How are you from the last time you read my blog?
If you are new, welcome to my blog!
I wanted to share some questions that I get asked a lot.
You might be asking these questions as well, but you are not sure how to?
Here I share what one prospective client asked and how I answered them.
Don’t forget to check the sidebar and footer of this website for awesome resources!
I will answer your burning questions in depth.
Question number 1: I know that all VA’s are different, what’s the difference?
All virtual assistants are different in terms of their services they offer, as well as their skill sets.
There are two main types of a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can specialize in technical and or both administrative support.
A general virtual assistant starting rate can start from $25-$30 per hour while a specialized VA can start from as much as $75-$100.
Question number 2: What would be a good starter package for someone who is starting out to hire a virtual assistant (VA)?
I appreciate your question.
The difference between someone who is just starting out vs a seasoned entrepreneur is really not far off because eventually, both entrepreneurs will need the services of a VA.
What I always recommend to a prospective client is to list those services that you need assistance with first.
When you do and your VA offers a consultation then you can ask questions about how he/she does business. Click here for your FREE 15 minutes consultation with me.
I know that one of the issues that person’s face is how can a VA do such task for me when I have been doing this for X amount of time.
You can start off by doing a video tutorial or writing the instructions down in a word document and sharing that file via Google Drive, Dropbox or LastPass once you know what you want assistance with, this instruction or guide can be used over and over again.
A good starter package that I recommend to new clients is starting small. Let’s say that you find your social media scheduling too time-consuming to attend to, you can allow your VA to assist you with this task on a one-day basis or for the week. This will determine the outcome of your final decision.
Question number 3: How would someone know what they need in a VA?
An entrepreneur cannot do it all, and you will know what is taking you away from your business, either it is managing your social media channels or administrative tasks that you do not like doing.
You are interested in the services but still want to know more.
Question number 4: How can someone who is still “getting started” have a VA to help them out while they are growing?
I would say no matter what stage of your business you will need the assistance of a virtual assistant.
In terms of knowing if A VA will be the right fit for you, get a feel of this VA by getting on their consultation call ask for testimonials from other clients as well as if you have realized that this VA will be a right fit.
The next thing I recommend is to do a small task that you know will not take much effort, in other words, this will be a trial period, but the goal is to find out how the VA will work with you and the task that you gave him/her.
When this is completed I agree that you still continue to take baby steps until you are comfortable with passing on these tasks that are taking you too much time away from your business.
In most cases from the first consultation, a client can know straight away if they will work with a VA in the near future, and base on the services that you know are taking you away from things that you do not like, you are able to outsource to your new VA.
From experience, I know that a virtual assistant will devise a plan and what it really will take is for you to agree on how best it will fit for your business at this time
Question number 5: For a more seasoned professional – what needs would be different from someone who’s just starting?
To answer your question it really depends on the services that you will need at the time for you to work with a general VA or a technical VA.
More importantly, before you consider working with a VA they normally offer consultations, this is where you can ask the questions that you need to know if such a VA will be a right fit for you and your business.
As your business grows you know that there is something that is taking you away from focusing on what you love doing.
This is where you know that you are trying to micromanage everything and you are getting burned out on tasks that are taking you way too much time on missed opportunities for your business, such as marketing of your business, increasing your clientele and your income.
If this sounds like you, you should definitely get the assistance of a VA. For a complete FAQ on hiring and working with a virtual assistant, I suggest you read these more detailed questions by clicking on the FAQ page.
It was nice of you to stop by.
Until then, happy hiring, and best wishes for your business.
Don’t forget to check the sidebar and footer of this website for awesome resources!
Photo Credit: Sandrine Palmer
I’ve started working with a VA and it’s great. It’s scary to invest, but it’s such a time saver that it frees you to do the work that makes money. It’s definitely a smart investment. Thanks for sharing these questions to help people better determine how to find a great VA for their needs!
That is awesome Becky! All the best.
I’ve heard a lot about virtual assistants, but I never really knew much about them until now! Thank you!
Thank you for dropping by Kay!
These are great questions – thank you for answering them. As someone is entering into the VA field as a VA, it’s good to know what questions to anticipate.
No problem Kristine, all the best.
I have heard about VA, but didn’t know much about it until now. Thanks for sharing this article. A nice read.
No problem Preeti.
Thanks for answering those questions.. I didn’t have answers to them before.
No thank you!
