7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Justin Mandel · 12-25-2008, 10:36 AM

These 7 TIPS for hiring a VA is my small xmas gift to YOU - these are some valuable VA tips I have learned from my time hiring VA's and outsourcing.

TIP #1 - My suggestion for someone looking to try out a VA for the very first time is too offer "pay as you go" terms...

Hire them for a week and tell them at the end of that week you will issue payment. At the end of that week if you are satisfied with their work then bring them on for another week. Rinse and repeat. etc. But, explain to them before you hire them that if it works out you will bring them on for another week if you are happy with what they do. This way they knoww they are investing their time for the long haul and if it does not work out they are not disappointed since you supplied the terms right up front.

If you feel that their quality of work is up to your standards then eventually start to pay them every other week leading up to paying them once a month. This way you KNOW what they are like to work with and can consistently see their level of work that they can perform.

I have used this process several times and it has worked to my tremendous advantage EVERY time.

In essence you are keeping them in the frying pan whereby they see you are serious and they know they are on temporary loan until you bring them on part-time/full-time until you are 100% satisfied with them.

TIP #2 - Offer a bonus system based on the quality of work that they do. By offering a bonus you offer a valuable incentive for them to work as hard as possible for you, but you need to make the bonus sizable enough for them to be *motivated* to keep up a hig h level of work. The bonus size should be kept into proportion to the number of hours you hire them to work for you.

I have just recently instituted a bonus system for my VA and I am incredibly happy with the level of performance my VA does for me on a consistent basis - read EVERY DAY!

IMHO it makes zero sense to me with this kind of arrangement to prefer to hire a company to get a VA for you. Naturally, the company will skim from their pay which means that you pay MORE in this kind of situation.

For me what was so attractive behind AOV was that they were supposed to hire candidates to work for you based on having them go through a process
whereby they are interviewing possible candidates FOR YOU. But, based on the seemingly relentless posts above this listing all of the BAD experiences people have this just does not seem to work out as good as it sounds

TIP #3 - take time to qualify and interview prospective VA's. Know what you want in a VA and see if they can perform those job tasks. If they can perform the tasks you want and if you feel comfortable with what they say they can do then give them a try.

TIP #4 - hire your VA to work for you while you have time off from your full-time/part-time job (unless you do IM full-time). By doing it this way you get to see what they complete and have them update you as you go along so you don't waste valuable time. Use gmail/gtalk/gchat to communicate with them and ask them to update you as they make progress. As they have completed a task have them just type in the URL so you can see it if for example they are updating your website.

TIP #5 - use Google docs to share important information together like usernames and passwords. I have my VA now update the google docs spreadsheet as new sites have new usernames and passwords so it is centralized and I do not have to scan through my emails to look for particular information I can just find instead at one single source.

TIP #6 - Trust is a major factor in hiring a VA. By working with someone overtime and seeing how they work as they are on "pay as you go" terms you build trust with your VA. As you each work together over time you should get more and more comfortable with each other work habits to the point where you can eventually give a task list and expect them to complete it even if you are not OL and cannot over see them for that time.

TIP #7 - You are the boss so know what you need. There will be no nonsense with tasks not getting done if you are on a schedule and you know exactly what you need to get done. Since you are the one paying the salary there is no excuses for dillydallying around and not getting stuff done (GSD)!

I hope this helps some of you out!

Ivancho · 12-25-2008, 10:43 AM

Good tips you got here, Thanks for sharing ...

Merry Christmas

Amy Bass · 12-25-2008, 12:46 PM

I've considered getting a VA for quite some time. After giving it a lot of thought I came to the conclusion that I would train my Mother-in-Law or Sister-in-Law this coming year to do some things for me. That way I have someone I know I can trust 100%. Great advice!

zeppb · 12-25-2008, 01:04 PM

Thanks for sharing. This will help me in the future for investing back into my business. Merry christmas!

TiMa · 12-25-2008, 01:09 PM

Just went through your post - Nice tips, Justin! I've been contemplating of hiring one for long looong time. Guess 2009 is the year!

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas!

artwebster · 12-25-2008, 01:12 PM

I really do wish English words retained their meaning a little better in the world of internet marketers.

Surely a Virtual Assistant is a semi intelligent programme that can be set to answer the most common questions.

You don't hire them - you buy them.

If you mean PA (personal assistant) then I think your ideas on man management are out of the stone age and reflect badly on you. A good personal assistant is worth her/his weight in gold and to treat them like some sort of add on piece of peripheral equipment will serve you no good at all.

Justin Mandel · 12-25-2008, 01:54 PM

Quite the contrary my friend, unless you know how to run a business any "add on piece of peripheral equipment" will be useless to you unless you know the best way to operate it.

As someone who seems very exact as based on your comments, you already know that any profitable business has "rules" they follow for how to get their employees to be productive.

What you read is what I have figured out based on spending thousands of dollars and countless time on figuring out how to best succeed all the while with keeping my employee(s) happy

As someone who has worked a myriad number of jobs for a full range of pay scales I am one person who KNOWS to treat their employees well since I know the ramifications first hand for those who don't

Thanks for your thoughts.

Also since it looks like you are a new member to the WF and maybe you are also new to internet marketing, we call them "VA's" not "PA's"

Quote:

Originally Posted by artwebster

I really do wish English words retained their meaning a little better in the world of internet marketers.

Surely a Virtual Assistant is a semi intelligent programme that can be set to answer the most common questions.

You don't hire them - you buy them.

If you mean PA (personal assistant) then I think your ideas on man management are out of the stone age and reflect badly on you. A good personal assistant is worth her/his weight in gold and to treat them like some sort of add on piece of peripheral equipment will serve you no good at all.

Justin Mandel · 12-25-2008, 01:57 PM

Thanks Amy

IMO I don't think that you need to go that far to find someone trustworty. With some private matters like login details to CB or Paypal or any other site where earnings are revealed that is one thing that maybe you don't even want to share with family members in the first place?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amy Bass

I've considered getting a VA for quite some time. After giving it a lot of thought I came to the conclusion that I would train my Mother-in-Law or Sister-in-Law this coming year to do some things for me. That way I have someone I know I can trust 100%. Great advice!

imaddict · 12-25-2008, 02:53 PM

Thanks for the tips and... do you have any tips on WHERE to start looking for a good VA?

marktheonlinesurfer · 12-25-2008, 02:58 PM

Thanks for the post Justin. Very helpful. As a few have already stated, I also have been thinking of hiring a VA for sometime now. Can you please recommend a good service that provides VA? Are you using a service in India?

FrankRumbauskas · 12-26-2008, 01:14 PM

The best tip of all might be.....

Find your VA by referral!

I brought on a new VA recently who a friend has been using for some time for part-time work so I got his contact info and hired him as well, can't be happier!

lisawood · 12-26-2008, 01:22 PM

definitely by referral. I don't have a VA yet - but probably will start looking soon.

khairi · 12-26-2008, 01:45 PM

Thanks for sharing.. GREAT advice!

alyoung · 12-26-2008, 01:51 PM

Great info on using VA's to take your business to the next level. Thanks.

dorothydot · 12-26-2008, 06:10 PM

There are some really compelling reasons for finding a great, ethical VA. I've known one for a long time, and have a huge respect for her. She is good - 80+ wpm good! - and has worked both online and offline for many, many companies as both a VA [online] and a temp.

She is also a Warrior and has posted here. I can personally testify that her ethical and work standards are the highest possible.
Dot

tommygadget · 12-26-2008, 06:25 PM

I am a control freak so having VAs is a necessary but uncomfortable solution for me. At any time, they can compromise your business so make sure they only have access to what they need when they need it. Change your PWs frequently. BTW, having any relative work for you is a bad idea. One day you might just be firing them. Just think about that...

TomG.

Ian Harmon · 02-23-2009, 03:54 PM

Excellent post Justin, thanks for sharing. I'm currently looking to hire my first full time VA so this is a great help.

