Top 3 Ways to Communicate Well with Your Virtual Assistant

Communication is probably one of the top challenges faced by clients and Virtual Assistants, as they must overcome not only the barriers of the working space being in another country or location primarily the time difference, but also the technological and even cultural barriers in order to fully comprehend each other.

In building a harmonious beneficial relationship with your Virtual Assistant, you must establish good channels of communication that will help your business prosper and grow. Below are three simple tips for improving your connection with your assistant.

1. PRIORITIZE OPEN COMMUNICATION. As soon as you start giving tasks to your Virtual Assistant, it is the start of your relationship with them. That means establishing together the time to communicate and as well as the ways to effectively reach each other, be it via phone, email or online messengers like Skype or Slack because it is crucial towards the completion of your tasks. Even if both of you are in different time zones, there would surely be overlapping times that you can meet. Keep doing this until you are both comfortable working with each other. Remember, taking a few minutes every time you check-in with your Virtual Assistant asking how they are doing outside of work helps you to get to know the person behind the computer can definitely help you maintain open communication that is both respectful and friendly.
   

2. MAINTAIN MUTUAL RESPECT. You hired your Virtual Assistant for something you need help with and can no longer do. Respect the experience and knowledge of your Virtual Assistant. However, being straightforward is the only way your Virtual Assistant is ever going to learn what works best for you. So go ahead and tell them. Simply explain whatever the issue is in a respectful and thorough way as soon as it arises and they can quickly address it, allowing you both to move on (and up!). Remember, there are always ways to say or express your feelings in a very polite manner.
   

3. BUILD TRUST. Being in different parts of the world and just talking electronically, can make everything artificial. So, the first time you meet, have that friendly atmosphere. Ask what the day is like or the weekend was like, how the family is doing, how they feel or simply what’s the weather like. Or don’t just pop when you’re angry or unsatisfied over something. Celebrate the good work with them. That kind of positive feedback will let your Virtual Assistant feel that they’re valued and you appreciate the hard work they do. It will give them a confidence boost and help to make your relationship stronger as one that is open, honest, and genuine. Remember that even if you haven’t met physically, the talk should be that of human beings.

Communication is often a roadblock that breaks a business’s chances for success. Communicating constantly with your Virtual Assistant will definitely enhance your relationship with them making them one of the important members of your inner team.