Welcome to the second video in our Top 10 Question series re: how to find, hire and work with a virtual team. (Click here to access a list of all videos and to sign up for email notification of new videos)
Today’s video answers the question:
What attributes should I look for when hiring someone?
There are two types of virtual support professionals out there, and it is essential that you understand the difference to ensure you hire the right fit. (Many headaches happen when you don’t.)
Questions? Thoughts? Pings? Aha’s or eek’s? Please share via comments below…
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Tina,
This is FANTASTIC!
I am loving how you’ve broken this down because you’re right – we are trained to ask “How Can I Help You?” and you’re also right in saying that puts more work on the business owner. It’s all about owning your expertise and presenting yourself as a partner in business with the business owner. I love this. Thanks for expressing it just perfectly!
- Maruxa Murphy
“Muh-Roo-Shuh”
Instant Expert Branding
Just watched the video and it confirmed what I know which is appreciated. D
Tina, Perfect!!!!!!!!
I was never able to articulate this problem before, but recognized it immediately. Had this concern with one of my VAs who I’ve wanted to work with for years. Our fist discussion was too broad & I didn’t have time to sort out what she could do for me. The second time I knew I needed help with article marketing but no leadership (my word for what you’re describing).
We are finally off & running because Suzie is a whiz at social media and when I created 2 additional Twitter accounts (hometips4women, ahpconnect and tinagleisner), I knew it was time to get some help. Suzie jumped in and now we’re even looking at changing the ahpconnect handle … I love it as I can’t be an expert everywhere.
PS This video is now part of my team training package. Thank you so much!!!!!!
OHMIGOSH! You hit the nail on the head. When I listened to this video – I went “AHA” – that’s why I’m frustrated with my assistants. They are all waiting for me to tell them what to do and at that point it’s just easier to do it myself. I need someone more proactive that can take things off my plate not add to my stress.
Great insights, Tina!
As one who teaches outsourcing, at the task level we’re hiring from a perspective of having a clear idea of what we want them to do. The more precise the better.
At the level of OBM/VA, it is a helpful place to begin a relationship with the “here’s what I can help you with” mindset.
Looking forward to the rest of the videos!
Howard “OutSourcerer” Tiano
UltimateOutsourceDirectory.com
Hi Tina,
I love that you share the two different types of mindsets, virtual professionals possess. I actually work in both mindsets with my variety of clients. I am definitely more of a marketing/business mindset, however some business owners are more comfortable with doing it “their” way and in the beginning are not comfortable turning over their ownership to someone else. I also think this is fine, especially if you want to get in with a business owner and work your way towards a more proactive role. So I definitely stay the course, perform in the box, as you would say, but I definitely share my expertise and opinion and before long..trust is built and it is more easy for my client to “let go” and “let Raven!”.
Tina – great video as always!
I’ve been following the business mindset for quite a while now. When speaking with a prospective client for the first time, I let them begin the conversation by telling me about their business, why they started it, their concerns and their needs. Then, I give a brief overview of me and my company, and explain what we can do to assist them to meet their needs. Before the initial consultation, I send them a Client Information Pack so they already have some background info on us.
I feel this benefits both of us so we have a clear idea to create a plan of action.
let go and let raven – love that!! totally agree raven – it really is more about both the business owner and the virtual support professional being a “match” for what the biz owners needs… if they have a clearly defined role and just need someone to do it then we can totally use our employee mindset, and find ways to use our business/marketing mindset as things grow with the client.
and jeannette – you have so hit the nail on the head with this:
“When speaking with a prospective client for the first time, I let them begin the conversation by telling me about their business, why they started it, their concerns and their needs. Then, I give a brief overview of me and my company, and explain what we can do to assist them to meet their needs”
a super simple formula for how to talk to a potential client, love it! I know so many people struggle in this area but it truly can be just this easy
I am loving how you’ve broken this down because you’re right – we are trained to ask “How Can I Help You?” and you’re also right in saying that puts more work on the business owner. It’s all about owning your expertise and presenting yourself as a partner in business with the business owner. I love this. Thanks for expressing it just perfectly!
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