Cheers

mattgee09 · 02-23-2009, 03:57 PM

Good info. Thanks for sharing.

dbarnum · 02-23-2009, 05:26 PM

Thanks for the post! To help with where to look and for more tips, I have some VA info on my Warrior blog, too:

WarriorForum - Internet Marketing Forums - Personal Assistant, Virtual Assistant, Outsourcing

Jamie Orman · 02-23-2009, 05:33 PM

Thanks for the tips! I've been in the need for one for a while now...

xlfutur1 · 03-24-2009, 12:27 AM

I have a full time VA working for me that is an expert in wordpress and graphic design. My suggestion is if you are going to get help from a VA, don't go the India, go to the Phillipines.

My assistant is college educated, speaks English very well and can do tons of different tasks, everything from designing and tweaking wordpress themes, social bookmarking, keyword research, blog commenting and everything else in between.

I used a few different workers before finding Anthonette and I do agree you have to test them for a bit to see how they work for you. She is so good I can't keep up with her with tasks every day.

I would be willing to "share" my VA if someone just needs an occasional day or two a month of work done. PM me with questions you have. I would stand behind Anthonette's work 100% if you are interested in having her do some stuff for you. The fee would be less than $4 per hour.

ellehc · 03-24-2009, 12:50 AM

Thanks for the info I learned a lot from it. Keep sharing!

ellehc · 03-24-2009, 01:12 AM

Good tips thanks! Keep sharing..

artwebster · 03-24-2009, 03:03 AM

Hi, Justin

Sorry, I've been too ill to respond but all I can say to your reply is that not only is the internet full of smoke and mirrors, it also devalues the English language and distorts historical data.

virtual - adj. That is such for practical purposes though not in name or according to strict definition.
Not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so

These definitions are well established but I see that even words hold no value or consistency in the IM world.

jayden.fellze · 03-24-2009, 04:21 AM

These are really great tips, since a lot of applicants may not be that qualified so you must filter and hire the best.

FreeMe.com · 03-24-2009, 06:14 AM

Great original post. Another tip for managing any outsourced work is to have them send you an "update" every day including:

1.) What did I accomplish today?

2.) What challenges did I run into today?

3.) What are my goals for tomorrow?

Obviously, if they are not working for you on a daily basis you can adjust the time period to make sense to your arrangement.

I find these three questions will reveal a great deal to you.

epsilon97 · 03-24-2009, 06:00 PM

Great post.

A tip that I have is to write out a simple contract explaining the terms of the engagement. It is important that both parties know what is expected of them. Some areas of the contract that are important are number of hours of work per week, payment terms, ownership of work product and length of engagement. I think that discussing these issues up front makes for a healthier relationship and builds trust.

summerm · 06-16-2009, 11:56 AM

great ideas! could you give an example of a bonus size that you have found to be motivating? are you talking something like 10%, or more like 60%?

fypnlp · 06-16-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerm

great ideas! could you give an example of a bonus size that you have found to be motivating? are you talking something like 10%, or more like 60%?

That's a great question. i was thinking that also. but I beleive the best yard stick would be to ask myself 'what would be fair bonus if I was asked to do that task?' and structure the bonus accordingly.

I hope that makes sense. I'm tired and off to bed

dreamtab · 06-16-2009, 05:36 PM

Justin, great information. Thanks for sharing. May I post it on my blog?

Justin Mandel · 06-16-2009, 05:45 PM

In my case the regular bonus I give is a nice motivating 15% which works out to be a very nice gesture in the Phillipines.

Plus I will send out extra $20 bonuses on top of that on occasion if there was something very worthy of it.

The bonuses are very appreciated and seems to be very motivating.

The 15% bonus is a flat rate based on performance, but I also offer a revenue share if profits exceed a certain amount which is *extra* motivating

Quote:

Originally Posted by summerm

great ideas! could you give an example of a bonus size that you have found to be motivating? are you talking something like 10%, or more like 60%?

Justin Mandel · 06-16-2009, 08:44 PM

Thanks so much dreamtab

Feel free to add to your blog as long as you keep the original post 100% intact and link back to this URL

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamtab

Justin, great information. Thanks for sharing. May I post it on my blog?

