How to Pick The Right VA | Virtual Assistant for Photographers
If you’re trying to figure out how to pick the right VA for your business, this is for you.
I jumped into the Virtual Assistant space after being a photographer myself for 10 years. Cue realizing there are soooo many different types of VAs (not to mention online business managers). It’s really easy to get lost in the space, and just put outsourcing on hold.
But the problem is, when you wait too long to hire an assistant, you work piles up and you go further down the rabbit hole of needing help. I don’t want you to get to the point where you don’t even know what you need any more because you’re burned tf out.
But not knowing how to pick the right VA can be an honest-to-god road block.
As someone who has been both a full time photographer AND a virtual assistant for photographers, let me share some ideas:
When looking at their online presence: are they clear? Do you quickly have an idea of who they are + what they do?
Are they well written? When you read through their materials and captions, are they writing with a specific style or is it hurried?
Do they have a system you can fit into: when you inquire, are you getting quick responses? Do you feel like your experience is mapped out? Or winging it.
Can they show you examples of work: past blogs they have done or client reviews?
Do they have a contracted length of time you’re locked into? Or is it month-to-month (you’ll have decide what’s best for you).
Can you talk to them on the phone? When someone is going to be working in your business, you want to get their vibe. Make sure you actually speak on the phone before hiring someone.
How long have they been a VA? Are they trying something new or are they established? How important is that to you?
Do they have photography experience? This is one of the biggest things to my clients. My whole team has lived and breathed the photography world. We have edited photos, posed clients and launched our own mini sessions events before. We KNOW how hard the work is, and we have a zoomed out perspective on managing your business in the busy photography world.
These are the areas I would start. I understand it’s hard to figure out how to pick the right VA for your business, but I encourage you to reach out to a few people and get an understanding of their vibe to see if you’ll be a good fit. You won’t mesh with everyone’s personality and system, which is why it’s good to explore options.
You can also ask your fellow photographer friends if they have used anyone they recommend (or do not recommend). Word of mouth can be the safest bet when outsourcing to a VA.
If you want to hear more about our process and how we can help you, click here.
Always cheering you on. <3
