subject: Where To Look For Vpas [print this page] Now, here is a more interesting partNow, here is a more interesting part. I had gone through this too, and I'll tell you, it took me almost a month before I've found my own VPA. This also means that just because you can generate thousands of web pages for the keyword "virtual personal assistant," you are already assured of hundreds of candidates too. As I've said, not all of them are good, and you would like to stay away from unqualified applicants.
Timothy Ferris, author of the 4 - Hour Workweek , recommends hiring a VA firm, who has the necessary backup assistants if something goes wrong. Ferris chooses India, and companies like Brickwork and Getfriday, who start at $15 an hour. On the other hand, I choose good virtual company in the Philippines who pitch in at $10 an hour.
I use this good virtual company for secretarial, writing, and admin tasks. I also use them for SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and web design. I use them for Quick Books.
Another way to look for VPAs may include getting recommendations from your family members. Perhaps you have a brother or probably your parents have their own virtual personal assistants. Surely, they can give you a tip or two not only on how to look for a VPA but also where to exactly find one. The good thing about getting recommendations is that you are assured that you are searching for your VPA at the right place.
You can also try to drop by forums, such as message boards and e-groups, of professional virtual assistants. Some of them are looking for new clients, while others are more than willing to help you out since they know that it's going to be a win-win situation for them: they get to have one of their friends employed while you have a VPA of your own. You can also try looking for them in Virtual Assistants Directory. VPAs would normally upload their own resume or create their profile, so it becomes a lot more convenient for you to take a look at their skills, make your assessments, and come up with a decision.
Make sure that you have set your own standards and that you wouldn't bend them easily just so you can accommodate someone who is in dire need of work. Accepting unqualified VPAs will end up as a liability to your business, which will definitely not be healthy for you.
