Like most effective leaders, you’re probably juggling a family, a career, a social life, and many more responsibilities (and doing a killer job at all of them). This means that social media and blogging understandably get bumped down the priority list. You have probably said to yourself, “There just aren’t enough hours in a day.” or, “If only I could clone myself.”. Well, you are certainly not alone.
Fortunately for you, thanks to modern technology, you can clone yourself. That’s right. Scientists have recently discovered the key to successfully cloning a human being. OK, fine. Not really. But there is another, less-science fiction-y way to accomplish all the important things on your list and still have time to build your digital presence via blogging and social media. Enter the virtual assistant.
VA’s are becoming more and more commonplace, especially in the entrepreneur/startup/freelancer world. Very simply, a virtual assistant provides all the same benefit of a regular executive assistant. They just aren’t there in the office with you. In fact, many of them work remotely from all over the world. I have employed two virtual assistants over the last year, one from India and my current one, Levi, lives in the Phillipines. You don’t have to go the international route, as there are countless options if you prefer going domestic.
Here are a few common questions about hiring a virtual assistant to help with blogging and social media.
What can they do for me?
Researching/posting to social media
Having a trusted teammate research and post to social media on your behalf allows you to focus on the areas of highest importance. For example, I have my VA keep my Buffer filled with great content to share on Twitter and Linkedin, allowing me to go in every once and a while and double-check each post before it goes live. This enables me to focus on having quality engagement with my followers and friends.
Help with blog writing
When it comes to blogging, I have my VA conduct research based on the ideas I have for my blogs. This takes a huge chunk of the less-fun work and saves me a ton of time. I am then able to focus the maximum effort on writing the best content that I possibly can. Once the writing is done, I have my VA check my post for spelling and grammar before it goes live, one last time. It’s always great to get an extra pair of eyes on something.
The sky is the limit
Former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishing, current productivity guru, and huge proponent of hiring VAs, Michael Hyatt recommends using the following “formula” for determining tasks to delegate.
“What are the three or four activities you do well and which add the most value to your organization? Literally write these down…Everything not on your list is a candidate for delegation.”
Obviously, a disqualifying factor is if the job requires their physical presence. Other than that, let your imagination run wild.
Can I afford a virtual assistant?
The market for virtual assistants absolutely runs the pricing gamut. Some of the domestic VA staffing firms charge up to $50/hour, plus a fee for finding and on-boarding. On the flip side, thanks to the global marketplace (and greater availability of quality internet access) one can even hire a VA for as little as $4/hr.
Note: Visit Virtual Assistant Assistant for reviews of all the major VA hiring options.
What if I don’t need someone full-time?
No worries here. Don’t be afraid to start low and increase as your business and life demands. My VA only works for me 5 hours per week and that is plenty of time to cover all of my social media and blogging needs. You can increase or decrease their hours as needed. These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about hiring a virtual assistant. Frankly, I haven’t even scratched the surface of what is possible when it comes to working with a VA.
If you have any experience of your own, or have any further questions about my experience with virtual assistants, feel free to let me know in the comments.
Great post, Reade.
Thanks, Adam!
Your blog is beautiful to read its very interesting to read.Thank you!