Outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant to Achieve Work-Life Balance
Business owners understand that it takes a lot of work to keep a business running, and even more work to keep it growing. It is part of the process. One has to embrace the hustle in one way or another. But eventually, you hit a wall or experience some serious burnout. Maybe you have officially concluded that a task is just not your strong suit, or you need to claim some of your time back. But what do you do, when you are not ready to hire an employee?
You have two options at this point. Spend some time looking into how you can automate your work, and invest in time management tools. Tips on system automation is another blog post, but there is another option: outsource.
Types Of Outsourcing
There are many ways to outsource your work, and a thousand different ways to go about it. Before you tell me, "I have nothing to outsource!" consider these options:
Bookkeeping
Scheduling
Copywriting
Inbox management
Social Media management
Customer Support
Data Entry
Content writing
Content repurposing
Show notes
Maybe some of these things on the above list are things you "need to get to" but never find the time. Or they are just out of control and inconsistent. Through delegating these tasks, someone can step in and manage a part of your business with the attention and understanding it requires. Outsourcing tasks can lead to a healthy work-life balance, one that you deserve.
Outsourcing To A Virtual Assistant
It may be of no surprise, but I have been working up to the grand reveal (which really shouldn't be a surprise.. it was in the title after all)
you want a virtual assistant!
Virtual assistants are professionals who take on a specific workload of your business. This is all accomplished virtually and through contract work. Meaning, you can hire them as needed, may it be for the long run or only during your busy seasons. Virtual assistants can offer flexible work schedules and help you take back your long hours.
How To Choose A Virtual Assistant
Most articles I see on how to choose a virtual assistant focus on sending you to Upwork or Fiverr to find a freelancer. I do believe you can find incredible talent on these platforms, however, I personally prefer the flexibility of hiring outside of these service providers. You are not bound to their contracts or platform. This allows entrepreneurs to work together with greater freedom.
Just a little side note, I have some pretty awesome ideas on how to help business owners find their assistants, eliminating the middle man, but more on the in the near future... stay tuned ;)
First, ask your network for referrals. A lot of virtual assistants have their business somewhere on social media, so putting out a call for help could help you find someone. Be specific as to what you need, for all virtual assistants have their own focus and expertise. Trust me, you do not want me to manage your payroll! But if you need some content repurposing, copy, or blog posts and increase communication? Yes, I'm your girl.
Most virtual assistants will set up a phone call or zoom meeting, where you will go through a 30-minute discovery call. This is an excellent moment to talk about tasks, boundaries, communication preferences, and discover if you could work well as colleagues.
Benefits Of Outsourcing Vs. Hiring An Employee
It is common for business owners to have anxiety over the cost of outsourcing. This can often lead to simply increasing work hours, trying harder, and suffering from burnout. The beauty of outsourcing is not just better work-life balance, but you get to watch your business grow. Those who hire a virtual assistant experience consistent results, broader marketing engagement, increased organization, and faster response time. Employees are awesome, but if you are not at that point yet, you still have options. Not to mention, employees can sometimes be more work to manage. When you hire a solid virtual assistant, they can work independently without you having to babysit them. You can read more about what to look for when hiring a virtual assistant here in "5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Virtual Assistant".
Did I mention it saves you money?
My Experience With Virtual Assistant Work
As a virtual assistant, I have had the satisfaction to walk alongside some amazing businesses. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference. For one business I came along with their administrative team to fill in the gaps of their work. I updated their website, maintained the social media communications, and helped to create smoother communication between staff members (who rarely worked together in the same office). I enjoyed helping a new business market their services, and another solve their organization problems through automating parts of their work. I also make websites, which makes my services appealing to businesses starting out. It genuinely excites me as a virtual assistant to watch a business grow, or an entrepreneur breathe easier, because of our work together. Outsourcing work benefits both the business and the assistant, and to me, that's a win-win.
You do not have to sacrifice your personal health or sanity to keep the wheels turning. So many things that are a time suck can be lifted, and you can be one step closer to a good work-life balance. Connect with me today and let's talk about how a virtual assistant can come alongside your business. It is possible, and you will not regret it!
I am Danielle Hamlet. I am a virtual assistant who specializes in content marketing with a passion for working for nonprofits. You get someone who can take on your busy work but also rock out SEO. I would love to talk and get to know you and your business, book your call today.