Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Hire a Virtual Assistant

The summer months conjure up images of relaxation and downtime for business owners – with lots of people away on holiday, things start to slow down… so why would you want to hire a Virtual Assistant at the slowest time of the year? Surely, the idea of hiring a Virtual Assistant is to have a helping hand when things get busy?

This ‘slow’ period can actually be an opportune time to begin preparing for the busy months ahead as we march towards (ahem, dare I say it) Christmas. One of the most effective ways to do this is by bringing a Virtual Assistant on board during this quieter period. In this article, we'll explore why hiring a VA during the summer is a strategic move that can set you up for success in the months to come.

Summer offers a golden opportunity for VAs to familiarise themselves with your business processes and systems. Clear documentation of workflows and guidelines means that they’ll be ready to hit the ground running once the workload picks up come September when we’re all ‘back to school’. Whether it's brand guidelines for creative projects or operational procedures for administrative tasks, providing VAs with well-defined processes advances their integration into your team.

This can either be written or presented as a video tutorial – and it doesn’t need to take up too much of your time! For example, when I started working for one of my clients, I hadn’t used Wix before. My client very kindly provided me with a video tutorial on the process for publishing a blog article on her Wix site. And the great thing is, it didn’t take up any of her time – she simply filmed her screen as she went through the process herself. It meant that when she handed that task over to me, I didn’t have to keep bothering her with questions every five minutes!

The hectic period from September to December can be overwhelming for businesses, especially in the creative/advertising industries gearing up for Christmas campaigns (I promise that will be the last time I mention the ‘C’ word). By onboarding VAs during the summer lull, you alleviate the stress of integrating new team members during the busiest time of the year. Investing time now allows for a seamless transition, ensuring that you're well-prepared to tackle upcoming projects without added pressure.

A reputable and experienced VA is also a strategic ally – during these quiet months, they can offer valuable insights which will help you refine your goals for the remainder of the year. Drawing from their diverse experiences across various clients and sectors, VAs can suggest best practices and contribute to shaping a bullet proof strategy for the busy months ahead.

By acting now, you’re ensuring that as summer draws to a close, your VA will be fully equipped to handle delegated tasks, granting you peace of mind… and perhaps the freedom to enjoy a well-deserved break. Now, wouldn’t that be lovely!

Identifying repeatable tasks, those you dislike, or lack the skills for, enables you to delegate effectively and maximise productivity. With the right VA possessing the necessary skill set, you can trust that essential tasks will be completed promptly and to your standards.

By investing in a Virtual Assistant during the summer months, you unlock numerous advantages as we’ve explored above. From streamlining processes to strategic planning and stress-free onboarding, embracing this opportunity puts you in a strong position as you approach the bustling final quarter of the year.

If you’re considering the benefits of partnering with a Virtual Assistant, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d be very happy to discuss with you how this strategic collaboration can optimise your workflow and give you the headspace you need to ensure a smooth transition into the busier months ahead.