Overcoming the Fear of Working with Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants are more popular than ever, and many businesses use them to run their operations more smoothly. But some business owners still hold back because they’re not sure what to expect.

If you’re unsure whether to work with a virtual assistant, it helps to understand the benefits and the risks. Then you can make an informed decision.

The benefits of working with a virtual assistant

The biggest benefit is cost. A virtual assistant often costs much less than an in-house employee, and the savings can be significant.

You can also hire a virtual assistant only when you need one, so you can grow or reduce support as your business changes.

Virtual assistants are flexible, too. They can handle many kinds of tasks, from customer service to data entry, for a short project or for the long term. You get help when you need it, without committing to a full-time hire.

The risks of working with a virtual assistant

Less direct control

A virtual assistant isn’t in your office, so you have less direct oversight of the quality and timing of their work. Clear instructions, deadlines and regular updates solve most of this.

Data security

Your virtual assistant may see sensitive information, such as customer data. If they don’t follow good security practices, that can lead to a data breach. Make sure they’re trained in data security before they get access, and never share passwords by email.

Building trust

When you don’t work in the same place, trust can take longer to build. Take time to get comfortable with your virtual assistant before you give them access to sensitive information.

Making the decision

If you’re thinking about working with a virtual assistant, weigh the benefits against the risks. Virtual assistants can save you money and give you flexibility. Just make sure they’re properly trained before they handle sensitive information.

How to train your virtual assistant

1. Start small. Give them one clear task that’s easy to understand and complete.
2. Give feedback. Praise what went well, and explain anything that needs to change.
3. Build up. As they get comfortable, make tasks more challenging, or let them make more decisions.
4. Keep training short and frequent. Short, regular sessions help them remember and get faster.
5. Be patient. It takes time to learn your way of working. With practice and guidance, a good virtual assistant becomes a real asset to your team.

In the end, the decision depends on your business and what you need.

At Bridge Imara, our virtual assistants work to clear standards, and you get a report every Monday showing what we did, hours used and hours left. See how we work.