| As you know, hiring a virtual assistant can help | | | | members have what type of businesses. If you |
| you grow your business. However the first time | | | | find a virtual assistant who you would like to work |
| you hire one can seem somewhat daunting. The | | | | with, contact them and let them know the details |
| following are some tips to help you with the hiring | | | | about your opening. |
| process: | | | | These message boards and forums also allow you |
| Before you hire anyone, it is important to know | | | | to meet and interact with other business owners, |
| exactly what you are hiring them for and how | | | | some of whom have surely hired virtual |
| much you can afford to pay them. | | | | assistants in the past. You may want to contact |
| It is a good idea to write these things down and | | | | some of the members you respect through the |
| provide a copy to anyone who expresses interest | | | | private message system of the message board |
| in applying for the job. This will ensure that you | | | | and ask them if they can recommend a good |
| both understand the expectations that there are | | | | virtual assistant to you. |
| no surprises. | | | | Before you hire anyone, take some time to look |
| An easy way to get started with hiring virtual | | | | at each of their websites. Their websites are their |
| assistants is through freelance job sites such as | | | | calling card - are they professional and attractive? |
| elance or guru. These sites allow you to post a | | | | If things are sloppy or misspelled on their own |
| job that you want done, and people who are | | | | website, they probably won't take the time to do |
| interested in the job will apply through the website | | | | a good job on your work, either. |
| with the amount they would charge for the work. | | | | In most cases, their websites will have a page |
| You can also post jobs for free on craigslist. You | | | | that outlines their services and rates, as well as |
| can pick what geographic area you post in, which | | | | samples of their work. It is very important to |
| will allow you to work with someone local or far | | | | look at examples of their past work and see if |
| away. If you express in the ad that | | | | they have the ability to handle the type of job |
| telecommuting is ok, your ad may get picked up | | | | you need done. |
| by various work at home websites and job | | | | Also, you may want to look for testimonials from |
| boards, giving it maximum exposure. You may | | | | past clients displayed on their site. If you dont see |
| find yourself flooded with applicants! | | | | any, this is a clue that they are either new or |
| Forums are another great place to find | | | | that they don't have any satisfied past clients. |
| prospective virtual assistants. There are many | | | | Finding a good virtual assistant may take a bit of |
| business oriented message boards and forums | | | | time at first, but once you find one, you will see |
| available online. Many people display a signature | | | | that you are able to get more work done and |
| line, which will include their website URL. As you | | | | effectively grow your business. |
| read the posts, you will get familiar with which | | | | |