If you’re looking for your first virtual assistant, you’ve likely reached a point in your career where you have too much to do, and not enough time! You probably have too many responsibilities and really need a strong number two – someone you can count on. But your first assistant can be the most important position you will ever hire for, so you can not just choose anyone!
Your first assistant must possess certain characteristics and skills that will help you and your business.
First and foremost, your assistant must be honest and trustworthy. They must show integrity in absolutely everything they do.
Your virtual assistant must be honest and hard working
I once heard a business owner explain to her staff that she was sharing her hard earned money with her staff. If you’re going to share your profits with employees, make sure that they have an exceptional work ethic and are willing to work hard to build your business.
Your virtual assistant must follow instructions
At times, there will be people that always think they know better. Part of having a staff is the ability to be the leader and inspire your team. Your staff is being hired to compromise, and communicate. You don’t want to hire employees who always say “yes” and have no opinion or input, but on the other hand you don’t want to be arguing with your own staff to get a job done! You are looking for someone who will think proactively, have opinions, but understand that you are the boss and they are hired to help you! I often need to remind my team that the buck stops with me. I am the one who doesn’t get paid if there’s no money. You need to remember that when you are hiring! You are the boss and the buck starts and stops with you!
Your virtual assistant must have great communication skills
When a new hire starts, there will always be some communication bugs. I recently hired a new VA, and over the course of the first week, almost everything we discussed had some type of mis-communication. She is a good VA, and she actually had good communication skills, we were just still learning to work together. Communication will not be perfect. It’s important for one another to recognize how both people think and work.
Your virtual assistant must be super with systems
When you are running your business by yourself, it is easy(ier) to remember how you file things, where to find something, and what needs to be done next. When you bring someone else into your team, the dynamic changes. Whether your new assistant is using your system or creating their own…. No successful business runs without systems. A business that starts but doesn’t have good systems will quickly crumble. Videos, checklists, training guides, etc. are all imperative for a business to run smoothly. If you don’t have them, your staff needs to help you create them – quickly!
Your virtual assistant must have strong attention to detail
If your team does not pay attention to the details, things fall through the cracks. A wrong email address, a misspelling, important dates are just a few of the crucial things your team needs to keep in mind constantly. When someone is applying for a position with you, place some requirements in their application process that shows you whether or not your candidate has good attention to detail! If they don’t have it when trying to get the job, they won’t have it once they have the job!
Remember, you’re only as good as your team! Your virtual assistant will be one of the most important positions you will fill. Try to make your first virtual assistant a good one! 😉