These are good tips for someone wanted to get it in this line of work and you have explained the differences between an entrepreneur and a VA really well. Morgan x
I am glad I could show you the difference Morgan.
This is so interesting! Thank you so much for answering these questions for us!
No problem Ana! All the best.
Pricing is so tricky. People pay for quality, when they go to a VA that undercuts others, it probably wont be quality. I think you show the value a VA can bring a company. Great piece.
Thank you Susan.
Thanks for the answers! I just though VA’s were a secretary who were independent contractors. I didn’t know you could have them manage your social media accounts! That is one aspect of blogging, which I find takes SOOOOO much time. I feel like I am always on one account or another, and I have 4 kids, I would rather be spending time with.
Yes Samantha, there are VA’s who specialise in various fields, you just have to find the right one for your business. All the best.
This is a great way to answer these questions! Well thought out and providing just enough information!
Britt
It sure is Britt, thank you.
I was really not aware of VA. Thanx for the informative post! I get to know about it!
Thanks Megha!
Great post! I had no idea VA’s were a thing. Makes sense with how technology is advancing though. 🙂
No problem Olesya!
To be honest I had no clue on what virtual assistants do. Thanks for this.
I am glad I could clarify this for you Mariam.
This is really informative. Thanks for sharing! <3
No thank you Dominique
This is so cool, I’ve been a VA sometime ago and it can be a hustle in times.. Great Q&A.
Thanks Mia and all the best.
Very informative post! I was thinking about becoming a VA but I just don’t know where to start. I don’t know if I would even start my own or just do contract! How did you start?
Terri, there are links on my sidebar that can show you how to start. I basically research learnt from others and just did it.
Really informative and answered all of my questions about VAs!!
I am glad that you got some clarity Emily.
Thanks for explaining what a VA can help with! Definitely tempted !!!
No problem Katie!
Thanks for the info! I have thought off and on about becoming a VA but I’m not sure just yet.
Tammy you can check the links on my sidebar to see wha will work for you when you are ready. All the best.
Thank you for this very informative post about VAs. All I knew was that they take calls, answer emails and forward complex queries. Now I know a bit more
Glad I could clarify Vivian.
I’d love to become a VA. Unfortunately, it’s going to have to wait a while since my hands are full creating digital products for my readers.
No problem Miki, all the best to you.
This was super helpful. I love the layout of your site as well!
Thank you so much Jen.
I have actually considered becoming a VA 1/2 time but I just don’t know where to begin. Do you recommend going out on your own or working through a company?
Thanks for the post!
Andrea it really is up to you. If you start on your own working directly for clients then you can become a virtual assistant. If you want to work with companies freelancing then you really can’t decide on your rate. So in essence when you work from your own you can set your rates and services.
Really interesting! Definitely something to think about…
All the best Diana.
Thanks for answering some faq’s! It’s good to know. VA’s can be an invaluable help ♡
I agree with you Sara.
Very informative. This is not my area and you spelled it all out so clearly! Thank you! 🙂
No problem Emily, I am glad that you could understand.
Your explanations are perfect for someone looking to become a VA!
Thanks Lauren.
This was very informative, I actually didn’t know that you could have technical VA’s
You sure can Ray.
Always wondered what VA was all about. Now thanks to you I understand. Thank-you for the enlightenment. You explained it perfectly. All the best to you.
Thanks Sandra, I do appreciate it.
Just on day 2 of having a VA, and while she is still in training, she is already taking a massive load off my shoulders. Thanks for this post Juli!
That’s awesome Dafra all best!
Never heard of VA, but it’s a nice idea to check in case I want to do my own business! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
No problem Avgustina, all the best.
This sounds awesome! I didn’t really know much about Virtual Assistants! Thanks for the info!
No problem Farrah, glad I could clarify..All the best,
This is the first time I’ve been introduced to the concept of a VA. This blog was very informative and certainly opened my eyes!
Glad I could help!
This is the first time i heard something about a VA, so it was really interesting to read your article. I will need to improve my knowledge in this topic and i will keep your info and blog in mind.
All the best
Adriana
Thank you Adriana
Thanks so much for sharing such valuable information. I was not much aware of this opportunity but glad I came across this post.
XOXO Vyom
No problem
This is great, Wishing you all the success
Same to you!
Wow this was an excellent read- I had no idea what a VA was until now. VA’s are certainly beneficial for someone who does not have time to cater to all aspects of the business.
Thank you Brittany!
This is super informative, should I ever need a VA!
Awesome, thank you!
Thank you Melanie!