Comments on: 10 Most Important Questions to Get Answered Before Hiring a Virtual Assistant

By: Patrick Everett

Patrick Everett — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:21:14 +0000

One of the most important things that wasn’t touched upon in the post is the know-how to properly delegate the tasks that you’d like your virtual assistant to do for them to do it right the first time. Everything that was pointed out was all well and good but it only skims the surface. That’s why the e-book “Cloning Yourself” proved to be so beneficial when it came to hiring a virtual assistant for myself because I was able to let my assistant know how to do what needed to be done exactly the way I like it. No more of that trial-and-error stuff that’s a waste of time AND money.

By: Interviewing a Virtual Assistant: Part 2 | Sparkplug CEO

Interviewing a Virtual Assistant: Part 2 | Sparkplug CEO — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:18:59 +0000

[...] have written a previous article here on Sparkplugging regarding interview questions to ask a virtual assistant however, I felt that I needed to further discuss these questions topic to help those who may be [...]

By: Bev Mans

Bev Mans — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:02:14 +0000

Hi Teresa,

Thanks these are excellent questions that one should definitely keep in mind when looking for a VA. There are so many variables to consider and it can be a very frustrating process until you find a good match for both you and your business.

Bev

By: Weekend Link Lovin’: 20th April 08 Edition

Weekend Link Lovin’: 20th April 08 Edition — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:42:12 +0000

[...] 10 Most Important Questions to Get Answered Before Hiring a Virtual Assistant – Theresa Morrow’s tips at eMoms at Home, for those considering hiring virtual assistants. Good tips for those trying to make money as a virtual assistant too. [...]

By: Teresa Morrow

Teresa Morrow — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 19:48:55 +0000

Thank you Nina regarding the rates…the amounts can be varied that is true depending on where you live and what the skill sets are for the VA you are going to hire.

Kathie, when I mentioned the references, it can be the customer testimonials instead of references due to most VA’s don’t have employers. I should have been more specific in my explanation—thank you for bringing that point across. You can also still ask those whom have worked with the VA or friends to retain references as well.

Thank you Genesis and Jenna about your comments as well.

Teresa Morrow’s last blog post..WE Magazine for Women Just in Case You Missed the Last Issue

By: Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary

Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:17:09 +0000

But VAs aren’t employees Jenna. What if the VA you’re considering is someone like me who’s been in business as a VA for 14 years? I don’t have ‘current’ employer references. I do have heaps of client testimonials though.

Genesis – VAs are usually there for the long-term. They’re there to assist you in your business. I’ve had the same clients for many, many years (longest one over 11 years). Are you already considering no longer using the VA you’ve engaged? it takes time for a working relationship to build and settle, as it does for any relationship. Although I do recognise that sometimes it can be obvious from the start that the ‘relationship’ is a mismatch.

Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary’s last blog post..Developing a niche in the Virtual Assistant world

By: Genesis

Genesis — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:48:46 +0000

I just hired a VA myself, but I didn´t think to ask half these questions. :S I´ll know for next time, though.

By: Jenna

Jenna — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:44:24 +0000

Great concepts to consider when hiring someone! Regardless of the position, I believe references are always good to use. Past employers can give you tremendous insight about an individual's attitude, performance, and work ethic! Jenna's last blog post..Dear Diary (Part 2/2)

By: Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary

Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 11:31:00 +0000

Great article and thanks for promoting our industry. Nina mentioned about the rates but I must point out I believe she is talking USD. Where the VA lives will vary as to what rates they charge. There are VAs in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, South Africa and many other places. Their rates will not only relate to their experience but also their cost of living. The fees Teresa mentioned sound more like they could be AUD rates so probably a good idea to include the currency you are quoting in articles to save any confusion. The network I run provides all members with a guide to working out rates that are right for them (taking into consideration their geographical location), in a similar way that Nina has a worksheet to help VAs. A Clayton's Secretary VA Network Kathie Thomas, A Claytons Secretary's last blog post..Developing a niche in the Virtual Assistant world

By: Nina Feldman

Nina Feldman — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:48:07 +0000

Excellent tips on hiring a VA!

I have one thing to add, and that’s about rates for professional virtual assistants.

As someone who has spent many years providing a service to clients helping them find qualified VAs (http://www.ninafeldman.com–it’s free to the client; VAs pay a finders fee), I have yet to find VAs charging under $40/hr. who have been in business awhile, have up-to-date office and computer skills; are reliable, intelligent, and easy to communicate with; and will continue to be available on an ongoing basis once you’ve invested the time to show them how your business runs.

Since half to two-thirds of a self-employed person’s costs go to taxes and overhead—and skilled administrative assistants in my area (the San Francisco Bay Area) generally make $20/hr. or more as employees—$40/hr.+ is what contractors here have to charge to make a comparable living.

As a result, most of the high quality VAs I really respect charge at least $40/hr., and some of them charge as much as $75/hr. And believe me, those are the ones who are really saving their clients time and money.

Teresa, I look forward to reading more of your informative insights into the VA industry.

Nina Feldman

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Free worksheet to help calculate virtual assistant
billing rate http://www.ninafeldman.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~