By Tina Hilton of Clerical Advantage

There’s been a lot to say lately in the Virtual Assistant world regarding whether the term ‘virtual assistant’ is a benefit or a hindrance to our businesses. As an offshoot of that debate is the question of just exactly what a virtual assistant is.  This debate is not new, I’ve let my voice be heard during the discussions now and back in July when I wrote several posts on the subject here at Home Office Warrior.  Today’s post comes at the issue from a different angle. Today I venture to say that perhaps the issue isn’t so much about the term ‘virtual assistant’ but more about who is looking for one.  More specifically, are those looking for a virtual assistant really ready to work with one?
Interesting concept hmmm?

So just how does one determine if they are ready to work with a VA?  I’ve gone into detail in a free guide I’ve written called “Am I Ready for a Virtual Assistant?” a mini guide and checklist to help people determine their readiness. In the three page mini guide I give 7 questions to ask yourself before you go on a VA hunt, and brief explanations as to why each question will help determine your Virtual Assistant readiness.

Your answers to questions about your propensity toward micro-management, your understanding of the difference between Employee and Contractor and the support level you’re looking for all play a part in how ready you may or may not be.  And either way it’s ok.  Just because you need additional help doesn’t automatically mean you’re ready to team up with a Virtual Assistant.

And that, in my opinion, is why our industry is having such a difficult time with what we’ve chosen to call ourselves.  You see, people who aren’t really ready to work with a Virtual Assistant are the ones who seem to be looking for them and driving the demand for cheap, often overseas, assistants. Even successful people, like Timothy Ferriss, have confused professional level virtual assistance with cheap, general online administrative support. Just because Mr. Ferriss is a huge success with a New York Times Bestseller doesn’t mean he, or others like him get to re-define what we are.  And I don’t think it’s so much about finding another title for ourselves as it is about educating the public. And part of that education is letting people know that teaming up with a Virtual Assistant isn’t for everyone. It’s a unique collaboration, that not everyone is suited for.  But for those that are, they’ll find it to be one of the most valuable tools for business success ever imagined!

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You can download your free copy of “Am I Ready for a Virtual Assistant?” by following this link.

If you have questions concerning virtual assistance or have an interest in working with a virtual assistant you can contact Tina Hilton or visit her business website for Clerical Advantage.