Do You Need a Virtual Assistant? A Self-Assessment Checklist

Key takeaways

• The clearest sign is recurring work that keeps you from higher-value tasks.

• Track your time for a week before deciding.

• Choose the role based on the work: generalist, executive or specialist.

Self-assessment

Answer yes or no.

1. I work evenings or weekends to finish admin.

2. My inbox is rarely under control.

3. I have missed follow-ups with customers or leads.

4. I do tasks that someone else could do with instructions.

5. I delay decisions because I lack information that could be prepared.

6. I would grow faster if I had ten more hours a week.

7. I have documented, or could document, several recurring processes.

0 to 2 yes: you may not need help yet, but a trial with a freelancer might be useful.

3 to 5 yes: a virtual assistant will likely help.

6 to 7 yes: you are ready, and delay is costing you.

Which role to hire first

The cost of waiting

Estimate the hours you spend on tasks that could be delegated, and what an hour of your time is worth on the work only you can do. The comparison often makes the decision easier.

Before you hire

• List tasks and how often they occur

• Decide hours and time zone

• Prepare access and tools

• Write the first month’s plan

Common objections

“Training will take too long.”

Recording a video while you do a task takes minutes and pays back quickly.

“I don’t trust someone with my data.”

Use limited permissions, a password manager and two-step verification.

“My work is too specific.”

Start with the general tasks and build from there.

Next steps

Choose three tasks, describe them and decide on hours. Tell us who you need and we will recruit for it.