Categories
Virtual Assistants

Where to Find and How to Hire a Virtual Assistant

where to find a virtual assistant

Have you ever wondered:

“Where to find & hire a virtual assistant?” 

We’ve been there too. And we want to make it simple.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I’ve been building companies with virtual assistants and outsourced talent for the past 10+ years.

Today, I own Outsource School, EcomBalance, and AccountsBalance and I employ a team of 25+ VAs and freelancers from the Philippines and other areas of the world.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about where to find a virtual assistant and how to hire them for your business.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

  • Benefits of Having a Virtual Assistant
  • What’s the Importance of Finding the Right VA?
  • How To Identify Your VA Needs and Job Requirements
  • What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Hire From?
  • How To Conduct a Virtual Assistant Search
  • What are Some Factors to Consider in Hiring a Virtual Assistant?
  • What are Important Questions To Ask During An Interview?
  • How To Make the Hiring Decision
  • Tips on Onboarding and Managing Your Virtual Assistant

Benefits of Having a Virtual Assistant

  1. Enhanced Productivity and Time Management:
  • Delegating repetitive and time-consuming tasks to a virtual assistant frees up your time to focus on high-value activities, such as strategy development and business growth.
  • VAs can handle various administrative tasks, such as email management, appointment scheduling, data entry, and customer support, which can significantly increase your productivity.
  1. Cost Savings:
  • Hiring a virtual assistant is often more cost-effective than employing an in-house staff member. With a VA, you save on expenses like office space, equipment, and benefits.
  • VAs are typically paid on an hourly or task basis, allowing you to scale their workload based on your business needs. This flexibility helps control costs and optimize your budget.
  1. Expertise and Skills:
  • Virtual assistants often possess specialized skills and expertise that can benefit your online business. Whether it’s graphic design, social media management, content writing, or web development, you can find VAs with the specific skill set you need.
  • By leveraging the expertise of a virtual assistant, you can access professional-level support without having to invest in extensive training or hiring full-time employees.
  1. Scalability and Flexibility:
  • As your online business grows, your workload will increase. Virtual assistants provide the scalability and flexibility necessary to meet these changing demands. You can easily adjust their hours, workload, or hire additional VAs as needed.
  • During peak seasons or special projects, you can rely on VAs to handle the extra workload, ensuring your business runs smoothly without overwhelming yourself or your core team.
  1. Focus on Core Business Activities:
  • By delegating tasks to a virtual assistant, you can shift your focus to strategic planning, marketing, sales, and customer acquisition—activities that directly impact the growth and success of your online business.
  • This allows you to work on important tasks that leverage your expertise while trusting your virtual assistant to handle the day-to-day operational aspects.
  1. Improved Work-Life Balance:
  • Running an online business often involves long hours and high stress levels. By offloading tasks to a virtual assistant, you can regain a sense of balance in your life.
  • With a VA managing routine administrative and operational tasks, you can enjoy more free time, reduce stress, and engage in activities that enhance your overall well-being.

What’s the Importance of Finding the Right VA?

  1. Task Efficiency and Quality:
  • A competent virtual assistant who possesses the necessary skills and experience will deliver high-quality work in a timely manner.
  • By finding the right VA, you can ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and to your satisfaction, allowing you to maintain a consistent level of productivity and meet your business goals.
  1. Effective Communication and Collaboration:
  • Good communication is vital when working with a virtual assistant. The right VA will possess excellent communication skills, be responsive, and provide regular updates on task progress.
  • A VA who understands your instructions and can ask clarifying questions when needed fosters a collaborative working relationship, leading to better outcomes for your business.
  1. Adaptability and Problem-Solving Abilities:
  • Online businesses often encounter unexpected challenges and changes. A resourceful virtual assistant who is adaptable and possesses strong problem-solving abilities can help navigate these situations effectively.
  • Look for a VA who can think critically, adapt to new tools and technologies, and proactively find solutions to challenges that may arise in your business operations.
  1. Cultural and Language Fit:
  • Consider the cultural and language fit when hiring a virtual assistant. If your business caters to a specific demographic or operates in a particular region, having a VA who understands the cultural nuances and speaks the language can be highly beneficial.
  • A virtual assistant who can effectively communicate with your target audience and tailor their work to suit your business’s specific needs will contribute to your overall success.
  1. Trust and Reliability:
  • Trust is a critical factor in any business relationship, including the one with your virtual assistant. Look for a VA who demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and reliability.
  • A trustworthy virtual assistant will respect confidentiality, handle sensitive information with care, and consistently deliver work on time, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to focus on other aspects of your business.
  1. Long-Term Partnership Potential:
  • Finding the right virtual assistant means identifying someone with whom you can build a long-term working relationship. Continuity and familiarity with your business processes and goals are valuable assets.
  • Investing time in finding a VA who aligns with your vision and values can lead to a long-term partnership, reducing the need for frequent hiring and onboarding of new assistants.

How To Identify Your VA Needs and Job Requirements

  1. Assess Your Business Operations:
  • Evaluate your current business operations and identify areas where you could benefit from VA assistance. This could include tasks such as email management, customer support, social media management, content creation, data entry, or administrative work.
  • Consider which tasks consume a significant portion of your time or require specialized skills that you may not possess. These are ideal areas to delegate to a virtual assistant.
  1. Define Specific Tasks and Responsibilities:
  • Break down the identified areas into specific tasks and responsibilities. Be as detailed as possible in outlining what you expect the VA to handle.
  • Determine the frequency and volume of each task, whether it’s daily, weekly, or on an as-needed basis. This will help you estimate the required hours and set appropriate expectations.
  1. Identify Required Skills and Experience:
  • Determine the skills and experience necessary to perform the tasks effectively. Consider both technical skills (e.g., graphic design, copywriting, programming) and soft skills (e.g., communication, organization, problem-solving).
  • Assess whether you need a VA with prior experience in your industry or specific software/tools relevant to your business. This ensures they can seamlessly integrate into your operations.
  1. Consider Language and Cultural Requirements:
  • Depending on your business’s target audience or the nature of your work, you may require a virtual assistant who speaks a specific language or understands a particular culture.
  • If your business operates in multiple regions or has a diverse customer base, consider whether multilingual skills or cultural knowledge would be advantageous.
  1. Determine Working Hours and Time Zone Compatibility:
  • Decide whether you need a virtual assistant who can work within specific hours or time zones. This is particularly important for tasks that require real-time communication or immediate response.
  • Consider your own availability and the hours during which you would need the VA’s support to ensure a smooth workflow and collaboration.
  1. Outline Communication and Reporting Expectations:
  • Clearly define your preferred modes of communication, whether it’s email, project management tools, instant messaging apps, or regular video calls.
  • Specify your expectations regarding communication frequency, responsiveness, and reporting on task progress. This will ensure effective coordination and transparency.
  1. Set Budget and Compensation:
  • Establish a budget for your virtual assistant based on your business’s financial resources and the value you place on the tasks being delegated.
  • Determine whether you prefer to pay an hourly rate, a fixed project rate, or a monthly retainer. Consider the average rates for VAs with the desired skills and experience.

What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Websites to Hire From?

best place to find va

  1. Upwork (www.upwork.com): Upwork is one of the largest and most well-known platforms for hiring freelancers, including virtual assistants. It offers a wide range of skilled professionals from various fields, allowing you to find VAs with diverse expertise. Upwork provides tools for managing contracts, tracking time, and facilitating communication between clients and freelancers.
  2. Freelancer (www.freelancer.com): Freelancer is another popular platform that connects businesses with freelancers, including virtual assistants. It offers a vast talent pool with freelancers from around the world, allowing you to find VAs with different skill sets and competitive rates. Freelancer provides features like project management tools and dispute resolution services.
  3. FreeUp (www.freeup.net): FreeUp is a platform specializing in connecting businesses with pre-vetted freelancers, including virtual assistants. They have a rigorous screening process to ensure high-quality talent. FreeUp offers a hands-on approach, matching you with the most suitable VA based on your specific needs. They focus on eCommerce, marketing, and web development services.
  4. OnlineJobs.ph (www.onlinejobs.ph): OnlineJobs.ph is a platform specifically dedicated to Filipino virtual assistants. It focuses on connecting businesses with highly skilled VAs from the Philippines. This platform is particularly popular for its extensive talent pool of English-speaking VAs at affordable rates. OnlineJobs.ph allows direct communication between employers and job seekers.
  5. Fiverr (www.fiverr.com): Fiverr is a well-known freelance marketplace that offers a wide range of services, including virtual assistance. On Fiverr, you can find VAs offering specialized services and packages at different price points. The platform is known for its user-friendly interface and the ability to browse through a variety of VAs’ portfolios and reviews.
  6. Toptal (www.toptal.com): Toptal is a premium talent marketplace that focuses on connecting businesses with top-tier freelancers, including virtual assistants. They have a rigorous screening process to ensure that only the most experienced professionals are accepted. Toptal is known for providing highly skilled VAs in fields such as software development, design, and project management.

How To Conduct a Virtual Assistant Search

where to hire a virtual assistant

  1. Crafting an Effective Job Description:
  • Clearly define the responsibilities, tasks, and skills required for the virtual assistant role. Be specific and provide details to attract candidates who align with your needs.
  • Mention any preferred qualifications, such as industry experience, technical skills, or language proficiency.
  • Highlight your company culture and values to attract VAs who resonate with your business’s vision.
  • Include information about working hours, time zone requirements, and preferred communication channels.
  1. Screening and Shortlisting Candidates:
  • Review resumes, portfolios, and profiles on virtual assistant platforms or job boards.
  • Look for relevant experience, skills, and achievements that match your job requirements.
  • Check for positive reviews or testimonials from previous clients.
  • Consider conducting a preliminary skills test or request work samples to assess their abilities.
  • Narrow down your list to a shortlist of candidates who best meet your criteria.
  1. Conducting Interviews and Assessments:
  • Schedule interviews with your shortlisted candidates. Use video conferencing tools for a more personal connection.
  • Prepare a set of interview questions that assess both technical skills and soft skills, such as communication and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ask about their experience with similar tasks, their preferred working style, and how they handle challenges.
  • Evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and overall professionalism during the interview.
  • Consider giving them a trial task or a small project to assess their ability to meet your expectations.

Bonus Tip: Trust your instincts and pay attention to how well you connect with each candidate. Cultural fit and compatibility are important factors in building a successful working relationship with your virtual assistant.

What are Some Factors to Consider in Hiring a Virtual Assistant?

  1. Communication:
  • Effective communication is crucial when working with a virtual assistant. Assess their communication skills during the hiring process. Look for responsiveness, clarity, and the ability to understand and follow instructions.
  • Consider their language proficiency, both in written and verbal communication, to ensure smooth and efficient collaboration.
  • Evaluate their ability to proactively ask questions, seek clarification, and provide regular updates on task progress.
  1. Attitude:
  • A positive attitude is invaluable in a virtual assistant. Look for candidates who demonstrate enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a proactive mindset.
  • Assess their ability to handle feedback and make necessary improvements. A VA who is receptive to feedback and actively seeks ways to improve can contribute to a more productive working relationship.
  • Consider their level of professionalism and reliability, as these traits are essential for a successful partnership.
  1. Red Flags:
  • Look out for red flags during the hiring process. These may include inconsistent communication, missed deadlines, or negative reviews from previous clients.
  • Pay attention to how they present themselves during interviews and assess their level of preparedness and attention to detail.
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels off or if there are any warning signs, it may be wise to explore other options.
  1. Experience:
  • Consider the VA’s level of experience in your industry or with the specific tasks you need assistance with. While experience can be valuable, keep in mind that a lack of experience doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be a good fit.
  • Assess their track record by reviewing their portfolio, work samples, or client testimonials. Look for relevant projects they have successfully completed.
  • Evaluate whether their experience aligns with the demands of your business and the skills required for the role.

What are Important Questions To Ask During An Interview?

  1. Can you tell me about your previous experience as a virtual assistant?
  • Gain insight into their work history, the types of tasks they have handled, and the industries they have worked in.
  • Ask for specific examples of projects or tasks they have successfully completed, highlighting their relevant experience.
  1. What specific skills do you bring to the table as a virtual assistant?
  • Inquire about their technical skills, software proficiency, and any specialized knowledge that could benefit your business.
  • Ask about their ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and handle various aspects of virtual assistance.
  1. How do you handle communication and ensure effective collaboration in a remote working setup?
  • Assess their approach to communication tools, frequency of updates, and their preferred methods of staying connected with clients.
  • Inquire about their strategies for managing time zone differences, availability for meetings, and response times.
  1. How do you handle feedback and constructive criticism?
  • Gauge their ability to receive feedback and make necessary improvements.
  • Inquire about their approach to handling challenging situations or tasks and how they adapt to changing requirements.
  1. Can you provide examples of situations where you demonstrated problem-solving skills?
  • Evaluate their ability to think critically and find solutions to challenges.
  • Ask for specific examples of how they have resolved issues or implemented improvements in their previous roles.
  1. What is your preferred working style and how do you prioritize tasks?
  • Understand their preferred work environment, time management methods, and how they prioritize tasks to ensure efficient completion.
  • Assess their ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
  1. How do you ensure confidentiality and handle sensitive information?
  • Inquire about their approach to maintaining confidentiality and protecting sensitive data.
  • Assess their understanding of data security protocols and their ability to adhere to privacy guidelines.
  1. Can you describe a time when you went above and beyond for a client or employer?
  • Evaluate their commitment to delivering exceptional service and their dedication to exceeding expectations.
  • Look for examples that demonstrate their initiative, creativity, and willingness to go the extra mile.

How To Make the Best Hiring Decision

  1. Thoroughly Evaluate Candidates:
  • Review resumes, portfolios, and work samples to assess their skills and experience.
  • Consider conducting preliminary assessments or skills tests to gauge their proficiency in relevant tasks.
  • Check references or reach out to previous clients to gather insights about their performance and professionalism.
  1. Conduct In-Depth Interviews:
  • Prepare a list of comprehensive interview questions that cover technical skills, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability.
  • Take note of their responses, paying attention to their ability to articulate their thoughts, provide relevant examples, and showcase their expertise.
  • Evaluate how well they align with your company values and culture.
  1. Assess Compatibility:
  • Consider how well the virtual assistant’s working style and availability align with your business needs.
  • Assess their ability to handle the specific tasks and responsibilities required for your business.
  • Evaluate their level of responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
  1. Consider Cultural Fit:
  • Assess whether the VA’s values, work ethic, and communication style align with your business culture.
  • Consider their ability to adapt to your preferred communication channels and collaborate effectively with your team or other VAs.
  • Look for a virtual assistant who shares your commitment to professionalism, accountability, and quality.
  1. Trust Your Instincts:
  • Pay attention to your gut feeling and intuition throughout the hiring process.
  • Consider the chemistry and rapport you feel during interviews and interactions.
  • If something feels off or raises concerns, take the time to explore further or consider other candidates.
  1. Start with a Trial Period:
  • Consider offering a trial period to assess the VA’s performance and compatibility.
  • Set clear expectations and evaluate their ability to meet those expectations.
  • Use this period to determine if they are the right fit for a long-term working relationship.
  1. Seek Feedback from Your Team:
  • If applicable, involve your team in the hiring process to gather their perspectives.
  • Seek feedback on the candidates’ qualifications, compatibility, and potential contributions.
  • Consider their insights as additional input to inform your decision-making.

Tips on Onboarding and Managing Your Virtual Assistant

  1. Establish Clear Expectations:
  • Clearly define the scope of work, responsibilities, and objectives for your VA from the start.
  • Provide detailed instructions, guidelines, and resources to ensure a thorough understanding of tasks and expectations.
  • Set realistic deadlines and milestones to track progress and measure performance.
  1. Develop Effective Communication Channels:
  • Establish regular communication channels, such as video calls, instant messaging, and email, to facilitate seamless interaction.
  • Clearly communicate preferred communication methods and response time expectations.
  • Schedule regular check-ins and meetings to provide feedback, address questions, and discuss ongoing projects.
  1. Foster a Positive Working Relationship:
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages open communication and collaboration.
  • Show appreciation for their contributions and recognize their achievements.
  • Foster a sense of teamwork by involving them in decision-making processes and encouraging their input.
  1. Provide Access to Necessary Tools and Resources:
  • Ensure your VA has access to the tools, software, and resources they need to perform their tasks efficiently.
  • Provide training or access to training materials to enhance their skills and knowledge.
  • Offer clear instructions on how to use any specific tools or platforms relevant to your business.
  1. Establish Clear Systems and Workflows:
  • Document standard operating procedures (SOPs) and workflows to ensure consistency and efficiency.
  • Share access to relevant files, documents, and project management tools.
  • Clearly define reporting structures and procedures for tracking progress and resolving issues.
  1. Encourage Feedback and Continuous Improvement:
  • Create a culture of open feedback and encourage your VA to share their ideas, suggestions, and concerns.
  • Regularly review performance and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Offer opportunities for professional development and growth to enhance their skills and expertise.
  1. Regularly Review and Adjust:
  • Conduct periodic performance evaluations to assess progress and address any areas of improvement.
  • Identify bottlenecks, challenges, or areas where additional support may be needed.
  • Adapt and adjust your management approach based on feedback and evolving business needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I determine the right budget for hiring a virtual assistant?

Determining the right budget for hiring a virtual assistant involves considering several factors. Start by assessing the tasks and responsibilities you want to delegate and the level of expertise required. Research prevailing rates in the market for virtual assistants with similar qualifications and experience. Consider the complexity and volume of work, the time commitment needed, and the desired level of professionalism. Balance your budgetary constraints with the value you expect to gain from the VA’s contributions. It’s important to invest in quality and reliability, but also be mindful of your overall business budget. By carefully evaluating these factors and finding a balance between affordability and quality, you can determine a reasonable budget that aligns with your business needs.

2. Are there specialized agencies or companies that offer virtual assistant services?

Yes, there are specialized agencies and companies that offer virtual assistant services. These agencies and companies focus on providing virtual assistants with various skill sets and expertise to cater to specific industries or tasks. They often have a pool of pre-screened and trained virtual assistants available for hire. Some examples of specialized agencies or companies include TaskBullet, Boldly, and VirtualStaff.ph. These specialized service providers can be a convenient option for businesses looking for virtual assistants with specific skills or industry knowledge, as they streamline the hiring process and ensure access to qualified professionals in a particular field.

3. What are the pros and cons of hiring a freelance virtual assistant versus a dedicated assistant from an agency?

Hiring a freelance virtual assistant offers the advantage of flexibility, as you can find individuals with specific skills on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer. Freelancers often offer competitive rates and can be suitable for short-term or project-based tasks. However, the downside is that freelancers may have multiple clients and may not be available at all times. On the other hand, hiring a dedicated virtual assistant from an agency provides the benefit of having a consistent and reliable professional who is exclusively committed to your business. Agencies handle the hiring, training, and management aspects, saving you time and effort. However, dedicated assistants from agencies might come at a higher cost and could have limitations in terms of availability or flexibility compared to freelancers. The choice between a freelance virtual assistant and a dedicated assistant from an agency ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences for long-term commitment or task-specific expertise.

4. Are there any legal or contractual considerations when hiring a virtual assistant?

Yes, there are legal and contractual considerations when hiring a virtual assistant. It’s important to have a well-drafted contract or agreement that outlines the terms of the working relationship, including the scope of work, payment terms, confidentiality clauses, intellectual property rights, termination provisions, and any applicable non-disclosure agreements or non-compete clauses. Additionally, depending on your jurisdiction, you may need to ensure compliance with local labor laws, tax obligations, and any legal requirements related to hiring remote workers. Consulting with legal professionals or seeking guidance from relevant government authorities can help ensure that your contractual arrangements with virtual assistants are legally sound and compliant with the applicable regulations.

5. How can I build a long-term working relationship with a virtual assistant?

Building a long-term working relationship with a virtual assistant requires open communication, mutual trust, and ongoing support. Start by clearly defining expectations, providing thorough onboarding, and setting regular check-ins to discuss progress and address any concerns. Foster a positive working environment by recognizing their contributions and creating opportunities for growth and development. Invest time in understanding their strengths and interests to assign tasks that align with their expertise. Regularly communicate your business goals and involve them in decision-making processes. Show appreciation for their efforts, provide constructive feedback, and be responsive to their needs. Building a strong foundation of trust, respect, and collaboration will help foster a long-term working relationship with your virtual assistant.

What Is Outsource School?

outsource school

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

Conclusion

Feel better prepared to hire a virtual assistant now?

Did we answer the questions:

“Where can I find a virtual assistant?”

“How can I hire a virtual assistant?”

If we didn’t, let us know.

If you still want help, Schedule a call with us or check out our trainings at Outsource School.

Happy hiring!

Categories
Virtual Assistants

How Can a Virtual Assistant Help Your Amazon Seller Business?

amazon seller virtual assistant

Interested in hiring an Amazon virtual assistant?

You’ve come to the right place.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I’ve been an Entrepreneur for the past 10 years and my first business was selling products on Amazon.

One of the ways we were able to scale to 7 figures in yearly revenue was hiring and working with Amazon virtual assistants.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Amazon VAs and how they can help your business.

Here’s what we’ll cover: 

  • What Is an Amazon Seller Virtual Assistant?
  • What Tasks Can an Amazon VA Handle?
  • What Websites Can You Use to Hire Amazon VAs?
  • How Much Should You Expect to Pay for an Amazon VA?
  • Case Study: How Olivia’s Life Changed After Hiring Her Amazon VA
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Amazon Seller Virtual Assistant?

An Amazon seller virtual assistant is a remote professional who provides essential support to entrepreneurs selling products on Amazon.

They are skilled individuals who assist in managing various aspects of an Amazon business, allowing sellers to focus on strategic growth and core operations.

These virtual assistants undertake a wide range of responsibilities tailored to the needs of Amazon sellers. They can handle product research, helping identify profitable products, analyzing market trends, and assessing competition. Listing optimization is another crucial task they excel at, crafting persuasive product titles, bullet points, and descriptions that enhance visibility and drive conversions.

Hiring an Amazon seller virtual assistant offers numerous benefits, such as time and cost savings, scalability, and access to specialized expertise.

These professionals help streamline operations, increase productivity, and improve customer service. By delegating tasks to a capable virtual assistant, Amazon sellers can focus on strategic decision-making, expanding their product offerings, and achieving long-term success on the platform.

What Tasks Can an Amazon VA Handle?

virtual assistant for amazon

  1. Product Research: Conducting market research to identify profitable products and potential niches.
  2. Listing Optimization: Optimizing product listings with persuasive titles, bullet points, and descriptions to improve visibility and conversions.
  3. Inventory Management: Monitoring and managing stock levels to ensure timely restocking and minimize stockouts.
  4. Order Processing: Managing the order fulfillment process, tracking shipments, and resolving any issues.
  5. Customer Service: Handling customer inquiries, providing support, and addressing reviews to maintain positive customer experiences.
  6. Keyword Research: Identifying relevant keywords to optimize product listings and improve search rankings.
  7. Competitor Analysis: Monitoring competitors’ strategies, pricing, and performance to gain a competitive edge.
  8. PPC Advertising: Assisting in managing Amazon advertising campaigns, optimizing keywords, and monitoring performance.
  9. Review Management: Monitoring and responding to customer reviews, addressing concerns, and maintaining a positive brand reputation.
  10. Data Analysis: Analyzing sales metrics, identifying trends, and generating reports to make informed business decisions.
  11. Social Media Management: Creating and managing social media accounts to increase brand awareness and engagement.
  12. Product Sourcing: Researching and sourcing new products and suppliers to expand product offerings.
  13. Pricing Strategy: Analyzing market trends and competitors’ pricing to optimize product pricing for maximum profitability.
  14. Deal Hunting: Identifying and evaluating potential deals, promotions, and discounts to boost sales.
  15. Image Editing: Enhancing product images and creating visually appealing graphics for listings.
  16. Market Expansion: Assisting in launching products in new Amazon marketplaces to reach a broader customer base.
  17. Email Marketing: Creating and managing email marketing campaigns to drive customer engagement and repeat purchases.
  18. Inventory Reconciliation: Conducting regular audits to reconcile physical inventory with Amazon’s records.
  19. Returns and Refunds: Handling return requests, processing refunds, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
  20. Performance Tracking: Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the success and growth of the Amazon business.

What Websites Can You Use to Hire Amazon VAs?

Here’s a list of the top 5 freelance websites that we recommend hiring from:

  1. FreeUp: FreeUp is a popular platform for hiring freelancers, including Amazon VAs. They have a rigorous vetting process, ensuring that you can find pre-vetted, top-tier virtual assistants. FreeUp offers a range of skill sets and expertise, making it easier to find the right fit for your specific Amazon business needs.
  2. OnlineJobs.ph: OnlineJobs.ph is a leading job board focused on connecting entrepreneurs with Filipino virtual assistants. Many Filipino VAs have experience in eCommerce and Amazon-related tasks, making it a valuable resource for hiring Amazon VAs. The platform allows you to post job listings and browse through a vast pool of talented Filipino professionals.
  3. Upwork: Upwork is a well-known freelancing platform that offers a diverse range of skilled professionals, including Amazon VAs. It provides a user-friendly interface where you can post job descriptions, review freelancers’ profiles, and communicate with potential hires. Upwork offers various pricing models, including hourly and fixed-rate contracts, to accommodate different hiring preferences.
  4. Fiverr: Fiverr is a marketplace for freelancers offering a wide array of services, including Amazon-related tasks. You can search for Amazon VAs with specific skills, review their portfolios, and hire them directly through the platform.
  5. OutsourceSchool.com: OutsourceSchool.com is a valuable resource for finding Amazon VAs and learning about outsourcing strategies. While it’s not a hiring platform itself, it offers guidance, courses, and resources on how to effectively hire and manage virtual assistants for your eCommerce and Amazon business. You can find valuable insights and connect with a community of entrepreneurs who specialize in outsourcing.

How Much Should You Expect to Pay for an Amazon VA?

virtual assistant rates

The hourly rates for Amazon VAs can vary depending on the location of the virtual assistant.

Here’s a general breakdown of estimated hourly rate ranges based on different countries:

  1. United States:
    • Estimated hourly rate range: $20 – $50+
    • Virtual assistants based in the US typically have higher hourly rates due to the higher cost of living and the prevailing wage rates. They may offer specialized skills and extensive experience in eCommerce and Amazon-related tasks.
  2. Philippines:
    • Estimated hourly rate range: $5 – $15
    • Filipino virtual assistants often provide excellent value for money. They are known for their strong work ethic, proficiency in English, and familiarity with Amazon-related tasks. The lower cost of living in the Philippines allows for competitive pricing without compromising quality.
  3. United Kingdom:
    • Estimated hourly rate range: £15 – £35
    • VAs based in the UK tend to have higher hourly rates compared to those in the Philippines. The cost of living and prevailing wage rates contribute to the relatively higher rates. UK-based virtual assistants may offer localized knowledge and expertise in the European market.
  4. India:
    • Estimated hourly rate range: $8 – $20
    • Indian virtual assistants often provide cost-effective solutions for Amazon sellers. They offer a diverse range of skills and are proficient in English. The lower cost of living in India allows for competitive pricing, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.

It’s important to note that these are general estimates, and individual rates can vary based on factors such as the virtual assistant’s experience, skill set, and the complexity of the tasks involved.

Additionally, while hourly rates are commonly used, some virtual assistants may prefer fixed project-based or monthly rates.

Marketplace Fees

When hiring through platforms like Upwork, FreeUp, Fiverr, and similar marketplaces, it’s important to consider the impact of marketplace fees on the freelancer’s hourly rate.

These platforms typically charge a service fee or commission that can range from around 5% to 20% or more of the freelancer’s earnings. This fee is deducted by the platform from the amount the client pays, which means the freelancer receives a reduced portion of their stated hourly rate.

For example, if a freelancer sets their hourly rate at $20 and the platform charges a 10% service fee, the client will be billed $22 per hour, but the freelancer will receive $18. This fee structure can influence the effective hourly rate that freelancers are willing to accept to account for the deductions. Some freelancers may adjust their rates slightly to compensate for the marketplace fees and ensure they still receive their desired income.

Case Study: How Olivia’s Life Changed After Hiring Her Amazon VA

Before Hiring the Amazon VA: Olivia was a determined eCommerce entrepreneur selling products on Amazon. She was passionate about her business but found herself overwhelmed with numerous tasks. Olivia was handling everything on her own, from product research and listing optimization to customer service and order processing. She knew she needed help to scale her business and regain her work-life balance.

During the Hiring Process: Olivia decided to hire an Amazon VA to lighten her workload and streamline her operations. She carefully crafted a job description outlining the specific tasks she needed assistance with, such as product research, listing optimization, and customer service. Olivia used reputable platforms like Upwork and FreeUp to find qualified virtual assistants.

After reviewing several applications and conducting interviews, Olivia selected a skilled Amazon VA who had experience in her industry. She communicated her expectations, provided training materials, and established a collaborative working relationship with her new VA. They set up regular communication channels to ensure a seamless workflow.

After Hiring the Amazon VA: Once Olivia’s Amazon VA was onboarded and fully integrated into her business, the positive impact became evident.

Here’s how Olivia’s life changed after hiring her Amazon VA:

  1. Time Freedom: Olivia gained precious time to focus on strategic aspects of her business. She no longer felt overwhelmed with day-to-day tasks, allowing her to allocate more time to growth-oriented activities, such as exploring new product opportunities and expanding into different marketplaces.
  2. Increased Productivity: With the Amazon VA taking care of critical operational tasks, Olivia’s productivity soared. She could accomplish more in less time, resulting in improved efficiency and overall business performance.
  3. Enhanced Customer Service: The Amazon VA handled customer inquiries, responded to reviews promptly, and resolved issues with professionalism and care. Olivia noticed a significant improvement in customer satisfaction, leading to positive reviews and repeat business.
  4. Streamlined Operations: Tasks like product research, listing optimization, and order processing were executed flawlessly by the Amazon VA. Olivia’s business operations became more organized and streamlined, resulting in fewer errors and improved overall performance.
  5. Business Growth: With more time and a reliable support system in place, Olivia’s business experienced substantial growth. She was able to expand her product line, optimize her listings, and implement effective marketing strategies. The increased productivity and enhanced customer service contributed to higher sales and profitability.
  6. Work-Life Balance: Hiring the Amazon VA allowed Olivia to regain control of her personal life. She no longer had to work long hours or sacrifice quality time with family and friends. Olivia could enjoy the benefits of running a successful business while also having time for her own well-being.

In conclusion, hiring an Amazon VA transformed Olivia’s life and business. By delegating tasks to a capable virtual assistant, she experienced newfound freedom, improved productivity, and substantial business growth. The Amazon VA’s support streamlined operations, provided excellent customer service, and allowed Olivia to achieve a healthier work-life balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much does it cost for an Amazon virtual assistant?

The cost for an Amazon virtual assistant can vary depending on factors such as their location, experience, skill set, and the complexity of tasks involved. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $50+ per hour for an Amazon virtual assistant, with rates typically falling within the range of $10 to $25 per hour for most cases. It’s important to consider the value and expertise the virtual assistant brings to your business when determining the appropriate cost.

2. Can I hire someone to set up my Amazon seller account?

Yes, you can hire someone to set up your Amazon seller account. There are virtual assistants and service providers available who specialize in helping sellers with the initial setup process. They can assist you in creating your seller account, configuring settings, setting up product listings, and ensuring all necessary information is properly entered to get your Amazon seller account up and running smoothly.

What Is Outsource School?

outsource school

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

Conclusion

Feel better about Amazon virtual assistants now?

Anything you’re still wondering about?

Reach out to us at Support@OutsourceSchool.com at any time and we’ll gladly reply with our best advice.

Happy hiring & growth!

Categories
Partner Spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Activate, Empower and Monetize your Business with Melanie Benson

Hey, thanks for tuning in to another Partner Spotlight interview at OutsourceSchool.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I’m the CMO and an Owner of Outsource School.

We’re on a mission to help 10,000+ business owners master hiring virtual assistants and freelancers, and industry partnerships is a big way that we’re able to make it happen.

We’re all about creating win-win partnerships where we are able to grow with other companies in the eCommerce, agency, SAAS, and online space.

 

Connor: Hey Melanie, thanks for taking the time to chat with us here. We love getting to know our partners better so that our community can benefit from what our partners are offering and doing in the industry. To get started, can you give us a high-level overview of how you got started?

 

Melanie: Thanks for inviting me. In 2000, I left my corporate job at a Fortune 500 company to be a full time business coach but it definitely wasn’t an easy transition. Even though I was trained as a coach, I did not have a solid business growth strategy in place.

 

After many sleepless nights and a lot of stressful moments, my business got a lot more traction when I got on stages with a magnetic message. Back then I focused on helping entrepreneurs with how to stop feeling that paralyzing business growth overwhelm by building a lifestyle-first business.

 

Connor: Love that! Can you dive a bit more into the 7- Step Proven Framework to leverage other people’s audiences? I’m sure our audience would love to know exactly what problems you could solve for them.

 

Melanie: My 7 Step Framework emerged during those early years when I felt invisible to ideal clients. Once I got better at sharing “results” and stopped preaching the “coaching process” my business grew exponentially into the mid six figures rather quickly.

 

Three of the important factors in this framework are leveraging YOUR unique superpower, developing a magnetic message, then aligning with collaboration partners who open doors to new audiences. When all 7 factors are working together, it’s easier to build a profitable business.

 

Connor: Jumping off of that…if there was one problem you’d say that Melanie Benson solves best for your clients, what would it be? Why?

 

Melanie: I show experts who feel like a best-kept secret how to lean into their superpowers and transform it into their Unique Sales Advantage – and then IGNITE more impact, income and influence by being visible, consistently, where your best potential clients are searching for you.

 

I use proven growth strategies along with a variety of mindset tools and alignment techniques to help my clients attain a 3 – 5 times revenue increase in our first 6 months together.

Connor: As the company continues to grow over the next year, what are your plans for expansion? Any new products or offerings or enhancements to your current products?

 

Melanie: I’m in a simplify to multiply stage – my Guest Expert System and IGNITE Mastermind are powerful for the right expert-based entrepreneurs – and we are now focusing on growing Collaboration Currency to expand our reach.

 

One really amazing growth area is integrating even more unique tools like Human Design to help our clients uncover and amplify their unique message and offerings.

 

Connor: And how specifically would you say that you and your team is different from other similar coaches in the industry?

 

Melanie: One simple answer – I have a long, proven track record of helping my impact-driven and trailblazing clients shatter their perceived limits. From the internal recoding of limiting beliefs to elevating their business potential beyond what they believed they could achieve, my clients who do the work and implement get great results.

 

Connor: What’s your outsourcing story? We find that everyone has a different experience when outsourcing and hiring online. What is your first memory that comes to mind?

 

Melanie: In 2001, I got clear on my growth strategy, and also realized there was way more to do than I could ever accomplish on my own. One of my superpowers in my corporate days was inspiring other people to work together to accomplish crazy big goals in record time.

 

That was when I realized if I wanted to grow faster, I needed to outsource and delegate to virtual assistants and other experts so I could invest my time and talent in the tasks ONLY I could do. I did not know how to pay for this support at first, I just knew I “had” to get support if I wanted to grow.

 

Within 9 months of hiring my first virtual assistant, my revenue exploded into 6 figures and it just kept growing (and I kept hiring support) for several years in a row.

 

Connor: Love it! Talking more about outsourcing, what advice would you give to yourself if you were just about to start outsourcing and hiring online?

 

Melanie: First, outsource the activities that free you up to make more money. If you look at the ROI, you’ll quickly see that you can quickly double or even triple your investment in the right team.

 

Then, as you continue to grow your business, you may find yourself a bottleneck. Don’t be afraid to delegate ownership of a role and train your team to make decisions on your behalf.

 

Connor: How about this one…how do you communicate with the people you hire online? What’s your best practices there and how has it changed over time?

 

Melanie: As technology has improved, we’ve evolved our internal systems and communication procedures. I’ve always hosted a weekly team meeting to go over priorities, talk through marketing campaigns and get updates from each team member on their deliverables. We now use a project management tool to keep track of campaigns and routine tasks – and Slack has become our new online communication tool.

 

Connor: Finally, this is one that I think our community will love, who’s been your best online hire? What do they do for you? Why are they your best hire? Tell us all about them and that story!

 

Melanie: The first OBM (Online Business Manager) that I ever hired was amazing. She handled things proactively and knew what to do before I did. She taught me how to delegate in a way that I was no longer a bottleneck – and set a gold standard for what it is like to hire someone who takes ownership of their role.

 

Connor: As we close this out, I just have one more question. Where is the best place to find and follow you and the company online? Also, if you have one, is there any special offer that you’ll be offering to the community today?

 

Melanie: You can find me on all of the social media platforms and my website is MelanieBenson.com where you can find my podcast, Amplify Your Success, my on-demand courses and coaching programs like Guest Expert System. Since you mentioned the 7 Step Framework before, you’ll find that framework as a free downloadable resource on the main page of my website.

 

Facebook: Facebook.com/CoachMelanieBenson

Instagram: Instagram.com/CoachMelanieBenson

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/success/

Twitter: Twitter.com/Melcoach

Categories
Virtual Assistants

15 Best Filipino Virtual Assistant Companies in the Philippines

15 Best Filipino Virtual Assistant Companies in the Philippines

Have you ever hired from any Filipino virtual assistant companies? Many online businesses have! Not all Philippines virtual assistant companies are the same, though. We want to make sure that you hire only from the best, so we made up this list for you!

What Is a Virtual Assistant Company?

When we talk about virtual assistant companies in the Philippines, they can be marketplaces, agencies, or BPO companies. 

Marketplaces, like FreeUp and OnlineJobs.ph, offer a platform for freelancers. They host freelancer profiles, past client reviews, and other information. This way, clients can find the freelancers that they need for their various projects. This includes Filipino virtual assistant companies that find jobs through these marketplaces. 

Some virtual assistant companies in the Philippines are called agencies. These are VA services that will do the work for you with their own VAs. Clients don’t interview and hire VAs individually. Instead, they entrust entire projects to an agency representative, and the company takes care of assigning the work.

BPOs work with larger companies. They have the capacity to provide dozens of full-time sales and customer service agents, for example, to a single company. 

Basically, all of these Philippines virtual assistant companies will help you get work done without running an office or buying equipment for hires to use.

10 Best Fiipino Virtual Assistant Companies

1. OnlineJobs.ph

filipino virtual assistant companies

This is one of the virtual assistant companies in the Philippines that specifically offers Filipino VAs. It advertises itself as the easiest job board to find outsourced staff in the Philippines. It hosts more then 2,000,000 resumes from all kinds of VAs from newbies to experts. Simply post a job to attract talented workers who will apply for your posting or search these resumes to proactively find people with the skills that you need.

2. FreeUp

filipino virtual assistant companies

FreeUp is known as the marketplace that pre-vets freelancers so you are hiring from the top 1%. They promise that you can get more done faster when you hire through them. They also guarantee that they can take most client job descriptions and get clients paired with a qualified freelance candidate within 24 hours. 

3. Upwork

filipino virtual assistant companies

This is not one of the exclusive Philippines virtual assistant companies. You can find VAs from all over the world on this platform. However, there are a ton of experienced Filipinos here. Like the other platforms, you can post a job to attract top talent. Upwork can also do the search for a VA for you. They advertise the best hires without paying top dollar with lower transaction rates. 

4. Fiverr

filipino virtual assistant companies

This is one of the Filipino virtual assistant companies that advertises you can find the right freelance service right away. Speed is so important when you need a job done! Fiverr also offers gigs at every price point so you can stay within budget. You never have to worry about hourly rates, and you can hire within minutes to get quality work done quickly. You get quoted upfront and only pay when you’re happy, so you’re protected. 

5. VA Staffer

filipino virtual assistant companies

This company specializes in providing vetted virtual executive assistants with professional with track records for technical skill. They take care of the whole recruiting process, plus even managing, training, and onboarding. When your business is growing quickly, you can rely on VA Staffer to help you keep up with projects so you don’t miss a beat. 

6. Virtual Coworker

A screenshot of the Virtual Coworker website home page.

With most virtual assistant companies in the Philippines, you want one with a long track record. However, there are a handful, this one included, that are startups yet can be trusted. Virtual Coworker boasts a very simple hiring process so you can get started right away with qualified talent at reasonable rates.

7. Task Bullet

A screenshot of the Task Bullet website home page.

Task Bullet is actually based in the US with offices in the Philippines. Entrepreneurs and executives worldwide use this service to hire VAs for tasks like marketing, lead generation, sales, and appointment scheduling. Their focus is helping you to streamline your business process. They use what they call bucket systems, so pricing is different from the norm. What’s great is that they have no hidden fees. You simply buy hours and use them as needed. 

8. Virtual Staff Finder

A screenshot of the Virtual Staff Finder website home page.

As Philippines virtual assistant companies go, this one has been around the block a few times. Clients have hired more than 8,000 virtual assistants through this platform, so your chances of finding the one you need for your tasks are good! All you need to do is sign up and upload your requirements. Then the team will take that job description and search for the best three candidates to give you a selection before you choose one to interview. And don’t worry, they do screening and background checks for you!

9. eVirtual Assistants

A screenshot of the eVirtual Assistants website home page.

You can find the expert that you need in minutes when you hire here because the posting process is so simple. With affordable rates, you can build an entire team to grow your company. They offer a variety of talent to fill the most hired for outsourced positions. 

10. Virtual Assistant Talent

A screenshot of the Virtual Assistant Talent website home page.

A lot of Filipino virtual assistant companies cater to startups, and this is one of them! Virtual Assistant Talent is designed to help you build a team from the ground up. They are dedicated to helping you to expand and grow, so they know who you need and how you need them to work to reach your goals. You will begin by getting on a phone consultation to find out more about your company. This call will help the company to understand better what you really need and how to provide that for you. You will get a chance to hear from VAs and the services that they can offer to meet your needs. Once you find the individual that you like best, you will get an invoice, and once you pay, you can get to work. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much does a Filipino virtual assistant cost?

Virtual assistant companies in the Philippines will usually offer candidates with hourly rates ranging from as low as $3. We don’t recommend hiring at this level, though, because you get what you pay for! Make sure you scan applications carefully to get an idea of the right rates for the specific job you’re hiring for, too. More requirements and higher skill requirements mean more pay! 

2. How much does the average Filipino virtual assistant earn?

The average VA in the Philippines who does simple tasks full time earns about $600 per month, or less than $3.50 per hour. Note that most Philippines virtual assistant companies will take a significant cut. So, even if you pay more, a VA you hire from one of these companies will still usually get only that much. 

Remember, this average applies to simple VA tasks, so if you are looking for someone who is more specialized, like a content writer, a marketer, or an inventory manager, for example, you should expect a higher rate range for quality work and greater accountability.

3. How to hire virtual assistants from the Philippines?

If you’re hiring from Philippines virtual assistant companies, you will usually simply enter the details of the work you need done and wait for applications to come in. Then you would need to sort through them and interview the top candidates. Once you find someone that is the right fit, you hire them per the platform rules and you’re good to go.

4. Why should you hire a Filipino virtual assistant?

Filipino virtual assistants are famous for their cordial personalities, flexibility, and happy natures. This is, of course, on top of the affordability of hiring these skilled individuals who speak English better than most other Asians.

What Is Outsource School?

outsource school

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

Conclusion

Distance is no longer a barrier to any work that can be done on a computer connected to the internet. Indeed, many business owners depend on Filipino virtual assistant companies to find the people they need to complete all the daily activities within their businesses. Now, you know where they go to find top talent, and you can start hiring, too!

Categories
Partner Spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Gain Financial Freedom with Josh Pather from Photobooth International

Hey, thanks for tuning in to another Partner Spotlight interview at OutsourceSchool.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I’m the CMO and an Owner of Outsource School.

We’re on a mission to help 10,000+ business owners master hiring virtual assistants and freelancers, and industry partnerships is a big way that we’re able to make it happen.

We’re all about creating win-win partnerships where we are able to grow with other companies in the eCommerce, agency, SAAS, and online space.

 

 

Connor: Hey Josh, thanks for taking the time to chat with us here. We love getting to know our partners better so that our community can benefit from what our partners are offering and doing in the industry. To get started, can you give us a high level overview of Photo Booth International and how it got started? 

 

Josh: My name is Josh Pather, I am founder and CEO of Photo Booth International. We manufacture photo booths and sell them to people who want to start a successful photo booth rental business. We started as a photo booth rental company back in December of 2012. During this time I worked at a call center during the week but I also used to DJ on the weekends. One day, a friend and I went to a wedding and saw a photo booth for the first time and thought it would be a great addition to my DJ services so we decided to make our own.

 

After some brief research, we drove to Home Depot and spent $300 on all the materials. We made our first photo booth out of wood, we made the cut outs to fit the monitor, sanded it down, painted it black and spray painted the words “Photo Booth” in white on the side of it. We didn’t have a lot of money to invest in professional high end electronics so we went to Walmart to get our printer, computer and monitor. That first photo booth wasn’t perfect by any means. It was slow to print, the software was difficult to use, and the monitor wasn’t even a touch screen but it made us our first ten thousand dollars. We knew we were onto something so we did even more research and optimized our photo booth with better equipment and a better outer shell. 

 

Fast forward one year later, our fleet of photo booths quickly grew to 15 booths and we were booked out every single weekend. At this point I had already left my 9-5 job and was 100% invested in my photo booth rental business. My wife Jazmine even left her job to help me because I couldn’t handle all the bookings myself. Within the first two years of business, Photo Booth Dallas made over $1million dollars. It was so awesome to see that this was a profitable and high demand business. Everytime we went out to work the events, people always asked us “how can I get started doing this? It looks like a lot of fun”. This is when I realized that there was a demand for turnkey photo booth packages and that’s how Photo Booth International was born.

 

I launched Photo Booth International in 2015 and since then, we have helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs and made over $18million in revenue. We were also named #63rd fastest growing company in Texas and #1239 fastest growing company in the country by INC 5000.

 

Connor: Love that! Can you dive a bit more into the photo booths and other services that you sell to entrepreneurs? I’m sure our audience would love to know exactly what problems you could solve for them.

 

Josh: We help people generate their own income and provide all the tools and resources they need to succeed, all in one place..

The majority of our customers are brand new to being entrepreneurs. Many of them are working a regular 9-5 during the week and want to make extra income doing something fun but that will be a great return on investment. We do also have customers that are already in the entertainment and wedding industry looking to add more services to generate even more revenue to their business.

 

We also offer a cutting edge online training platform, Photo Booth Sales University  where we teach business, finance, sales & marketing strategies so customers can grow their photo booth business & create generational wealth. 

 

Connor: Jumping off of that…if there was one problem you’d say that Photo Booth International solves best for your clients, what would it be? Why?

 

Josh: Many of our clients are looking to escape the rat race of their 9-5 job, seeking financial freedom. Starting a Photo Booth rental business gives them the opportunity to earn extra money while spending time with their family and loved ones. They can do this part-time or full-time. 

 

We do this by providing them a road map to a successful Photo Booth rental business. They get a PBI Global App, lifetime technical support, business resources and library, marketing photos and videos, sample contracts, event checklist, website templates, e-books, training videos and many more when they join Photo Booth International. These are the things I wish were available for me when I was starting in this industry that’s why I simplified this for our customers.

 

Connor: As the company continues to grow over the next year, what are your plans for expansion? Any new products or offerings or enhancements to your current products?

 

Josh: Yes, we are looking to expand and open a new office/showroom in Houston. We are also always designing new Photo Booths. One good thing about Photo Booth International is that we constantly look for a way to innovate and improve so you can expect that in the coming year. We also have Throne Chairs for sale that we just started selling. 

 

Connor: And how specifically would you say that Photo Booth International and your team is different from other similar businesses in the industry?

 

Josh: The main difference is that we really strive to provide all of the knowledge and resources that I didn’t have when I was running my own photo booth rental business. I learned a lot of things through trial and error and I want our customers to have a fast pass to success. This is why we provide a wide range of resources such as our PBI Global App where customers can find all the set-up videos, marketing content and business resources they need to get started. We also want to continue to support our customers as they begin to work events so we do a live monthly tech call where we answer their tech questions live. On top of all of that we also have guides on  How to Make their first $100K, we have tons of educational Youtube videos , we also have a healthy and helpful Facebook community. Aside from all of the resources we provide our customers, our team is 100% invested in helping make our customers dreams of being entrepreneurs come true. They go through training and Masterminds on a regular basis. Our team is extremely dedicated to seeing successful photo booth businesses take off. 

 

Connor: What’s your outsourcing story? We find that everyone has a different experience when outsourcing and hiring online. What is your first memory that comes to mind?

 

Josh: My first hire was a graphic artist that was just starting his VA career around 2015. He was inexpensive but we both didn’t really have any real knowledge of how we should really be optimizing our work together. I didn’t have any SOP’s in place nor did I qualify him enough beforehand to make sure he was the right fit for the job. Ultimately I let him go so it didn’t end up working in the long run but I sure did learn a lot about it. After that, I took what I learned and applied it to my next VA hire and the rest is history. Years later, Outsource School played a large role in helping me hire quality VA’s and I’m super grateful for it!

 

Connor: Love it! Talking more about outsourcing, what advice would you give to yourself if you were just about to start outsourcing and hiring online?

 

Josh: Take the time to write out SOP’s and follow a course like Outsource School that can help identify some of the things to keep in mind when outsourcing jobs. Don’t just hire anywhere. Find the right platform to outsource people. Look at freelancer’s profile reviews.

 

Connor: How about this one…how do you communicate with the people you hire online? What’s your best practices there and how has it changed over time?

 

Josh:  My biggest lesson has been to conduct a chat interview before a video interview. I wish I would have done my interviews this way when I first started hiring VA’s. If I like how fast they are composing their sentences and how good their grammar is I then pass them onto a video interview. I want to know if they are punctual and I want to see their personality as well. What I’ve learned overtime is that you should always ask them to perform a task that is in line with their job duties. If you are hiring a graphic designer for example, you want to give them a graphic task and see how fast they turn it in and check the quality of work. This has saved me from hiring the wrong people so many times.

 

Connor: Finally, this is one that I think our community will love, who’s been your best online hire? What do they do for you? Why are they your best hire? Tell us all about them and that story!

 

Josh: My best hire has definitely been my Team Lead, Maria. She started off as a social media VA but very quickly I realized she could take on much more. She showed exceptional skill, motivation and needed very little guidance when it came to a lot of projects I handed to her. For this reason, we promoted her to team lead after just 6 months of being with the company. This shows the importance of acknowledging one’s skill set and giving them the right role. 

 

Connor: As we close this out, I just have one more question. Where is the best place to find and follow you and the company online? Also, if you have one, is there any special offer that you’ll be offering to the community today?

Answer: Our website is photoboothint.com You can follow us at our Instagram account and Facebook page. Please like and subscribe to our Youtube Channel – And yes, for anyone who’d like to learn more about Photo Booth business or already on the business, we are offering $1 for 3 days access to our Photo Booth Sales University – click here to register

Categories
Partner Spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Be the Person Who Gets Things Done for Your Business with Sabah Ali Coaching

Hey, thanks for tuning in to another Partner Spotlight interview at OutsourceSchool.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I’m the CMO and an Owner of Outsource School.

We’re on a mission to help 10,000+ business owners master hiring virtual assistants and freelancers, and industry partnerships is a big way that we’re able to make it happen.

We’re all about creating win-win partnerships where we are able to grow with other companies in the eCommerce, agency, SAAS, and online space.

 

 

Connor: Hey Sabah, thanks for taking the time to chat with us here. We love getting to know our partners better so that our community can benefit from what our partners are offering and doing in the industry. To get started, can you give us a high level overview of Sabah Ali Coaching and how it got started? 

 

Sabah: Totally! My coaching business started about a year after I graduated college. I built a social media management business while I was in college in 2018 and did that for about a year until I realized the business model I was creating wasn’t the vision I had in mind. I started to pivot into more of a consulting role by 2019 and then in 2020 I fully immersed myself into being a coach. I first started coaching people in how to build their brand, be more confident, and use their voice to share their message. Then slowly I pivoted into a business coach because I saw the need in the market and I became obsessed with marketing and sales.

 

Connor: Love that! Can you dive a bit more into the business coaching that you offer? I’m sure our audience would love to know exactly what problems you could solve for them. 

 

Sabah: Yes, after I signed on one of my first ever coaching clients for $4,000, I immediately asked him “Why did you choose to work with me?” and his response was, “I’ve watched you show up so confidently and powerfully within the past few years, I want to do the same thing.” At that moment I realized, the reason why people buy is because of YOU, not the product you are selling. Most people don’t have a ‘sales’ problem, they have a connection problem. I help business owners scale their biz to multi 6-7 figures by identifying their values, strengths, unique factors, and voice to create a connection FIRST with their audience and then help them sell their offers organically through attraction marketing. I focus a lot on energetic attraction, social media strategy, and a simple sales process. In a world where there are thousands of people selling the same thing you are, the product is no longer the differentiating factor, it’s you.

 

Connor: Jumping off of that…if there was one problem you’d say that Sabah Ali Coaching solves best for your clients, what would it be? Why? 

 

Sabah: Knowing how to build a brand people love to follow and buy from. Once again, I don’t believe businesses are selling products, they’re creating brands. When I think of a real brand, like Nike or Chanel, it evokes a feeling for the clients; something that can’t be replicated from some other store they buy from. Any marketing, sales, or messaging problem goes away when you have a brand people love.

 

Connor: As the company continues to grow over the next year, what are your plans for expansion? Any new products or offerings or enhancements to your current products? 

 

Sabah: We recently launched a monthly membership for business owners and creatives who want to get access to daily support to grow their social media and sign on clients every single day in their business. Monetizing Social Membership is a vision I had for quite some time. I built my business by refining the basics and knowing the correct actions to take. In the membership, I give people a daily and weekly action plan to go out and implement so they are scaling in a linear way. Current clients have been loving it and I plan to expand this to thousands of people! We also just launched our first in person live event in South Florida later this year in October and are excited to start hosting in person experiences. I see my business going way beyond just the online space.

 

Connor: And how specifically would you say that Sabah Ali Coaching and your team is different from other coaching businesses in the industry?

 

Sabah: My business is a part of my lifestyle, people always ask me “HOW”? How do I show up daily, post content, be active on social media, sell offers, etc. I’ve created a relationship with my business where it’s something that I do. What I teach is my life, it’s not separate from it, so if you are fully embodiment with what you teach or are selling – creating content, marketing, and selling should come extremely natural to you too. I don’t just give you the strategies of what to do, I help you become the person who is able to implement and get results from them.

 

Connor: What’s your outsourcing story? We find that everyone has a different experience when outsourcing and hiring online. What is your first memory that comes to mind?

 

Sabah:: The first person I ever hired in my business was a virtual assistant that helped me with client support, admin work, and basically was my go to person anytime I had a problem in my business. I found my VA organically through my network, which was amazing, because she stayed with me for over a year! As I started to scale, I hired assistant coaches to help with delivery, sales reps, and other VAs who basically all came from my network. I personally always felt comfortable hiring people from trusted friends and peers in my industry. It felt amazing growing a team because it was no longer just me, I had people I could rely on and they could rely on me. 

 

Connor: Love it! Talking more about outsourcing, what advice would you give to yourself if you were just about to start outsourcing and hiring online? 

 

Sabah: Hire someone you trust the minute you speak with them. I remember going through the process of interviewing so many people for various roles and I always listened to my gut about who to hire. Of course, I had some bad hires throughout the years, but I never spent too long going back and forth between people or interviewing dozens of people. Knowing exactly what I needed and who I needed (in terms of skills and personality) made it easier to hire! 

 

Connor: How about this one…how do you communicate with the people you hire online? What’s your best practices there and how has it changed over time? 

 

Sabah:: Before I speak to anyone on the phone now, I have them fill out a form so I know they could be a fit for the role I have. Just like filling out a job application, I qualify them. I need to know they understand my industry, personality, what I need, and if they know what they are doing. Many times I see people get on the phone with SO MANY PEOPLE and are unorganized. Don’t do that, because it wastes your time (and theirs) and makes it hard for you to choose the right fit for the role. Luckily, I did have the support from mentors to guide me with this process so it always felt super smooth for me.

 

Connor: Finally, this is one that I think our community will love, who’s been your best online hire? What do they do for you? Why are they your best hire? Tell us all about them and that story!

 

Sabah: My executive assistant, when you scale your business you obviously cannot do everything. When I hired her, it honestly felt like a weight off my shoulder because I was doing so many small things in my business that took away focus from the big things. When someone stays with you for so long, they get to know you better – so she would do things for me, without me even having to ask her! Self led team members are something I highly value, especially since I am always innovating and creating new projects in my business. One again, she came through my network and the first time we chatted it felt like a super organic connection!

 

Connor: As we close this out, I just have one more question. Where is the best place to find and follow you and the company online? Also, if you have one, is there any special offer that you’ll be offering to the community today? 

 

Sabah: The best place to stay connected with me is on my Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesabahali/. That is where I am most active and love to connect with new people. 

 

Yes I have a free 20 page content guide that helps you create content that connects with your audience and gets them buying, you can download that here: https://www.unforgettablebysabah.com/content-that-converts-2023 

Categories
Virtual Assistants

101 Virtual Assistant Tasks to Outsource in 2023

virtual assistant tasks

Ready for 101 virtual assistant tasks that you can start outsourcing for your business?

Hi! My name is Connor Gillivan. I’m an entrepreneur that’s been hiring and scaling companies with virtual assistants for the past 10 years.

I’ve hired 100s of virtual assistants for all areas of growing and operating a business.

Today, I run a portfolio of 3 companies (Outsource School, EcomBalance, and AccountsBalance) and the majority of our staff is virtual assistants and freelancers.

In this article, I hope to inspire you to see how many ways that a virtual assistant can help you and your business.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • 101 Virtual Assistant Tasks to Outsource
  • What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Sites To Use?
  • How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost?

Without further ado, let’s dive into the 101 VA tasks.

101 Virtual Assistant Tasks to Outsource

virtual assistant roles

After years of building companies and hiring remote teams, here’s a list of 101 virtual assistant tasks that you can outsource.

Whether you’re a solopreneur or running a team, there’s something on this list for everyone.

  1. Email management: A virtual assistant can manage your inbox, organize emails by priority, respond to routine emails and flag important ones for your attention.
  2. Social media management: A virtual assistant can help you create, schedule, and post content on your social media profiles, engage with your followers and track social media analytics.
  3. Content creation (writing, editing, proofreading): A virtual assistant can write, edit and proofread content for your blog, website, social media, or marketing campaigns.
  4. Graphic design: A virtual assistant can create graphics, logos, and other visual content for your brand or marketing campaigns.
  5. Video editing: A virtual assistant can edit and produce video content for your marketing campaigns, social media profiles, or YouTube channel.
  6. Podcast editing: A virtual assistant can edit and produce podcast episodes, publish them on your podcast hosting platform and promote them on social media.
  7. Web design: A virtual assistant can design and develop a website for your business or blog using platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace.
  8. Web development: A virtual assistant can manage and update your website, fix technical issues, and integrate new features or plugins.
  9. SEO optimization: A virtual assistant can optimize your website and content for search engines, conduct keyword research, and create backlinks.
  10. PPC advertising: A virtual assistant can manage your PPC campaigns, set up ads, create landing pages, and track ad performance.
  11. Market research: A virtual assistant can conduct market research to help you identify trends, analyze competitors, and make informed business decisions.
  12. Competitor analysis: A virtual assistant can analyze your competitors’ strategies, strengths, and weaknesses to help you refine your own marketing and sales tactics.
  13. Customer service: A virtual assistant can handle customer inquiries, complaints, and support tickets, provide basic technical support, and manage customer feedback.
  14. Order processing: A virtual assistant can process and fulfill customer orders, manage inventory, and update your e-commerce store.
  15. Data entry: A virtual assistant can perform data entry tasks such as inputting data into spreadsheets, databases, or CRMs.
  16. Data analysis: A virtual assistant can analyze and interpret data to help you make informed business decisions, conduct market research, or evaluate marketing campaigns.
  17. Bookkeeping: A virtual assistant can manage your finances, prepare invoices, process payments, and reconcile accounts.
  18. Invoicing: A virtual assistant can prepare and send invoices to clients or customers and manage accounts receivable.
  19. Appointment scheduling: A virtual assistant can manage your calendar, schedule appointments, and send reminders.
  20. Travel booking: A virtual assistant can make travel arrangements, book flights, hotels, and rental cars, and manage travel itineraries.
  21. Event planning: A virtual assistant can plan and coordinate events, book venues, hire vendors, and manage event logistics.
  22. Personal shopping: A virtual assistant can research and purchase products or services on your behalf, such as gifts, household items, or travel arrangements.
  23. Personal errands: A virtual assistant can complete personal tasks for you, such as running errands, booking appointments, or managing household tasks.
  24. Calendar management: A virtual assistant can manage your calendar, schedule appointments, and send reminders.
  25. Project management: A virtual assistant can manage and coordinate projects, delegate tasks, and monitor progress.
  26. Employee onboarding: A virtual assistant can manage the onboarding process for new employees, set up accounts and systems, and provide training.
  27. Employee training: A virtual assistant can provide ongoing training and support for employees to help them develop new skills and improve performance.
  28. Employee performance reviews: A virtual assistant can manage employee performance evaluations, set goals, and provide feedback.
  29. HR administration: A virtual assistant can manage HR tasks such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with labor laws.
  30. IT support – A virtual assistant can troubleshoot technical issues, install software, and provide IT help.
  31. Helpdesk support – A virtual assistant can provide customer support, handle incoming calls and emails, and resolve issues.
  32. Database management – A virtual assistant can help organize and maintain a company’s databases, clean up data, and ensure data security.
  33. System administration – A virtual assistant can manage a company’s servers, network, and other IT infrastructure, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
  34. Network administration – A virtual assistant can monitor a company’s network, troubleshoot issues, and ensure network security.
  35. Software testing – A virtual assistant can test software applications, identify and report bugs, and provide feedback to developers.
  36. Quality assurance – A virtual assistant can ensure that products and services meet quality standards, conduct audits, and provide feedback.
  37. Virtual event production – A virtual assistant can help plan and produce virtual events, from webinars to conferences, and ensure a seamless experience for attendees.
  38. Virtual event hosting – A virtual assistant can host virtual events, provide technical support, and manage the event logistics.
  39. Sales support – A virtual assistant can support a company’s sales team, handle administrative tasks, and manage customer relationships.
  40. Lead generation – A virtual assistant can research potential clients, build lists of leads, and help nurture leads into customers.
  41. Sales reporting – A virtual assistant can gather and analyze data related to sales, generate reports, and provide insights to management.
  42. CRM management – A virtual assistant can manage a company’s customer relationship management (CRM) system, ensure data accuracy, and provide customer support.
  43. Email marketing – A virtual assistant can create and send email campaigns, manage email lists, and provide analytics.
  44. Affiliate program management – A virtual assistant can manage a company’s affiliate program, recruit affiliates, and provide support.
  45. Influencer outreach – A virtual assistant can research and reach out to influencers, manage influencer relationships, and measure results.
  46. PR outreach – A virtual assistant can research media outlets, pitch stories to journalists, and manage media relationships.
  47. Press release writing – A virtual assistant can write press releases and distribute them to relevant media outlets.
  48. Public speaking coaching – A virtual assistant can provide coaching and support to improve public speaking skills.
  49. Personal branding – A virtual assistant can help build and manage a personal brand, including social media profiles and online presence.
  50. Reputation management – A virtual assistant can monitor a company’s online reputation, respond to reviews, and manage online profiles.
  51. Online course creation – A virtual assistant can help create and produce online courses, from content creation to editing.
  52. Online course management – A virtual assistant can manage the logistics of online courses, including registration, payment processing, and support.
  53. Online course promotion – A virtual assistant can help promote online courses, using email marketing, social media, and other strategies.
  54. Online community management – A virtual assistant can manage online communities, including forums and social media groups.
  55. Online forum moderation – A virtual assistant can moderate online forums, ensuring that content is appropriate and engaging.
  56. Online customer support – A virtual assistant can provide customer support via email, chat, or social media, answering questions and resolving issues.
  57. Website maintenance: A virtual assistant can help you keep your website up-to-date by updating plugins, fixing broken links, and ensuring the website is running smoothly.
  58. Website security: A VA can implement security measures to protect your website from hackers and malware attacks.
  59. Website backups: A VA can regularly backup your website data to protect it from data loss due to technical failures or cyber attacks.
  60. Website migration: A VA can help you migrate your website to a new hosting provider or domain name.
  61. Database backups: A VA can help you backup your database regularly to protect your data from accidental deletion or corruption.
  62. Disaster recovery planning: A VA can help you create a disaster recovery plan to minimize data loss and downtime in the event of a natural disaster or cyber attack.
  63. Business continuity planning: A VA can help you create a business continuity plan to ensure that your business can continue operating in the event of an unexpected event.
  64. Virtual team building: A VA can help you plan virtual team building activities to improve team morale and collaboration.
  65. Corporate culture development: A VA can help you develop a corporate culture that aligns with your business goals and values.
  66. Employee engagement: A VA can help you engage with your employees by planning events and initiatives that improve employee satisfaction and productivity.
  67. Employee wellness programs: A VA can help you plan and implement employee wellness programs to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  68. Social responsibility initiatives: A VA can help you identify and plan social responsibility initiatives that align with your business values and goals.
  69. Fundraising campaigns: A VA can help you plan and execute fundraising campaigns to support a charitable cause or nonprofit organization.
  70. Grant writing: A VA can help you write grant proposals to secure funding for your business or organization.
  71. Legal research: A VA can conduct legal research on various topics such as intellectual property laws, contracts, and regulations.
  72. Legal drafting: A VA can draft legal documents such as contracts, agreements, and policies.
  73. Contract negotiation: A VA can help you negotiate contracts with vendors, partners, and clients.
  74. Contract drafting: A VA can draft contracts for your business or organization.
  75. Intellectual property management: A VA can help you manage your intellectual property such as trademarks, copyrights, and patents.
  76. Trademark registration: A VA can help you register trademarks for your business or products.
  77. Patent application preparation: A VA can help you prepare and file patent applications for your inventions.
  78. Patent research: A VA can conduct patent research to determine if your invention is eligible for a patent.
  79. Patent prosecution: A VA can help you navigate the patent prosecution process to secure a patent for your invention.
  80. Product design: A VA can help you design and create product prototypes.
  81. Product testing: A VA can conduct product testing to ensure quality and performance.
  82. User testing: A VA can conduct user testing to ensure your website or software is user-friendly.
  83. UX research: A VA can conduct user experience research to improve your website or software design.
  84. UX design: A VA can create user experience designs for your website or software.
  85. Web analytics: A VA can analyze your website traffic and user behavior to improve user experience and conversion rates.
  86. Social media analytics: A VA can analyze your social media performance and engagement to improve your social media marketing strategy.
  87. Financial reporting: A VA can help you prepare financial reports such as profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
  88. Financial analysis: A VA can conduct financial analysis to help you make informed business decisions.
  89. Investment research: A VA can conduct investment research to help you make informed investment decisions.
  90. Investment portfolio management: A VA can manage your investment portfolio and monitor
  91. Tax preparation: A virtual assistant can help gather the necessary documents and data to file tax returns accurately and on time.
  92. Tax planning: A virtual assistant can provide advice on tax strategies and help identify opportunities to reduce tax liabilities.
  93. Retirement planning: A virtual assistant can research and evaluate retirement plans, and assist in creating and monitoring a retirement savings strategy.
  94. Estate planning: A virtual assistant can help organize and maintain estate planning documents and assist in identifying and achieving estate planning goals.
  95. Insurance management: A virtual assistant can research and evaluate insurance options, help with policy management, and assist in filing claims.
  96. Wealth management: A virtual assistant can help monitor investments and provide investment research and analysis.
  97. Personal financial planning: A virtual assistant can assist in creating and managing a personal budget, tracking expenses, and identifying areas for financial improvement.
  98. Fitness coaching: A virtual assistant can help plan workouts, track progress, and provide accountability and motivation to achieve fitness goals.
  99. Nutrition coaching: A virtual assistant can help with meal planning, grocery shopping, and tracking food intake to achieve nutritional goals.
  100. Meditation coaching: A virtual assistant can help create a meditation practice, provide guided meditations, and assist in maintaining a meditation routine.
  101. Life coaching: A virtual assistant can help set goals, identify obstacles, and create actionable plans to achieve personal and professional growth.

We’ve also linked some of these tasks out to more in depth articles that we’ve created on the Outsource School Blog.

If you want more information about hiring any of the following virtual assistants, just reach out to us at Support@OutsourceSchool.com.

What Are the Best Virtual Assistant Sites To Use?

virtual assistant working

When you’re ready to post a virtual assistant job online, head over to these 7 freelance websites.

I have personal experience with all of them and you’ll be able to find who you’re looking for:

  1. Upwork: Upwork is one of the most popular virtual assistant sites out there, and for good reason. It has a large pool of freelancers who are available to work on a variety of different projects.
  2. Fiverr: Fiverr is another popular site for hiring virtual assistants. It’s known for its affordable pricing and the wide range of services that are available.
  3. Freelancer: Freelancer is a site that is similar to Upwork. It has a large pool of freelancers who are available to work on a variety of different projects.
  4. TaskBullet: TaskBullet is a virtual assistant site that specializes in providing affordable virtual assistant services. It’s a great option for small business owners who are on a budget.
  5. Onlinejobs.ph: Onlinejobs.ph is a virtual assistant site that specializes in providing Filipino virtual assistants. This is a great option if you’re looking for high-quality virtual assistants at an affordable price.
  6. PeoplePerHour: PeoplePerHour is a site that is similar to Fiverr. It’s known for its affordable pricing and the wide range of services that are available.
  7. FreeUp: FreeUp pre-vets thousands of virtual assistants and freelancers and only allows the top 1% into the network. You can post a job and get introduced to pre-vetted applicants within hours.

How Much Does a Virtual Assistant Cost?

virtual assistant cost

The cost of hiring a virtual assistant can vary depending on a variety of factors. One of the biggest factors that can impact the cost is the location of the virtual assistant.

For example, virtual assistants based in the United States or Europe will typically cost more than virtual assistants based in other parts of the world like the Philippines or India.

Here’s a breakdown of how much you can expect to pay for virtual assistants based on their location:

  1. United States and Europe: If you’re hiring a virtual assistant based in the United States or Europe, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 to $75 per hour. Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate and the actual cost can vary depending on the skill level and experience of the virtual assistant.
  2. Philippines: If you’re hiring a virtual assistant based in the Philippines, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 per hour. This is significantly less than what you would pay for a virtual assistant based in the United States or Europe.
  3. India: If you’re hiring a virtual assistant based in India, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 per hour. Again, this is significantly less than what you would pay for a virtual assistant based in the United States or Europe.

It’s important to note that the cost of a virtual assistant can also be impacted by factors like their experience, skill level, and the tasks you need them to perform.

For example, if you need a virtual assistant with specialized skills like graphic design or programming, you can expect to pay more than you would for a general virtual assistant.

Additionally, some virtual assistant sites may charge a commission or fee on top of the hourly rate. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any virtual assistant site you’re considering to understand their fee structure.

What Is Outsource School?

outsource school

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, we hope that you have a good idea of what virtual assistant tasks you may want to start outsourcing.

Hiring a virtual assistant is right for you if:

  • You want more time back in your day
  • You want a more affordable solution than full time employees
  • You have a lot of busy work to pass off
  • You have processes built for your tasks
  • You are scaling fast and need lots of help

If you have any questions or we can help in any way on your hiring journey, email us at Support@OutsourceSchool.com.

Happy Hiring!

Categories
Virtual Assistants

19 Tasks an Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant Can Take Over

amazon fba virtual assistant

Looking to hire an Amazon FBA virtual assistant? 

Save time and money by hiring a virtual assistant for your Amazon FBA business.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I sold on Amazon from 2009 to 2016 and virtual assistants were a huge part of our growth to $25 million in total sales.

In this article, we’ll hit on everything you need to know about getting started with Amazon VAs.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • What Is an Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant?
  • 19 Tasks an Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant Can Take Over For You
  • Where Can You Find Amazon FBA VAs?
  • How Much Will an FBA Virtual Assistant Cost?
  • Case Study: How an FBA VA Helped Jeff Scale to 7 Figures in Revenue
  • Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant?

An Amazon FBA virtual assistant is a remote worker who specializes in assisting Amazon sellers with various tasks related to managing their Amazon FBA business.

FBA stands for “Fulfillment By Amazon,” which is a program where Amazon stores, picks, packs, and ships products on behalf of sellers.

An Amazon FBA virtual assistant can help sellers manage their Amazon business more efficiently and effectively by taking on various tasks such as product research, listing optimization, customer service, and inventory management.

They are familiar with the nuances of Amazon’s platform and can help sellers navigate the complex world of Amazon FBA.

19 Tasks an Amazon FBA Virtual Assistant Can Take Over For You

amazon fba virtual assistant tasks

Here are 19 tasks that an Amazon FBA virtual assistant can take over for you:

  1. Product research: Conduct research to identify profitable products to sell on Amazon.
  2. Listing creation: Create and optimize product listings for maximum visibility and sales.
  3. Keyword research: Research and identify the best keywords to use in product listings and PPC campaigns.
  4. Competitor research: Analyze competitors’ listings and strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
  5. Inventory management: Monitor inventory levels, forecast demand, and reorder products when necessary.
  6. Order management: Monitor and process orders, manage returns and refunds.
  7. PPC management: Create and manage Amazon PPC campaigns to drive traffic and sales.
  8. Review management: Monitor and respond to customer reviews, handle negative reviews appropriately.
  9. Customer service: Respond to customer inquiries, handle customer complaints, and provide exceptional customer service.
  10. Sales analysis: Analyze sales data and identify trends to make data-driven business decisions.
  11. Market analysis: Monitor market trends and adjust business strategy accordingly.
  12. Email marketing: Create and execute email marketing campaigns to drive sales and customer engagement.
  13. Social media management: Manage social media accounts to increase brand awareness and customer engagement.
  14. Influencer outreach: Identify and contact influencers to promote your products.
  15. Product launch management: Plan and execute successful product launches.
  16. Bookkeeping: Manage financial records, process invoices, and reconcile accounts.
  17. Vendor management: Manage relationships with suppliers and vendors.
  18. Translation: Translate product listings and other marketing materials for international markets.
  19. Reporting: Create regular reports on sales, inventory, and other important metrics to keep you informed about your business’s performance.

By hiring an Amazon FBA virtual assistant to handle these tasks, you can focus on growing your business and taking it to the next level.

Where Can You Find Amazon FBA VAs?

Here are some of the top websites where you can find and hire Amazon FBA virtual assistants:

  1. Upwork – Upwork is one of the largest freelance marketplaces online, where you can find thousands of virtual assistants with experience in Amazon FBA.
  2. Onlinejobs.ph – Onlinejobs.ph is a popular job board for Filipino virtual assistants. Many Filipinos are experienced in Amazon FBA and can be hired at a lower cost than many other countries.
  3. FreeeUp – FreeeUp is a curated marketplace of pre-vetted freelancers. They have a special focus on eCommerce businesses and offer Amazon-specific services, including Amazon FBA virtual assistants.
  4. Fiverr – Fiverr is another popular freelance marketplace where you can find virtual assistants with experience in Amazon FBA. You can browse through their profiles and reviews to find the right fit for your business.
  5. Indeed – Indeed is a job board that allows you to post job listings and search for resumes. You can use this platform to find Amazon FBA virtual assistants with specific skills and experience.

How Much Will an FBA Virtual Assistant Cost?

virtual assistant cost

The cost of hiring an FBA virtual assistant can vary depending on a few factors, such as their location, level of experience, and the tasks you want them to handle. Generally speaking, virtual assistants from countries with a lower cost of living, such as the Philippines, will have lower hourly rates than those from countries like the US or the UK.

In the US, you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour for an FBA virtual assistant, with some experienced VAs charging even more.

In the Philippines, hourly rates for FBA virtual assistants typically range from $5 to $10 per hour, depending on their level of experience and the tasks they are handling. However, keep in mind that rates can vary widely, and some highly experienced VAs may charge more.

It’s important to note that while hiring a virtual assistant from a country with a lower cost of living may seem like a good way to save money, it’s important to consider other factors as well. For example, language barriers, cultural differences, and time zone differences can all impact communication and productivity. Additionally, it’s important to consider the quality of work and the level of experience you need for the tasks at hand.

When hiring an FBA virtual assistant, it’s important to carefully consider your budget, the specific tasks you need help with, and the level of experience you require. With these factors in mind, you can determine a reasonable hourly rate for your virtual assistant and make an informed hiring decision that meets your needs and budget.

Case Study: How an FBA VA Helped Jeff Scale to 7 Figures in Revenue

amazon fba va case study

Meet Jeff, an eCommerce entrepreneur who was struggling to keep up with the demands of his Amazon FBA business. Jeff was spending long hours every day handling customer service, managing inventory, and processing orders, leaving him with little time to focus on growing his business. Despite his hard work, Jeff was struggling to achieve the revenue growth he wanted.

One day, Jeff realized he needed help if he was going to take his business to the next level. He began researching virtual assistants and realized that an FBA VA could be the solution he was looking for. After some research, Jeff decided to hire a virtual assistant from the Philippines through Onlinejobs.ph.

The Hiring Process: 

The hiring process was straightforward. Jeff created a job listing outlining the tasks he needed his FBA virtual assistant to handle, such as product research, keyword research, and inventory management. He also included his budget and the number of hours he needed the virtual assistant to work each week.

Within a few days, Jeff began receiving applications from qualified candidates. He reviewed each application carefully, looking for experience in Amazon FBA and the specific tasks he needed help with. After conducting a few interviews, Jeff found the perfect virtual assistant for his business.

Getting the VA Started:

Once the FBA virtual assistant began working with Jeff, he immediately felt the difference. He was able to focus on growing his business, while his virtual assistant handled the day-to-day tasks of managing his Amazon store. The virtual assistant was able to quickly learn Jeff’s business and make suggestions for improvement, helping Jeff to streamline his operations and improve his bottom line.

The Outcome:

With the help of his FBA virtual assistant, Jeff was able to scale his business to 7 figures in revenue within a year. He was able to launch new products more quickly, optimize his listings, and better manage his inventory. He was also able to provide better customer service, resulting in more positive reviews and increased sales.

Overall, Jeff’s decision to hire an FBA virtual assistant was a game-changer for his business. By outsourcing routine tasks and focusing on growth, he was able to achieve the revenue growth he had been striving for. If you’re struggling to keep up with the demands of your Amazon FBA business, consider hiring an FBA virtual assistant to help you streamline your operations and achieve your business goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What skills do you need to be an Amazon seller virtual assistant? 

To be an Amazon seller virtual assistant, you should have knowledge and skills in Amazon FBA, product research, keyword research, inventory management, customer service, and data analysis. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently are also important for success in this role. Depending on the specific tasks the Amazon seller needs help with, additional skills such as social media management or graphic design may be required.

2. How much does an Amazon virtual assistant cost? 

The cost of an Amazon virtual assistant can vary depending on their experience, location, and the specific tasks they will be handling. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $20 per hour for an Amazon virtual assistant, with rates typically being lower for VAs located in countries like the Philippines. It’s important to balance cost with quality to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.

3. Can you hire a virtual assistant part time? 

Yes, you can hire a virtual assistant part-time. In fact, many virtual assistants offer their services on a part-time basis, allowing you to hire them for the specific number of hours you need each week or month. This can be a cost-effective solution for businesses that don’t require full-time support or that have fluctuating workloads. Hiring a part-time virtual assistant can also allow you to test the waters and see if outsourcing is a good fit for your business before committing to a full-time hire.

What Is Outsource School?

outsource school

Outsource School helps you to unlock the potential of virtual assistants and accelerate your business growth.

This is the exact system Outsource School’s founders, Nathan Hirsch and Connor Gillivan, used to go from zero to 8 figures and 40+ virtual assistants with an exit in 2019.

Since being founded in 2020, Outsource School has helped 1,000+ business owners hire 2,000+ virtual assistants for their companies.

Schedule a free sales call to learn more

Free resources you might like: 

Conclusion

An Amazon FBA virtual assistant can help you:

  • Save time
  • Pass mundane tasks off your plate
  • Let you focus on growth more
  • Systemize your business
  • Grow faster
  • Build a business that doesn’t depend solely on you

If you want that, we’d love to help through Outsource School and we welcome any and all questions to Support@OutsourceSchool.com.

Happy hiring!

Categories
Partner Spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Deliver SaaS Products to Your Customers with Andrew from Chat HQ

Hey, thanks for tuning in to another Partner Spotlight interview at OutsourceSchool.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I’m the CMO and an Owner of Outsource School.

We’re on a mission to help 10,000+ business owners master hiring virtual assistants and freelancers, and industry partnerships is a big way that we’re able to make it happen.

We’re all about creating win-win partnerships where we are able to grow with other companies in the eCommerce, agency, SAAS, and online space.

In this exclusive interview, we interview Andrew Kamide from Chat HQ. Andrew provides high-quality, industry exclusive, lead generation using Google Adwords and Facebook ad campaigns.

With nearly 10 years of marketing experience, he is able to maximize his client’s lead generation opportunities using highly targeted audiences across various marketing channels.

To put it simply… Andrew helps businesses grow with proven marketing strategies!

Connor: Hey Andrew, thanks for taking the time to chat with us today. As a company, one of our goals is to highlight our partners so that our clients can benefit where it makes most sense. To get started, can you give us a high-level introduction to Chat HQ and a little bit about how the company got started? 

Andrew: ChatHQ helps digital marketing agencies deliver SaaS products to their customers. By incorporating ChatHQ products into their product offerings, we are helping these digital marketing agencies transition either into a full SaaS company, or a hybrid SaaS company that offers both software and marketing services to their clients (SwaS).

ChatHQ was founded back in Feb 2021 when both myself and my co-founder and CTO Sergio Leon almost became competitors. We both had ideas for a particular software add-on to a popular platform called HighLevel, and instead of competing, we decided to partner up and leverage each other’s strengths to grow together.

Connor: Thanks for sharing that! Can you dive a bit more into the products and services that you offer to help increase profit margins and customer retention rates? Our audience is always looking for reputable companies that they can lean on for specific parts of their online businesses.   

Andrew: ChatHQ’s flagship product is called the Engagement Widget™ that was designed to be used in both sales and support capacities. This widget looks like a website chat widget, but operates as a “shell” to many other tools and gadgets that function independently and differently of one another.

The sole purpose of having multiple tools and gadgets is to provide the exact combination of options for website visitors or customers to interact with in order to achieve a specific outcome or conversion event.

We also currently offer:

  • Livechat software
  • Workflow Automation software
  • and soon will have other software solutions like knowledge base building software, onboarding help guide software, and Ai bot functionality

Our product suite at ChatHQ was designed to help our customer’s business internally but also designed to be white-labeled by our customers and resold to THEIR customers. So when we reference “increasing profit margins and retention rates” we are referring to the ability of the digital marketing agency to provide their customers with sticky software solutions that solve THEIR problems.

Increasing Profit Margins – Generally, digital marketing agencies have low-profit margins, while software companies tend to have large profit margins. This is statistically documented. This tends to come from long sales cycles and a heavy reliance on human labor to fulfil traditional marketing services sold by the agencies to their customers.

By incorporating ChatHQ software into their offerings, they have the ability to cut down the length of the sales cycle by offering a lower ticket product/service up front. With a lower ticket product/service, the digital marketing agency will get less objections, resulting in more sales at a higher profit margin.

Once the software starts providing results, their customers will gain more trust for the digital marketing agency, and they will then have the opportunity to sell higher ticket services moving forward.

Increasing Retention Rates – SaaS holds one of the highest customer retention rates ranging from 92%-97%, while most digital marketing agencies’ retention rate is anywhere from 75%-80%. So if digital marketing agencies incorporate Saas into their offerings, and provide results for their customers with that software, then they will ultimately increase their retention rates by becoming a hybrid SaaS company.

Connor: Jumping off of that…when you’re thinking about your ideal customer, who is that? What are they selling? Where are they located in the world? How much sales do they typically have in a year? If there’s any other qualities, please include them as well. We’re all about making introductions where it benefits both parties. 

Andrew: ChatHQ’s ideal customer profile is as follows:

  • Digital marketing agencies selling traditional marketing services
    • Short term: Digital marketing agencies using HighLevel
    • Long term: Any digital marketing agency
  • 3 to 200 customers
  • $100k + in gross revenue
  • Global

The perfect customer would be a digital marketing agency that already uses HighLevel and is determined to add additional revenue streams to their agency through SaaS, or looking to make the switch from a digital marketing agency to a SaaS company entirely.

Connor: For our audience to truly understand what makes you stand out from other companies in the SaaS space, can you share a story of how ChatHQ truly helped one of its customers?

Andrew: We have not gathered any case studies from our customers yet. We can only speak on behalf of our perspective of their success using ChatHQ.

Connor: As you and your company think about the next year ahead, what does it look like? Are there any specific initiatives that you’re working on as a team to better your product or service for your customers?

Andrew: The year ahead has many challenges for ChatHQ, but ones we are very excited to take on. We will be incorporating Ai into our product in both livechat and the knowledge base software, and we will be making our product much more flexible so customers can customize more and more to best suit their needs and their customer’s needs!

We will also be adding more software solutions to our product suite like onboarding software!

Connor: How about this…everyone loves a company’s growth story. We all naturally go through ups and downs as a company. What was one of the biggest challenges that the company faced in its growing stages? 

Andrew: The biggest challenge we faced, and continue to face, is being bootstrapped. We have launched a few different products to try and boost revenue so that we can properly engineer the software solutions we are imagining and ideating, and that process of building many products creates a fragmented organization with many points of failure.

We are in the process of consolidating our product suite and combining products to make it easier to understand, purchase, and consume as a customer. This will also help our team stay focused and organized as we grow which is a top priority of ours.

Connor: Thanks! Let’s talk some outsourcing! What’s been your experience with outsourcing for your business? What platforms do you use most? And how has it impacted your business over the years?

Andrew: We do not outsource as of today. There are a few projects that we will need outsourcing for, such as creating product videos, SEO, and some others, but we are managing all projects in-house as of today.

Connor: On a similar train, what do you look for when you’re hiring someone online? Are there any specific countries that you prefer to hire from? What traits are most important to you in a remote hire? 

Andrew: We do not have a specific country in mind when hiring. We have the need to hire on both sides of the world as we are a global company and could use the active workforce during all hours of the day. Our team today has US, Latin American, Filipino, and Indian workers.

The most important aspect to a remote worker is punctuality and self-motivation. If they have attention to detail and they are able to manage their time and energy, they will succeed in almost any project/department they are needed in.

Connor: Finally, outsourcing can have a bad rap, what would you say to someone who is thinking about outsourcing for the first time? What advice do you have for them?

Andrew: Pick your outsourcing partner wisely. If you invest too much and don’t get the return you hoped for, you will have not only wasted money but also wasted time the could have been spent with the RIGHT partner.

Connor: As we close this out, I just have one more question. Where is the best place to find and follow you and the company online? Also, if you have one, is there any special offer that you’ll be offering to the community today? 

Andrew: Website, Facebook,IG,  YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter

Special offer – Anyone that signs up through this partnership will receive a 10% discount for life on any/all ChatHQ products!

Categories
Partner Spotlight

Partner Spotlight: Simplify Your Marketing and Sales with Hailey Rowe

Hey, thanks for tuning in to another Partner Spotlight interview at OutsourceSchool.

My name is Connor Gillivan. I’m the CMO and an Owner of Outsource School.

We’re on a mission to help 10,000+ business owners master hiring virtual assistants and freelancers, and industry partnerships is a big way that we’re able to make it happen.

We’re all about creating win-win partnerships where we are able to grow with other companies in the eCommerce, agency, SAAS, and online space.

In this exclusive interview, we interview Hailey Rowe, Business Coach. 

Connor: Hey Hailey, thanks for taking the time to chat with us here. We love getting to know our partners better so that our community can benefit from what our partners are offering and doing in the industry. To get started, can you give us a high-level overview of what you do and how you got started? 

Hailey: I’m a Marketing & Sales Coach and LinkedIn Lead Generation Service Provider. I help coaches and service providers attract more clients, visibility opportunities, & profitable partnerships without letting social media overwhelm or lack of time stop them. 

I got my first life coaching & behavioral change coaching certification when I was 16-years-old & got my Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurship at Loyola Marymount University. After college, I worked in Business Development & Marketing for several fast-paced personal development startups. Then, in 2017… one of the startups I worked for had to let everyone go due to project delays & that was my “sign” it was time to go ALL IN on my own business. I began coaching online coaches and entrepreneurs, started a podcast & Facebook Group called Health Coach Nation (Business & Marketing Support for online coaches), and have been loving it ever since.

I’ve been named as one of the Top 25 Coaches in Chicago & top 6 Business Podcasts for health coaches. 

Connor: Love that! Can you dive a bit more into the products and services that you offer in the business coaching space? I’m sure our audience would love to know exactly what problems you could solve for them. 

Hailey: I offer custom private coaching options, but my main program is my 6-Month Coach Inner Circle

It’s a hands-on small group coaching & private coaching hybrid program that helps health, life, and mindset coaches get focused on booking clients, marketing their standout program, & turning their coaching “hobby” into a sustainable business. 

I also offer LinkedIn Lead Generation Services for service providers and coaches who want to book more discovery calls with potential clients, get more speaking & collaboration opportunities, & form profitable partnerships. My team and I grow your connections every week on LinkedIn with your target audience & help you build relationships with your niche. 

If you’d like to learn more about the various ways I work with clients, here are a couple resources:

Connor: Jumping off of that…if there was one problem you’d say that Hailey Rowe solves best for your clients, what would it be? Why? 

Hailey: I help my clients simplify marketing and sales with my “4 Basics of Client Attraction” approach. So often, clients come to me frustrated about “the algorithm,” where to put their focus, and feeling like they have so many ideas but are struggling to implement what matters most for growing their business. I help them prioritize the client-generating activities & principles… as opposed to overthinking or “majoring in the minors.” 

Connor: As the company continues to grow over the next year, what are your plans for expansion? Any new products or offerings or enhancements to your current products? 

Hailey: I am doing more and more corporate & motivational speaking gigs and also am launching a test group for a monthly membership. The membership will be providing tools, strategies, & personal development support for business owners looking to increase sales, stop self-doubt from holding them back, and create a business & calendar they love.

Connor: And how specifically would you say that Hailey Rowe and your team is different from other similar businesses in the coaching industry?

Hailey: I help you attract clients “The F.A.S.T. Way.” Rather than obsessing about posting on social media or needing fancy tech or ads to succeed, we get you focused on timeless principles of marketing and sales

My F.A.S.T. Framework stands for…

  • Followers: We determine who you want to attract as clients & customize a marketing system that’s aligned with your strengths to bring in new leads every week, give value, & convert to clients.
  • Action: We develop content, messaging, branding, & calls to action that DRIVE your dream clients to TAKE ACTION! 
  • Sales: We get you selling your STANDOUT, NO BRAINER services WITHOUT being PUSHY & attracting more qualified people who want to PAY for your services 
  • Time Management: We shift you from “busy work” to smart work in a way that allows you to grow your business while still having time for your family & personal life
  • Transformation: We help you become the confident, resourceful entrepreneur you’ve always wanted to be & ensure that your program is transformational & differentiated. 

Here are a couple other ways I am different from most business coaches…

  • I’ve worked in business development & marketing for several wellness and personal development based startups, so I know these industries very well.
  • I have been a singer and performer since I was 5-years-old, so I can help my clients gain confidence by putting themselves out there, overcoming nerves, being on video, & being polished.
  • I am very hands-on. I review client assets every week… Many coaches don’t take the time to actually give client feedback on websites, their sales calls, webinars, Instagram posts, etc. 

Connor: What’s your outsourcing story? We find that everyone has a different experience when outsourcing and hiring online. What is your first memory that comes to mind?

Hailey: I started out with 1 virtual assistant I found in a Facebook Group and she is still on my team today! 😊 It took me a while to learn that people can’t read your mind & how to delegate well, but I’ve come a long way in being a better delegator. 😂 

Connor: Love it! Talking more about outsourcing, what advice would you give to yourself if you were just about to start outsourcing and hiring online? 

Hailey: Know how to do the task first yourself so that you can document and explain it to your team members clearly. Film yourself or your screen doing the task, write it out, and go through a “test project” with your team member as a starting point. 

Connor: How about this one…how do you communicate with the people you hire online? What’s your best practices there and how has it changed over time? 

Hailey: I communicate with them via voice note, check-in meetings, standard operating procedures, & weekly checklists. Best practices include having a weekly report about what they’ve done this week, leading with the POSITIVES about what they are doing right FIRST before giving feedback about improvements, and making sure you clearly communicate ALL the steps (making the standard operating procedure so simple & broken down that anyone could do it).

Connor: Finally, this is one that I think our community will love, who’s been your best online hire? What do they do for you? Why are they your best hire? Tell us all about them and that story!

Hailey: I have several WONDERFUL team members who I love, but I’ll share that one of my favorites is Irene. She helps me with organic marketing and Facebook Group Management. The reason why I love her is because she’s reliable, goes above and beyond what I ask her to do, and is consistent. 

Connor: As we close this out, I just have one more question. Where is the best place to find and follow you and the company online? Also, if you have one, is there any special offer that you’ll be offering to the community today? 

Hailey: I’d love to share my Free Weekly Planning System to help you LOVE your calendar, get 2x more done, & prevent overwhelm. 😊

You can also find me using the following links: