It’s no secret that I use virtual assistants for a variety of tasks – actually, most of my administrative work is handled by a variety of competent professionals located around the world.
I get asked all the time about how I find my virtual assistants. The answer is complex – there are a ton of good resources out there, and each one has served a purpose at one time or another. It’s a frustrating process, but a fruitful one if engaged in properly.
I ran across this terrific post that brings together all of the best sources for VA help. take a look and bookmark it – it’s invaluable.
I am constantly amazed at how attorneys and business professionals consistently recommend large foreign corporations as though they are a "VA". First and foremost, a VA is a single human being. That is not to say that a VA's practice does not employ others – but the VA is one human, not a faceless corporation with millions in venture capital for marketing purposes.Next, if you do any research on most of the foreign companies, you will see the internet it rife with dissatisfied customers – all with reasons why such companies were not a good fit, especially for the detailed work of attorneys.But how does one find a reputable VA? Start by googling "virtual assistant" and your location or the specialty of law you practice. If you get no hits, look to the well established VA organizations such as the IVAA (http://www.ivaa.org); or LegalVA.com (http://www.legalva.com) to search for a few candidates to further explore. Read their websites and set up an initial consultation with any potential VAs. You won't know if you and a VA are a good fit unless you speak.Finally, call the references provided by the VA. Any VA worth their salt has at least one or two clients who are happy to provide a reference. Ask the clients what the VA does for them (you may be surprised at the types of projects and tasks a VA takes on for clients) – and it may provide you with an idea of what you may add to the tasks you decide to ultimately outsource to that VA.
I agree that the Internet is rife with dissatisfied clients – of domestic as well as foreign service providers. Caveat emptor, no?Always check references, always give a VA a small test project. Above all, give clear and detailed instructions to your VA or they have a greater chance of botching the job for you.Companies provide VA services, and so do individuals. Just like there are law firms and solo lawyers, there are VA companies and solo VAs. There are foreign companies and individuals who are very good at what they do; the trick is to handle the language and idiomatic barriers effectively. I've had good luck and bad with foreign virtual assistants. I've also had good luck and bad with domestic ones.
Jay: Again, I maintain that a VA must be a single human being. From dictionary.com:as⋅sis⋅tant–noun1. a person who assists or gives aid and support; helper.2. a person who is subordinate to another in rank, function, etc.; one holding a secondary rank in an office or post: He was assistant to the office manager. Note "person" – not corporation. One single human being.What you speak of are generally large, foreign corporations with 100's of employees, management teams and sales departments – not a VA among them. Elance and guru are another great example where people call themselves "VA" but they are not. They are per project, freelancers bidding on a job by job basis. For the most part, VAs establish on going, mutually beneficial relationships with each client (depends on the VA's service/niche as some do work on a per project basis.) Every VA is different.Also, there's no "tricks" or "luck" about it. Interview a VA as carefully as you would an in house assistant. If they don't come to the table with the requisite knowledge, skill set or technology … move along. Don't settle. Another tip: be real with the cost of a VA. Many attorneys and business professionals contact me and tell me what they are willing to pay – can I get it done for that amount? In most instances, the number they state makes me laugh. No, my company will not take care of your business for the equivalent of $6 per hour! It is unfortunate that a few popular business books would have you believe you can get all your work done by a VA for less than that, oh – and you only have to work four hours each week to boot! Ultimately, I think the difference between you and most attorneys is that you are using VAs for tasks other than the routine legal work of a non-digital practice. For graphics or one off marketing projects – sure get the lowest bidder who you are comfortable can do a good job. However, for the day to day back office administration of a real, live law practice – trust no one but a professional VA who niches in legal and you are much more likely to have a positive experience.
An individual is a VA. A company can provide VA services by matching an employee with a person who needs a VA. That individual becomes the other person's VA. Just like I can hire a lawyer who is a solo, or go to a law firm to be matched with the lawyer who best suits my needs.
An individual is a VA. A company can provide VA services by matching an employee with a person who needs a VA. That individual becomes the other person's VA. Just like I can hire a lawyer who is a solo, or go to a law firm to be matched with the lawyer who best suits my needs.