Has your to do list gotten out of hand? The fastest way to get it back under control is to outsource tasks that prevent you from focusing on your business to a Virtual Assistant (Virtual Assistants can also be hired by individuals). You may be interested in partnering with a virtual assistant, but might not be familiar with how to find and work with one. The following steps will enable you to successfully find the right virtual assistant for you:

1.) Assess your needs: Virtual Assistants want to take as much as they can off of your plate so you can focus on your business. However, the only way they can accomplish this feat is if you effectively communicate the task(s) that you need them to complete.

2.) Ready, set, go! : There is a right way and a wrong way to search for a Virtual Assistant. For example, if you are seeking to find a Virtual Assistant to assist you with your article marketing and social networking, you can find one that specializes in providing these services by using the following methods:

• Referrals: If you have never hired a Virtual Assistant you may experience apprehension in delegating your tasks to someone else. The best way to rid yourself from feeling this way is to ask your family or friends to recommend someone to you. It is quite natural for you to feel comfortable with using products and services recommended by people you trust. After all, if your loved ones had a great experience with a particular service or product, you probably will as well!

• Forums: In the event that no one is able to refer a VA to you, then you should consider checking out forums such the Virtual Assistant Forums (VAF). Outside of referrals, this is one of the most resourceful ways to find a Virtual Assistant. Using a forum such as VAF will decrease the amount of time you spend searching for the right Virtual Assistant. Virtual Assistants specialize in performing particular services (i.e. article marketing, social media, bookkeeping, etc.) and you are able to access a large variety of Virtual Assistant profiles on forums such as VAF.

Some forums allow you to post your requests for proposal for a Virtual Assistant for free (i.e. VAF). The process is incredibly simple. You fill out a request form explaining in as much detail as possible the project you need to have completed. The forum administrator then posts your request on the forum in order for it to be visible to all the Virtual Assistants on the site. Virtual Assistants will then answer your query by email. The only real work required by you is to find one that you feel best meets your requirements.

• Networking events: If you would feel more comfortable meeting a Virtual Assistant in person, then you should check out networking events held in your community (just keep in mind that Virtual Assistants work from their own office). Virtual Assistants often frequent networking events in order to find busy business owners who are in need of their services.

3.) You never get a second chance to make a first impression: Once you find a Virtual Assistant that meets your requirement, be sure to take a look at their website. You want to make sure the site has a professional appearance and lists various ways that you can access them. Does their site leave you with the impression that they are experts within their niche? The appearance and copy on a Virtual Assistant’s website can indicate the quality of work you can expect to receive from your Virtual Assistant.

4.) Get to know the Virtual Assistant: The only way you will truly be able to determine if you have found the right Virtual Assistant is to contact them. This is why it is imperative that you feel comfortable with the methods listed on the Virtual Assistant’s site. If you don’t feel comfortable, there is bound to be a breakdown in communication; thus, resulting in a bad experience for both parties. When talking or emailing your Virtual Assistant make sure you feel at ease with the following:

• Disposition: You want to work with someone you “click” with because you want to view your Virtual Assistant as someone who is committed in making sure you are successful (they are your partner). The Virtual Assistant will listen and anticipate your needs and make suggestions that they feel would benefit you.

• Experience: You are probably wondering, “Why didn’t you list this first?” If a Virtual Assistant’s demeanor is not professional—chances are you will not even make it to this step. Regardless, of how much experience someone may have, you will not want to work with some one who you can’t get along with because it is a recipe for disaster. Therefore, if the Virtual Assistant passes the disposition test, then you should proceed in finding out more about their experience.

5.) Expectations: Once you have found the Virtual Assistant that is right for you, go ahead and hire them so you can get back to doing what you want to do. When you hire your Virtual Assistant make sure to address the following:

• Reiterate the project: This is one time when it is okay to sound like a broken record. Repeat the scope of the project (preferably in writing) so both parties are on the same page.
• Billing: In order to avoid a “surprise,” you need to address how you will be billed by your Virtual Assistant (i.e. hourly or project).
• Agreement: Review the agreement that the Virtual Assistant sends you and return it in a timely manner so services can commence. Likewise, if you have a confidentiality agreement you want your Virtual Assistant to sign, send it to them as soon as possible.
• Deadline: Make sure you inform your Virtual Assistant of when you need the task(s) needs to be completed.
• Status Updates: Determine how frequent you will need to communicate with each other (i.e. how and when would you like to be updated on the status of your project).
• Payment: Pay your Virtual Assistant according to the agreed upon method outlined in the agreement (i.e. credit card, check, etc.).

Follow these steps and chances are your list will never be out of control again!