Simone Sleep · 06-26-2009, 11:37 PM

Thank you so much Justin for the 7 tips as I have been looking into VA from the Phillipines for my health business. It certainly took away the fears of the unknown of how to setup a system to have a VA working for you in a way that is a win-win for both parties.

marketingstatic · 11-09-2009, 10:29 PM

I think the ideas of anyone suggesting hiring a family member really should seek professional help. Hiring friends and family for me anyways has been kind of like borrowing money from either. Very awkward when they don't work out too well and you have to give them the Donald Trump "Your Fired" speech.
I can tell you referrals are they best but there are still lots of guidelines missing in the great post.
Example:
I have heard it stated by a well know outsource guru that people in Philippines are loyal and not entrepreneurial and I have found that to be both bullox and a dumb statement. I have paid people in 1 week then never heard from them again. Only to find out they started stealing people it took me several weeks to hire and train to work for someone else or themselves. Do not be a child any longer and act like a businesses owner. Don’t believe every sales pitch you hear from so called experts. Times are changing be ahead of the curve and think for yourself or eat the dust of others.
Remember online or Offline it’s still a business and you still need a solid game plan or you will certainly fail more times than succeed.

12-25-2008, 10:36 AM	#1
Justin Mandel Trust Establisher War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Long Island, NY. Posts: 2,968 Thanks: 526 Thanked 170 Times in 127 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant These 7 TIPS for hiring a VA is my small xmas gift to YOU - these are some valuable VA tips I have learned from my time hiring VA's and outsourcing. TIP #1 - My suggestion for someone looking to try out a VA for the very first time is too offer "pay as you go" terms... Hire them for a week and tell them at the end of that week you will issue payment. At the end of that week if you are satisfied with their work then bring them on for another week. Rinse and repeat. etc. But, explain to them before you hire them that if it works out you will bring them on for another week if you are happy with what they do. This way they knoww they are investing their time for the long haul and if it does not work out they are not disappointed since you supplied the terms right up front. If you feel that their quality of work is up to your standards then eventually start to pay them every other week leading up to paying them once a month. This way you KNOW what they are like to work with and can consistently see their level of work that they can perform. I have used this process several times and it has worked to my tremendous advantage EVERY time. In essence you are keeping them in the frying pan whereby they see you are serious and they know they are on temporary loan until you bring them on part-time/full-time until you are 100% satisfied with them. TIP #2 - Offer a bonus system based on the quality of work that they do. By offering a bonus you offer a valuable incentive for them to work as hard as possible for you, but you need to make the bonus sizable enough for them to be motivated to keep up a hig h level of work. The bonus size should be kept into proportion to the number of hours you hire them to work for you. I have just recently instituted a bonus system for my VA and I am incredibly happy with the level of performance my VA does for me on a consistent basis - read EVERY DAY! IMHO it makes zero sense to me with this kind of arrangement to prefer to hire a company to get a VA for you. Naturally, the company will skim from their pay which means that you pay MORE in this kind of situation. For me what was so attractive behind AOV was that they were supposed to hire candidates to work for you based on having them go through a process whereby they are interviewing possible candidates FOR YOU. But, based on the seemingly relentless posts above this listing all of the BAD experiences people have this just does not seem to work out as good as it sounds TIP #3 - take time to qualify and interview prospective VA's. Know what you want in a VA and see if they can perform those job tasks. If they can perform the tasks you want and if you feel comfortable with what they say they can do then give them a try. TIP #4 - hire your VA to work for you while you have time off from your full-time/part-time job (unless you do IM full-time). By doing it this way you get to see what they complete and have them update you as you go along so you don't waste valuable time. Use gmail/gtalk/gchat to communicate with them and ask them to update you as they make progress. As they have completed a task have them just type in the URL so you can see it if for example they are updating your website. TIP #5 - use Google docs to share important information together like usernames and passwords. I have my VA now update the google docs spreadsheet as new sites have new usernames and passwords so it is centralized and I do not have to scan through my emails to look for particular information I can just find instead at one single source. TIP #6 - Trust is a major factor in hiring a VA. By working with someone overtime and seeing how they work as they are on "pay as you go" terms you build trust with your VA. As you each work together over time you should get more and more comfortable with each other work habits to the point where you can eventually give a task list and expect them to complete it even if you are not OL and cannot over see them for that time. TIP #7 - You are the boss so know what you need. There will be no nonsense with tasks not getting done if you are on a schedule and you know exactly what you need to get done. Since you are the one paying the salary there is no excuses for dillydallying around and not getting stuff done (GSD)! I hope this helps some of you out!
	Join Us For Our March I.M. Press Release Generator Launch & Get AWESOME FREE VALUABLE BONUSES!!!

