One … outsource vs VA … to me the difference here is the personal relationship. I am a VA, but some of my clients use me more like an outsource service … developing no relationship. These clients are content with the set job just being done. Others that I consider to utliize me as their VA are ones that I get to know better and thus I can often anticipate and meet additional needs. You need to consider which you want … and make sure your choice knows which you want and is willing to offer that.
TWO – I noticed a comment about learning curve in a specific business being difficult to overcome. In some industries or for some tasks, that is a BIG issue. Search for VA’s who provide services specifically to companies in your industry OR the specific tasks you need. You might be pleasantly surprised to find a VA who specializes in your “jargon” and who won’t have a learning curve at all. For example, I run a business that provides a variety of office services specifically for Mary Kay Sales Directors. They need a VA with a deep understanding of their organization, terminology and needs. So if you need a VA in a specific field search for it rather than give up!

Another big PRO to a VA is that they often have developed systems to automate and speed up tasks that are time consuming. If I didn’t work for many clients and do the same thing for many of them, I would bother to create those kinds of automation and tools. This saves me time and allows me to charge a client less than if I were in the office doing it manually.

Also, consider if you need a specialist. Many VAs have specialties. For instance, I work with Mac users and Eco entrepreneurs who need basic admin. assistance and social media support.

Using a VA who specializes will enable a quicker comprehension of your needs by the VA and he/she will be able to give you faster results.

You’re right – it can be a challenge. There’s definitely a learning curve and you do need to change the way you think about your business.

When you’re looking for work to outsource, look in 3 places:
- Things you hate to do
- Things that have the potential to generate revenue that aren’t getting done now
- Things that are time-consuming but simple to explain

Then screen that initial list to see which tasks meet the following criteria (because this is what you need for an ideal starting project):

- Can someone do this work without knowing a lot about your business?
- Can you easily define the steps they need to take?
- Can you get them what they need to do the work easily?

Hope this helps…

* Data entry of 50 contacts into Excel
* Create a PowerPoint presentation
* Balance monthly statement
* Update & manage online calendar
* Create PDF’s for company documents

I hope this gives you some ideas on what jobs to outsource.

Viki Garrison, owner
Need help? Ask Viki!

This is a great discussion. I am a Virtual Assistant and have been for almost 7 years now. Most all business can use the services of a VA. I have found that the East Coast seems to be a little bit slower that the West Coast in accepting Virtual Assistants and what we can accomplish from our home offices.

A lot of Virtual Assistants come to the table and offer Admin services and that’s fine, but when you find a VA who offers a specialty like web design, newsletter creation and distribution and even graphic design, they have taken extra steps to develop their skills. I know a lot of Virtual Assistants will work with new clients on a trial basis, I personally offer a (4 hour) trial contract for those who want to try my services and not be tied into a long term contract.

I know that IVAA has an RFP system and so does VAnetworking.com I have gotten a lot of my clients from VAnetworking.com Just visit the site and you can check out their RFP system and see it it’s for you.

As a VA, all I can say is “Try us, you’ll like us.”

Kathy Zengolewicz
http://www.thevirtualindependentcontractor.com