Managing a Virtual Assistant is not easy. And, if done wrong, it can really take a toll on your relationship with the assistant and even cause you to lose trust in her or him. Here are some things to keep in mind when managing virtual assistants:
1. Training –
The first and most important thing is that you ensure that your VA has been properly trained on what tasks they will be responsible for and how they should carry out those tasks. This includes both the technical requirements of the task (e.g., understanding how to use software tools) as well as any specific customer or communications requirements.
2. Communication –
It is essential that you and your VA have a clear understanding of each other’s duties and responsibilities from the outset. This means regular communication, not just when there are changes or problems to report, but also on a day-to-day basis so that both of you know what needs to be done and when it has been done.
3. Tracking & Reporting –
Keeping track of how your VA is performing can be challenging, but it is absolutely essential in order to identify any areas of improvement or failure early on (and take appropriate corrective action). Make sure to keep track of deadlines, task completion dates, assignee hours worked and other key metrics. Reporting this data both to you and your VA can be a very effective way to maintain accountability while maintaining transparency.
4. Managing Time & Motivation –
It is important that you set reasonable expectations for how much time your VA will be able to spend on each task as well as provide incentives (financial or otherwise) for them to meet those expectations. If the goals are too high or unrealistic, the assistant may lose motivation or even give up altogether.
5. Dealing with Conflict –
Anytime there is a conflict in a relationship, it can be difficult to navigate. As the boss, it is important that you are aware of any potential conflicts and work to resolve them as quickly and peacefully as possible. You should also make sure that your VA knows they can always approach you with any issues or concerns they may have. 6. setting and enforcing expectations – Just as it is important to set reasonable goals for your VA, it is equally important to be clear about what will happen if those goals are not met. Come down hard on violators with a sense of fairness and understanding, but also make sure that you maintain credibility by showing that you take the issue seriously.
The Virtants Virtual Assistant Services – What We Can Do For You
At Virtants, we understand that managing a virtual assistant can be challenging. That’s why we offer the VAS2 suite of services – designed specifically for busy business professionals and managers who need help with their workload but don’t have time to manage an assistant themselves.
Our virtual assistants are experts at handling tasks like filling out online forms, preparing PowerPoint presentations and organizing digital files. Plus, they always stay up-to-date on the latest technologies so they can work more efficiently and effectively with your existing systems.
We also offer 24/7 customer support so you can always count on us to help get your job done. So if you need a virtual assistant who is ready and willing to take on any task, contact us today!