“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” –Helen Keller
Let’s face it, when you work alone you have control over every little bitty piece of your information. Now that you’ve hired a virtual assistant (or other support), you have to let go of some of that information. I know it’s hard. It can be really, really, really hard. It’s understandable.
You need to build the trust first. Then it becomes easier. The best advice I can give in this area is to start with one or two small projects that you can give to someone else. Sounds easy, right?
Here are some tips that may help:
- Passwords – If you can set up separate login account and passwords for your support person, then do it. If you can’t, use a password manager such as LastPass. This way you can easily share or revoke access.
- Your Brand – Be ready to share your brand: your logos, your colour palates, your likes/dislikes. Make sure your new “partner” knows how you like to be represented.
- Cloud Storage – Share documents via cloud storage rather than email back and forth. You’ll save yourself lots of emails and time and always have the most recent information at hand. If you’re concerned about access, copy your files into a shared folder on a cloud so that you keep the original files prior to sharing. This way should anything be changed that you don’t like, you have an original back up.
- Communicate – Give your VA the time they deserve! Have regular calls where you can discuss the tasks and give them opportunity to ask for clarification.
- Be patient – We all need to learn and we all need time to learn.
I have to say that the best support I have given are with the clients that give me their gift of time. You can’t hire someone and then decide you don’t have time for them. Throwing out a project at the last minute isn’t fair to them or you. You won’t get the best support or quality work. Be prepared to spend some good solid hours with your VA.
I stressed in the previous blogs the importance of being prepared well in advance and searching for the right skillset. In doing those two steps prior to hiring, you will be ahead of the game. You will create a mindset of working with someone and it will be a thousand times easier to start the relationship on the right track.
Let the fun begin … and next month we’ll talk about watching the fun grow!
Marianne D’Alessandro
TimeFlies-Admin Services
Marianne D’Alessandro is a virtual assistant and owner of TimeFlies-Admin Services. With over 30+ years as an executive assistant, Marianne works in partnership with her clients. She offers consulting for entrepreneurs looking to hire the right virtual assistant as well as productivity and time-saving workshops. Sign up for monthly Tips & App Features.
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