I have been using Virtual Assistants for a while. Originally, I went to AssistU.com to put in an RFP. That’s where I met Ricki at Just2Technical.com. Ricki handles all of my bookkeeping and websites (including content and maintenance).
Ricki introduced me to another VA that edited my book. I met Susan from Ace Concierge online. I am getting busier so I am trying to figure out how to delegate better. I need to learn how to utilize my VA better to free up my time, so I can spend more time writing (blogs, articles, book #3); doing podcasts; speaking; consulting; and talking with prospects and clients.
I asked Susan if she had a tele-seminar about How to Use a VA. She didn’t but gave me thoughts. Then I Googled it. This is what I found:
- WebWorkerDaily has an article about How to Use a VA.
- Here’s a list of 101 tasks that a VA can do for you.
- And here’s 30 creative ways to use a VA.
- The typical MLM article: How to use Virtual Staff to make passive income. I actually have hired a freelancer to write non-technical copy, so anything is possible.
For me, the key is probably control. Susan wrote to me, “It is not easy to delegate what we have always done; to trust another to do it, or to believe someone can complete a project/task as well as we can. Developing a comfort level and knowing that someone can truly and effectively help you manage your business is a learned skill.”
I think it’s my mindset that I can get it done myself faster before I even explain it once. But that’s a falsehood. If I explain it correctly once, the VA can do it over and over. Also, it always takes longer to do something than I think it can (or worse schedule it to). (Like this blog post).
“Solo-preneurs cannot do it all themselves. It is impossible. Something will always suffer for this type of mentality. We all try, but miss the mark,” Susan points out.
I think she is right on the mark with this: “Once you lay the foundation, discuss accountability, responsibility, expectations and deadlines, it comes together. Some tasks may take a little more creativity with training while others, not so much, but in the end, if you think about all you stand to gain with outsourcing, it is a win-win. Just think if you delegated only 4 hrs per week-that is 16 hrs per month to work on income generating activities or have a little more me time.”
Thoughts? [I am going to spend this week thinking about what I can outsource].
Peter,
Excellent article – thank you. While learning to outsource or delegate tasks may seem time consuming in the beginning as there may be a learning curve or the just time it takes to send off an instructional email, it does become second nature after creating a strong foundation and streamlined process. You will definitely gain more time in your day once you begin outsourcing on a consistent basis. Any task that does not generate income or focus on your “core genius,” is a prime target for delegation.
Here are a few more websites you might find helpful:
Tips for Using Virtual Assistants to Outsource Your Tasks http://bit.ly/9HCx5x
Consulting Practice Tips: Delegate Weaknesses to Virtual Assistants http://bit.ly/diLUVb
75 Virtual Assistant Tips For Small & Home Businesses. http://bit.ly/2RAUXo
Partner with a Virtual Assistant to Focus ON your business rather than IN it! http://bit.ly/caokQb
Comment by Suzie — Monday, May 17, 2010 @ 1:17 pm
Great links Peter & Suzie.
When using a virtual team, it helps to have a weekly phone call, especially when you are just building the relationship.
Because you and your VA don’t work in the same office, it is hard to hear your frustrations.
Weekly phone calls allow you to review:
- tasks
- travel schedule
- progress on business plan
- barriers/constraints for meeting goals
- general stress points and frustrations
A VA can use these meetings to learn how you do things and suggest tasks that can be delegated.
If you have multiple team members, see if you can schedule a meeting with everyone at the same time.
Comment by Ricki — Tuesday, May 18, 2010 @ 8:23 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ? Suzie ?, Valerie Zimmer Alba. Valerie Zimmer Alba said: RT @AceConcierge: Learning to Use a VA Part I http://bit.ly/bqLUuC by @radinfo [...]
Pingback by Tweets that mention Learning to Use a VA Part I -- Topsy.com — Tuesday, May 18, 2010 @ 10:55 am
Great links Peter & Suzie.
When using a virtual team, it helps to have a weekly phone call, especially when you are just building the relationship.
Because you and your VA don’t work in the same office, it is hard to hear your frustrations.
Weekly phone calls allow you to review:
- tasks
- travel schedule
- progress on business plan
- barriers/constraints for meeting goals
- general stress points and frustrations
A VA can use these meetings to learn how you do things and suggest tasks that can be delegated.
If you have multiple team members, see if you can schedule a meeting with everyone at the same time.
Comment by Steve — Friday, May 28, 2010 @ 12:11 am
[...] Learning to Use a VA Part I. Thanks to Suzie @AceConcerge for sharing. Share and Enjoy: [...]
Pingback by VirtualExec-Assist » Blog Archive » Learning to Use a VA Part I — Saturday, May 29, 2010 @ 11:12 am
Great links Peter & Suzie.
When using a virtual team, it helps to have a weekly phone call, especially when you are just building the relationship.
Because you and your VA don’t work in the same office, it is hard to hear your frustrations.
Weekly phone calls allow you to review:
- tasks
- travel schedule
- progress on business plan
- barriers/constraints for meeting goals
- general stress points and frustrations
A VA can use these meetings to learn how you do things and suggest tasks that can be delegated.
If you have multiple team members, see if you can schedule a meeting with everyone at the same time.
Comment by Emily — Monday, May 31, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
[...] Learning to Use a VA Part I. Thanks to Suzie @AceConcerge for sharing. Share and Enjoy: [...]
Comment by Emily — Thursday, June 3, 2010 @ 4:37 pm
Hi, I’m very interested in Linux but Im a Super Newbie and I’m having trouble deciding on the right distribution for me (Havent you heard this a million times?) anyway here is my problem, I need a distribution that can switch between reading and writing in English and Japanese (Japanese Language Support) with out restarting the operating system.
Comment by Emily N. — Monday, June 7, 2010 @ 10:52 pm