As your business grows, so do your core functions. Before you know it, you are overwhelmed with tasks and can’t focus on critical functions. Without someone whom you can delegate tasks to, you will continue wasting valuable time and energy. Want to change this and focus on your business core functions? Hire a virtual assistant service. By doing so, you transform yourself from a soloprenuer to an entrepreneur. Also, when you hire a virtual assistant, it frees up your time. This allows you to focus on activities that have the greatest impact on your company. Want to hire the right virtual personal assistant? Ask the following questions before hiring a virtual assistant service.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Asking this question allows you to gauge the experience of the virtual assistant service. It is important to dig a little deeper to know whether they are right for you. Find out what industry sectors they have worked in. 
This will help you learn more about their adaptability. If they worked with different clients, it tells you that their skill set is broad.
2. How Many Clients Do You Have?
Taking the time to know how many clients the company has tells you if they have enough time for you. The last thing you want is to choose a company that has over 100 clients but few virtual personal assistants. This means the company will be unable to meet your deadlines. As such, it will affect your scheduling.
3. What Are Your Working Hours? What Time Zone Are You Located In?
Before you hire the virtual assistant company, find out their work hours. Also, their timezone. Doing so ensures that the assistant is available when you need him or her. 
For instance, if your day starts at 8 AM, you need an assistant who is up at the same time and not 12 PM or 6 PM. Get absolute clarity in regards to working hours and time zone before you hire the company.
4. What Are Your Preferred Communication Methods?
Do they liase by phone, email, or video call? You don’t want to choose an assistant who communicates via phone while you prefer email or video call. Hiring a company that offers many communication methods makes your working relationship easy. If the company does not offer communication methods suitable for you, continue with your search.
5. May I Have the Name and Contacts of 5 of Your References?
Although the company has done its best to answer the 4 questions above, it is always important to learn from past clients. A reputable company will be willing to provide the name and contacts of 5 references. If the company is dodgy about this, then they are not right for you. Contact the references and have your questions prepared. This will put your mind at ease about the company’s experience, and service delivery.
6. What Is Your Hourly Rate?
To find the best virtual assistant, you need to know the hourly rate? Most reputable companies will have a pricing structure on their virtual assistant websites. Finding out about the hourly rate allows you to find a company that offers what you need within your budget.
Finding the Right Virtual Assistant Service
There are more questions to ask when searching for a virtual assistant service. For instance, what payment methods do they accept, and are they willing to sign an NDA? You should also find out about the security measures in place and the turnaround on projects. For more information on virtual assistant services, get in touch with the Office Squad today!
