Navigating the Virtual Assistant Relationship: When to Continue and When to Part Ways

The Importance of Finding the Perfect VA Match

Many small business owners make the mistake of compromising on the qualifications and skills they seek in a VA. To achieve your goals, clarity is key. You must know precisely what you want and remain steadfast in your search. This person will be a significant investment in terms of training and expectations, so now is not the time to lower your standards. It will not benefit you or your VA in the long run.

Before beginning your search, take the time to define the exact attributes you desire in a VA. Write down a detailed description, including their potential quirks and ideal habits. Keep this list close during interviews to avoid settling for someone who doesn't fully match your criteria, even if they seem pleasant.

Elevating Beyond Simple Delegation with Conscious Delegation™

The conventional VA-client dynamic typically involves the business owner assigning tasks to the VA. While this works initially, as your business expands, you may find yourself spending more time managing your team than growing your enterprise. This is where my "Conscious Delegation™" model comes into play.

Conscious Delegation™ involves a VA who is proactive, anticipating and addressing your needs before you even have to articulate them. This approach goes beyond simple task delegation, allowing you to concentrate on your core competencies rather than micromanaging your team. Achieving this level of delegation requires setting high hiring standards and not settling for a VA who fails to meet your expectations.

Embracing the Support of Your VA

It's not uncommon for business owners to feel guilty or overly demanding when their VA falls short of expectations. However, it's crucial to recognize that it's not about having unrealistic standards; it's about acknowledging that the VA may not be capable of fulfilling your requirements.

Stepping into your role as a business leader means allowing yourself to be supported by only the most exceptional individuals. This includes your VA. Accepting support is an act of grace, not entitlement. It's about letting go of the self-limiting beliefs that hold you back and embracing the truth that to achieve your business's highest potential, you must welcome the assistance of others.

When you insist on extraordinary virtual support and hire individuals who are eager to meet your high standards, you'll discover that managing your team becomes unnecessary. This frees up your energy and passion to focus on what you love most about growing your business!

Interesting Stats and Data

• According to a study by Grand View Research, the global virtual assistant market size was valued at USD 3.9 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2020 to 2027.
• A survey by Upwork and Freelancers Union found that 73% of hiring managers plan to continue or increase their use of freelancers, including VAs.
• The same survey revealed that 59% of hiring managers are more likely to use freelancers since the COVID-19 pandemic began, indicating a shift towards remote and virtual work arrangements.

By understanding these trends and the importance of a strong VA relationship, business owners can make informed decisions about when to maintain their current VA partnership and when it might be time to seek a new assistant who better aligns with their evolving business needs.