While outsourcing can be the best way to explode your revenues and take your business to the next level, it can also be the worst nightmare you’ve ever had. Based on my outsourcing experience, I’d like to share some of my outsourcing do’s and don’ts with you.
Outsourcing Do’s: 6 things you need to keep in mind
1.) Check virtual assistant’s (VA) resume and work profile
While hiring VAs, make sure you read their resumes and work profiles. You want to see if they do have the specific skills you’re looking for and how much work experience they have. Always ask for work samples to get a feel of the quality of their work and see if they are a good fit for your project.
2.) Interview VAs thru Skype
By interviewing/messaging the VA over Skype with some project related questions, you will have better understanding on how this VA is capable of handling some situation/problem when it arises in the middle of working on the project. Also you’ll be able to see if he can write proper English and quickly respond your questions or not.
3.) Be very clear and specific about the assigned project
When assigning a project to your virtual assistants, you need to give them extremely clear instruction with several milestones, such as how you want the project to be done and how soon it needs to be done. The more specific you are, the better result they will deliver.
4.) Award small tasks to 3 VAs to see who has the potential
It is always a good idea to hire 3 VAs at the beginning for your small project. Have them do the same task, such as article writing, and see how they carry it out. Compare the result. Once you find out who has the potential to become a great worker, pick the best one and officially hire him.
5.) Request daily work report
Before hiring VAs, you need to create a VA daily work report that outlines the daily tasks and milestones. Ask your VAs to submit the daily report and have them write down what areas they need your help, what problems they have encountered. By reading the daily report, you can spot the problems right away and prevent any unnecessary delay on your project.
6.) Reward your VAs
It is not easy to find a great VA. If your VAs always follow your instruction, work hard and complete the project on time, you should reward them, give them gifts, bonus pay and treat them more than just VAs. By maintaining good relationship with them, they will be very happy to go extra mile to help you grow your business.
Click here for the Outsourcing Don’ts.