As a property management company owner, you know that delegating tasks is an important part of staying organized and productive. Hiring a virtual assistant can be a great way to take some of the load off your shoulders—but before you jump into the team building process, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Here are six tips for making sure you find the perfect virtual assistant for your business.
1. Do Your Research
It's important to do your research before finding a virtual assistant because not all of them are the same.
Some of them may specialize in social media marketing, others might be more skilled at administrative tasks like filing and scheduling appointments. The best way to find someone perfect for you is by doing some research on their background and skillset. For example, if you need more help with social media marketing than anything else, make sure they have experience in that area!
VPM Solutions is a virtual assistant platform that is dedicated to the property management industry. Not only do we offer the best virtual assistant candidates online, we also provide industry-specific training so the virtual assistants are ready to hit the ground running from day one.
2. Define the Role of the Virtual Assitant
It's important to define the role of the virtual contractor because it will help them better understand their job duties and expectations. When both parties are clear on what is expected of them, it can lead to a more successful working relationship.
Small business owners should define the job role before posting the job, so you'll only attract the interest of the best virtual assistants in that skill set. Make sure your new team member has all the skills necessary for tackling any task that comes up!
3. Set Clear Guidelines
Just as you would with any W-2 employee, you need to set clear guidelines for your virtual assistant. This includes things like their working hours, what tasks they are responsible for, and how you expect them to communicate with you. By setting these clear guidelines, both you and your virtual assistant will know what is expected of them, and there will be less chance of confusion.
4. Consider Their Rates
When adding a virtual assistant to your team, it's important to consider their hourly rate. Some virtual assistants charge by the hour, while others charge per project.
It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide which is best for your business. Also, keep in mind that not all virtual assistants are created equal. Some of them may be more expensive than others, but that doesn't mean they are any less skilled. So, before making a decision, make a budget for what you can afford for a certain job or project.
VPM Solutions simplifies this process by allowing the company to offer a job at a set rate and invite people to apply for that job at that rate.
5. Screen Candidates
When hiring a virtual assistant, it's important to screen candidates carefully in order to find the best possible match for your business. Just as you would with any W-2 employee, you need to make sure they have the skills necessary to complete the tasks you need to be done.
You also need to make sure they are a good fit for your company culture and that their availability matches up with what you're looking for. Screening candidates takes time, but it's worth it when you find the perfect virtual assistant for your business.
6. Test Their Skills
You may be considering adding a virtual assistant for your business, but before you can make that decision, it's important to test their skills.
There are many reasons why this is the case. For starters, not all of them have the same skill sets, and some might specialize in certain tasks like marketing or administrative work. The best way to find an independent contractor that's perfect for you is by doing some research on their background and skillset.
Work With VPM to Find Your Next Virtual Contractor
We’ve provided you with six tips to consider before finding your next virtual assistant. Whether you need help managing social media or want someone else to take on the responsibility of scheduling appointments, our platform can connect you with qualified candidates who are ready and waiting for their first project!
If all this sounds like too much work, check out VPM Solutions today. Our free platform allows you access to thousands of virtual assistants ready to serve property management companies like yours. Also, check out our new White Glove services. The White Glove Service is a FREE service to companies where one of our onboarding specialists will guide you through the process to help you find the perfect virtual assistant.
