In the rapidly evolving landscape of remote work, virtual assistants are key players in the success of small businesses. We've gathered insights from CEOs and a Career Coach, focusing on the importance of feedback mechanisms and regular communication sessions. Discover the five best practices these experts recommend for virtual assistants to enhance their effectiveness and why they stand out.
Institute Regular Feedback Mechanisms
Equip with Tailored Productivity Tools
Create Consistent Communication Channels
Prioritize Tasks Using Proven Techniques
Hold Regular Communication and Feedback Sessions
Institute Regular Feedback Mechanisms
A key factor I advocate for virtual assistants working remotely for smaller businesses is instituting a regular feedback mechanism. Feedback is a two-way street; not only does the virtual assistant understand how to improve and align with the business objectives, but the business also recognizes areas where they could provide better support.
It's a continuous system of improvement, benefiting both parties greatly. This openness to feedback and adaptability is, in my experience, a core driver of remote work success and fosters chances for growth and harmonious collaboration.
Abid Salahi, Co-founder and CEO, FinlyWealth
Equip with Tailored Productivity Tools
One best practice I swear by is equipping virtual assistants with tailored productivity tools. At our company, we've seen how tools like Toggl Track can dramatically improve a virtual assistant's ability to manage time and prioritize tasks. For small businesses, where resources can be tight, ensuring that your VAs have access to such tools means you're not just asking for efficiency; you're actively facilitating it. It's about giving them the means to succeed, which in turn propels the business forward.
Using specialized tools is effective because it removes ambiguity about where time and efforts are being spent. For virtual assistants, who may handle a range of tasks from administrative support to customer engagement, having insights into how long different tasks take can help them optimize their day and provide valuable data back to the business owner. This transparency not only increases productivity but also builds trust, which is absolutely essential in a remote working relationship.
Create Consistent Communication Channels
To assist small businesses remotely, I suggest virtual assistants create consistent and distinct channels of communication. By using tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack for instant messaging, coupled with regular video check-ins through Google Meet or Zoom, the assistant and the business owner can always be on the same page regarding their tasks and expectations.
This approach works well for me as it ensures that misunderstandings are reduced, projects stay focused, and a feeling of being close-knit, even when miles apart, is nurtured. Trust is built when there's continuous communication because issues can easily be resolved, thus leading to effective working relationships where people are more productive.
Khurram Mir, Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Kualitee
Prioritize Tasks Using Proven Techniques
Focus on prioritizing tasks effectively by using techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix or time-blocking to assess urgency and importance.
Regularly review and adjust your priorities as needed. This approach ensures efficient workload management, allowing you to complete the most critical tasks first and consistently meet deadlines.
Kelli Anderson, Career Coach, California Commercial Insurance
Hold Regular Communication and Feedback Sessions
One best practice I highly recommend for virtual assistants working remotely for small businesses is regular communication and feedback sessions. I vividly recall a time when we onboarded a virtual assistant to support our administrative tasks remotely.
Implementing regular check-ins via video calls allowed us to maintain open lines of communication, clarify expectations, and provide feedback in real time. This practice not only ensured that tasks were completed efficiently but also fostered a sense of collaboration and accountability despite the physical distance.
By regularly discussing progress, challenges, and areas for improvement, virtual assistants feel supported and empowered to excel in their roles, ultimately contributing to the success of the business.
Aseem Jha, Founder, Legal Consulting Pro
