How To Successfully Onboard Your VA - Priority VA

How To Successfully Onboard Your VA

Congratulations! You’ve signed the contract and are starting with your new Virtual Assistant. You’ve walked through the interview process and all of the behind the scenes work leading up to this glorious day, when a magical person steps in and makes your life easier. But… wait… What comes next?!?!

I remember leaving the hospital with my first born. I had laid out in my mind exactly how things would play out. We would get on a feeding schedule, nap time would be a breeze and I would be a champion. Other mothers would ask for my secret! Well, as with any new relationship, things didn’t go exactly as I had planned. I started second guessing myself. Why in the world did the hospital let me leave with her? I had NO clue what I was doing!

As silly as it may seem, bringing on a new VA is kind of like adding to your family. You have to get to know each other and learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses (we all have them!).

How To Successfully Onboard Your VA

1) Get on the same page

Get to know your VA! What do they like? What to the dislike? Find out when they work best.

Do they have a family? Show your VA that you’re interested in them, not only as their client, but as someone that takes an interest in their life. When they feel like they have a relationship with you, they’ll begin to really hear your voice and that will overflow into so many areas of your business.

2) Set expectations

You must be clear with your VA. Remember, your business is your baby. You’ve known it from the beginning. Your VA needs to hear your goals, dreams and expectations. Where do you want to be in 60 days? 90 days? Make sure that your team is hearing exactly what your expectations are. Don’t ever assume that your passion and idea dumping translates into tasks.  It’s important that you meet with your VA weekly to remain on the same track. Keep track of your tasks. My team and I use Teamwork to keep up with all of our tasks. Whatever you use, make sure that everyone knows what’s going on. It’s crucial!

3) Give it time

Don’t run at the first challenge. I recommend sticking with your VA for 90 days before you decide they aren’t a good fit. I pride myself in matching Clients and VAs together. I have a good eye for who will work well together, not only with skill set, but personalities, too. This isn’t to say that things are alway perfect, but if you give it time, it could be the turning point for you and your business.

4) Hand over the keys

As someone that has started a business from nothing, I can tell you that it is extremely hard to let someone else take over. I’m going to let you in on a little secret…. when it comes to getting stuff done, you VA can run circles around you. Do you know why? Because they have the skills and they have the time. So often, we’re over here trying to spin all of these plates, hoping that one doesn’t fall. When you let your VA to take over for you and begin to implement processes and procedures that are long overdue, you’ll feel the pressure lift. Trust your VA! Nothing will excite them more than letting them take the wheel and begin to take your business to new heights.
Just like bringing home a new baby, you have to get to know each other.

Soon you’ll look back and you won’t be able to imagine life without them!