Comments on: Hiring Help and – if you can – avoid hiring the VA from hell

By: Jean Murray

Jean Murray — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:57:00 +0000

I have had a VA for several years. While she isn't perfect, she does almost everything flawlessly and immediately. I found her via AssistU, (www.assistu.com), a VA training and referral site. While a referral from AssistU isn't a guarantee, you can see what kind of training your VA has. I would also insist on, and contact, several references if I were hiring a VA. If you don't contact people who have worked with this person, you are taking a big chance. I would also insist on a one-month trial, and work month-by-month until you see what your VA can do (and not do). Most VA's want a monthly retainer, so be sure you have enough work for the person, and get the smallest possible retainer/monthly hours, until you have built up enough business for this person. Jean Murrays last blog post..Don’t Pay Someone to Write Your Business Plan

By: Kathy

Kathy — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:14 +0000

Jodith – GREAT advice. I especially like the “correlation” between what they were doing BEFORE they launched their VA business.

Betsy- Thanks for sharing how social media helped you to find a GREAT VA!! (That was going to be the original ‘theme’ for this post – ah – the best laid plans)

Amelia – There is quite a level of trust involved when you hire a VA. If your goal is to remain “in control”… well, then don’t hire a VA.

By: Amelia Vargo

Amelia Vargo — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:08:54 +0000

This is something I’ve not really had any dealings with. I’d always be careful hiring a VA because you have little control over what they do.

By: Betsy Wuebker

Betsy Wuebker — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:40:50 +0000

Hi Kathy - All my VA business will be in Sue's capable hands. I "met" her husband, Joel, on the Triiibes network, and subsequently "met" her. I joined an offshoot VA network and observed her interactions with others. So, in a sense, I "know" her, and I've watched her business grow. I know other people who know her as well. There is too much vesting in Triiibes for someone to screw it up by delivering poor service. Word, like in a small town, will get around. She has additional VA's working for her now, and there's a reason for it. Service delivery. Simple, yet so hard for some, evidently. Betsy Wuebkers last blog post..EVERYBODY’S GOT TALENT AT MINNESOTA’S MALL OF AMERICA!

By: Jodith Allen

Jodith Allen — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:53:48 +0000

I have to admit, as I’m embarking on my own VA business, that some things I’ve seen doing research boggled my mind. While there are many great, highly qualified VAs out there, I’ve seen some that boast of as little as 3 years of experience in the administrative field, and others with only tangential experience as an assistant of any kind.

My recommendation in hiring a virtual assistant is to look for someone who is already well experienced in the administrative field before becoming a VA. If their VA business is relatively new, then as for references from former employers, otherwise ask for multiple client references who can attest to the particular job you want your VA to do. While I’ve seen many VAs who have retainer plans for their clients, your story is the first I’ve heard about one asking for a multi-month contract.

There are many very good, very knowledgeable Virtual Assistants out there to help you with your business. Just do your homework before hiring one.