After going through the process of finding and hiring a Virtual Assistant, we need to take the next step in the process – training.
Training your VA is an essential stage in building a great working relationship. It is imperative that you allocate sufficient time and effort in the training process because this is crucial to the overall success of working with a VA (and of course, your business!).
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to train and equip your VA with the right knowledge on the WHYs and HOWs of your business. VAs that are sent through to you via Outsourcing Angel will already have sufficient onboarding and skills to get started, but there are still ways to maximise effectiveness and efficiency.
Taking the time to tell your VA the scope of their tasks, the tools and software that they need to be familiar with are just some of the things to cover. Having clear foundations about what you need from your VA to keep up with your business demands will flow on to their performance. Take the time, have the patience and understanding, and you will reap the rewards of your labour for long after this training period.
In order to achieve an effective working relationship with your VA, check out these useful and smart tips that can definitely help you maximise your VA Training (and working!) Experience.
Prioritise your needs as an employer
You decided to hire a Virtual Assistant because you need help. You are cramped on time, on deadlines and so forth. Usually, time is the most common factor why employers opt to hire a VA. However, before you let your VA start, you also need time to train and familiarise them in all the relevant aspects of your business. It’s part of the process.
Prioritise and determine which area you need help most with and which part of your business you can confidently outsource. The meeting of those two facets would be where you’ll place your VA.
When that has been settled, you’ll need necessary training tools and software to proceed. One source we commonly use is udemy.com. This is an online education company that has thousands of tutorials and courses on varied topics that any VA or online entrepreneur needs. Definitely, this serves as a helpful tool.
Constant Communication
If you’re working with a Virtual Assistant for the first time, don’t fret. This scenario is pretty much like training an on-site employee, the only difference is that your VA is probably thousands of miles away from you. Thus, communication is key.
Manage an effective scheme or plan of action when it comes to deadlines, workloads and meetings. When you are on a constant and fixed schedule, you can plan your goals adequately and save time and effort on both parts.
You need to make use of messaging tools or software such as Skype or any tool that can help you communicate instantly and effectively. There are also varied project management tools that can serve as an employer-VA communication hub. It is best if you stick to one messaging software and one project management tool to keep things organised.
Some tools that you can make us of are Skype, WhatsApp, Google Hangouts, Viber – these are popular instant messaging apps. Basecamp, Asana, Trello are just a few of the project management tools that you can utilise.
Since your relationship with your VA is online, you need to take advantage of technology as much as you can so that you can effectively communicate. If you strive hard in the training process, your working relationship with your VA can most certainly thrive long-term.
Focus on Clear Goals
Handling a remote VA or a team can subsequently lead you to success when you focus on clear goals. It’s best if you explain to your VA how they fit in your company. What is their specific role and how their role/tasks can ultimately lead to your company’s success. The minute that they understand the WHY of the entire process, they can simply function because they know and perceive how things are ticking.
Simply explaining your goals and objectives would clear any doubt and build up their confidence in whatever task you may assign.
Don’t ever stop building/training your remote worker(s)
The training process never actually ends because you and your company are constantly developing. Hence, the role of your VA also develops. Trainings and learning opportunities should be available for your VA. Why? Because training can make your employees better and highly functional, and when your workers have advantageous knowledge and experience in all aspects related to their role, then it’ll ultimately lead to your company’s success.
