How to Work Remotely With Your Virtual Assistant

Getting started with a Virtual Assistant (VA) can seem a daunting task if you’ve not done this before. However, in today’s society and with the apps and programs available you can work with a remote VA just as easily as if they are in another part of your physical office. The trick is to find a program or app that has work-share features that both you and your virtual assistant will find easy to use.
For example for file sharing, there are apps like OneDrive or Google Drive that can be used from your phone, tablet or computer. These apps will allow you to share things like files, spreadsheets, documents, photos and sound files. They are uploaded into the cloud and the VA can retrieve them from wherever they are working.

To Do Lists and project and/or business management programs that work well with small group are ToDoIst and Trello.  These programs allow you to add projects, people and tasks. They also allow you to move and escalate items as the project moves through the cycle. You can assign tasks to specific people and prioritize them in order of importance or deadline.

If you are having your VA help with email correspondence and scheduling, you might want to check out Google Calendar and Timetrade.  These programs allow the VA to not only check your calendar, but also assist in manipulating and scheduling meetings when need be.
If you need to have a meeting with your Va, there is no need to physically get together when you can just schedule a Zoom or Skype meeting.  You send an email with a link and can hold the meeting completely online. Both of these programs also allow for screen sharing if need be for visual support on any items that may need it.

Although there is a learning curve on most of these programs, most are fairly easy to use and they will come in very handy for both you and your assistant. Before long, you will be a fine tuned machine working toward the common goal and getting much more done.

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