Last Updated on March 21, 2019 by Paula

The first time you delegate tasks to a virtual assistant it almost never goes entirely as planned. But if you’re well-prepared, you can get off to a good start and avoid some of the common pitfalls. Here is how you delegate to a virtual assistant so that everyone is happy.

Create a Delegating Process

It’s hard to delegate when you’ve always done everything yourself. But if you set up a method that you can use each time to set up jobs, this makes delegating work much easier.

The whole point of hiring a VA is to get more done in your day, and delegating should be a smooth process that saves you time.

Good Delegating Isn’t Just for You

Keep in mind that setting up a hassle-free system for delegating tasks isn’t just for your benefit. It should be designed to make things easier for your virtual assistant as well. You need to show them how to carry out the task and also motivate them so that they get a sense of achievement when it is finished.

Getting Your VA Started with Clear Instructions

The core of your system should be clear instructions. Tell your VA how the job fits into your overall business and what its outcome should be. Then, show them how to do it step-by-step. Give them instructions in a format that you think will be easy for them to digest. Consider using visuals or video tutorials.

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Clarify and Offer Feedback

When teaching your VA, it’s good to check for understanding. Ask them to repeat the important information back to you or ask questions. As they carry out the task, especially the first time, you should be there for them in case they have a sudden question. When they’ve finished, give them constructive feedback that encourages them and helps them improve.

Staying Out of the Way

Even though you want to be there for your VA, you shouldn’t micromanage them. Agree together on how and when you’ll communicate to follow up on how it’s going. Don’t interfere with their work or be overbearing. Try to move from hands-on to hands-off as soon as possible. This will not only make it easier for them to focus, but also give them satisfaction when the job is complete.

Successful Delegation Takes Time

No matter how prepared you are, it probably won’t go perfectly the first time. It may take longer than planned for your VA to finish the work, or there could be problems with the completed task. You’ll need to be patient and allow for this. Plan to pick up the slack in case they don’t finish the job correctly or in time.

Take a problem-solving approach where you don’t blame either party, but work together to find a solution. Even if your VA is clearly at fault, don’t blame them or doubt their abilities. The goal is to create a good working relationship between you and your VA.

Want to learn more about how to successfully outsource to a virtual assistant and grow your business? Check out my free eBook Outsourcing: How to Hire Your First Virtual Assistant.