Outsourcing 101: A 3-Step Guide to Getting Started with a Virtual Assistant
Even if you are used to managing your business single-handedly, outsourcing can be a powerful addition to your entrepreneurial toolkit.
Knowing how to delegate is not just empowering; it's liberating.
Your entrepreneurial journey likely began with a passion for your product or service, a desire to be your own boss, and/or a drive to do things your way. But now the day-to-day running of your business involves executing a bunch of repeatable tasks that drain your energy and keep you from enjoying the freedom that being your own boss offers.
Outsourcing redundant tasks to a virtual assistant can be a game-changer, freeing up your time and energy and allowing you to focus on what truly matters.
Identify Your Priorities
For many entrepreneurs, burnout begins when passion takes a backseat to being burdened by routine tasks. Are you drowning in administrative duties, responding to emails, or managing routine operations?
Delegation is not about offloading any task; it's a strategic move to propel you and your business forward.
Identifying the tasks monopolizing your time is crucial to knowing what to outsource. Take time to list the responsibilities that eat away at your day, and highlight those that you consistently postpone or find draining. Then, determine what the expertise requirement is. Search for things on your to-do list that :
- don't require your specific expertise.
- administrative, repetitive, or time-consuming.
Calculate the Value of Your Time
Time is money, and as a business owner, your time is exceptionally valuable. Outsourcing does involve costs, but the key benefit is the return of your time.
By assigning day-to-day administrative or operational tasks to a virtual assistant, you free up valuable time. Delegating to a virtual assistant is an effective way to streamline your workload so you can dedicate your time "at work" to higher-value tasks. It can also provide you more "free" time to do things like take business courses, attend conferences, or network.
Creating space in your life for personal or professional growth is essential, and should be taken into consideration when calculating the cost of outsourcing.
Should you spend hours of your own time on tasks that could be delegated?
If you compare your own "rate" to the hourly rate of a virtual assistant, you'll likely find a compelling case for optimizing your time investment.
A talented military spouse virtual assistant ranges in cost from $41 to $47 per hour. When you delegate tasks to a virtual assistant, you have the potential to increase your productivity at a lower cost than doing the work yourself.
That's because virtual assistants practice time blocking and do not have to execute task-switching. Virtual assistants are laser-focused on the task at hand when working for their clients. Because they excel in admin, they all tend to be detail-oriented professionals who take pride in getting their work done on time and without error. Military spouse virtual assistants take great pride in supporting their clients and enjoy being a critical part of the team.
Imagine getting three times more work done efficiently by a dedicated team member without overspending. Suddenly, outsourcing becomes not just a cost but an investment in your time, productivity, and overall well-being.
Find The Right Virtual Assistant
Matching the skill set of a virtual assistant to your identified tasks is crucial, but finding the right person is not just about completing tasks. Your support person can become your bridge to scaling and be the key to your business' growth.
Success comes when you have someone who understands your business and works well with you. Finding a virtual assistant who has the particular set of skills, personality and commitment you need is critical because they have the potential to become a part of your team, albeit remotely. The right virtual assistant will be talented at what they do, understand your vision, and be invested in their partnership with you.
Our commitment to sourcing, onboarding, and training dedicated military spouse virtual assistants ensures a customized arrangement that aligns with your business needs.
We believe that when you get the proper support, it's not just a job; it's a partnership.
When you schedule a call with Freedom Makers Virtual Services, one of our internal team members will talk with you to help figure out what type of Freedom Maker virtual assistant would best suit your needs.
Once you've settled on the information you want to include in your position description, your opportunity will be sent out to our community of military spouse Freedom Makers. Each Freedom Maker interested and qualified will complete a form indicating their skills, availability, past relevant experience, and any other pertinent information you may want or need to know.
You will be provided with up to four vetted, skilled Freedom Makers to talk with via phone or video interview. You will then be able to select the virtual assistant who you envision becoming an extension of your team.
They will possess the technical skills required and also resonate with your style and communication preferences.
Our approach to matchmaking creates partnerships that go beyond outsourcing for task completion. We love creating solid and thriving partnerships that can propel you and your business forward.
Ready to embark on the outsourcing journey? Reach out to our Discovery Team to start leveraging the support of a virtual assistant.
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