What Now? 5 Tips to Help You Delegate and Get Started with Your New Virtual Assistant

In the ever-evolving and fast-paced industry of business, innovative ideas and new strategies are constantly coming in from different directions but have the common goal: To help companies stay ahead of the curve. Along with this shift is the assistance in improving task delegation in the workplace, particularly with the introduction of virtual assistants to the lineup. 

However, having a virtual assistant is still a relatively new concept to most business owners. In this article, we’ll discuss five essential tips to help you efficiently delegate and get the most out of your virtual assistant.

Healthy Communication and Set Expectations

Much like in any professional setting, the foundation of a successful working relationship is healthy communication. Establishing clear and open lines of communication with your virtual assistant is vital in ensuring you have a good working relationship and a smooth delegation of tasks moving forward. Regular check-ins via email, chat, or video calls are good examples of effective channels to bridge the physical gap, given the remote nature of virtual assistants.

Alongside healthy communication is the importance of setting clear expectations. Define the scope of your virtual assistant’s responsibilities, deadlines, and any specific company guidelines they should follow throughout their employment. Discussing these can be a good starting point to welcome your virtual assistant to your company.

Proper Onboarding and Training

Like any new employee, proper onboarding and training are required to welcome your new virtual assistant to your company. Use this time to introduce them to your company’s culture, values, and, most importantly, your goals. 

Combine the onboarding process with a comprehensive training guide to ensure your virtual assistant fully understands their role in the company. This is also the perfect opportunity for your virtual assistant to address any potential concerns.

Provide Guidance and Support

Your virtual assistant should be treated as an extension of your team, and if executed properly, they can thrive and contribute to your business's growth. This can be achieved through guidance and accessible support. Ensure that you are available to answer any questions they might have and always ready to give constructive feedback.

By creating a supportive environment for your virtual assistant, you can foster a sense of belonging and loyalty, which can translate to a smoother delegation of tasks.

Utilize Productivity Tools

One beautiful thing that the modern age has given us is the abundance of accessible productivity tools at our disposal. Make the most of these tools to streamline workflow, assign tasks, and monitor the overall progress of any projects you may have that you want your virtual assistant to take over. 

Explore project management software like Slack, Asana, or Trello to significantly enhance your working relationship with your virtual assistant. These tools not only increase efficiency but also smoothen the delegation of tasks while keeping everyone accountable.

Build Trust and Autonomy

The success of every working relationship relies on trust, and the same sentiment should apply when working with your virtual assistant. Once you’ve properly discussed the job description, trust your virtual assistant to carry out their responsibilities and make decisions within their scope of work. Not only does this build confidence, but it also prevents frustration from building up due to micromanaging.

Allow your virtual assistants to grow and showcase their skills. When you let your VA thrive, you empower them to contribute more effectively, which can lead to better task delegation moving forward.

Bonus Tips

Regular Check-Ins and Constructive Feedback

It will take some time for your virtual assistant to get the lay of your company's land, which is why it’s good to do consistent check-ins and feedback sessions to help your VA settle in properly and address any concerns. This can also be implemented regularly to improve performance and maintain alignment moving forward.

Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance

Just as you would with in-house employees, encourage your virtual assistants to have a healthy work-life balance. This will help prevent burnout and ensure long-term productivity.

Handle Challenges and Conflict Appropriately

Whether internally or externally, conflicts are one factor that comes with running a business. When such an instance arises in regard to your virtual assistant, ensure that you address them professionally and constructively to determine the best course of action.

Celebrate the Little Things and Huge Milestones

Morale is an essential aspect of maintaining your employees’ productivity, and the same sentiment applies to your virtual assistant, regardless of their remote work nature. Ensure that you recognize and celebrate achievements, no matter how small, to boost your company’s overall morale and keep motivation at a high level.

Final Thoughts

Introducing virtual assistants to your company can often be perceived as a significant but necessary decision to keep up in today’s fast-paced business landscape. While it may seem like an overwhelming step, implementing these tips and building a solid working relationship with your VA can help significantly in elevating your business to new heights.

Here at Virtudesk, we are committed to guiding business owners every step of the way through this transition of implementing virtual assistants into the workplace. Our highly skilled virtual assistants are primed and ready to handle your daily responsibilities. Get in touch with us now and start delegating confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What tasks can I delegate to a virtual assistant?

Virtual assistants are known for handling a wide range of tasks, including email management, social media management, appointment and meeting scheduling, research, and more.

• How do I ensure effective communication with my virtual assistant?

Utilize and explore different communication channels to see which one works best for you. Use tools like email, social media, and project management software to ensure efficient and transparent communication.

• Is it safe to share sensitive data with a virtual assistant?

Yes, but it’s still highly recommended to take precautionary measures during the hiring process. Sign a confidentiality agreement, use secure communication channels, and only share data that are necessary to your VA’s scope of work.

• Can I hire a virtual assistant on a part-time or project basis?

Yes, you can hire VAs depending on what you need for the project and the budget you’ve allocated to that specific position.

• Can I hire multiple virtual assistants?

Yes, many businesses opt to build a team of virtual assistants to take on a wide range of tasks, such as customer support, marketing, and administrative tasks.

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