Should I hire a VA?

by 17 replies
19
Hi,

I'm new to this forum and really enjoying reading all the topics and seeing peoples varied opinions on things. I wonder if some of you wouldn't mind voicing your opinion on this:

I am working full time in a 9-5 job that I am unable to leave due to commitments. I have a whole host of ideas for online businesses and a small one I am currently running that needs a whole load of energy pouring into it to make it a real success. I am thinking about hiring a full time VA developer which would cost me every penny of my spare cash each month after paying the bills. I think I know what I want to do but I need my thoughts confirming. do any of you have a VA and are they worth the cost?

I Look forward to reading your replies!
#main internet marketing discussion forum #hire #sould #virtual assistant
  • I don't have a VA but I've considered having one. It really depends on how good the guy is. I mean, if he's really good, he could be doing it for himself instead of working for you. I've seen some offers as content writers, web managers and SEO workers, but I tend to believe they can only do so much, as they specialize in certain areas.

    For constructing an online business I don't know just how much it would benefit you.
  • Yeh, I had thought about the fact that they could do for themselves instead of for me. But I guess they are not interested in running their own businesses and simply dont have the drive required for anything like that. Thanks for your reply.
    • [1] reply
    • My main issue is getting someone who can do what you're expecting. From what I've seen they are best at repetitive tasks (sometimes even creative, such as article writing), but getting your business running? Not so much.

      Again, only tried some services, never had them for a full month.
  • Business is all about risk and profit, if you don't try you can't really tell which lane you are going to fall on.

    Hiring a VA is completely up to you....

    Since you know your problem is time then you are halve way done and ready for success.

    If you think you can afford to pay for VA without much challenge then you should be good to go.

    Ensure you do adequate research before venturing into any business.

    Goodluck
  • Outsourcing most of your repetitive and simple tasks will give you more time to deal with what's more important and that is running an effective business and formulating new plans and ideas. I'd say it's definitely worth it to get a VA.
    • [1] reply
    • A skilled VA will save you time and money in the long run. She can perform administrative tasks, as well as specialized services such as billing and accounting, SEO, web design, blog commenting, website maintenance, etc. Hiring a VA will cost you less than working with a SEO company.
  • Thanks for sharing your thoughts everyone.

    I have some basic skills in web development but I feel they are limited and hold me back.having a VA would overcome that and I should be able to grow my business faster. I think it's probably worth trialling, if even for a month?

    Anyone know of any good services? I was thinking of using Chris Ducker's Virtual Staff Finder as it takes the time out of interviewing countless people for the position.
  • I have several VA's and they pay for themselves 10 times
    over. You simply can't grow your business beyond a certain
    point if you try to do everything yourself, and some jobs
    are ideal for a well-trained VA.

    Willie
  • Only hire a VA is you know specifically what you want them to do otherwise you'll be wasting your time and money.

    Have a clear goal / outcome for your VA and make sure they hit them!

    -Matt
  • Thanks, great insights people!
    • [1] reply
    • Hey Josh,

      From $1.67 per hour, it can be dream for you.

      Check out my blog post on that exact subject...it may help you...

      Getting a VA...

      I am on my second...Once set, it does work..

      Llwyddiant! (success to you)

      Wayne
  • Look through Odesk and you will find some great workers in there, just look at the feedback to judge if they are any good. The good thing about odesk is that you can actually see from screen shots what work they are doing.
    I have made the mistake before of Hiring a VA away from Odesk and claimed it was for 40 hours a week. From the work output I would be surprised if he even did 4 but nothing I could do about it.
    Just a warning, a VA in principle will make your productivity shoot through the roof BUT be careful who you hire and how much for!

    Rudi
  • Banned
    In my view hiring a Virtual Assistant it worths because it provides administrative support and specialized services to busy people.
  • You need a VA to work on repetitive tasks so you can get your time back...
  • A VA would save up the time you could consume on repetitive tasks. By that, you can then prioritize the more important ones and let the VA do the other. They would be of great help. But you have to ready the things they should do for everyday so that they can perform their work smoothly..

    Let me know if I can help you Warrior to Warrior.

    Good luck
    Peter
  • Hey Josh,

    A VA could be anywhere from a nightmare to a dream depending on how you go about it.

    I think the first question you need to ask yourself is what work a VA could do for you if you did hire one. Once you have made a list of potential tasks, see if there is no way you want to/can do it yourself.

    If you still wish for someone to do that work, go ahead and hire one. Before you do hire one though, make sure you interview all candidates thoroughly so that the candidate you choose actually makes your life easier rather than more difficult.

    Also, keep in mind that just because you're hiring someone doesn't mean you can relax. You can only pass on the tasks, not the accountability and responsibility. Looking after a VA can be as difficult as doing the job yourself, specially if the candidate is not a good match.

    Best of luck
    • [1] reply
    • You mentioned your own time and expertise aren't resources you can use to build, grow and expand your business plans. Before you hire an employee, ask yourself this question:

      =>> Do you have time and the expertise to formulate and implement processes to efficiently get applicants, orient and screen and test them out, hire qualified applicants, train them, supervise/monitor them on a daily basis, motivate them and evaluate their overall weekly/monthly performance? If you don't have time and the right expertise to do these things, then:

      • You'd most likely be wasting your time and money when you try doing the things above, on your own. Most freelancing sites have rating and referral systems and various processes, yes, but:

      =>> Do you exactly know how to analyze those ratings and referrals, how to pinpoint the level of expertise you need from an employee, what to do to orient and screen and test and train your employee for implementing your business plans, and how to efficiently use the processes provided by those freelancing sites? And:

      • Others worry about protecting their business models from being stolen or from being shared to others by their offshore employees. How can you ensure this doesn't happen, especially when dealing with a freelancer? How about a company?

      =>> I believe a company that's been doing business with prominent corporations for years most likely doesn't operate as a sweatshop firm. Why? They'd possibly end up losing their good employees and clientele. They wouldn't most likely ruin their reputation by intentionally offering bad services and stealing the proprietary practices of their clients. Why? They'd most likely lose all those years they invested in establishing their reputation, and in turn lose their existing clients and the chance to get new clients...
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    Should I hire a VA?

    Hi, I'm new to this forum and really enjoying reading all the topics and seeing peoples varied opinions on things. I wonder if some of you wouldn't mind voicing your opinion on this: