Top 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring an Online business manager or Virtual assistant
One of the most frustrating things in building a business is the point at which the day to day tasks start ruling your work day and dictating where you are spending the time in your business. It’s a point where you work load starts to bottle neck and it gets hard to attend to strategic planning and spending time on building your business because there just isn’t enough of you to go around. It’s at this point outsourcing to a Virtual assistant (VA) or an Online Business Manager (OBM) can be an absolute game changer, one that frees you up from the repetitive but necessary tasks to work in your zone of genius and get back to focusing on the direction and growth of your business. This process is not always clear cut and if you don’t have the foundations in place to facilitate the onboarding process your new team member may be set to fail or become less a help and more a hinderance. So what are the mistakes you want to avoid to ensure you get off on the right foot? Read on..
Lack of Clarity on Your Needs
Ambiguity will not be your friend! Before you even think about jumping on the outsourcing band wagon you need to get clear about what you need and what your expectations are. This involves taking a little time to clarify define the specific tasks, responsibilities, and skills you expect them to handle. Clearly communicate your goals, expectations, and desired outcomes to potential candidates to ensure they have a clear understanding of what you need. This will help you find a VA or OBM whose expertise aligns with your requirements. Further more if you have clear and easily to follow systems that detail how workflows are completed it will not only make the onboarding process seamless but also save you time and have your new team member up and running in no time. Getting your systems and workflow in place is exactly what Busy Bees Support is all about so check out our free guide to building your systems and making your business ready to take on new team members, or contact us to discuss how your can get your systems done-for-you.
Failing to Define Expectations and Boundaries
Setting expectations and boundaries is crucial for a successful working relationship. Clearly communicate your working hours, preferred modes of communication, and any specific guidelines or protocols you expect your VA or OBM to follow. Discuss project deadlines, response times, and preferred methods for reporting progress. By establishing these expectations upfront, you can prevent misunderstandings and ensure a beautiful smooth collaboration.
Neglecting to Assess Skills and Experience
When hiring a VA or OBM, it's essential to thoroughly assess their skills and experience. Don't solely rely on resumes or general claims of expertise. Request work samples, portfolios, or references to verify their capabilities and achievements. Ask for specific examples of how they've handled similar tasks or projects in the past. A diligent evaluation process will help you identify candidates with the necessary skills to meet your requirements.
Overlooking Communication and Language Skills
Effective communication is vital in any business relationship, especially when working remotely. When hiring a VA or OBM, assess their communication skills, including written and verbal proficiency. Look for candidates who can clearly express themselves, ask relevant questions, and understand instructions accurately. A language barrier or communication gap can lead to misunderstandings, errors, and frustration, so make sure you're confident in their language abilities.
Ignoring Compatibility and Cultural Fit
Compatibility and cultural fit are often overlooked but are equally crucial factors when hiring a VA or OBM. You want someone who aligns with your values, work ethic, and overall business mission. Consider their working style, personality traits, and how well they can adapt to your organisation's culture. A compatible VA or OBM will integrate seamlessly into your operations and enhance your productivity.
Failing to Establish a Trial Period
Even with thorough vetting, it's essential to establish a trial period when hiring a VA or OBM. A trial period allows you to assess their actual performance, productivity, and ability to meet your expectations. It provides an opportunity to fine-tune the working relationship and ensure it's a good fit for both parties. Use this trial period to evaluate their efficiency, responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to deliver results before committing to a long-term contract.
Hiring a virtual assistant or online business manager can significantly benefit your business, but it requires careful consideration and planning. By avoiding these top six mistakes, you can increase your chances of finding the right VA or OBM who will seamlessly integrate into your team and contribute to your success. Take the time to define your needs, establish clear expectations, assess skills and experience, consider compatibility, and implement a trial period. With the right approach, you can find a skilled and reliable professional that can help take your business to the next level.