When looking for a VA, you’ll want to find someone who can give you and your business the support you need. If you’re not sure how to make sure a VA is the right fit for you, here are some questions you can ask.
What is a Discovery Call?
This is the phone call you’ll have with a VA to help you find out more about each other and make sure they can provide the support you need, and to see if they're a good fit. This is your opportunity to talk about the tasks you need help with, discuss how many hours you will need and any systems you may need putting in place. If you’re not sure about the process of working with a VA, check out our blog on the 5 steps to working with The Arts VA.
Here are some questions you can ask during the call:
How did you become a VA?
There’s a huge range of virtual assistants that come from a variety of different backgrounds. The Arts VA team is made up of VAs that have a background in theatre and the arts, but other VAs may come from marketing industries, accounting, the property sector, recruitment, and much more. This is important to know as they’ll bring valuable experience from their previous positions that they can use when providing support to you.
What is your area of expertise?
The title ‘virtual assistant’ covers a whole range of services. Most VAs will be able to provide general administrative tasks, while others may offer an area of expertise which they are knowledgeable and skilled in, such as bookkeeping, social media content or copywriting. Look for someone who will be able to cater to the tasks that you most need help with.
How long have you been a virtual assistant?
If you want to make sure you hire someone who can complete tasks quickly and efficiently, and who knows their way around multiple systems and tools, you may want someone with at least a year or two of experience as a VA. However, as VAs offer all kinds of different knowledge and experience, and usually come from PA and Administrative roles, don’t rule out someone who is just starting out. It’s more important that they are the right fit for you.
Which tools do you use?
Tools are an essential part of a VAs business as they use them for everything from accounting tasks, communication, sharing files, scheduling posts and tracking their time. If you have a specific tool in mind, you can find out if they have experience using it or if they can learn how to use it.
What is your preferred work schedule?
This will help you understand what hours they are available for you. Working as a VA offers flexibility, which is appealing to people who have families or other commitments. Don’t assume that they will be available all hours of the day, especially if they are in a different time zone.
Will you need quick responses or can you give them tasks with no deadlines? It’s important to work out if their availability matches your needs, so work out how many hours a week you need before talking to them.
How do you prefer to communicate?
Do you prefer to write emails or do you like to talk things through over the phone? Try to find someone who will be able to communicate in a way that works well for you and your business.
What security measures do you use?
If your VA will have access to sensitive information like passwords, financial information and confidential documents then ask how they share and store these. There are tools, such as Lastpass, for safely storing password information and the VA may have two-factor authentication set up on apps and websites, as well as up-to-date anti-virus software.
Other questions to consider are:
What are the next steps?
What are your prices? (You can discuss monthly packages or ad-hoc)
How do you track and report your time?
Do you work as a team or on your own?
The Arts News
Cabaret swing Chris O’Mara went on stage mid-show after learning a new track during the interval. He took on the role of Cabaret girl Lulu during the hit West End production at the Kit Kat Club, where it is currently running until October.
It has been announced that Lee Mead will be taking the role of Billy Flynn in the tour of Chicago. He joins previously announced cast, including Gemma Collins as Mama Morton, Faye Brooks as Roxie Hart and Djalenga as Velma Kelly. Shows start at the Sunderland Empire from 31 May 2022.
Get in to
If you want to find out how you can work with a VA , head to our contact us page to arrange a chat with Charlie. You can also read more about how to find a VA in these blogs: