Imagine a world where those mundane (yet necessary) tasks no
longer consume your precious time.
You've taken the leap and decided to bring a Virtual
Assistant on board, with a handful of specific tasks in mind. It’s an exciting
time as you liberate yourself from those demanding chores.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, I’ve got some even better
news for you – there's more to this partnership than you might initially think!
Clients often approach their VA with a clear idea of the
tasks they want to delegate, but the beauty of this collaboration lies in its
potential to offer so much more…
The underestimated value a VA can offer often holds people
back from fully embracing the concept. Understanding the full extent of a VA's
potential not only instils the confidence to bring one on board, but also helps
you to utilise your VA as a dynamic asset, capable of significantly enriching
your business.
Now that we've scratched the surface of the underrated
potential of working with a VA, let's take a closer look at the transformative
power they can bring…
VAs often wield a specialist skill or two, and some boast an
impressively broad skillset, but sometimes your VA may not have all the answers
to your every query. And that's perfectly fine because VAs thrive on
connections, and often have a little black book of very handy contacts. VAs
work with an eclectic mix of clients spanning various industries, which means
they're often just one step away from a solution, even if they can't handle a
particular task themselves.
The magic of the VA community lies in its spirit of
collaboration over competition. As part of this network, I've had the privilege
of crossing paths with some brilliant and dependable VAs. I wouldn't vouch for
just anyone, either – after all, my reputation is on the line, too! For
instance, not long ago, a client required assistance with some medical admin
tasks. Recognising the need for a specialist, my client and I turned to my extended
VA network, and I made a shortlist of VAs I'd met through the Society of
Virtual Assistants. The outcome? A delighted client with an array of tailored options
to choose from!
Not only are VAs invaluable for taking time-consuming tasks
off your plate, but they can also be a fantastic strategic ally - a personal
sounding board, and a dedicated supporter in your corner. With a wealth of
experience, VAs are often well-equipped to suggest and implement best
practices, drawing inspiration from their diverse portfolio of clients.
We're more than task-doers; we're thinkers, we can help you
to strategise, organise, and execute your next business moves. Our role extends
beyond just working through a to-do list; we provide valuable insights and
fresh ideas. Many of my clients and I have regular brainstorming sessions where
they really appreciate my input, and these collaborative moments often lead to
innovative solutions and strategies that help to move their business forward.
For example, I have a fortnightly catch up with one of my clients. In this
session, we discuss how certain posts or pieces of content are performing, and
from there come up with a game plan – whether that means adjusting the strategy
slightly or pushing forward with the original plan. As a solopreneur, my client
really appreciates the support and having a right-hand person to discuss ideas
with.
As we briefly covered in the section above, a VA is just
like having another member of the team. The only real difference is that they
don’t have all the expensive overheads associated with full-time, permanent
staff. So, treat them as you would everyone else - to truly maximise the
potential of your VA, you should treat them as an integral part of your team
rather than relegating them to the sidelines.
Involve them in all team communications to ensure they gain
a deep understanding of your business. By doing so, they become genuinely
invested in your operations, attaining full insight into how you manage things.
This positions them to offer valuable suggestions and ideas for enhancements. Providing
context behind your tasks always results in better outcomes, too - your VA will
not only competently complete the task but will also be able to actively
contribute to your business's growth and success.
Now that you have a better understanding of the remarkable
potential a Virtual Assistant can offer, you’ll appreciate that we are more
than just time-savers; we have the potential to be a strategic partner, a well-connected
resource, and a dedicated team member. So, if you were sat on the fence
previously, I hope this has inspired you to take action! If you need further
guidance on the next steps to take when hiring a VA, you might like to check out this post.
If you're still curious about how a VA can enhance your
business, streamline your operations, and contribute fresh insights and ideas, I’d
love to hear from you. Get in touch
and we can chat further about how hiring a
Virtual Assistant can transform your business.
