5 Things to Look for When Hiring Virtual Support
Taking the step to involve someone new in your business is a big deal, and you should treat it as such. You’re likely going to be giving this person access to your sensitive information and insight into the inner workings of your business. It’s as scary and vulnerable as it is necessary.
You want to make sure you find the right person to partner with. Someone who is trustworthy, detail oriented, independent, and resourceful. Someone who can deliver results accurately and timely. Someone who understands the nuances of the industry you’re in and can add valuable business perspective. So how do you find this unicorn of a person?
The best way I know how to help you is to tell you, as a Virtual Business Manager myself, what I would look for if I were hiring virtual support for my business:
1. I would look for someone who treats their business like a business. By this I mean that they have an attractive website, systems in place for communicating with clients, processes for on boarding and sharing sensitive information, a legit way of handling payments, contracts in place, etc. The way they treat their business is likely reflective of the way they’ll treat yours.
2. I would look for someone who does what they say they’re going to do. Follow through is so important in building a productive business relationship. Especially in the early stages of contact. If someone says they’re going to send you a proposal tomorrow but then 3 days go by with nothing…would you be inclined to trust them with your business? Probably not. First impressions can say a lot if you let them.
3. I would look for someone who is flexible and adaptable. You’re busy, that’s why you need their help. So ideally a virtual support person will be accommodating to your schedule and willing to work with your specific business needs.
4. I would look for someone with experience in the industry I’m in. I work with beauty business owners because I was one – so not only do I understand and relate to the struggles they have, but I speak the language. Finding someone with that insider knowledge is very valuable when it comes to delivering quality results. Plus it cuts down on the learning curve when you start working together.
5. I would look for someone who is upfront about their pricing structure and doesn’t pressure you to sign a long-term contract. Of course they should expect to get paid for the work they do, but trial periods should be an option. This helps build trust while you ease into the partnership. If a virtual support person is confident in the work they do, they should have no problem starting off with one batch of tasks or one project to see how it goes.
And for all of this – your match made in heaven virtual support person – I wouldn’t expect them to be the cheapest option. It’s a tall order. But these people are out there! And they’re ready to help you take your business to the next level.
It just so happens I’m one of them.
Let’s chat and see if we’d be a good fit to work together!
Schedule your free Discovery Call using the button below:
Thanks for reading!
-Lindsey
