Four Factors To Consider When Choosing A Virtual Assistant Agency
Finding the right virtual assistance (VA) agency can significantly impact your business’ efficiency and success. At She Knows Business, we understand the importance of selecting a VA agency that aligns with your business goals and values. Our CEO, Angelica, recently highlighted key considerations in her Forbes article that are essential for making an informed decision when hiring a VA agency.
1. Prioritizing Mental And Physical Health
A VA agency that values the mental and physical well-being of its staff can lead to a more productive and happy workforce. Here’s what to look for:
- Workplace Culture: Inquire about the agency’s workplace culture. Does it encourage a balanced lifestyle with tips for both plugging in and unplugging from work? It’s easy to get caught up in work, making it difficult to take breaks. Agencies that promote a healthy work-life balance can help VAs stay refreshed and motivated.
- Breaks: Check whether the agency encourages regular breaks. Does it set reminders for its VAs to drink water, eat healthy snacks, stretch, meditate or take a walk? These activities can boost mental clarity and reduce burnout.
Understanding the agency’s commitment to employee well-being is crucial. Ask about the management’s procedures or expectations for promoting a positive workplace culture, mental health breaks, and physical breaks. Ensuring that workers feel safe communicating their stress levels is also important.
2. Adopting A Mission-Oriented Approach
An agency that adopts a mission-oriented approach rather than just focusing on tasks or projects can be a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Long-Term Perspective: Such agencies work with the end goal in mind, aligning their efforts with each client’s success. This approach ensures that VAs feel like they are part of a bigger picture, which can reduce turnover rates and foster mutual respect.
- Client Success: By understanding and working toward clients’ broader objectives, these agencies can contribute more meaningfully to their clients’ success. This holistic view benefits both clients and VAs, leading to a more sustainable working relationship.
To assess whether a VA agency thinks critically about projects and their impact on your company’s mission, ask how they believe a particular task or project would affect your business goals. You can also gauge a VA’s commitment and critical thinking by asking questions about their experience and previous projects.
3. Ensuring Ethical Practices
Ethical practices are a crucial factor that can affect VAs’ morale and performance. Ensure the agency you choose adheres to ethical practices by considering the following:
- Fair Pay: Confirm that the agency pays its staff ethically and fairly. VAs should be compensated in accordance with their skills and expertise.
- Motivation And Retention: Fair compensation not only motivates VAs but also helps in retaining top talent. When VAs feel valued and adequately rewarded for their work, they are more likely to stay committed and perform at their best.
Determine if a VA agency has ethical compensation practices by considering the agency’s rates and asking about the average number of clients each VA has or the number of hours they work per week. This can indicate whether VAs are overworked. Additionally, inquire if the VAs have an account manager, which shows the agency’s commitment to quality control over profits.
4. Implementing A Strong Management And Accountability Structure
Effective management and accountability are key to a successful VA partnership. Here’s what to consider:
- Accountability: Many businesses struggle with managing VAs due to a lack of proper oversight. An agency with a robust management structure can alleviate this burden. Look for agencies that have account managers responsible for tracking performance, engaging with VAs, and ensuring accountability.
- Efficiency: A well-structured management system ensures that VAs consistently meet expectations and deadlines. This not only saves you time but also ensures high-quality work delivery.
- Support: Having an account manager as a point of contact provides an additional layer of support for both you and the VA, facilitating smooth communication and promptly resolving issues.
Building A Lasting Partnership
Choosing the right VA agency is an important decision that can influence your business’s overall productivity and success. By ensuring that agencies prioritize mental and physical health, adopt a mission-oriented approach, ensure ethical compensation, and have a strong management and accountability structure, you can find one that aligns with your business goals and values. This thoughtful selection process will help you build a successful and lasting partnership with your VA agency.
Ready to elevate your business with top-notch virtual assistance? Partner with She Knows Business for reliable, efficient, and mission-driven VA support. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your business goals.
Want to read more about Angelica’s insights? Check out her full article on Forbes here.