Six Most Commons Doubts for Using a Virtual PA
Understanding the various capabilities of a Virtual PA is the first step in eliminating any doubts you may have. Unfortunately, if you haven’t had the opportunity to gain such knowledge, the consequence of stepping into unfamiliar territory may leave you believing that hiring a virtual assistant is a risk.
You may ask, can a VPA really handle the demands of my business in the same way a physical assistant can? Will I be at a disadvantage from not communicating face to face on a daily basis? The truth is, aside from providing you with your daily dose of caffeine (unless you come and visit us of course!) the list of things a VPA can’t do compared to our in-the-office counterpart is next to none.
So let us explain exactly why that is, by highlighting the doubts you may have:
- I’m not sure about the idea of having an assistant that is virtual
It’s easy to assume that being virtual equals to being inflexible. But take a moment and think about the ways in which your business IS virtual. Do you send emails to your clients? Do you communicate via skype? Do you deal with customers and enquiries over the phone?
Most likely the answer to these questions is a resounding yes. Therefore, your PA won’t be restricted by being virtual. In fact, being online opens up new possibilities and avenues. For example, no matter where you are, your PA will always be able contact you; perfect for when you’re away from the office. Moreover, you can choose you VPA based on competency and skill, as opposed to location and availability.
- My VPA won’t be familiar enough with my business
In a face-to-face working relationship, its fine to acknowledge that it’s easier for your PA to grasp what makes your business tick. But that doesn’t make it impossible for a VPA; far from it in fact. At Mi PA, we make it our top priority to understand exactly how your business works, and most importantly, how you like to runs things. For example, If you decide to come on-board with us, we will arrange a welcome call or meeting to help build your unique customer profile.
Moreover, you can choose exactly how much you need us to know, in addition to deciding how you like to communicate with us and keep up to date on the events and changes within your business.
- I don’t know how long the work will take
This is the beauty of having a virtual assistant at Mi PA. Instead of employing someone full time, you can predict exactly how many hours per week you’d like your dedicated PA to work for. We recommend that you make a note of all the jobs you’d like your PA to handle (tasks which we can help you choose what needs handing over), and from our own experiences with different clients, we can help you pick the best and most effective work frame to get delegated tasks completed on time.
- It’s difficult to monitor whether my VPA is completing the work
Whilst you’re unable to observe your VPA in an office environment, there are still many ways you can make sure that A: Your work is being completed (which you can monitor through the use of our timesheets) and B: It’s being completed to the high standard you expect.
The key is evaluation. At the end of a task, take into account the results and the time spent. We know how important your work is, and while we’re dedicated to maintaining your high standards across all areas of work, we invite your feedback and any concerns you may have. At Mi PA, our working relationships are built on confidence and results.
‘Mi PA has been brilliant from the outset. We only have to tell them once, and they get it.’
Colin Barnes, Collabor8online
- I don’t think I like the idea of someone else picking my VPA
At Mi PA we have a powerhouse team of Virtual Assistants and PAs, in which each individual has their own passions and skills, from travel assistance and event management to content writing. So, when you choose to use our services, we don’t simply pick out a name from a hat; we carefully analyse your needs and our strengths for the best possible working relationships.
So, have confidence in our choices made from a wealth of experience with various clients. We won’t disappoint you.
- I’m concerned my VPA might misuse sensitive information.
It is without any doubt that your privacy is an absolute priority to us. Ultimately, we appreciate any hesitancies you may have in sharing personal or secure information, and this is why we leave it entirely up to you to decide what kind of information you want to share with us. We also recommend that you come and see us; get to know the team and build your confidence in us.
And in the meantime, check out our website to see exactly why our clients put their trust in us.
We get it, and we’re 100% committed to making your goals attainable. Join us, sit back, and enjoy the road to success.
