Although delegation is a great way to free up your time and focus on more important tasks, if this is your first time working with a Virtual Assistant, it can be daunting to know where to start!

So let’s go through the best practices for delegating work to a Virtual Assistant effectively…

Your first step is to define the task clearly 

You should have a clear idea of what you want your Virtual Assistant to do and the expected outcome. Taking time to write down the task and explain it in detail, including any specific requirements or preferences you may have, is a great way to get started. This will help to ensure that your VA has a clear understanding of what’s expected of them and can complete the task efficiently. 

Choose the right virtual assistant

This is crucial to the success of the project and tasks. Search for an Assistant who has the right skills and experience for the job, and who you feel comfortable working with. You can find Virtual Assistants through freelancing websites, through a Virtual Assistant agency (like ours!) or through referrals from friends or colleagues. Be sure to check the reviews and ratings to know that your chosen VA offers a quality service to businesses like yours.

Set clear expectations

When working with a Virtual Assistant, it’s super important to set clear expectations. This includes deadlines for the tasks, specific instructions, and the level of communication you expect from the VA. You should also be clear about the budget for the task, including how much you’re willing to pay and how you’ll handle any additional expenses. 

Provide necessary resources

Make sure that your Virtual Assistant has access to all the necessary resources to complete the task. Your VA will usually have a process for gathering the information during their onboarding session, but if not make sure to include access to specific software, files, or documents. Be sure to provide clear instructions on how to access these resources and any login credentials or other necessary information. 

Communicate regularly

Clear and regular communication is key when working with a Virtual Assistant. Set up regular check-ins to review the progress of the task and answer any questions the Virtual Assistant may have. You should also be available to respond to any emails or messages in a timely manner to ensure the task stays on track. 

Provide feedback 

Providing feedback to the Virtual Assistant once the task is complete is a must. Let them know what they did well and what they could improve on; this will help your VA to improve their skills and ensure that future tasks are completed to your satisfaction.

Delegating work to a Virtual Assistant can be a great way to save time and money. Making sure you work with a VA who has an extensive onboarding process will save you a lot of headaches later on down the road. 

We combat this by making sure all of our clients go through a kick-off session before we start any work. This is where we can obtain the relevant passwords, set expectations and define the outcomes from the start, making delegating tasks as easy for you as possible.

To see how Virtual Administration could benefit your business, simply get in touch today – we’d love to walk you through your options.