When I created my website I wanted to sound like an expert, so I wrote this article and posted it on one of my pages. It was the very first content I wrote for my site. It is for the client who is considering a VA and my hope is that is gives me more credibility. I've read that when someone makes a purchase from a website they usually won't do it the first time. But if you give them information, they will come back for more. Saying that, I should probably do some more articles!
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Why Hire a Virtual Assistant? Top 10 Reasons to Do it Today
By Lindsay Woolman @
www.yourcreativeva.com
1. You'll Save Money
You don't have to pay a Virtual Assistant unless they are working for you. That means you're not handing out paid vacation time and or dealing with other expenses, like medical insurance. The VA is a self-employed contractor, hired to work for you on an as-needed basis. Most VA's work in a home office, which means that each hour they are working for you, the job is getting DONE. No water cooler conversations or distractions. They mean business.
2. You're Working with a Professional
Professional VA's prides themselves on doing a great job. Why? Because their work is a reflection of who they are, not a big company they are working for. That means a VA has to deliver. Virtual Assistants work on a one-on-one basis with clients, and they will go out of their way to keep clients happy. You should expect a professional demeanor, including excellent phone skills and prompt responses to e-mail. A good VA won't keep you hanging. Look for someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and professional.
3. You Control Who You Hire
Get specific on your needs when hiring a Virtual Assistant. Some VA's specialize in numbers and billings, while others have creative skills and can do quality writing and design work. A great VA will have experience in many sectors and the willingness to learn new skills. Definitely figure out the background you want in a professional and your reasons for hiring them. Do you want someone from a corporate environment? An artistic freelancer? Someone with an background in human resources? Accounts payable? Website design? The choice is yours and the help is out there.
4. You Have a Life
Virtual Assistants usually keep flexible hours, including weekend and evening work. That means you can keep your business running, even when you're away. With some training, your VA will able to take on tasks that will free you up. What you do with your time will change the way your business is run. Perhaps you need more hours away from working. Or maybe you are activity looking for more clients. You can do those things while trusting the work is getting done.
5. You Can Get a Great Deal
If you are willing to work with a newer VA who is hungry for work, many of them will give you an introductory rate or have a flexible hourly rate. You don't want to work with someone whose rate is too low, of course, since this might reflect poorly on the quality of their work. But ANYONE, and I mean anyone, CAN and WILL save money by outsourcing their needs to a VA, rather than hiring internally.
6. You Won't See the Employee
Yes, you will communicate and do it often, but your office space is yours. You don't have to worry about if your employee is slacking off and monitor them, because with a VA you will be able to see, based on their invoice, the number of hours worked. You don't have to worry about having extra desks or an on-site location. In fact, many Virtual Assistants don't even live in the same state as their clients (however, beware of non-US locations where communication may not be as easy).
7. You Know the Future is Virtual
You are on the Internet right now. You probably spend half your day communicating with people who are not an arm's length away. Everything is going online, including day-to-day tasks. Having a VA is like your own virtual secretary. Of course, you will probably end up fielding them more projects based on their strengths. You can do everything online these days so why not take advantage? A great VA frees you up to live anywhere and have freedom.
8. You Have a Short-Term Project
Many Virtual Assistants work an as-needed basis. They can do 5 hours for you one week and 20 hours the next (but consistency is always appreciated!). Hire a VA for a one-time job, or hire someone once a month to get rid of a chore you don't like doing. One great way to try out a VA is to hire that person for one job and see how you get along. Does the VA understand your needs? Are they getting the job done? Are they a good communicator? If yes, then consider using them again. If no, keep looking for someone else.
9. You Only Have a Few Hours of Work
One of the problems in a traditional job is that people get hired, get their job done for the day, and then waste time. Don't make the mistake of hiring a full-time person, even though you know some weeks you're only going to need 10 hours. Use a VA instead. The VA knows the work may be inconsistent and is prepared for it. Again, money is saved. Your VA is a 1099 employee, meaning they are self-employed and pay their own taxes.
10. You Need an Immediate Solution
Your business is growing fast. You are constantly busy. You need simple routine tasks done every day. 'Nuff said!
Why Hire a Virtual Assistant? Top 10 Reasons to Do it Today
This is great! And it looks good on your website because the points are in bold. There is one thing I would change. # 6 says: "You Won't See the Employee". Which I didn't understand why this was good until I read what you wrote under that title. Perhaps number 6 could be: "Keep your office space is yours" or something?
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