How to work with a freelance pa or virtual assistant
Just because you have engaged a freelance pa/virtual assistant please don’t think that all your admin nightmares will disappear overnight and you will suddenly have loads more time on your hands. At the start of your journey with a freelance pa, it may actually be quite time-consuming for you while you explain the systems you use, how you like things done etc, BUT don’t let that put you off! The more you sort out at the start, the more you discuss, the better.
So, here are some quick tips:
Business overview. Give your new freelance pa a thorough overview of your business: even better if you can prepare this beforehand and provide a typed document they can take away for future reference.
Communication. It is important to agree the best way to communicate with each other: would that be via email, phone, regular meetings etc and set out your preferred times and frequency … oh and also how quickly you would like a response! You must remember that you are not your pa’s only client so they aren't at your beck and call ... although they will do their utmost to be available whenever needed!
Make the best use of your pa's time. Write down the tasks you require support with and invest the time at the start going through how you have done this in the past and whether there may be a better way going forward. This list may grow as your relationship with your freelance pa develops.
Make your freelance pa a team member. If you have a team it is important to include your freelance pa, don't leave them out in the cold; this means they can turn to another team member if required.
Be specific. While your freelance pa will learn your style over time if you can be specific on particular ways you like to do things and don’t want change that can be so helpful. They will pick up other style points on the way and may often take the initiative if you give them that responsibility BUT it is really good to be specific at the start.
Access to your systems. It is important to provide your freelance pa with access to your systems: provide them with any logins and ensure that everything works.
Trust! Yes, this is vital!! You must trust your freelance pa to get on with the job(s) you are giving them.
I hope this helps should you be considering working with a freelance pa/virtual assistant in the future.