Following your decision to hire a virtual assistant, the next pivotal step is ensuring their seamless integration into your team. A thoughtful and well-structured onboarding process not only sets the tone for a productive working relationship but also maximizes the benefits of this new addition to your workforce.
This article will take you through the crucial steps to onboard your virtual assistant effectively. From pre-onboarding preparation to setting the relationship up for success, we’ll provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to make this transition as smooth as possible.
Pre-Onboarding Preparation:
Gather and prepare all necessary resources not just the paperwork but also, access permission, and tools your virtual assistant will need to start working.
Virtual assistants typically need and require access to the following standard tools:
- Company email
- Email signature that identifies them as your assistant
- Calendar/scheduling app
- Messaging and video conferencing platform
- Task and project management software
- File storage system
This is merely a short list of potential necessities. The virtual assistant may need additional tools based on the duties they are expected to perform.
Starting with Culture:
Define the company’s values and cultural standards and be aware of any “unwritten” office policies that a virtual assistant could only be exposed to in the course of typical company activities. Things like the degree of formality or informality in communications, attitudes toward procedures, and what falls inside the bounds of office culture.
Foster engagement and inclusion with your virtual assistant. Like any other employee, introduce your virtual assistant to your staff. To promote a feeling of unity and belonging within the team, provide your virtual assistant opportunity to interact with the team and participate in business events. Since your assistant will be speaking on your behalf, it is imperative that they get along well with other employees.
Setting Up for Success:
Clarify your expectations for the partnership with both parties and your aims and ambitions. Your virtual assistant will benefit the business if you provide them a clear understanding of their function and how they may contribute to their professional development.
Document your processes and preferences or create SOPs for all task you will delegate. Be specific about the goals, objectives, and methods of completion for every assignment you decide to delegate. Don’t forget to explain how you’ll be assessing the task’s outcomes. Include benchmarks for success or KPIs.
Overcommunicate and Do it Often:
When you are not in the same office as your new assistant, the lack of body language, facial expression, and even the cultural differences can affect how messages can be interpreted. Provide clear instructions for carrying out the task.
Create a system of transparent communication. Steer clear of confusing colloquialisms or jargon. Be clear and succinct to prevent misunderstandings. Make sure your virtual assistant understands any technical or special words you use for your business right away.
Conclusion:
You’re investing in the future success and productivity of your team when you hire a virtual assistant. It’s not just a list of administrative chores. The time you spend looking for, hiring, and training a virtual helper is money you can use to grow and improve your business.
Even though these steps are very important, they take time, work, and knowledge to do right.
This is where we come in.
MVP is an expert at not only finding and hiring the best virtual assistant for your needs, but also making sure they fit right in with your team. You can skip the hard parts of this process and start enjoying the benefits of having a skilled, fully integrated virtual assistant working for you right away with our full support.
Get in touch with us right away if you want to improve your business and make it more productive with little trouble. Let us find the best fit for your business and handle all the details, so you can do what you do best, which is building your business.
References
https://boldly.com/blog/how-to-master-the-virtual-assistant-onboarding-process/
https://www.prialto.com/blog/virtual-assistant-onboarding-process
https://getmagic.com/guides/onboarding-checklist-virtual-assistants/
https://www.outsourceaccelerator.com/articles/onboarding-practices-for-new-hires/