12-25-2008, 12:46 PM	#3
Amy Bass The Niche Blogger War Room Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California, USA. Posts: 1,280 Thanks: 9 Thanked 113 Times in 32 Posts Social Networking	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant I've considered getting a VA for quite some time. After giving it a lot of thought I came to the conclusion that I would train my Mother-in-Law or Sister-in-Law this coming year to do some things for me. That way I have someone I know I can trust 100%. Great advice!
	WSO # 1 - ==========> Click Here - Get 30 Days of The Niche Blogger for $1 Join 750 Members - Make $5k a Month Passive Income Blogging! <========== WSO # 2 - -----------> PLRAutoresponders - Cash Sucking Autoresponder Emails Ready for you to Make Money With!

12-25-2008, 01:09 PM	#5
TiMa Semi-Pro Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Pune, India Posts: 40 Thanks: 12 Thanked 9 Times in 3 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Just went through your post - Nice tips, Justin! I've been contemplating of hiring one for long looong time. Guess 2009 is the year! Thanks again, and Merry Christmas!
	-Bhavik Ruparel. Info Prodigy Bonus

12-25-2008, 01:12 PM	#6
artwebster Brutal honesty's me Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Coín, Spain Posts: 1,032 Blog Entries: 4 Thanks: 33 Thanked 251 Times in 138 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant I really do wish English words retained their meaning a little better in the world of internet marketers. Surely a Virtual Assistant is a semi intelligent programme that can be set to answer the most common questions. You don't hire them - you buy them. If you mean PA (personal assistant) then I think your ideas on man management are out of the stone age and reflect badly on you. A good personal assistant is worth her/his weight in gold and to treat them like some sort of add on piece of peripheral equipment will serve you no good at all.
	You might not like what I say - but I believe it. Build it, make money, then build some more Some old school smarts would help - and here's to Rob Toth for his help. Bloody good stuff, even the freebies!

12-25-2008, 02:53 PM	#9
imaddict HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: , , . Posts: 129 Thanks: 8 Thanked 17 Times in 12 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thanks for the tips and... do you have any tips on WHERE to start looking for a good VA?
	It's about time someone stepped up to the plate to tell it LIKE IT IS: MUST READ for ALL IMers

12-25-2008, 10:43 AM	#2
Ivancho Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: UK Posts: 780 Thanks: 2 Thanked 309 Times in 55 Posts Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Good tips you got here, Thanks for sharing ... Merry Christmas

12-25-2008, 01:04 PM	#4
zeppb HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: United States Posts: 103 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thanks for sharing. This will help me in the future for investing back into my business. Merry christmas!

12-25-2008, 02:58 PM	#10
marktheonlinesurfer The PLR Guy War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: , , United Kingdom. Posts: 413 Thanks: 186 Thanked 24 Times in 17 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thanks for the post Justin. Very helpful. As a few have already stated, I also have been thinking of hiring a VA for sometime now. Can you please recommend a good service that provides VA? Are you using a service in India?

12-26-2008, 01:14 PM	#11
FrankRumbauskas HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 180 Thanks: 4 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant The best tip of all might be..... Find your VA by referral! I brought on a new VA recently who a friend has been using for some time for part-time work so I got his contact info and hired him as well, can't be happier!
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12-26-2008, 01:22 PM	#12
lisawood Active Warrior Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Northeast US Posts: 50 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant definitely by referral. I don't have a VA yet - but probably will start looking soon.

12-26-2008, 01:45 PM	#13
khairi Billionaire in the making War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: , , . Posts: 437 Thanks: 49 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thanks for sharing.. GREAT advice!
	Best, Khairi

12-26-2008, 01:51 PM	#14
alyoung Active Warrior Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 78 Thanks: 4 Thanked 5 Times in 5 Posts Social Networking	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Great info on using VA's to take your business to the next level. Thanks.

12-26-2008, 06:10 PM	#15
dorothydot Selling with Stories War Room Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 497 Thanks: 289 Thanked 120 Times in 102 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant There are some really compelling reasons for finding a great, ethical VA. I've known one for a long time, and have a huge respect for her. She is good - 80+ wpm good! - and has worked both online and offline for many, many companies as both a VA [online] and a temp. She is also a Warrior and has posted here. I can personally testify that her ethical and work standards are the highest possible. Dot
	"Sell the Magic of A Dream" www.DP-Copywriting-Service.com

12-26-2008, 06:25 PM	#16
tommygadget Banned War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Up North, USA Posts: 2,517 Blog Entries: 11 Thanks: 88 Thanked 288 Times in 157 Posts Social Networking	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant I am a control freak so having VAs is a necessary but uncomfortable solution for me. At any time, they can compromise your business so make sure they only have access to what they need when they need it. Change your PWs frequently. BTW, having any relative work for you is a bad idea. One day you might just be firing them. Just think about that... TomG.

02-23-2009, 03:54 PM	#17
Ian Harmon HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: , , United Kingdom. Posts: 224 Thanks: 42 Thanked 19 Times in 18 Posts Social Networking	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Excellent post Justin, thanks for sharing. I'm currently looking to hire my first full time VA so this is a great help. Cheers
	Internet Marketing Strategies Rugby Coaching

02-23-2009, 03:57 PM	#18
mattgee09 Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 162 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Good info. Thanks for sharing.

02-23-2009, 05:26 PM	#19
dbarnum Senior Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Ohio, USA. Posts: 5,696 Blog Entries: 46 Thanks: 185 Thanked 144 Times in 110 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thanks for the post! To help with where to look and for more tips, I have some VA info on my Warrior blog, too: WarriorForum - Internet Marketing Forums - Personal Assistant, Virtual Assistant, Outsourcing
	Need help? 100+ Ways / Support / Fiverr / Rootbeer Break / Warrior4Hire Specials! Get customized help: Give us a try, check out & bookmark: MAP / Top Tasks at: 2011 / our blog

02-23-2009, 05:33 PM	#20
Jamie Orman Social Media Consultant Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Orlando Posts: 50 Thanks: 11 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thanks for the tips! I've been in the need for one for a while now...

03-24-2009, 12:27 AM	#21
xlfutur1 Advanced Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: , , . Posts: 792 Thanks: 9 Thanked 101 Times in 65 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant I have a full time VA working for me that is an expert in wordpress and graphic design. My suggestion is if you are going to get help from a VA, don't go the India, go to the Phillipines. My assistant is college educated, speaks English very well and can do tons of different tasks, everything from designing and tweaking wordpress themes, social bookmarking, keyword research, blog commenting and everything else in between. I used a few different workers before finding Anthonette and I do agree you have to test them for a bit to see how they work for you. She is so good I can't keep up with her with tasks every day. I would be willing to "share" my VA if someone just needs an occasional day or two a month of work done. PM me with questions you have. I would stand behind Anthonette's work 100% if you are interested in having her do some stuff for you. The fee would be less than $4 per hour.
	Use this New & FREE PDF "Hot Sheet" as an offline door opener. "10 Proven Strategies for Increasing Sales and Profits in 2012" - A business owner's internet survival guide. Grand Rapids Attorney

03-24-2009, 12:50 AM	#22
ellehc Active Warrior Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 63 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thanks for the info I learned a lot from it. Keep sharing!
	Music Downloads Paramore Song Lyrics New Music Philippines Golf Real State

