Ready to bring on board your virtual assistant? Now, let's gear up for some training!

How to train your virtual assistant

If you're diving into hiring a virtual assistant, you're likely strapped for time. It might seem a bit odd initially – hiring someone to save time and then spending time training them. But trust me, taking the time to train your virtual assistant is a crucial step that's going to pay off big time.

Virtual assistants bring the skills, but they need the inside scoop on your business specifics. Proper training is the key! If you invest time in training your virtual assistant, the return on investment is going to be stellar. You'll supercharge your business's growth potential, freeing up more time and energy for the things that truly matter.

To make your life easier, I've whipped up some tips on how to train your virtual assistant in this guide.

Set Goals and Expectations:

From the start, it is important to go over some topics so that you and your virtual assistant are on the same page and know what to expect.

For example, payment: how much will you pay? when? and how? Communication: how will you communicate and exchange? by e-mail, phone, WhatsApp or Slack?

It is also important to define the role(s) of each person and your expectations, as well as the deadlines, especially for specific projects, but also the availability of each person according to your schedules.

Finally, creating training materials can be very useful.

Give clear instructions and schedule tasks in advance

How to train your virtual assistant

If you clearly define what you need from the start, your virtual assistant will be able to accomplish his or her tasks faster and more efficiently.

Poor communication or a lack of clarity and detail often leads to misunderstandings or mistakes and ultimately wasted time for both of you.

Many virtual assistants have other clients and busy schedules. So make sure you assign them tasks in advance so they can get organized and meet your deadlines.

Give feedback and be patient

Be sure to notify your virtual assistant of any changes as soon as possible.

Last minute changes can have an impact on his/her work and waste time and money for both him/her and you.

If this is your first time hiring a virtual assistant, you may feel overwhelmed.

Remember that we are all human, so don't stress out if your training plan isn't perfect. You will learn as you go, while training your virtual assistant, which will only be beneficial for your collaboration.