Everyone who has a Virtual Assistant knows how many benefits their businesses get from them. They’re very cost-effective, abundant in skills, and time flexible when it comes to working schedules, as they’re always there when you need them and can leave you alone when you don’t. However, when you ask anyone who gets Virtual Assistant services about the downside of having one, you would most likely get the top answer about trusting them.

Of course, this is not saying that Virtual Assistants are not trustworthy – instead, it all boils down to what we were all taught as children – to not trust strangers, especially if you’ve only met them on the internet. It’s funny, but it’s true. However, building trust is one of the first things a business owner must ensure when it comes to building teams, whether remote or local staff.

So, how can we build trust with our Virtual Assistants or teammates working remotely? We’ve come up with the 3C’s or our pointers in building a trusting relationship with your Virtual Assistant.

Communication

When it comes to communication, there is nothing more important than being open and honest with each other. This is especially true when you are working with a virtual assistant. The interview process is vital in establishing trust and getting to know your VA better. Asking the right questions will help you determine if they are a good fit for your business needs. Furthermore, getting to know your virtual assistant personally will help build a strong foundation for a productive working relationship. When you take the time to communicate effectively, it will pay off in the long run.

After finding the perfect virtual assistant (VA) for your business, it’s vital to maintain open communication with them. This will help to ensure that they are meeting your expectations and that you are happy with their work. However, it’s also essential to strike a balance between being honest and being considerate. Be honest about your needs and expectations and consider your VA’s feelings and efforts. If you are constantly micromanaging them, they will quickly become frustrated and may not be able to meet your needs. However, if you’re not communicating with them, they may feel like they’re in the dark and not sure what you expect from them. Find the right balance for your situation, and you’ll have a productive working relationship with your VA.

Create Boundaries and Set Expectations

When you hire a Virtual Assistant, it is essential to be clear about your expectations for their work. Set deadlines for tasks and provide as much detail about what you need to do. If you have specific software or systems that they need to use, be sure to give them access and training to be up and running as soon as possible. Most importantly, trust that your Virtual Assistant will be able to finish the tasks on time and communicate with you if they are having any difficulty. By setting clear expectations and providing the tools and training needed, you can be confident that your Virtual Assistant will be able to support you in achieving your business goals. You can also ask them about their expectations of you. This way, you’ll know how you can help them if they need it.

Regarding boundaries, let them know what they can and can’t do for you. Limitations also apply to each other’s time; creating a communication schedule is one way of showing respect for people’s time, including their rest.

Collaboration For Data Management

Have a shared folder where you can drop data. This is an excellent way for safekeeping documents, but you can also track task progress here. You can do so by checking if the needed files from your Virtual Assistant have already been uploaded.

If you’re worried about how much data your VA can access, you can set up restrictions with your folders. This way, you have the authority on your business’ files and who gets to see them. Only give your VA access to the data they need in performing their task.

We know that you can’t achieve trust overnight. The old saying goes, “Trust is earned, not given.” And as much time and effort, it also takes constant work to keep it.

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