What were you struggling with in your business that led you to begin working with a virtual assistant?
As the business owner of a growing organization, I started covering multiple roles and generally doing too much. Not only was the number of things I was doing growing out of control, but I also wasn’t able to give each task the focus it deserved.
That’s when I hired my first virtual assistant (VA) and began delegating repetitive tasks to her. This particular VA has been with me—and now our company—for about six years now. Her name is Ferna, and while we have other VAs now, Ferna is accountable for the majority of the outsourced tasks.
Tell us a little about what you have delegated and how you work together?
Whenever I think of a repetitive task that would be great for Ferna, I use Camtasia to record my screen while I do the work. I try to clearly explain each step in the process so that she can take the task off my plate completely, both now and in the future.
After rendering the video, I upload it to YouTube as an unlisted video and embed it into a Basecamp message board called “Working Procedures.”
After watching the video, we usually discuss it in the comments below it and I answer any questions she has. We also make adjustments along the way when necessary. If something is not done exactly as I’d like, I’ll reach out to discuss.
We’ve compiled dozens of these Working Procedures videos. Now, if Ferna ever leaves, we can hire another virtual assistant and direct him or her to these videos to get up to speed quickly and with minimal additional effort on my part.
How has working with a virtual assistant supported your business, and you personally?
The biggest benefit from working with a virtual assistant has been that I can focus on what I do best—my core strengths—and what I love to do. Taking tasks off my plate that used to drain my energy has led to a happier life both in and out of the office.
What differences have you noticed in your business since you started working with a virtual assistant?
Since working with a virtual assistant and delegating more tasks,
Ferna has freed me to put all my energy into one thing at a time. I no longer have a growing pile of tasks to clutter my life and drain my mental energy.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs seeking virtual assistants?
Before seeking the help of a virtual assistant, I would suggest writing out, in as much detail as possible, what you’d like to delegate to that person.
What would your life look like if hiring a virtual assistant was wildly successful?
With a clear vision in front of you, go out and interview people.
After you find someone that you’d like to hire, I suggest starting them out on a predefined work test. Hand them a task description (or maybe even a video 😉) that will take them at least a day to complete.
If he or she does well, move on to the next task and so on. This test method will also allow you to try out multiple candidates and to choose the one who performs best.
Want to learn more about Nick Kringas and his business? Visit his website here.
Looking to hire your own virtual assistant? Start here!
Nick Kringas is the President and Co-Founder of ApricotLaw, which was recognized as one of the top law firm Internet marketing firms in America by the National Trial Lawyers Association. He is responsible for thousands of top ten organic Google rankings in personal injury, criminal defense, and family law markets nationwide. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube.
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