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KPEnterprises was a
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Check
Out Karl's Blog at
http://smallbizthoughts.blogspot.com/.
Tips for Small Business I.T.
Consultants
Consider A Virtual Assistant
 We're
all in the outsourcing business, right?
VA Article
----------
A little while back I made a blog post about hiring your first assistant. See
http://smallbizthoughts.blogspot.com/2007/04/200-miracle.html.
Several people contacted me with a different alternative: Virtual Assistants
A virtual assistant is someone who does not physically come to your office, but
uses modern technology to receive assignments and deliver results. You might
have a "VA" answer your phones, manage appointments, type up letters, prepare
mailings, print off your monthly newsletter, or do desktop publishing.
You don't "hire" a virtual assistant. VAs are outsourced administrative
assistants. They are contractors, just as you are to your clients. So, while
you'll pay significantly more per hour, you won't pay insurance, workers comp,
etc. You don't have to buy them a desk, a computer, or office software.
When I first started writing up my daily scribbling, I used a virtual assistant.
I snail-mailed my hand-written essays to her and she emailed the finished
results to me. She followed up by mailing my notes back to me, marked up with
any questions she had about my chicken scratches. It worked well.
My copy editor (proofreader) for two of my books was a virtual assistant. I
never even met her face to face until after the second book was done. And the
layout person for three of my books lives in another state. I've never met her
at all!
There are still plenty of duties that can't be done by a virtual assistant.
Taking inventory of parts, filing papers in file cabinets, running quick
errands, and sitting in your office waiting for a repairman are just a few
examples.
If you can find a virtual assistant who is local, you could occasionally have
them do the non-virtual errands. Not sure if they'll fill your car with gas, but
you can ask.
As you look around, you'll find a very wide variety of skill levels, enthusiasm,
and professionalism. Screen carefully, get references, and do all the due
diligence you would when hiring someone.
Thanks to the responses I got to the blog post, here are a few places to start
looking:
Here's a bit of a
warning. If you decide to try this approach, I recommend that you go looking
for a VA. Do not put an ad on Craigslist for an assistant and wait for the
VAs to show up. You'll be overwhelmed. You'll get responses from every state in
the Union, and every nation on earth. You will have stacks and stacks of offers,
mostly unqualified.
It is much better to check out the links above or do a search for "Virtual
Assistant." You still need to screen, but the screening will be a lot easier.
Many people don't start looking for help until they're overwhelmed and need
someone immediately. That's where VAs really shine. You don't have to place ads,
interview people, and then train them. You can just hire a trained, certified
professional and send her the work.
Reminder: April 25th is Administrative Professionals Day
Please remember that
this site (and my blog) are written for SMB consultants. While they may be
useful to others, the intent is to help small business owners grow successfully.
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