By Dan Gooder Richard

Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be the efficient and cost-effective answer to workload overload. But before you begin the interview process, be very clear about these issues:

1. Job description: Be specific about what needs to be accomplished; put job tasks, objectives, goals and all relevant details in writing.
2. Job parameters: Do you need someone to work with you on an ongoing basis or on a project-by-project basis?
3. Skills required: What skills will be required? Typically, VAs are hired for their specialty, so you can expect them to be trained and proficient.
4. Proximity: How important is it that your VA be located nearby? Will face-to-face meetings be needed? Or will phone calls, faxes and e-mails suffice once job responsibilities are established?
5. Autonomy: Can you delegate? Most VAs work autonomously. Are you sure you're ready to let a VA take a project and run with it?
6. Benchmarks and milestones: If the job requires deliverables, it's important to lay out a schedule with specific benchmarks and deadlines. Communicate your expectations, including the level of accountability your VA will have.
7. Fees. Know what fee you are willing to pay.

This Tip of the Week is from the 18th new rule of online marketing:

Old Rule: All this tech-talk is just Geek to me.
New Rule: You should definitely hire a virtual assistant.

From Dan Gooder Richard's book: REAL ESTATE RAINMAKER© GUIDE TO ONLINE MARKETING. (John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-47223-9).