Do you ever wish you could bring in a “to the rescue” assistant to help with an overload of work or long wish list of marketing activities? More and more firms we know, including ours, have hired virtual assistants to help with everything from special projects to longer term tasks. The first reaction I get, however, when I mention a virtual assistant is, “Does that really work? How do you know if they’re actually doing work?”

The answer is – it does work, but you need to separate your current thinking about your current employees from the possibilities of hiring a virtual assistant. For instance, you may, from time to time, observe your salaried employees cut off a little time with a longer lunch or leave early when you’re not in the office. And because of that you believe that a virtual assistant would never work because you wouldn’t be there to watch over them. ERASE this thinking!!

You actually have more control over a virtual assistant. You will pay anywhere from $10 per hour to $40 per hour to get very specific work done. You can manage them based on results, and if work is not getting done, you move on. No drama. Providing these services are individuals, companies, and there’s also an association to help you find just the right skill set in an assistant. These virtual assistants specialize in administrative tasks like scheduling client review appointments and sending out email newsletters or mailings, all the way to helping with prospecting, research, sales, marketing support, and social media data mining. Too good to be true? Here are some examples.

For a firm of virtual assistants that can help you grow your business with prospecting and sales support, here is an example: Sales Support 360. For an individual virtual assistant that can help you with scheduling your calendar and other admin and marketing tasks here is an example: Ann Place. For an association of virtual assistants where you can search for just what you need here is one: International Virtual Assistants Association.

In order for a successful working arrangement between you and a virtual assistant, however, you need to be organized enough to delegate and communicate. And that requires just a little bit of time set aside on your calendar to set up your assistant to succeed. And the good news is – you may finally get that work done that has been hindering your ability to grow!