Solving Solopreneur Overwhelm: Partnering with a Virtual Assistant

By definition, a solopreneur is someone who runs and manages a business on their own. They are responsible for every aspect of their business, including product or service development, marketing, sales, customer service, finance, and administration. The term "solopreneur" is a combination of "solo" and "entrepreneur," which emphasizes the idea that they handle all aspects of their business independently and have complete control and flexibility over their business decisions, operations, and work schedule.

Solopreneurship has become increasingly popular in recent years due to technological advancements, making it easier for individuals to start and run businesses independently. The rise of cloud based tools and access to consumers and customers through digital platforms has provided solopreneurs with the resources and ability to reach a broader audience and compete in almost any market.

However, while solopreneurs are "solo" and work primarily alone, they can - and often should! - collaborate with others by outsourcing specific tasks or partnering with other professionals on a project-by-project basis.

Building a coalition or team to support their business can be a transformative step in a solopreneur's journey to success.

In recent years, we have seen a noticeable trend of solopreneurs outsourcing administrative tasks to virtual assistants. Virtual assistants have become the most cost-effective, flexible solution when a solopreneur is looking to optimize their time, benefit from niche expertise, increase their productivity or output, begin to scale, or simply want a better work-life integration and balance.   

A solopreneur-virtual assistant relationship can be extraordinarily beneficial to both parties and can empower a solopreneur to concentrate on core business activities, achieve growth, and enhance their overall well-being.

STEPS TO SET THE STAGE FOR A SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP

Often, we hear from solopreneurs when they begin to feel overtasked or overwhelmed with administrative tasks that they dread. They are ready to get more time back into each day in order to focus on what they do best and what brings the most value to their business. Some solprenuers find us during periods of growth, when they are beginning to feel outmatched by the amount they have to do, and the demands on their time.

A virtual assistant can help them scale their business and keep operations running smoothly because virtual assistants specialize in administrative tasks and have the skills and experience to handle them efficiently and professionally, and to the specifications that the solopreneur demands.

Building a solid relationship with a virtual assistant requires deliberate effort. Consider incorporating these critical steps to your delegation process:

• Clearly define tasks and expectations: Communicate which tasks your virtual assistant will handle and set specific expectations regarding deadlines, quality standards, and reporting procedures.

• Establish effective communication: Determine your preferred communication channels and frequency of check-ins. Slack? Email? Text? Phone Calls? Daily? Weekly? Biweekly? Regular communication is essential for a smooth working relationship.

• Be sure to onboard: Offer training, resources, and/or relevant insight into your business's operation to help your virtual assistant understand your processes and the tools they'll be using.

• Be open to feedback and questions: Encourage your virtual assistant to ask questions and provide feedback. Also, be prepared to receive said feedback without awkwardness. Establishing a rapport fosters a collaborative environment and will go far in ensuring that tasks are completed to your satisfaction.

• Learn boundaries and time zones: Understand that your virtual assistant may be in a different time zone and/or have multiple clients! Determine regular working hours and avoid expecting immediate responses outside of those hours.

• Appreciate and recognize their efforts: A virtual assistant will appreciate recognition for their hard work, just like any other employee. Virtual Assistants are not robots or AI droids! They are people working hard and doing their best! Expressing gratitude and acknowledging how their contributions are helping you will engender loyalty, commitment and help build a positive relationship.

Building a beneficial relationship with a virtual assistant is an ongoing process that will grow and evolve, just like any other professional relationship. Remain adaptable and open to expanding your trust when and where appropriate. Continuously assess and refine your work processes, communication methods, and collaboration techniques so that you can fully embrace the journey of a positive virtual coalition.