Businesses that want to save on overhead costs are all flocking to the remote workspace for game-changing benefits. Luckily, workers are also moving to the digital office. According to Owl Labs, there was an increase of 24% in the number of employees who chose to work online in 2022. If you want to taste the fruits of smooth-running online business operations, you’re going to need the best people on your team to accomplish your goals. “How do I choose the right virtual assistant?” you might ask. This blog will answer your question and more.
Who is a Virtual Assistant?
A virtual assistant (VA) is an expert in their given role who chooses to work online. They support businesses, entrepreneurs, and private individuals by accomplishing a wide range of tasks such as data entry, social media marketing, IT services, and the like. More often virtual assistants are based offshore, in countries such as the Philippines, India, and the UK. With these global locations as sources of talent, businesses can welcome diverse backgrounds and experiences into their teams.
We at Managed Outsourced Virtual Employees (MOVE) refer to our virtual assistants as virtual employees— an indication of their professional qualifications for any of our clientele’s roles. With our outsourced virtual employees (VE) you can work with contractors or freelancers who can work for you at the terms you need them to. Consequently, you get the flexibility and scalability you need.
How Do I Choose a Virtual Assistant?
What can you do to ensure you’re hiring quality people for your team? Here are some steps to guide you so you can find the best virtual employees.
Be Clear about Your Needs
The first question you should really ask yourself is, “How do I achieve my goals with my team?” According to Dr. Zafor Mamoon from the Global Journal of Management and Business Research Administration and Management advises leaders to be clear about what they’re looking for in a potential member of their team.
Consider your unique requirements before starting your search for a virtual assistant. Decide which duties you want to assign, what skills are needed, and how much experience is required. You can easily identify the right fit when you are sure about the qualities and abilities you want on your team. All of these aspects must be included in the job description you will distribute.
Look for an Appropriate Outsourcing Partner or Job Platform
Now you might ask, “How do I choose the right outsourcing partner?” Reviews are everything when it comes to online reputation and you can look up testimonials regarding various outsourcing partners or job platforms. After thorough consideration, you can choose whether to work with an outsourcing provider or independently look for virtual assistants on job platforms.
If all of this is already stressing you out MOVE might be just what you’re searching for. Our team aims to connect you with the best talent in the industry but we don’t stop there. We also manage and train your team so you can focus on your core business activities.
Ensure Cultural Fit and Communication
When everyone comes from different locations it can sometimes be challenging to mesh well. However, you can conduct cultural sensitivity training and team building activities can help in this regard. Breaking the ice can help everyone be more productive and communicative which can nurture a collaborative work environment.
This step is an incredibly important step for us at MOVE. We can provide your outsourced employees with training and a teamwork-oriented environment so that they can feel more comfortable communicating with an international clientele.
“How Do I Outsource with Ease”
Looking for a virtual assistant that can help you efficiently reach your goals can be a daunting task. You will need to assess your business’s needs, find an outsourcing partner or job platform, and train your employees. If you want to skip ahead to the results part of the process, MOVE has got your back. We can connect you with the best talent at a fraction of the cost. For more insights on how virtual employees can work for you and your business, follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.