So, just what is a virtual assistant (VA)? As the name would imply, a VA is a person who assists you in daily business activities, virtually, through the power of the internet. VAs increase the efficiency of your business, professionally managing your technical, creative, and administrative tasks from a remote office.

The VA industry revolves around creating targeted solutions that fit the client’s needs and lifestyle. Demand in this market is growing exponentially and has been for years. The VA trend isn’t going anywhere.

The right VA will be able to save you many hours of time and money. They are by far more cost-effective and productive than part-time or full-time office workers and can take over daily tasks that allow you to network, design, and plan for the future of your business. 

The Characteristics of a Great VA

If you’re an entrepreneur, you know how difficult it can be to break into the market. It takes creativity, determination, and a whole lot of hard work to become successful in your field. So, when you are selecting a VA, not just anyone will do. 

You want a virtual assistant that works as hard as you do, someone who matches your energy, work ethic, and model of operation. A successful, experienced VA should be your collaborator, someone who is passionate about helping you achieve your vision. 

How do you choose the right VA for the job?

Before you hire, think about what you want from an assistant. How do you, as a businessperson, function? And how best can a VA support you? 

Consider your budget, too. Will you pay your VA per task completed, milestones reached, or will you choose a flat fee or an hourly rate of pay? There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but it has to work for you. 

Having a VA with a well-rounded repertoire of technical skills and abilities is crucial. While everybody has their strengths and preferences, hiring a VA who lacks fundamental knowledge about your daily processes might not be the best idea. The more specific you are about the technical abilities you’re looking for, the easier it will be to narrow the field. 

While it’s always good to ask the expected interview questions, such as, “what are your strengths/weaknesses?” “what are your working hours?” and “describe a scenario where you’ve provided exceptional service,” finding the perfect fit might be a little more nuanced. 

Think about the fact that your new hire will be working remotely. Their ability to respond is critical, as is their level of productivity. 

Here are a few interview questions that might help you select the best candidate:

• How quickly do you respond to messages during working hours?
• How do you best serve a client who has difficulty expressing their needs?
• Imagine you’re working under a tight deadline, and your computer crashes. What do you do?
• What did you find to be the biggest problem with communication for your last employer?

Ultimately, VAs keep things running smoothly, aid in productivity, and can specialize in tasks that improve your business. They are a representative, a helper, and a creator. Reach out to us today to learn more about what Houston Virtual Assistants can do for you.

Regina Baker, ​Award-Winning Business Manager, Consultant and Executive Assistant To Professional Speakers, is the Founder of Houston Virtual Assistants an organization designed to help new as well as existing Virtual Assistants support, collaborate, sustain, and level-up in their VA businesses with solutions for long term client relationships and profitable results. Learn more at: www.HoustonVirtualAssistants.com