As we head into the new year, we thought it would be a good time to share a few things about working with a Virtual Assistant that you may not know. The value of Virtual Assistants to businesses and charities is becoming more and more apparent, yet there are still some things that you may not know, or perhaps you’re (albeit innocently) underestimating just how much hiring a VA can add value to your world.
After a long and difficult year for many, we may be just what you need this Christmas. Have you considered what Virtual Assistants may bring to the table? If not, read on…
Whether you’re already working with a VA, but don’t know how else they could be utilised, or if you’re thinking of outsourcing next year, this blog will share the best of the services that Virtual Assistants can provide.
1. A VA can (and likely will) become an integral part of your team
There’s no need to treat your VA as if they’re outside of your organisation. Don’t leave them on the side-lines. Virtual Assistants love to get to know your business; it’s how we operate best and leave you free of admin tasks.
Often, Virtual Assistants are considered an integral part of a team, involved in every aspect of your team communications and understanding your business deeply. We will be invested in your operations, have full insight into how you run the show, and be in a better position to offer you suggestions and ideas for improvements. Arm us with the knowledge we need and give us the opportunity to shine as a valued team member. Include your VA on your ‘Meet the Team’ page on your website and show everyone how savvy you are when it comes to teamwork.
2. A Virtual Assistant is a source of contacts
Virtual Assistants really love to network. We work with a vast array of clients from a plethora of industries, and it’s very likely we’ll know someone who can fulfil whatever it is you’re looking for.
We can put you in touch with potential clients as well as refer you to people we already know and trust to get things done. This means when you have a project on the go and you’re putting the feelers out for service providers, you don’t have to do any guesswork. We already know people who can do the job brilliantly and are reliable, and we wouldn’t vouch for just anyone. We know who does it best, and how their services could benefit your business.
Don’t hesitate to ask your VA if they can recommend someone—they almost certainly can.
3. A Virtual Assistant can help your business and your life
If there’s one thing that’s industry standard amongst VAs, it’s that we love to help. Often we have a specialist area or two, but we all have a broad skillset, and often there are other skills that we haven’t shared that could come in handy.
For example, if you’re a busy CEO, we’re well aware of how hard it is to organise your time effectively and keep on top of your diary – and this extends to your personal life too. Why not ask your VA if they’ll make your appointments for you, remind you about upcoming birthdays or other important dates, source gifts, send cards, or book your travel.
We are firm believers that work is a part of your life, so Virtual Assistants within our team at The Indispensary are just the best organisers, keen to help wherever we can, so let us take some weight off your personal life too.
During our regular reviews with our clients, we always check to see what else our team can do to help you.
4. A Virtual Assistant works with you, not for you
Despite being considered part of your team, your relationship with your Virtual Assistant is a two-way street.
Virtual Assistants are not employees. Above all, mutual respect is key. Don’t forget, we’re running a business too and whilst we aim to please and are often very flexible, we work with a multitude of clients and must make sure we are delivering the best possible service to each and every one of them.
We have to be organised, scheduled, and efficient at all times, and that does mean that sometimes we won’t be able to do something right away. But if that happens, we will let you know when we can schedule the work for.
We want to give you the best possible service and ensure our contributions are valuable, well-delivered, on time, within budget, top quality, and exceed your expectations—so please, trust that we have your best interests at heart, because we genuinely do.
A Virtual Assistant can help you grow your business
Think of your Virtual Assistant as a strategic partner, someone who can help you grow. We have plenty of insider information at our fingertips and yes, we always keep our clients’ information confidential, but that doesn’t mean we can’t implement useful practices and take inspiration from those we support.
Our network of VAs and other service providers is vast, and we all help each other out, offering advice and solutions so we know where to go if you need advice on most things. We are invaluable when it comes to taking time-consuming tasks off your hands, allowing you time to work on the revenue-generating tasks that lead to profitability.
And remember, we can help you brainstorm, strategise, organise, and implement your next moves, offering insight and fresh ideas—so make the most of us!
So, if you take anything from today’s blog, let it be this: Virtual Assistants are a springboard for you and your organisation. They are a source of information, contacts and skills, helping to free you of those tasks that perpetually wear you down. With a Virtual Assistant on your side, the next year will feel endlessly lighter, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without us!
If you’d like to work out what type of support you need, take our quiz or drop us an email to get your copy of our ‘30 Ways to Use a VA’ guide.
