How Can a Virtual Assistant Help Me?

Virtual Assistants (or freelancers) can help you in many ways with things you can--and dare I say should delegate. The key is finding someone you can trust.

Well, there are countless ways!

Virtual Assistants (VAs) specialize in everything you can imagine! I personally do everything from creating forms to be filled out on an iPad to Excel Pivot Tables to typesetting textbooks to event planning and everything in between. There are so many things I do--so my clients don't have to.

You can find VAs to answer your phone calls. Provide customer service. Scan photos or organize your files electronically. Respond to emails. Plan parties and events. Design logos. Create flyers and FB ads. A VA can swoop in and save your day!

Case in point.

I have a friend that works at a small company, and from time to time, they get super busy--but not busy enough to hire a second person that does exactly what she does. THAT'S the perfect spot for a VA! The key contact could share a few files on Dropbox, spend some time training the VA (even task her/him with writing instructions as part of the agreement), and when you see a busy week around the corner just reach out and say, 'hey can you be available for 3-4 hours Monday, Thursday and Friday next week?' If you run out of work just let her know. A VA can shift her focus to other clients. There is no hiring, no long-term commitment from the company side, no hardware to purchase, no benefits package. It's easy.

How do I know when I need a VA?

Whenever you have too much work keeping you from focusing on your priorities is when you need a VA. If you are working nights and weekends doing the mundane instead of focusing your energy on the things that ONLY you can do--it's time. When you have a stack of nice to do's that you have never gotten around to--you're there!

How do I find the right fit?

I would say you start small. Think test drive. And limit the hours you agree to pay for a service. Decide if you want someone U.S.-based, or not if it matters. That can have an impact on the cost and sometimes the quality.

Also, use Upwork to find the right VA. You'll be able to see their standard rates, read reviews of what other clients have written about them. It's a great system for both parties. And just a tip, if your payment is verified (meaning a credit card on file to pay directly from), you'll get better quality candidates bidding for your project.

I only know a few of my clients--others I've never met, and may never even talk to. Mr. C. just sends over proofing/editing every week or two. I may not hear from him for two months, but I know how he likes his work. And when things aren't clear, I can google certain industry jargon and figure it out--or message him a quick question. I send the work back to him with a note to call his attention to anything that stands out, and we both go on with our day.

I bet you can think of three things that you'd be willing to pay someone to do--just so you don't have to think about it anymore. Quotes are free. Calls to brainstorm ways this VA can help you--no charge! And if I can't help you, 9 times out of 10, I can point you in the direction of someone who can!

Kim Dean-Davis

Key Virtual Assistant