am willing to travel to the Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio areas with no travel costs on your end. Anywhere else, there will be a fee charged to compensate for travel. Whatever works best for you and your business is what I'm here for.
CAN MY VIRTUAL ASSISTANT WORK ON HOLIDAYS, WEEKENDS, OR AFTER-HOURS?
The simple answer: yes. The complex answer: it depends.
Just as you want time with your friends and family, I do as well and I hope my clients (who typically become friends) understand this.
That being said, I will ALWAYS update you if I am planning on being absent for a certain time period and will plan accordingly for that so your business stays operating organized.
CAN MY VIRTUAL ASSISTANT HELP ME FILE MY TAXES?
Tax accounting is not my specialty - marketing and administration is. Therefore, no, I cannot. I can, however, recommend you to my accountant or someone I feel would suit you best for your needs!
WHY SHOULD I HIRE A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?
Small business owners typically have fewer resources and network than agency or corporate companies. The beginning of a business is arguably the hardest part! A lot of start-ups stretch themselves too thin and try to juggle too many roles and tasks. There's only so much you can do in one day and burnout is REAL! Hiring a virtual assistant helps address start-up issues and it is typically much less costly than hiring onsite employees as they are hired per project or hour rather than salary. This also inspires a hard work ethic, as a virtual assistant doesn't get paid for incomplete tasks.
The bottom line: outsourcing a wide range of tasks helps lighten the load without breaking the bank. This allows you space to save for your personal life while you dream big.
HOW ARE V.A.'S DIFFERENT FROM FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES?
Regular employees typically report to work from 9-5, or a set amount of consecutive hours. VAs offer a much more flexible set-up and can work between 20-40+ hours per week at any time. This can save a business owner much more money than a regular employee.
HOW DO I HIRE MY FIRST VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?
First and foremost, it is wildly important to create a list of the exact things of which you're wanting help. This way, you are both on the same page and there is no confusion between price and expectations.
After filling out an inquiry for a virtual assistant through their website or a virtual assistant company, a VA will reach out to you offering you their services with their pay expectations.
HOW DO I MANAGE MY VIRTUAL ASSISTANT?
1. Set a clear communication channel whether it be through text, Slack, Google chat, etc. Make sure you both know where to look when trying to connect and set clear boundaries at what times you are unavailable to reply.
2. Create a task list or goal sheet. This will help both of you remain accountable and help you understand if your VA is working out or not.
3. Build trust. The better you communicate, the less issues you will have. Your VA can become your friend, but be sure to remain clear on business expectations versus personal relations.
4. Give feedback. Virtual assistants go into their profession wanting to make other peoples' lives easier. Trust and believe that. Try to learn the difference between constructive criticism versus attacking or complaining.
5. Establish a routine and schedule. Respect their time off as you would expect them to respect your time off. The more organized routine is, the better results.