subject: The Vpa Is Someone That You Can Rely On [print this page] Communication is one of the best ways to ensure that both of you are on track, on schedule, and are doing things properly. Hence, when you're looking for a VPA, make sure that you have also taken some notes on his/her professional and personal traits.
You need someone who is confident not only in his/her manner of speaking but most of all in his/her own skills. You definitely would want somebody who can assure you that he/she can do things right and fast. Moreover, you would like to look for a VPA who is very articulate. It doesn't only mean that he/she is good in using the English language. The VPA must be able to communicate effectively. This means that he/she also attentively listens to you and is very expressive of his/her own opinions and suggestions.
You need someone with vast experience in handling administrative tasks.
One of the foremost reasons why you're looking for a virtual personal assistant is because you basically don't have the luxury of time to take care of other small but very important things such as calling clients, faxing documents, answering e-mails, or managing databases. Most of all, you don't have some time to spare so you can teach your virtual personal assistant on what to do. You are not only looking for basic skills, you should be after superior ones. Look for a VPA that already has the business knowledge and the proper training.
You have to take note of one thing, though. What you may not be aware of is the fact that the VPA industry is not properly regulated, though there are already a lot of organizations that are trying to increase the standards of VPAs as a real profession in the virtual world. And though you may encounter several veterans in the field, who can definitely be called pros when it comes to virtual assistance, you could also land on a neophyte, with minimal or no background at all about the job. Then, how can you spot the difference and avoid hiring an incompetent VPA for your business?
The Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce has come up with a list of questions that you may like to ask your candidate before making a final selection.
1. What was your profession before you decide to operate a virtual assistance business?
2. How many years did you spent in administrative support?
3. What's your skill level? (You can develop your own competency level, which the VPA can use as guide.)
4. How would you describe your comprehension level in business operations and principles?
