What Essential Qualities Should You Look for in a Virtual Assistant?

Have you ever felt like running your small business or being a sole trader is a bit like spinning plates? You're the boss, the marketing person, the sales force, and sometimes, even the one making the coffee runs. It's a lot to ask for one person, not to mention all the hats you have to wear in your household — from taking care of the kids to enjoying a personal break!

So if you’re thinking about getting a personal virtual assistant to grow your business while you take time off, let’s look into what makes a virtual assistant not just good, but great for your business needs.

Skill Set and Expertise

The right virtual assistant should have skills and experience that match your business needs. Whether it's managing emails, handling bookkeeping, or providing customer service, their expertise should align with the tasks that you’re not familiar with how to do, or simply don’t prefer doing. It’s one thing that they know how to do these tasks, but it’s another thing when they know how to do it best!

Reliability and Responsiveness

Think of a virtual assistant as your business's safety net. They're always there, catching tasks before they fall through the cracks. Quick to respond and always on the ball, they're the dependable team that keeps your business running smoothly while you’re away for a break!

Communication Skills

Great communication is like a two-way street; it needs to flow easily in both directions. Your virtual assistant should be a master at this, making sure every message, instruction, or piece of feedback is crystal clear. They're the kind of person who makes sure nothing gets lost in translation.

Adaptability and Problem-Solving

If you’re a small business owner or a sole trader, you know that things rarely go exactly as planned. That's where a skilled virtual assistant becomes invaluable.

They're quick on their feet, adapting to new challenges as they come. Think of them as your behind-the-scenes problem solver, ready to handle last-minute changes or unexpected tasks with a calm, can-do attitude. Their ability to think on their feet and come up with practical solutions keeps your business moving forward, no matter what surprises the day may bring!

Tech-Savviness

A virtual assistant should not just be familiar with the latest apps and software; they're always ready to try out new digital tools that can streamline your business processes. For most sole traders, having a VA who knows how to use apps like Google Suites, Microsoft Office, Coupa, Rounded, or Clockify means that they can take care of your business while you’re away as if it’s their own.

Cultural Fit

Imagine having a virtual assistant who just 'gets' you! They understand the heartbeat of your business and share your passion for what you do.

They're not just working for you — they're working with you, echoing your business's voice and vision in every task they handle. It's like having a business partner who's in sync with your goals, making every day at work feel more like a collaborative journey than a solo struggle.

Why Choose Not Your Average Virtual Assistant?

If you’re looking for an Australian personal virtual assistant that ticks all the boxes, Not Your Average Virtual Assistant is here to help your business grow!

We understand and adapt to the unique needs of each client, that’s why we offer personalised support that goes beyond the standard VA role.

Our commitment to professionalism and going above and beyond to make sure you're getting that elusive work-life balance makes us an ideal choice for small business owners and sole traders in Australia who value a personal touch when hiring an extra pair of hands for their businesses. Here's a breakdown of why you should choose us!

• Australian-Based: We're right here in Australia, which means we're in the same time zone and understand the local market.

• Personal Meetings: The possibility of face-to-face meetings adds a personal touch that's hard to beat!

• Versatility and Willingness to Try New Tasks: We love a challenge and are always ready to expand our horizons to meet your needs!

• Solutions-Oriented Approach: Here at Not Your Average Virtual Assistant we don't just find problems; we find solutions to help your business grow.

• Professionalism: We maintain the highest standards of professionalism in all our interactions.

• Caring and Involvement: We care about your business as if it were our own!

Tasks Not Your Average Virtual Assistant Can Help With

• Office Administration Services: Calendar management, managing appointments, arranging interviews, inbox management, drafting invoices, contractor management.

• HR & Recruitment Services: Response handling, screening and interviewing, drawing up shortlists, reference checking, and team onboarding.

• Business Document Services: Preparing meeting papers, writing policies & procedures, audio transcriptions, document editing & formatting.

• Personal Concierge/Lifestyle Services: Travel booking, household management, organising social events, managing household bills, reminder services.

Finding the right virtual assistant is like discovering a hidden gem that brightens up your business. It's about the perfect VA with a blend of skills, reliability, communication, adaptability, tech know-how, and that special cultural click.

At Not Your Average Virtual Assistants, we do not just tick the boxes. We're about building relationships, understanding your unique needs, and being that support person you can rely on.

Fancy a chat to see how we can help your business fly? Contact us or call Meg at 0401 892 197 and let’s explore the possibilities!