Thursday 2 September 2010

Are you risking your business by using Virtual Assistants?

The past 3-4 years have seen an explosion in the number of Virtual Assistants (VAs). Most are mums working from home, with no backup for holidays and sickness, and inadequate IT support. Many discover finding clients is difficult and fail to achieve a sustainable business, soon returning to regular employment.

Against this back drop it’s no wonder some people regard VAs as a business risk.

Three key concerns are; their availability, where you stand as a priority and the security of the information you entrust to them. All these are risks that can be managed... here’s how: 
  1. Buy into a team: Relying on a single person is always risky. If you can find a small VA team that cover each other then you are covered too. Having their own IT technical help is also important because most VAs are not IT savvy – in-house support can deal with technical issues and ensures common problems are resolved quickly.
  2. Get your priorities right: It’s true you are buying into a shared service so your priorities will sit alongside other clients. All VAs will try to satisfy their clients, but they can’t work miracles. If you are realistic about your deadlines, they will go the extra mile when needed – and this is where a VA team can really to save the day for you. 
  3. Keep your information safe: Most people like to email company information which inevitably ends up on their VA’s computer. Keeping this safe from the prying eyes of children and other adults is one issue, making sure it isn’t lost is another. Ask about security procedures and if you have a lot of data think about using a secure online “Web Office”.
Virtual Assistants can be a risk, but chosen wisely and managed sensibly your VA could be the breath of fresh air you need. Outsourcing admin tasks will create more time for you to work on your business – it’s what successful people do. You just need to find a Virtual Office Services provider that minimises your risk, not increases it.

For more ways to help you save time, money and hassle Search This Blog or visit www.office-lifeline.co.uk