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05 Feb, 2025

34 5 Mistakes NOT to Make When Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Part 1 in a 4 part series on hiring the right VA for your business.

Five Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Hiring a VA with Andrea Slate

In this episode of The Pulse on Human Design, Vickie Dickson is joined by Andrea Slate, an Online Business Manager (OBM), to discuss the top five mistakes entrepreneurs make when hiring a virtual assistant (VA). Andrea’s extensive experience in project management and working with businesses at all stages makes her the perfect guest to guide listeners through these common pitfalls. This episode is part one of a four-part series on successfully hiring and working with a VA.

Key Takeaways:

Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Hire a VA

Entrepreneurs often wait until they are at 100% capacity to hire, creating bottlenecks in their business. Andrea recommends starting the hiring process when you’re operating at 75-80% capacity to allow time for onboarding and finding the right fit.

Mistake #2: Not Defining Your Needs

Clearly outline what tasks you want to outsource before hiring. Consider what is outside your skill set, what takes you away from income-generating activities, and what drains your energy. This clarity will help you hire the right person for the job.

Mistake #3: Failing to Pre-Screen and Interview

Don’t skip this step! Ask about past experience, work examples, and references. Ensure the VA’s skills align with your needs and clarify whether you’re working directly with the VA or through an agency.

Mistake #4: Not Testing Skills Before Hiring

Conduct a soft launch by assigning small tasks or projects to gauge their abilities, communication style, and fit within your business before giving them full access.

Mistake #5: Paying the Wrong Amount

Avoid underpaying or overpaying. Understand the difference between general VA tasks and specialized services like web design or strategic planning. Paying fairly ensures quality work and sustainability for both parties.

Special Announcements:

Certified VA Program: Bodygraph.com now offers a VA certification program! Certified VAs are trained in the Bodygraph.com systems, ensuring they are skilled and ready to support Human Design and astrology-based businesses.

Learn more or apply here. – https://bodygraphchart.com/va/

Free 21-Day Trial: New to Bodygraph.com? Start your free trial today and discover tools and resources to scale your business sustainably. From embedding charts on your website to generating personalized reports for passive income, we have you covered.

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Join Our Community: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs in the Bodygraph.com Facebook group for insights, collaboration, and support.

Find us here – https://www.facebook.com/groups/bodygraph

Visit https://www.andreaslate.com/ to learn more about Andrea and her work in the online space.

Links Mentioned:

  • Start your free trial: Bodygraph Chart Free Trial
  • Apply for VA certification: VA Certification Application
  • Join the Facebook group: Bodygraph Chart Community

Next Episode:

Stay tuned for part two of this series, where Vickie Dickson and Andrea Slate will discuss how to prepare your business for hiring your first VA.