03-24-2009, 01:12 AM	#23
ellehc Active Warrior Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 63 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Good tips thanks! Keep sharing..
	Music Downloads Paramore Song Lyrics New Music Philippines Golf Real State

03-24-2009, 03:03 AM	#24
artwebster Brutal honesty's me Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Coín, Spain Posts: 1,032 Blog Entries: 4 Thanks: 33 Thanked 251 Times in 138 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Hi, Justin Sorry, I've been too ill to respond but all I can say to your reply is that not only is the internet full of smoke and mirrors, it also devalues the English language and distorts historical data. virtual - adj. That is such for practical purposes though not in name or according to strict definition. Not physically existing as such but made by software to appear to do so These definitions are well established but I see that even words hold no value or consistency in the IM world.
	You might not like what I say - but I believe it. Build it, make money, then build some more Some old school smarts would help - and here's to Rob Toth for his help. Bloody good stuff, even the freebies!

03-24-2009, 04:21 AM	#25
jayden.fellze It's just me! Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 471 Thanks: 11 Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant These are really great tips, since a lot of applicants may not be that qualified so you must filter and hire the best.
	>> FREE Report: 100 Targeted Visitors/Day From Scratch In 2 Months << .

03-24-2009, 06:14 AM	#26
FreeMe.com Warrior Member War Room Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Scottsdale (Phoenix), Arizona, USA. Posts: 23 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Great original post. Another tip for managing any outsourced work is to have them send you an "update" every day including: 1.) What did I accomplish today? 2.) What challenges did I run into today? 3.) What are my goals for tomorrow? Obviously, if they are not working for you on a daily basis you can adjust the time period to make sense to your arrangement. I find these three questions will reveal a great deal to you.
	Richard No Hype... Just Results www.FreeMe.com

03-24-2009, 06:00 PM	#27
epsilon97 Active Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: , , . Posts: 80 Thanks: 2 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Great post. A tip that I have is to write out a simple contract explaining the terms of the engagement. It is important that both parties know what is expected of them. Some areas of the contract that are important are number of hours of work per week, payment terms, ownership of work product and length of engagement. I think that discussing these issues up front makes for a healthier relationship and builds trust.
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06-16-2009, 11:56 AM	#28
summerm HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 102 Thanks: 14 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant great ideas! could you give an example of a bonus size that you have found to be motivating? are you talking something like 10%, or more like 60%?

06-16-2009, 05:36 PM	#30
dreamtab HyperActive Warrior Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 255 Thanks: 12 Thanked 8 Times in 8 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Justin, great information. Thanks for sharing. May I post it on my blog?
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06-26-2009, 11:37 PM	#33
Simone Sleep Warrior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 5 Thanks: 2 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant Thank you so much Justin for the 7 tips as I have been looking into VA from the Phillipines for my health business. It certainly took away the fears of the unknown of how to setup a system to have a VA working for you in a way that is a win-win for both parties.

11-09-2009, 10:29 PM	#34
marketingstatic HyperActive Warrior War Room Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Council BLuffs Iowa Posts: 240 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 67 Thanked 19 Times in 17 Posts Social Networking Contact Info	Re: 7 Tips For Hiring a Virtual Assistant I think the ideas of anyone suggesting hiring a family member really should seek professional help. Hiring friends and family for me anyways has been kind of like borrowing money from either. Very awkward when they don't work out too well and you have to give them the Donald Trump "Your Fired" speech. I can tell you referrals are they best but there are still lots of guidelines missing in the great post. Example: I have heard it stated by a well know outsource guru that people in Philippines are loyal and not entrepreneurial and I have found that to be both bullox and a dumb statement. I have paid people in 1 week then never heard from them again. Only to find out they started stealing people it took me several weeks to hire and train to work for someone else or themselves. Do not be a child any longer and act like a businesses owner. Don’t believe every sales pitch you hear from so called experts. Times are changing be ahead of the curve and think for yourself or eat the dust of others. Remember online or Offline it’s still a business and you still need a solid game plan or you will certainly fail more times than succeed.