How to Hire a VA for Authors

I wanted to call this Essentials on hiring a VA, but I find "How to..." more effective for SEO--evil marketer that I am. But I've determined after hiring a few, there are some key elements you might want to think about before hand.

First, do you need a VA?

Silly question because if you're looking for a VA, you've determined you need a VA. However, review your motives for hiring. You'll be able to ask better questions that way and it's possible you can just go to fiverr or mechanical turk for projects.

Next, evaluate yourself. Again, sounds silly, but people don't always express what they are looking for in a VA. If you're a type A personality, you may, or may not, work well with other type A personalities. That needs to be acknowledged and expressed. Type A is difficult to get along with and needs a certain finesse. Here are some things to ask yourself:

1. Do you feel you could do a better job than anyone else?
2. How much time are you willing to train this person?
3. How much time do you want from this person?
4. What is the best personality type that you can work with?
5. What kind, or how much, communication do you need from this person?
6. What work style do you prefer? Structured? Spur of the moment? You don't care as long as the work gets done?
7. What is your budget?

Reflect on those answers. Ask your own questions. Manage your expectations and communicate those expectations to your VA.

Next are the questions you should ask the VA to determine if they might fit you well. Based on the answers you give above, ponder on what type of person you want. Here is where that "who is your reader" exercise in writing applies to "who is your VA".

Are they a stay at home mom? Do they work when you're online? Do you want them to report in everyday? Everybody wants a worker who "Pays attention to detail", is "available" at your whim, but lets face reality...unless you pay them a fantastic wage of $50,000 - $150,000/year they have to manage their time with you and other clients. Which means time sensitive projects should be handled by you. Daily work is awesome for VA's. Here are some things to ask your potential VA:

1. How many hours do you have available to work per day/week/month?
2. What is your process for...(here is where you can ask a few questions specific to authors like: finding reviews? scheduling interviews? preparing a virtual blog tour? or anything you need)
3. What time of day would you be able to devote to my spur of the moment requests?/or conversly, How much time can I expect a project completed?
4. How do you organize your time?
5. Are there any specific days you do not work?
6. Do you prefer structured direction? (Meaning, do you need to give them a step-by-step instruction on how you do things by email, google-chat or skype? Do they need daily list of tasks?)
7. Are you willing to do projects or do you want an hourly rate?

ACTION ITEM: If you're looking for a VA--prepare your questions ahead of time!

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