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Answers to your most common questions.
Have a quick question? Get a quick answer without sending an email or scheduling a consultation.
Don’t see the answer to your question? No problem, just send me a message and I’ll get back to you asap! If you want to chat specifically about how I can serve your business, consider scheduling a free, no obligation consultation. It’s not as scary as it sounds!
Is a VA my employee?
No, a VA is a business owner that provides a service as an independent contractor. To explain this as simply as possible, think of it this way… if your VA were your plumber, you would hire them to provide a service (unclog your drain), but you would not consider them your employee.
I just need someone to keep me motivated, can a VA do that?
Yes, you can hire a VA simply to keep you on track and focused. You can also use them as a consultant for areas of your business where you need a second pair of eyes. Read more about this here.
Is hiring a VA expensive?
You can expect to pay your VA within the range of $20-$60 an hour. The cost depends on the service they are providing and their skill level. Although the price tag may seem high, there are a few things to consider. Most VA’s are solo-entrepreneurs and run their business as a full-time career. Just like other service or product based companies, their rates reflect all the expenses that go into running a business. And before you run away from sticker shock, you should know that most VA’s are willing to work with your budget and create a package that will benefit you without breaking the bank. You can read more about this here.
Do I have to share my passwords?
No, you don’t have to. But it’s fairly common to share the passwords that are essential to getting the job done. If you feel funny about it, there are ways around this by using LastPass.
Should I ask for a resume?
No. VA’s aren’t filling an employment position, they are providing a service. Although it’s common for a VA to have a portfolio, or customer reviews you can refer to.
I’m terrified of losing control but I desperately need help, what do I do?
Start small! You only have to task your VA with what you are comfortable with. You might simply need someone to unsubscribe to junk mail so you can get a handle on your inbox, organize electronic receipts, or do research for your next blog post. Those things don’t sound so scary, do they? As your professional relationship and trust grows, you’ll feel more comfortable tasking more areas of your business. Read more about this here.
Do I need to sign a contract?
Yes. Contracts are protection for you and your VA. Read your contract and your Welcome Packet so you know what to expect. Contracts generally run month to month or on a project basis with no long term commitments. If you have concerns about the terms of the agreement, get it cleared up before, not after you sign.
Is VA my personal assistant?
Maybe in some rare cases, but 99% of the time, no. Virtual Assistants are generally hired to perform specific tasks and are not available to be at your beck and call throughout the day. Typically you can expect email correspondence and a scheduled call once or twice a week, depending on the agreement. Read more about this here.
Is hiring a VA cheaper than hiring an in-house employee
In most cases, Yes. If you have a small business it can be much more cost efficient to hire a VA to fill in the gaps where needed. VA’s have their own equipment, software, health insurance, 401k, etc. If you hire in-house there would be a host of expenses that will come along with your hire. On the flip side, if you have a large company it may be more cost effective to hire an in-house employee, but it depends on the need. If you need a part time customer service rep, hire in-house. If you need a Social Media Manager, it likely wouldn’t make sense to hire in-house for just an hour or two a day.
What kind of training does a VA have?
This varies greatly depending on the VA you hire. Some VA’s come with degrees in the corresponding service they are offering, and other VA’s will serve your business through past experience from previous employment and relevant education.
I’m so disorganized, should I have all my processes in place before hiring?
In an ideal world, sure! But, you don’t have to be organized to bring on a VA. There are many VA’s that specialize in organization and creating systems for your business is what they thrive on!
How do I communicate with my VA?
It can feel a little funny hiring someone that you don’t know and will likely never meet. I get it. To compensate for the lack of physical interaction, you can expect to have at least one initial video chat with your VA. If you are comfortable proceeding via voice call, great! If you want a video call for weekly or monthly check ins, no problem! Your VA should be willing to communicate in whichever way you feel the most comfortable. Email, text or a collaborative software is also another way you can expect to communicate with your VA throughout the week.
How do I pay?
The most common payment structure is monthly hourly retainers or monthly package pricing. Payment is also generally required up front and paid electronically.
How do I fire my VA?
Sometimes you just don’t mesh well, or expectations are not met. It’s okay, you should not feel bad about letting go of your VA if it’s not a good fit. Make sure the terms are clear in your contract so you’re not stuck paying for a service you don’t want.
Still not quite sure what you can outsource to your Virtual Assistant?
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