Over the last few years VAs, or Virtual Assistants, have become a big thing. Like a personal assistant in the office, they are there to support your business in whatever way you need, with admin, research, emails, diary management and even social media management.

2021 was the first year I used a VA. I felt a bit ashamed that I had too much to do and couldn’t manage it myself. But actually it’s been brilliant. I now have a few trusted VAs who I can lean on to do admin style tasks, freeing me up for the more strategic work that I like doing (and that pays me better). I never want to scale my business so it becomes an agency rather than me, but recognise there’s a value in getting support.

Here is what I’ve learned a lot about how to get the best out of a VA.

Trial a few Virtual Assistants

It’s so hard to find a VA out of the thousands out there, so I trialled a few. Some were fab at specific admin but couldn’t think creatively, whereas others went too off piste. I don’t agree with monitoring software and refuse to use an agency that suggests it. Explore your options and figure out what works for you.

Give your VA a proper brief

Like you’d expect to get a brief from a client, a VA can benefit from you giving them one. I like to tell my VA the why behind the task, the ultimate outcome, what I need them to do, roughly how long I think it will take, and a deadline.

Let them ask questions

Chances are you’ve been doing the same task day in and day out, so know what you like. A VA isn’t a mind reader, and won’t know everything you want. Give them an opportunity to ask questions and find out more.

Be open to new ways of doing things

And because you’ve been doing the same task, you’ll have a set way of doing things – but that doesn’t mean it’s the best way. Be willing to hear new ideas.

Agree a project fee

As is always recommended to freelance copywriters and marketers, it’s best not to use an hourly rate. Pay people for the value they offer, and encourage them to be efficient. But not everyone will want this, so respect the way they run their business.

Pay on time

As a freelancer I know how frustrating late payments can be. If someone has done the work they deserve to be paid. So I always pay invoices as soon as I get them. It’s just part of being a responsible business owner.