They have access to more skilled VAs than freelancers do.

The most important thing about hiring an independent contractor is vetting their skills and experience first and foremost. If any issues arise with their work quality, the agency can step in quickly and resolve them before they become too big of a problem for both parties involved in the contract arrangement.

Hiring from a Virtual Assistant Agency is more professional.

When hiring an independent VA, things can get dicey fast. You don’t know how many other clients they have or what their schedule is like — all this creates an environment where it could be hard for them to deliver on time, if at all.

Agency VAs have contracts.

Agency VAs have clear contracts that outline what they will do for you and when they need it. You also have access to their past work history so that if something goes wrong or takes longer than expected, there is documentation.

Accurate matching of VA

Virtual assistant companies are great because they match you with someone with the experience and skills to help you with your tasks. They do this by vetting candidates through an in-depth interview process, background check, and reference check. When you hire from an agency, they will match you with a VA who has been vetted and pre-screened by their team of experts. This means that they have already taken the time to look at the candidate’s resume and portfolio, ensuring they have the experience and skills needed to help with your tasks.

It’s risky to find a reliable, independent Virtual Assistant.

If you were to hire directly through a freelance marketplace like Upwork or Fiverr, there is no guarantee that the person who responds to your job posting will be as qualified as advertised. In fact, many people use these platforms to find new clients without having any real experience or expertise in their field.

How to Give Clear and Efficient Instructions to Your VA 

1. Be patient with your VA. They may not always get things right the first time, but that’s okay. Just be sure to communicate with them if there are any problems so that they can fix them. By following these tips, you’ll be able to give

2. Make a list of specific tasks that need to be done on a regular basis and clearly state what you expect from your VA. Be specific in your instructions and avoid giving vague or general tasks. This will ensure that the work is done to your standards and expectations. 

3. Along with task specifics, be sure to provide detailed information on deadlines, formatting requirements, and any other specific needs you may have. Your VA should be comfortable working with all of this information so that they can complete tasks as efficiently as possible. 

4. Regular communication is also key to a successful working relationship with your VA. Be sure to check in with them regularly, provide feedback, and answer any questions they may have. This will help ensure that the work is done correctly and that you and your VA are happy with the arrangement. 

5. Break down each task into smaller, more manageable steps. If a task seems too daunting or complex, try breaking it down into smaller steps. This will make it easier for your VA to understand and complete the task. By taking this approach, you can also help avoid any misunderstandings or confusion. 

6. It may also be helpful to provide an outline or brief description of the task so that your VA has a better understanding of what needs to be done. This will help them complete the task more efficiently and effectively. 

7. Use specific software or tools. If you want your VA to use particular software or tools for specific tasks, be sure to provide them with instructions on using them. This will ensure that they can complete the task correctly and efficiently. 

Additionally, if you have any specific formatting requirements, be sure to outline them for your VA. This will help them create documents or files that meet your standards. 

8. Make a list of resources. In addition to specific instructions, it can also be helpful to provide a list of resources for your VA. This can include websites, articles, or other materials to help them complete the task. 

By providing your VA with all necessary information, you can help ensure that the task is completed correctly and efficiently. They will have everything they need to get started and will ask any questions they may have along the way. 

9. Write out the instructions for each step in clear and concise language. When writing the instructions for your VA, be sure to use clear and concise language. This will help them understand the task and how to complete it correctly. 

In addition, be sure to provide any screenshots or other visuals that may be helpful. This will give your VA a better understanding of what needs to be done and help avoid any misunderstandings.  

10. Provide any necessary pictures or diagrams to help illustrate your instructions. Along with written instructions, it can also be helpful to provide images or diagrams to help explain your instructions. This will give your VA a visual representation of what needs to be done and help avoid any misunderstandings. 

11. If there are any specific formatting requirements, be sure to include them in the images. This will ensure that the finished product meets your standards. 

12. Check-in with your VA regularly. Be sure to check in with your VA regularly to ensure that the work is being done correctly and that both you and your VA are happy with the arrangement. This will help to avoid any problems or misunderstandings. 

