As a business owner, whether you are a start-up or running an established business, one of the hardest things to deal with is the feeling that you are doing it on your own. Not only are you dealing with the day to day running of the business but also making strategic decisions. Sometimes you just need someone with whom you can talk things through.
There has been massive growth in the coaching industry and good coaches certainly have their place. If you are struggling with a growth strategy or looking for someone to be accountable to then a coach can do all that. But did you know that a good Virtual Assistant (VA) can add similar value as well as providing the admin support you need?
So, what is the role of the VA?
Above and beyond the skills they are employed for, I think a key part of the VA role is to act as a sounding board for clients, a listening ear. A good VA will take the time to understand the business they are working with and will add value by asking pertinent questions. They will make suggestions and propose solutions that make the owner’s life easier.
This won’t happen in the first week or even month, but over time, as the VA demonstrates their value the relationship with the company becomes a strong one. When I was emplyed full-time as an Executive Assistant the Directors and CEOs I worked with knew that beyond the day to day skills I brought to the table they had someone to bounce ideas off. They knew that everything that was said remained within the room. There were times when I proposed solutions to problems that they hadn’t thought of simply because I was one-stage removed and able to see the wood for the trees.
So if you are considering investing in a VA it’s worth investing in someone who brings experience of working at a high-level and who can offer the added value that will help you and your business grow.
