Give yourself the gift of time this season—you've earned it. Skip the gadgets or impulse buys. Instead, invest in a virtual assistant (VA) to reclaim your schedule and focus on what you do best.
During busy times, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. A skilled VA can handle your to-do list, task by task, preventing burnout. Whether you're new to VAs, considering one, or had a poor experience before, this guide—drawn from years of hands-on collaboration—will help you find the right professional partner online.
Start by listing personal or professional tasks you're ready to delegate. VAs excel at managing calendars, scheduling meetings, research, data entry, and even content creation like this article. Develop clear work instructions for each task.
Estimate monthly hours needed and your budget. VAs typically charge $15–$55/hour, with discounts for 10+ hours/month via prepaid plans. With needs defined, begin your search.
Options abound: Post free ads on Craigslist, browse platforms like Elance, search "Virtual Assistant" on Google, use word of mouth, or tweet your needs on Twitter.
Specify requirements clearly—VAs have specialties (e.g., avoid transcription experts for non-audio tasks unless versatile). Postings yield quick global responses, kicking off your vetting process.
Eliminate mismatches early. Skip resume attachments—seek partners, not employees. Request testimonials, like for any consultant.
Ask about experience and education. Top responders address your ad precisely. Watch for grammar errors; strong communication is key for emails on your behalf. Review websites: Professional polish signals commitment. Prioritize error-free sites for long-term reliability—time is money, so aim for enduring partnerships.
Narrow to 3–5 standouts quickly. Email for free consultations, noting response times—slow replies suggest overload.
Phone calls reveal fit: Confidence, etiquette, punctuality, engagement, smart questions, and chemistry matter. Seek business savvy for effective task handling. Post-call, decide confidently.
Notify your chosen VA. For long-term work, negotiate billing, terms, and confidentiality via signed contract.
Delegate with precise instructions, deadlines (allow 24–48 hours), time zones, and contact preferences. They'll update progress. Soon, tasks vanish from your plate—freeing time for vacations (which they can book too!).
Written December 12, 2008, by Alex Shalman. Alex transforms self-improvement like a force of nature and hosts a top self-improvement podcast. Photo Credit: Susie.
