VA's- what can and can't they usually do?

[Laci nyc]

I'm looking to experiment with using VA's for the first time.

Since I don't have a run-of-the-mill business (or life!!) I may be needing some slightly out of the ordinary tasks completed.

My questions are:

1. Do you find that most/many VA's know how to use Constant Contact, Facebook/MySpace, Photoshop (or similar), and Craigslist? If not, do you think this is something I should request proficiency in, or is it easily trained?

2. What is your experience in asking VA's to think creatively? Are most of them able to be proactive about non-linear tasks, or do they have to have things spelled out for them? (For example: Can I say "Find me a some interesting-looking mid-priced restaurants near my gym, keeping in mind that I'm a vegetarian" or do I have to say "Make a list of restaurants near my gym that have three or more vegetarian entrees, 4+ stars on Yelp, and a glass of wine under $9"?) Is there a difference in support team vs. individual on this account?

3. Any recommendations (through a company or independently) for VA's. I want to stick to the lower end of the price spectrum, ie $5/hour or less. Please let me know who they are and how to get them (and, if you feel so inclined, what it is about them that you feel makes them superior).

Thanks in advance for your help, crew!!

[JFrenzel]

Here is my idea:

1. Tim covers these details in his book and in his blog. Reread some chapters.

2. I used Asksunday for everday tasks. Check em out or read my blog on them. www.josecastrofrenzel.com

3. You should be specific with them but avoid using $5 Words.

4. To answer your last question. What makes them superior? Nothing. We are all created equal, but they love their jobs, again check out Tim's video post on jobs in India. They won't cost you a lost suit. Social security tasx is more money saved. Lastly, they get paid for the job, not for time spent.


Hope this Helps

Jose

[AntonTheKhan]

Im still amazed that all most people took from the book was about Virtual Assistants. I mean, do you really, really need one. Are you so unbeliavably busy that you can't take a walk around your gym and find a new restaurant?
I mean cummon?
How much is a virtual assitant realy going to help you?

Here is my idea:

1. Tim covers these details in his book and in his blog. Reread some chapters.

2. I used Asksunday for everday tasks. Check em out or read my blog on them. www.josecastrofrenzel.com

3. You should be specific with them but avoid using $5 Words.

4. To answer your last question. What makes them superior? Nothing. We are all created equal, but they love their jobs, again check out Tim's video post on jobs in India. They won't cost you a lost suit. Social security tasx is more money saved. Lastly, they get paid for the job, not for time spent.


Hope this Helps

Jose

[webgal]

I could use a real assistant but more for my biz than my muse! I'll go the local craigslist route.

[Laci nyc]

4. To answer your last question. What makes them superior? Nothing. We are all created equal, but they love their jobs, again check out Tim's video post on jobs in India. They won't cost you a lost suit. Social security tasx is more money saved. Lastly, they get paid for the job, not for time spent.



Perfect example of not being clear with my word choice! I'm learning already. :) I meant if someone were to suggest a specific company or person, what makes that company or person superior to other choices.

[Laci nyc]

Im still amazed that all most people took from the book was about Virtual Assistants. I mean, do you really, really need one. Are you so unbeliavably busy that you can't take a walk around your gym and find a new restaurant?
I mean cummon?
How much is a virtual assitant realy going to help you?

Who says that's the only thing I took away? It's the most prominent thing at my stage I've been putting off trying, which means it's probably what I need to buckle down and do. I do not really really need one. I want one. :D

[storm33229]

I do not really really need one. I want one. :D
They are definitely a good way to waste time if that's what you're looking to do; rather if you need one, then they can save time but if you're just looking for a pen pal, you'll probably end up wasting more time and money than has ever been necessary.

[JFrenzel]

Well I don't think there is anything wrong with micro-testing one out. Even if you don't need one you will at least have an idea how it works. Micro-testing is essential to expanding one's mental capacity. It can be anything from reading a book you normally would'nt read to testing need sales call pitches. Go for it. As far as Craig's list is concerned, it can be good. But, we careful there are some major weirdos there. Its ok for subcontractors but I would personally not outsource anything to techie or pen work to someone in a newspaper ad. I am just talking out of personal experience. The biggest time waster of Craig's List seems to be the constant back and forth with people.

Keep us up to Date, why not try AskSunday?


Cheers

Jose

[Laci nyc]

Well I don't think there is anything wrong with micro-testing one out. Even if you don't need one you will at least have an idea how it works. Micro-testing is essential to expanding one's mental capacity. It can be anything from reading a book you normally would'nt read to testing need sales call pitches. Go for it. As far as Craig's list is concerned, it can be good. But, we careful there are some major weirdos there. Its ok for subcontractors but I would personally not outsource anything to techie or pen work to someone in a newspaper ad. I am just talking out of personal experience. The biggest time waster of Craig's List seems to be the constant back and forth with people.

Keep us up to Date, why not try AskSunday?


Cheers

Jose

Thanks, those are exactly my thoughts.

I meant somebody to post on Craigslist for me, rather than someone I find on Craigslist. Wow, these ambiguities in my original post are really an eye-opener. As a published writer, former ESL teacher, and someone who's lived abroad, I always thought that communicating was one of my strongest suits, especially across language barriers. Shocking that I've caused so many misunderstandings just here. Imagine how I'll have to train myself to communicate clearly with a foreign assistant! A good lesson indeed.

[webgal]

I can't say I've had great luck in every category on Craig's List. But for admin help I have had some luck with the stay at home moms.