top of page

Mistakes that Entrepreneurs should avoid when employing Virtual Assistants

Nexus Virtual Executives

 

Small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) are facing intense pressure due to

the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are looking for new ways to adapt, which often means taking risks and making sacrifices to keep their businesses afloat and maintain customer relationships.


Thankfully, the internet offers solutions to many challenges these businesses face. One such solution is hiring a virtual assistant. Virtual assistants can handle a variety of tasks, from scheduling and organizing meetings to digital marketing, SEO, and web development. This helps lighten the workload for business owners. However, not all virtual assistants meet expectations due to factors like lack of experience, unfamiliarity with certain software, disagreements over pay, or limited

availability.


That said, for businesses both new and old in the virtual assistant industry, here are five mistakes to avoid when collaborating with a virtual assistant:


Setting Unclear Objective for Hiring a Virtual Assistant


Hiring a virtual assistant is simple, but knowing what to delegate can be challenging. To start, it’s essential to understand why you need one. Are you short on in-house staff, or do you need an expert quickly? Without clear reasons, you might waste time for both you and the assistant. First, review your business operations. Identify the pain points or tasks that need improvement. Then, rank them from least to most important. This way, you’ll know.



Assuming that Virtual Assistants are Akin to Machines


A more experienced virtual assistant is typically more flexible and reliable when handling various tasks. However, business owners should remember that virtual assistants are human, not machines or AI. They have limits on how much work they can take on each day, just like in-house employees. It's important to break tasks down and set clear goals. This helps the virtual assistant work more effectively and understand what's expected.



Failing to provide the required training sessions for Virtual Assistants


Virtual assistants play a key role in dynamic workspaces. However, to keep them efficient and reliable, it's important to offer ongoing opportunities to build new skills. Employers sometimes forget how essential it is for virtual assistants to grow their knowledge. Regular training sessions can help. These not only teach new skills but also boost motivation, loyalty, and overall comfort with the job.



Lacking communication with the business's remote manpower


The last common mistake when hiring virtual assistants is poor communication. Since VAs work remotely, it's crucial for employers to put in extra effort to stay connected and quickly resolve any misunderstandings. The more consistent and clear the communication, the better the results. Communication helps build stronger understanding and teamwork. Employers can easily hold regular virtual meetings using platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts. These meetings help review work, share updates, and strengthen the relationship with the remote team. MORE UNDERSTANDING, LESS MISTAKES The virtual assistant industry provides valuable skills to help businesses grow. To avoid issues between employers and virtual assistants, it's important to know common mistakes and how to fix them. By doing this, businesses can fully benefit.




2 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page