Welcome to the Davey Baron blog. Today I'm going to clear up a few misconceptions about virtual assistant so that you can make decisions about your business that are based on reality and not rumor. Ready to get you to learn? Here we go.
Virtual Assistant is way too expensive
Who says? Virtual assistants are contractors being paid according to working hours. If you think that’s way too expensive, consider then all the money you have to spend on hiring in-house staff. You have to set up a desk, computers, printers, labels, etc. You also need to manage their income tax, their insurance, and benefits and paying them not just for their completed tasks but as well as for staying at the office.
A VA can do everything, immediately, with zero training
This is a big misconception about virtual assistants, and it’s something that has caused many a headache for both business owners and Virtual Assistants alike. So it is very important that you discuss with VA the tasks and the time frames or deadlines for each task. In this manner, you will also get to teach VA's how to manage their time in shape with your business requirements. VA’s are known to be hardworking and dedicated; you just have to be honest about how quickly you want work to turn around.
VAs are available 24/7
Not all Virtual Assistants are moonlighters. If you need a virtual assistant who’s available during regular business hours, you’ll certainly be able to find one. But the reality is that many virtual assistants are not available during regular business hours; they’ll do their work in the evenings and on weekends, with some VAs working part-time hours on weekdays.
Confidential information can’t be entrusted to VA's
I say this is untrue! You have to be very careful in entrusting your company’s confidential information from everyone whether in the house or an offshore worker. As the word suggests, it is confidential, you don’t just give it to someone who has worked with you for one day. You have to get to know your online virtual admin assistant first. They take pride in being trustworthy. Our biggest asset is our integrity.
First, check all references the VA offers and (if you’re particularly nervous) ask how those people feel about the candidate’s trustworthiness and ability to keep things confidential.
Next, get yourself a solid non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement for your contract with whichever virtual assistant you end up hiring. This will make your expectations absolutely clear right from the start.
Finally, look into using a platform such as LastPass to share your passwords. LastPass lets you grant someone the ability to use your login information at any specified site, without revealing your actual credentials. It’s pretty cool if you
ask me here.
Having a Virtual Assistant adds more work and consumes too much time
At first, but in the long run, you’ll find yourself at ease. Provide about 3 to 5 days to sit with your virtual assistant and discuss all the tasks he/she would need to do for you. It should be enough to get them running. It might take up hours or so, but sacrificing 3 to 5 days is a lot less painful than a month or more of errors and complications.
It’s very complicated to communicate with a Virtual Assistant
Perhaps due to cultural differences or the extra noise you hear when speaking to the phone makes things unclear for both of you. Both bear in mind that VAsare is very patient when they try to understand the instructions you give them. If voices over calls are unclear, the internet provides a lot of alternatives. If you’re going to discuss the task, make sure to leave a file of instructions, even if they had taken down notes.
So if you know you’re going to need someone who can virtually get the job done, don’t hesitate for a second. VAs might just be the ones who can help you come up with the right solution. They’re always on the go for you no matter what the task.
Stop having second thoughts about it. Hire your VA today.
About Davey Bacaron
Davey Bacaron is a general virtual assistant for 6 years and is very passionate about helping entrepreneurs and small businesses. Davey wants to make each and every client feel valued and appreciated. Learn more about
Davey Bacaron here and how she can help you here. Follow
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