Need some help, but don’t know how or where to start?

A few people have asked me about this recently, so I’m sharing what I’ve shared with them, in case it helps someone else.

In my opinion, the most important thing is to set the tone for the right relationship and expectations from the start. If you click with someone, they can grow into the role you want them to. Open, totally honest, and regular communication is key. Talk about likes/ dislikes, how you tend to work, what you know you’re good at and what you’re not. Get to know them and vice versa, as if the relationship is easy, the rest will come.

Start by making a list of jobs you deal with, then identify what you must do yourself and what you could handover. Then grade the list into things which are the most straight forward to hand over right away and build from there.

It’s always worth putting feelers out amongst contacts. It’s a position with huge trust to get the most out of it, and you want someone who comes recommended – even if not by someone you know, then with some great reviews/ references. Where possible, speak to their other clients about what they’re brilliant at for them.

Systems access is easy. They can either log in as you for some things and for others have their own account. A good VA will have password encryption software to keep everything secure and will be able to support you in getting access set up, though if you have IT folk, this can make the process even smoother!

As for a job description, the list above is your starting point. While there are the traditional VA type roles like diary/ admin, I handle a wide range of tasks for people, so the extras will be personal to you and your VA will ideally be willing to turn their hand to pretty much anything – it keeps it interesting for us, after all!