From personal experience, I’ve found a virtual assistant has been the difference between my business being “stuck†to moving forward and growing.
There are two types of virtual assistants and both are important.
One type of virtual assistant is an “assigned based†assistant who assist with more day to day tasks such as scheduling, desk research emails, phones and etc.
The second type of virtual assistant is a more managerial type of VA who thinks with you and helps you grow your business. While they CAN for sure do the same tasks as the “assigned based†virtual assistant this second type of VA can supervise others and help you build your company - even serving as a sounding board for you.
I find most of my hires through Elance. Others use Odesk and other talent finding and management services.
Here’s a few tips when hiring a virtual assistant
- Clearly define the job description of what they’ll do
- Define the measure of success
- Communication is important
- Respect their time and knowledge as professionals to assist you
- Pay fairly and on time
- Get their ideas - don’t just give your own. Be open to suggestions
- Understand that everyone is different - different skills, characters, ways of communication and aptitudes
Here’s 10 Ways A Virtual HR Assistant Can Help Small Business Owners Get Through the Holidays…painlessly - Jennette Pokorny, COO of EverNext HR
- Help plan your company holiday party. From location to entertainment and everything in between, your virtual HR assistant can make sure your party is the talk of the town!
- Locate that hard to find gift. So your son wants the new PS4? If it is out there, your virtual HR assistant will find it and have it shipped or reserved for pick up!
- Update employee files. EverNext will make sure your employee files are up to date before the new year… we will even digitally convert them and store them in you online portal.
- Make travel arrangements. Ok, we understand you might want to send the in-laws to the North Pole, but that is sure to start a heated debate. Let your virtual HR assistant make all of your holiday travel arraignments. We can even have them picked up at the airport for you.
- Holiday cards. No more writer’s cramp for you. Your EverNext assistant will find cards, ship them to themselves, complete the cards for clients, friends and family and send them out. You pay for the cards and postage. We make you look awesome!
- Find a caterer for your family’s holiday dinner. Why slave in the kitchen all day? Let an EverNext assistant find the perfect caterer for you family dinner so you can enjoy the day with your family.
- Execute your internet shopping list: Let EverNext do the research, find the gifts at the best price and have them shipped to you or to your loved ones. Trust us, they will love you forever (or at least until next year!)
- Schedule personal appointments. Yep, the kids are heading into winter break so let EverNext schedule all of those pesky appointments such as the doctor and dentist. All you have to do is grab the kids and show up.
- Find business services. Is your company in need of employee benefits, workers comp insurance or payroll services for the New Year? We will find you the perfect service provider and get it all set up.
- Find a vendor/contractor. No time to get those holiday lights up? EverNext will have it done for you. We will find that contractor that will make sure your home becomes the envy of the street.
- BONUS: Just Ask! If you need help with it, we can do it! Before you know it, you will be wishing the holidays weren’t over! Let EverNext put the Jolly back in your holiday season!
