| A virtual assistant that you choose to work with | | | | needs to be done. There is nothing worse than |
| you should be able to satisfy your needs and in | | | | working with someone who does not know how |
| turn promote your business in an effective and | | | | to communicate properly. Poor communication can |
| professional way. If your online personal assistant | | | | actually lead to a lot of frustration, waste of time |
| secretary is not able to achieve your desired | | | | and money. |
| outcomes it is important that you leave and find a | | | | Keep in constant contact with your online |
| VA that can do the job you need being done. | | | | assistant. This is typically done by the use of |
| Understand what you expect from your virtual | | | | internet resources but there are also off line |
| assistant. What do you see as the responsibilities | | | | resources that you can use to communicate with |
| of your online personal assistant or secretary? A | | | | your assistant. There should be no excuse for not |
| virtual assistant can perform all the functions of a | | | | having continuing contact with each other. Being |
| personal assistant. The only significant difference is | | | | accessible to your virtual assistant is vitally |
| that the virtual assistant works online. In other | | | | important. Be responsive to phone calls, emails |
| words a VA is an online personal assistant or | | | | and other forms of communication. As you |
| secretary. If you are taking on a VA for the first | | | | expect your VA to be courteous in responding to |
| time without having worked with a PA it is | | | | your contacts they also expect the same |
| important to firstly consider what functions you | | | | courtesy. |
| want performed. Make a list and discuss it with | | | | Flexibility is an important factor in working with a |
| your VA. | | | | virtual assistant. Try to foster a relationship of |
| Although you may know more than your VA this | | | | mutual understanding and willingness to bend to |
| does not mean that she/he does not have many | | | | each other's needs. Allow the opportunity for your |
| good ideas to contribute to your business venture. | | | | virtual assistant to make their needs known to |
| Ask your online personal assistant for advice. | | | | you and to make suggestion when they see the |
| Virtual assistants are typically professional in their | | | | need. Of course a virtual assistant should not take |
| approach and have worked with a number of | | | | over the entire job as though they own the job. |
| clients with similar needs as you. To turn a phrase | | | | The work is still yours and you have a right to |
| they have been around the traps. You will find | | | | have it done the way you choose. |
| that your VA is a good communicator and will | | | | If these five principles are maintained it will be |
| love the opportunity to contribute ideas. | | | | beneficial to both the client and the virtual |
| Communicate clearly with your VA. It is important | | | | assistant. The difference they make will make a |
| to be clear, concise and detailed. Try to leave | | | | considerable difference and promote an effective |
| nothing to guess work or confusion as to what | | | | working relationship. |