When a Virtual Assistant is NOT the Best Option
September 9, 2009
One of the questions I see most often is “When Should I Bring a VA on board?”. It really is an important question and I don’t think there is any one concrete answer; it depends on your business, your needs, and your expectations as a business owner.
It may seem unusual for a VA to promote the idea that virtual assistance is not the answer for everyone.
With the rising popularity and awareness of the industry (which is Great!), there can be an implied assumption that entrepreneurs need VA’s to be successful. Definitely, in the right circumstances, the right VA can help a business grow and develop; I’ve seen the results first-hand. A motivator for me in my business is seeing the tangible results that arise from my involvement with a small business or entrepreneur. However I (and I doubt most professionals in the virtual assistance industry) do not want to work with a client that is not the right fit.
While personality and work styles definitely play a large role in a successful client-VA relationship, there are other factors to consider. One of these may that a virtual assistant is simply not the best option for the client. If you are currently wondering whether a VA is the right fit for your business, consider the points below:
A Virtual Assistant may not be the right fit for the entrepreneur who:
1. Enjoys managing his her business in entirety; from document creation and spreadsheets, to Online Marketing (Social Media, Press Releases, Forum participation,), Website/Blog Design and Maintenance (SEO optimization, Directory Submission), ECommerce (Shopping Carts, Ezines/Newsletters, Blog Posts & Article Submissions), Bookkeeping, Desktop Publishing, to Customer Service in addition to the actual business – whether that be providing services, products or both.
You started your business, presumably, to be able to do the things that you love! If you enjoy managing all aspects of your business, then you may not be content to “hand it over” to a VA.
2. Has time to manage the administration of the business while attending to the daily management, and future growth and development.
Some businesses turn an acceptable profit without generating an administrative load. Or, perhaps you haven’t had the overwhelming thought, “How am I going to get this all done?” while juggling several different tasks with deadlines.
3. Has the Expertise and Training to handle all of the “administration” professionally. Your business image and success may depend upon all aspects being handled knowledgeably.
Some business owners are incredibly savvy, and have extensive business and online experience/education prior to starting their own businesses.
4. Needs to directly handle all aspects of the business, and may self describe as a control-freak. If you just nodded, then working with an independent contractor may not work for you. By their virtue, virtual assistants work independently, and are accustomed to handling a task or project from start to finish with minimal supervision. Of course, consultation and communication during the project is important, but a VA has the experience and skills to “run with it”.
Additionally, virtual assistants are contractors, and do not always work a set 9-5 schedule; of those that do set their own agenda and priorities. If that set-up is not in line with yoru expectations, then you may best be served by an on-site assistant or secretary.
Now, the above may or may not apply to you and your business and your expectations. It does not mean absolutely that a successful relationship with a VA cannot be garnered, but you may want to consider your motivations for working with a virtual assistant and either adjust your own expectations or find a VA that is amenable to your particular preferences.
There is no right or wrong answer – the important part is that you KNOW what you want, need and expect prior to your search for the right VA.
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