Why are we compelled to do all the work ourselves?

Research shows that people spend 30% of their time on what is important. Here is a great way to nudge up that percentage.

Just under a year ago I transitioned from working in one corporate to working for many corporates as a consultant. With corporate structures flattening and administration tasks going back to middle mangers, the value of time is critical. Leaders confessed to me that they find themselves doing all tasks in all four quadrants of the time matrix. (The time matrix is a useful way of analysing where to put your energy for the greatest productivity and return.)

Using technology to expedite many tasks certainly helps, however some people are still drowning in administration and need a simple solution.

With so many of my clients facing this challenge, I started to investigate solutions. This is where I came across a Virtual Assistant (VA). The flexibility and choice provided by a VA is an option worth considering, and three to four hours a week might be all you need.

I went on Google and scanned the globe and shortlisted three to five potential VA’s before appointing one. Here are some tips to help you, if you choose the same path…

What is a VA and what do they do?

• A person who works for you from their own office.
• Face-to-face through video conferencing.
• They typically work for multiple people.
• They perform traditional executive assistant tasks and depending on the VA, can handle project work as well.
• They range from $30-55 per hour and typically charge in 15 minute blocks.
• They record the blocks of time electronically and you can have visibility of what they do.
• My VA uses Apple iCloud to organise calendar and address.
• Walk away at any time if you are not satisfied with the quality of the service you are receiving.

Key tips in selecting and setting up the relationship:

Applied learnings: do they work for other people like you.

Growth: ability to expand hours as you grow.

Technology: sorting out a shared platform is critical and can be time consuming at the start.

Challenge: do they question your processes and add value to your broader business.

Confidence: agree how much cold calling is needed and their comfort level.

Task tracking: email is okay, however a spreadsheet on the cloud or CRM system reduces rework and creates transparency.

Scripts: define key conversations and practice together.

Respect: treat then as part of your team.

Speaking from personal experience, a VA is extremely beneficial. The next time you feel compelled to do all the work yourself and feel unproductive, take a moment and consider enlisting their services.