You have finally come to the conclusion you can’t do everything yourself and the answer is to outsource the work to a Virtual Assistant. Contracting with a VA is the best solution in helping you take care of many administrative duties and maybe look after that special project you haven’t had time for.
It can be daunting trying to hire someone who may be hundreds or thousands of miles away and there are no guarantees they will meet your needs or are able to fulfill their commitment to you and your business. Don’t give up before you even start. There are many good, reliable and super qualified VA’s who would be very happy to take care of your administrative needs.
Request for Proposals (RFP)
First – be sure as to what you want your potential Virtual Assistant to do.
The next step in the process is for you to create a Request for Proposal (RFP) which is the first step in sending out the message that you are looking for a VA. Those interested will submit a proposal to you listing their qualifications, prices, etc. In order for you to ensure those proposals respond to what you require you must be clear as to what you are looking for from these bidders.
How to write an RFP
Your request should include a little about your organization or at the bare minimum a link to your website and the information as to how you wish to be contacted.
- Describe exactly what you wish to have the VA do for you and what qualifications they must have. What will be their duties?
- How many hours a week/month?
- What time zone do you wish them to be available in?
- Do they require special software or experience in special programs?
- Is this a short term project or are you looking to establish a long term working arrangement with the VA?
- You are soliciting cost quotes to determine what their fees are for their services ~ ask for this.
- What is your deadline for submissions of proposals?
- How will you accept the proposals ~ whether they can send them via email or other preferred method of communication?
- Will you accept questions prior to receiving the proposals? (Don’t discuss $$ at this time)
Submitting an RFP
Once you have determined the work you need done and what requirements must be met, it is time to submit your RFP to applicable organizations or groups. One of the best places to find a Virtual Assistant is to connect with a Virtual Assistant Network such as VAnetworking, who has one of the largest numbers of members who will have access to your request.
The work you have done in completing the RFP will ensure you have a better chance of succeeding in locating a Virtual Assistant. Take a few moments, write up an RFP and submit it – it won’t be long and you will have found the perfect VA!
