As a business owner, you’ve decided that a virtual assistant (VA) is right for you. You know a VA will enhance your team’s value, increase your chances of success and steer your project closer toward the finish line. But, have you decided how you and your organization will support your VA and help make for a successful on-boarding? We’ve put together a list of three keys to success that will help you manage this important partnership.
Get to Know Your Virtual Assistant Your new VA is a “real” person and a devoted member of your team. They are just as important as a physical person who occupies a seat in your office. Take the time to get to know them, their personality, experience, background and communication style preference. Ask them how you can best support them during your time together. This will demonstrate to your VA your trust in them and how important they are to your business. It can also help facilitate opening lines of communication that will only add to your success.
Be Transparent With Your VA After you’ve established a solid foundation of trust with getting to know your VA, it is important that you continue this with simple transparency. In doing so, it creates an environment of confidence and integrity and shows that you respect your relationship with them. Straightforward things such as sharing files, folders and calendars is a great way to ensure you and your VA are “on the same page.” Clearly sharing organizational and project standards, scheduling (and keeping) progress meetings and quickly communicating roadblocks, changes in schedules, scope or personnel will help you continue to successfully manage your VA relationship.
Provide Feedback Building on the foundation of trust and transparency, the next step is to provide constructive feedback. Just as you would deal with a traditional employee, feedback is an effective tool in affirming what they are doing matters. It also gives the employee perspective in expectations and helps guide them toward personal growth and improving performance. Remember though, communication is a two-way street. Ensure you are actively listening. Take the time to truly reflect on and clarify what your VA has shared with you.
Adding a virtual assistant to your team is an exciting yet scary decision for some. As your organization works toward achieving your goals and objectives, it will be important as ever to use good communication, promote teamwork and lead with confidence. Embrace your team, create an environment of trust and be ready to give and listen to feedback along the way. You and your VA are in for a great ride – enjoy it together!
If you’re wondering how a virtual assistant can help your small business make big waves, contact us today!
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