Writer, journalist, activist, filmmaker and media personality Shanon Lee was always busy...to say the least! When she started working with a virtual assistant, she found more time to focus on her own passions and not just running the backend of her businesses. Her advice to other entrepreneurs who are considering hiring a VA? DON'T WAIT! Read more about how Shanon has found a new rhythm with her virtual assistant:
What were you struggling with in your business that led you to begin working with a virtual assistant?
I was producing and directing a film project struggling with balancing the time I was spending conducting phone calls and sending e-mails to the cast and crewmembers with other responsibilities.
Tell us a little about what you have delegated and how you work together?
For film projects, I delegate calls and e-mails to the cast and the production assistants to my VA. I send my VA an e-mail with the list of contact info and information I need disseminated for the day. The same information needs to be shared repeatedly (casting notifications, wardrobe information, shoot schedules, etc.), so the e-mails do not have to vary in format. For example, my VA will notify actors of the casting decisions and confirm they received their shoot schedule. Additionally, my VA places calls to potential crewmembers that express an interest in an upcoming film project to confirm availability.
How has working with a virtual assistant supported your business, and you personally?
I could not have managed my last film project without a VA. I am a professional writer balancing other projects and a mother of four. I work from home and my youngest is a toddler, so it is not practical for me to be on the phone or laptop all day. During my last shoot, I was suffering from a nasty cold, so it was wonderful to know the work was being done regardless of my condition. I would literally wake up, check my e-mails/voicemails, send an email to my VA, take a dose of medicine and go back to bed. When I woke up again, I had a progress report from my VA waiting for me. You can’t beat that. When you are a solopreneur, it helps to have administrative support
What differences have you noticed in your business since you started working with a virtual assistant?
The amount of time I save during the day when I do not have to send follow up e-mails and make follow-up calls is amazing! Those tasks are real time killers. It takes the stress out of my day not have to worry about finding time to do it.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs seeking virtual assistants?
Do not wait! Hiring a VA is worth the investment. I recommend starting small by identifying minimal tasks you know can be handled by others. Work your way up from there by delegating more important responsibilities, as you grow comfortable working with your new VA.
Want to learn more about Shanon and her work? Visit her website here!
Looking to hire your own virtual assistant? Start here!
Shanon Lee is an American Writer, Journalist, Activist, Filmmaker and Media Personality that has been featured on HuffPost Live, The Wall Street Journal and The Labor of Love Podcast. She is the writer, producer and director of MARITAL RAPE IS REAL, a short film that raises awareness for survivors of sexual assault. You can keep up with Shanon by following her on Twitter and liking her on Facebook!
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