Yes, you read that right. Stop treating your VA like garbage. It seems like common sense but sometimes we get so caught up in what we need we forget to respect the people who work hard for our dreams.
I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t dote on my team and shower them with words of affirmation all the time. It isn’t my love language but one thing is for certain… I never, ever treat them like garbage. Do you?
How you speak to and about your VA matters. Don’t believe me? Listen to this…. My assistant runs everything behind the scenes at Priority VA. It doesn’t matter if it’s an email regarding my calendar, a sales call, or podcast interview, people know Priority VA isn’t a one-woman show.
One day, out of the blue, my assistant received a package from someone who recently had me as a guest on their podcast. My VA scheduled the interview, sent the appropriate photos, links, bio, etc., and made sure everything was in place. Throughout the conversation, I made reference to my assistant and how important she is to the business rather than dismiss her as simply “the hired help”. In turn, my sweet friend formed a high opinion of my VA and sent her a gift with a card that said “I know this wouldn’t have happened without you. Thank you!”.
If I would have dismissed my VA’s role in the business as nothing more than a task rabbit I would have looked like a jerk to both my friend and my assistant.
Should you to throw a parade every time your VA does their job? No. But what I am telling you is not to undervalue or overlook the importance of their role in your business.
Treat Your VA With Respect
Never, ever talk down to your VA. Whether it’s giving constructive criticism or voicing a concern, you should never belittle them or make them feel like garbage. It isn’t your job to make them happy but it is your job to treat them with respect.
Get To Know Your VA
Do you know their birthday? Spouses name? Do they have kids? Don’t keep your conversations strictly to business. Get to know your VA as an individual. You might be surprised to find out how much you like them as a human being.
Show Up For Meetings
Treat weekly meetings with your VA the same as you would for a client. Your VA carved out time to meet with you. Show up and be engaged in the meeting.
Listen To Your VA’s Ideas
If you listen to the ideas your VA has, you’ll quickly learn what a strong sense of business they have! Your VA eats, sleeps, and breathes this digital space and if you let them they might teach you a thing or two.
Allow Your VA To Take Ownership
For the love, stop being a Helicopter CEO! Your VA doesn’t need someone to micro-manage them. Instead of simply outsourcing tasks, give them ownership. Tell them the result you want to see and let them run with it.
Respect Boundaries
Sometimes, we as entrepreneurs work on the weekends or burn the midnight oil… don’t expect your VA to do the same. Establish boundaries from the start. Do they work on weekends? If not, don’t text them with your problems on a Saturday afternoon. Similarly, don’t expect your VA to jump out of bed at midnight because you can’t find a file. It sounds ridiculous but scenarios like this have happened. Respect boundaries you’ve put in place.
Give Kudos
A little thank you goes a long way. Take time to recognize the hard work your team puts into your business. They could work for anyone but they chose to work for you! When you see them going above and beyond or stretching outside of their comfort zone don’t let it go unnoticed.
Have you struggled to get the right VA on your team? Schedule a call with my team and we’ll find the right people for your team.