13. Provide feedback and answer any questions. Your VA may have questions about the task or about how to complete it. Be sure to answer any questions they may have and provide feedback to improve their work. 

Working with a VA can be a great way to get tasks done efficiently and effectively. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure that the work is done correctly and that both you and your VA are happy with the arrangement. 

5. You’re constantly fire-fighting. If it feels like you’re always putting out fires and never getting ahead, a virtual assistant can help you take control of your workload. A virtual assistant can help you focus on more important matters by taking care of routine tasks.

6. You’re making too many mistakes. If you find yourself making more mistakes than usual, it may be time to seek assistance. A virtual assistant can help you avoid costly errors by proofreading your work or taking care of routine tasks.

7. You’re ready to grow your business. If you’re prepared to take your business to the next level, a virtual assistant can help you free up time to focus on growth and expansion. A virtual assistant can help you focus on more important matters by handling routine tasks.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it may be time to hire a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant can provide invaluable support, taking care of tasks that would otherwise occupy your time. Live Free Virtual Services can provide you with the support you need to grow your business and free up your time. Book a discovery call to learn more about how we can help you grow your business.

All the best,

Amber McClure

1. Introduce yourself and let them know what you’re looking for.

When you first start working with a VA, it’s essential to introduce yourself and let them know your expectations. This will help them understand your work style and preferences and allow them to work more efficiently.

2. Be specific about the tasks you need help with.

Your VA is there to help you with your work, so be specific about the tasks you need assistance with. Specifying your needs will help them understand your needs better and allow them to work more effectively. 

Don’t just say, “I need help with my work.” Say something like, “Can you please help me with X, Y, and Z?”

3. Train them on your company’s procedures and policies.

If you want your VA to be an extension of your company, it’s essential to train them on your procedures and policies. Conducting training will help them understand your business better and allow them to work more effectively. 

Think about it this way – would you rather have a VA who is just doing the bare minimum or fully invested in your company and wants to help it grow? 

The more you train them, the more they’ll be able to help you. And that’s a win-win for everyone involved!

4. Communicate regularly – provide updates and ask questions.

One of the best ways to build a relationship with your VA is to communicate regularly. Regular communication means providing updates on projects, asking questions, and giving feedback. Doing this will help your VA understand your work style and preferences better, and they’ll be able to work more effectively. 

Plus, regular communication will help build trust between you and your VA, which is essential for any working relationship. 

So don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or shoot your VA an email now and then – it’ll go a long way in building a solid work relationship.

5. Let them know when you’re happy with their work.

Your VA wants to do an excellent job for you, so let them know when they’re doing a great job. A simple “thank you” or “great work” can go a long way in making your VA feel appreciated. This, in turn, will motivate them to work harder and be more invested in your business.

6. Give them feedback – positive or negative. 

Constructive feedback is essential for any working relationship. It helps your VA understand what they’re doing well and where they can improve. So don’t be afraid to give them positive and negative feedback. They’ll appreciate the honesty, and it’ll help them do a better job for you in the long run.

7. Respect their time – be mindful of their working hours and don’t bombard them with requests.

Your VA is working hard to help you, so respect their time. This means being mindful of their working hours and not bombarding them with requests. If you need something urgently, let them know in advance so they can plan their work accordingly. Otherwise, try to give them a reasonable amount of notice for tasks, which will help them work more effectively and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

Respecting your VA’s time will also help build trust and rapport between you two, which is essential for any working relationship. So be considerate of their time, and they’ll be more than happy to help you out.

8. Thank them for their work, even if it’s something small.

Saying “thank you” goes a long way in making your VA feel appreciated. So even if they’ve just completed a small task for you, be sure to thank them. This will help build a strong work relationship and motivate them to work harder for you.

9. Be patient

Building a working relationship takes time, so be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a strong work relationship. So take your time getting to know your VA and let the relationship develop naturally. 

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to building a solid work relationship with your VA. Remember to be patient, communicate regularly, and show your appreciation for their work. With a bit of effort, you’ll have a working relationship that’s built to last!