My Response to a Reporter Asking for Help in Hiring Virtual Assistant

5 replies
Below is my response to a reporter who is asking for my inputs when it comes to hiring freelance help. I hope it help you too.

I got most of my freelance help from Elance.com because they have a set of system in place to protect both the sellers and the buyers. The one thing I always look for when I choose someone to work with is of course the feedback. If there are many positive feedbacks, chances are the person is good. Think about eBay for VA (virtual assistant). Just to protect myself, I never hire someone without any feedback even though they may be new to the site.

Another tip is to give very clear instructions when handling the project to them. One of the biggest mistake most people did when hiring VA is that they don’t give clear instructions and expect the VA to know everything. For example, If I want to design a eBook cover, I don’t just give them the details of what I want, I also give them some examples so that they can get a feel of what I want.

Lastly, if you are hiring a VA for the first time, give them small jobs to start with and test their competency. This will protect yourself from any stress that may occur if the VA is not competent in handling even small tasks. I have cases where I needed articles written in a specific amount of time and it wasn’t done even though I have given ample time to finish. As a result, I ‘sack’ my VA immediately and look for someone else to get the job done.

So start small and handle your VA as if you would handle a real employee who is working in your company. Good luck!
#assistant #hiring #reporter #response #virtual
  • Profile picture of the author ArticlePrince
    The point is to remember that you get what you pay for, and that you should pay the person fairly. Just because they'll work for $4 an hour doesn't mean that you should pay them that. If they're doing skilled work for you, pay them fairly based on the profit their work generates for you. They will be more loyal, more productive, and you will probably make more.
    Signature
    FREE 500 word articles, PM me for yours!
    (4 days only!)
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3377596].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Benjamin Ehinger
    I agree with giving freelancers a small job to start off and from the other side of things protection for both the buyer and seller is why I only use paypal. This provides the protection that is necessary for both involved and to protect myself I always ask for 50% up front. That way I never get screwed when I put in my time to write for someone that decides to not pay me.

    It is amazing how many people I never hear from again when I ask for a deposit. Doesn't matter, however, since there are plenty of honest people willing to do business and that is the only way I would have it.

    Great post!

    Benjamin Ehinger
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3377613].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Bainbridge
    Im getting into this more and more, I agree with your points, but I would add to it that you should go beyond creating just instructions - do your own samples - i.e. if it is building backlinks you want them to do then show them some samples you have done. If you want them to write articles then actually do the first couple yourself to show them the style, quality etc.

    If you can provide real samples then not only are they following instructions but they can see actual examples - since I started doing this with my new writers I have to manage a lot less and also get better quality and more in line with exactly what I want.
    Signature

    Hypnosis Affiliate Program Pays 50% + $20 Join BONUS
    Real Subliminal Messages Pays 35% (world's largest subliminal site)
    SubliminalMP3s.com Pays 75%

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3377767].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author AbsolutJake82
      Originally Posted by submp3s View Post

      Im getting into this more and more, I agree with your points, but I would add to it that you should go beyond creating just instructions - do your own samples - i.e. if it is building backlinks you want them to do then show them some samples you have done. If you want them to write articles then actually do the first couple yourself to show them the style, quality etc.

      If you can provide real samples then not only are they following instructions but they can see actual examples - since I started doing this with my new writers I have to manage a lot less and also get better quality and more in line with exactly what I want.

      Agreed 110% I had a bad experience once because I was not specific enough and did not provide sufficient examples....since learning my lesson things have worked out well
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3377958].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Andrea Wilson
    Its good to have video instruction on what you want though. Let your employee hear what you want and not just read them. For me this has been more effective rather than just emailing them all of my wants for a particular project.

    Andrea
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[3378444].message }}

Trending Topics