Advice on hiring a VA

4 replies
Lately I've been seriously considering hiring a VA.

The things that I have not had time for lately are finding images/making images for the articles that I have been writing, updating my website, keyword research, logo and image design, various items for print (For example, I have a brochure that I have been putting off making for months, and I have to make club flyers on a regular basis).

So I'd be looking for web/graphic design, and data gathering?

I've done a little research on it, but I'm so new to this that I don't know where to start.

What sites would you guys recommend? I've been trying to figure out whether to hire 1 person, or if I should break this down into 2 or more? Should I post a job on a place like odesk/elance, or try to search out people?

I'm not looking to spend a ton of money on this right away, but I understand that some things might take more to have it done right. I just don't know what those things might be.

I have done some stuff on fiver, and found it can take a lot of time to get something that I am happy with. I'm just looking for something more consistent and permanent.

Thanks in advance for any advice you guys might be able to give.
#advice #graphic design #hiring #virtual assistant #web design & development
  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    Here are some tips:

    1) The more distinct skills you require, the more you have to pay a SINGLE VA. However, you can maximize quality by hiring specialists for clusters of tasks. You can also save money this way if you pick the right contractor.

    2) You have to focus on project management. Hiring specialized VAs is like being a conductor. You have to keep your eye on the ball or you won't get your money's worth.

    3) You get what you pay for - You are paying for topnotch analysis. You need someone who knows his/her stuff. These people cost some money. Not a lot but you need to pay what's right.

    4) Your results are only as good as your TRAINING and SUPERVISION - Even if you hire a specialist VA, you have to train that person regarding delivering results YOU can be HAPPY with.
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    • Profile picture of the author KevinDahlberg
      Originally Posted by writeaway View Post

      Here are some tips:

      1) The more distinct skills you require, the more you have to pay a SINGLE VA. However, you can maximize quality by hiring specialists for clusters of tasks. You can also save money this way if you pick the right contractor.

      2) You have to focus on project management. Hiring specialized VAs is like being a conductor. You have to keep your eye on the ball or you won't get your money's worth.

      3) You get what you pay for - You are paying for topnotch analysis. You need someone who knows his/her stuff. These people cost some money. Not a lot but you need to pay what's right.

      4) Your results are only as good as your TRAINING and SUPERVISION - Even if you hire a specialist VA, you have to train that person regarding delivering results YOU can be HAPPY with.
      I figured it would eventually come down to managing a team. I suppose that's just one step closer to removing yourself from a business, so that's not too bad I guess.

      You are right. You get what you pay for in the real world, why would it be any different online?

      My thought is to find somebody to try out for a small task, like finding images for my recent blog posts and posting them. Then I will gradually ask them to do more until they reach the end of their capabilities.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeFriedman
    I have had good success hiring people off of oDesk. Generally, what I have done though when I am looking for someone is hire three people. I don't tell them, but it is a trial. I give them each similar or identical tasks to do. I keep the one I like the best for future work and let the other two go.
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  • Profile picture of the author beiter
    Peopleperhour.com works for me (UK)
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