F.A.Q. to Working with Your Virtual Assistant

Working with a Virtual Assistant isn’t easy at first. You have many questions and you’re unsure whether you can trust her/him. I understand. You may also have some control issues which is also understandable. Your business (or blog) is your baby and no one can care for it quite like you can.

Here’s the system I use when I work with my clients. You might also want to read my posts “Before You Hire Your First Assistant” and “6 Tasks to Outsource to Your Blog Assistant“.

In order to make this a smooth process, I set up a system of Six Steps. (you can grab this system and share it with your assistant)

Step 1: Fill out the interest form

This gives me an idea of the tasks that need to be done, the timeline and deadline, as well as your budget. (form)

Step 2: Set up a conference call (Skype, Telephone, or Zoom.us)

I require all clients to speak to me on the phone or via Skype or a conference call via Zoom.us. You need to know who I am (and I, you) and I need to know whether I am the best candidate for your project (and you, me). I’m sure you have lots of questions and I’m happy to answer them.

Step 3: Read, Approve, and Sign the Proposal

After our call, I will write up a proposal with details of your project including your special requests, timeline, and an estimated price. Read over this very carefully as it is what I use to make the contract. If any changes need to made this is the time to let me know.

Step 4: Read, Approve, Sign the Contract, and Pay the Invoice

You’ve sent the proposal back to me so now I’ll work on the contract. This is a legal work-for-hire agreement between you and I. This is also the time when I send you the invoice via Paypal. Once this is paid and cleared I will start on your project.

Refunds and Cancellations:

For all packages and retainers, you have 3 Business Days to cancel. Upon cancellation, you will receive 70% of your total investment back.

Step 5: I Start Work on your Project

It’s time for me to get busy. I work on projects depending on difficulty and the time required to complete the tasks.

For example, if you selected the Quick Start Website I will add this to my long-term queue. This means I’ll work on it daily until the deadline. I work on it however long it takes not on an hourly basis.

If you elect to secure my services via a retainer then you are on my short queue. This means that I work when you need me. For the entire 30 day period, you can request work for your blog, your autoresponder, your social media or another agreed upon project until all hours are used. Retainers are billed hourly so I do record time through Toggl (an electronic timesheet) and send these reports to you at the end of the week so you can track your remaining hours. I also send out reminders.

Step 6: I Deliver Your Project

Your project is now complete. I send the work to you for your final approval. Take this time to review the work, ask questions, and request changes (you have 3-days to request changes). Once approved I send a final timesheet and your final project.

Written out like this it seems like a long process but it really isn’t. The first couple of times you work with me will be awkward. It is a learning period as you get to know me and I get to know you. Don’t ever feel rushed or silly for asking questions, that’s what I’m here for.

Soon this you will be a pro delegator. You may even contract another virtual assistant for a special project like building your membership site or running your Facebook Ad campaign.

Ready to see what an assistant can do for your business or blog?

Book a discovery call. I’m happy to speak with you and brainstorm some ideas.