Saving time and energy by using a virtual assistant (VA) seemed to appeal to the advisors who read “9 Ways a Virtual Assistant Can Streamline Your Financial Blogging,” my guest post for Michael Kitces’ Nerd’s Eye View blog. But how do you find a great VA? This guest post by Kathy Goughenor gives you one VA’s perspective on that challenge. I met Kathy when I was searching for a new VA. Kathy works as a VA for someone whom I greatly respect.

In addition to what Kathy says, I suggest that you test a potential VA by paying the VA to enter one or two posts into your blog. This will let you see the VA’s technical skills. If it takes you time to develop trust, you can categorize the VA as a “Contributor.”  A contributor can enter posts into WordPress, but can’t make them go live on your blog.

5 Secrets to Finding the Best Virtual Assistant to Streamline Your Financial Advisor Blog

By Kathy Goughenor

Almost half of all small business owners spend over six hours a week blogging, according to a survey conducted by Vertical Response. Imagine how much more productive you’d be, and how much more time you could spend on money-making aspects of your business, if you turned even half of your blogging tasks over to a virtual assistant (VA).

Here are five secrets to help you choose the best virtual assistant for your needs:

1. Find a blogging expert

Look for a VA who specializes in writing, editing, and proofreading as well as the loading and search engine optimization of blog posts. This ensures you’re getting help from someone who is already an expert at these tasks.

2. Ask for referrals

Get referrals from small business owners, especially other financial service professionals. Ask me for a referral by emailing me at kathy@expertvatraining.com

3. Request samples

You want someone who has excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills. To verify your potential VA’s skills, provide a rough draft of a blog post you’ve written, and ask for edits. A VA may be willing to do this test at no cost.

4. Focus on value not price

Virtual assistance is not the type of service for which you want to price shop. The saying “you get what you pay for” holds true for the virtual assistant industry. I recommend paying about $45 per hour, in order to get a VA who is truly a professional and an expert at the services you need. By hiring the best, you’ll save time and money in the long run.

5. Contact references

Email three clients or former clients of the VA you’re considering, and ask the following questions:

• What type of work did this VA do for you?
• What are your favorite and least favorite things about working with this VA?
• Would you refer this VA to your best friend? Why or why not?

Put these five secrets to work for you today to quickly increase your productivity and profits.

Since 2001, virtual assistant, trainer and VA coach Kathy Goughenour has built several successful internet businesses. Her secret to success is delegating to expert virtual assistants. Get more tips on working with a VA by subscribing to her free monthly newsletter Small Biz Smarts.