Virtual assistants can cut your costs by doing a variety of tasks on your behalf, and they are often highly efficient. You can even outsource clerical tasks like answering phone calls to them. As they are not employees, they do not have equity in your business, so you can save money by not having to pay them a salary. However, you should always make sure to remain actively involved with your virtual assistant and provide them with feedback and a step-by-step onboarding process to ensure that they are working to your expectations.
Task-based paying eliminates the need for time tracking
The most common challenge with hiring a virtual assistant is knowing exactly what they're doing. It can be tricky to track how much time your VA spends on specific tasks, so it's essential to use an accurate time tracking system. A tool such as Time Doctor can help you keep track of time spent on different tasks. This software also allows you to manage your virtual staff by setting up tasks, assigning them to the right people, and monitoring their activities.
Time tracking is important to both sides. For the virtual assistant, tracking time will help them avoid time theft. Time tracking can also help them know which tasks are the most efficient. If they're working on a project for the first time, they can gain valuable information about their own workload and how much time they should allocate to each task. It can also be a good way to build trust with clients.
If you need a lot of work done, you can pay your virtual assistant per project. For example, if you need six posts on Facebook, you could pay $50 per project. The virtual assistant would spend an hour on each of these tasks. You could set the hourly rate of your virtual assistant, which would help you determine whether you're paying too much for the service.
Flexible time blocks
When hiring a virtual assistant, be sure to create a schedule for your virtual assistant. This will help your virtual assistant allocate every hour of the day to specific tasks. Ideally, your schedule will align with your workflow, and your virtual assistant will tackle your projects with vigor. But be sure to establish office hours to protect your sanity and prevent burnout.
Flexible time blocks with a virtual assistant are convenient, but they may not be right for everyone. Some tasks, such as research, may not require constant coordination with other members of your team. And some tasks are more time-consuming than others. In those cases, the flexibility of time blocks is a great benefit.
When you hire a virtual assistant, you can schedule the time that they work, which will allow you to focus on your priorities and set deadlines. In addition to creating an organized schedule, virtual assistants also have an incentive to complete tasks on time. With a virtual assistant, you'll be able to maximize your productivity and achieve success.
Paying your assistant per project instead of per hour
Paying your virtual assistant per project instead of by the hour gives you greater control over how much your virtual assistant earns. You can decide how much your virtual assistant makes and how much they charge per project. For instance, if you hire an assistant to complete six tasks, you can assign them $50 for one hour of work. However, if you decide to pay your virtual assistant per project, you need to know how much the tasks will take. If you are unsure, ask your virtual assistant how much time each task will take.
Another option is to pay your VA on a retainer basis. This option is great for small businesses and people who don't need a lot of work done. Retainer clients usually pay a monthly lump sum and receive all of their services for one low rate. Additionally, many VAs offer a discount to their retainer clients, typically between five and twenty percent. However, it's important to remember that you must still pay your VA a decent amount to cover their expenses.
Hiring a VA with experience
A virtual assistant (VA) is like an extension of your team, but not quite an employee. While you may not have the equity or the ability to fire them, you can still ask for feedback and be involved in their work. Additionally, you can give them step-by-step onboarding instructions to reduce training expenses. A VA can also be an excellent fit for a business if you don't have the time to hire a full-time employee.
If you're an entrepreneur, hiring a VA with experience can cut costs while freeing up your time. You'll have more time for other activities and reflection. You'll be able to focus on making strategic decisions without worrying about the administrative side of running your business.
A VA will charge you based on the amount of work they'll have to do. If you're looking for a VA who can do a wide range of tasks, consider project-based packages. Project-based packages are usually for one-time projects, and are based on the estimated hours required. Typically, they'll charge you at least 50% of the total cost of the project up front, with the rest due when the project is completed. However, you should always carefully vet the VA before hiring her. Make sure to have a clear contract, so you won't be wasting money on someone who can't do the job.