The virtual assistant (VA) industry is expanding rapidly, fueled by the growth of remote work, digital transformation, and the increasing demand for flexible work solutions. Entrepreneurs, startups, and even established businesses are turning to virtual assistants to streamline operations, manage tasks, and improve productivity without the overhead costs of hiring full-time employees. However, before diving into the process of hiring a virtual assistant in 2024, it’s essential to take some time to plan carefully.

Hiring the right virtual assistant can have a huge positive impact on your business, while making the wrong choice can lead to inefficiencies and wasted time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll go through the 10 most useful tips you should know before hiring a virtual assistant in 2024. But before we dive in, here's your $25 off coupon code that you can use to sign-up to any of AskSunday's dedicated assistant plans, and try our services risk-free for the first 7 days / 3 hours : "TRYFREE25". Now let's turn to the topic.

1. Clearly Define Your Needs and Expectations

Before you begin searching for a virtual assistant, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the tasks you want to delegate. Start by identifying the specific duties that are taking up too much of your time or those that require expertise you don’t have. These tasks might include administrative work, managing emails, customer service, social media management, content creation, research, or even bookkeeping. See what a virtual assistant can do for you and your business here.

Once you’ve defined the tasks, outline the expectations for the role. Do you need the VA to work a set number of hours per week, or will their work be project-based? Do you require specific skills or certifications? Establishing a detailed job description will help you find a virtual assistant whose skill set matches your business’s needs.

Tip: Create a prioritized list of tasks to delegate, ensuring that you are clear on the tasks you need help with and the level of expertise required.

2. Determine the Right Budget

Hiring a virtual assistant offers flexibility when it comes to costs, as you can hire them on a part-time, hourly, or project basis. However, it’s essential to set a realistic budget based on the complexity of the tasks and the experience level you’re seeking. VAs with specialized skills, such as graphic design, website management, or advanced marketing strategies, may charge more than those handling basic administrative duties.

Remember that you often get what you pay for. If you hire a VA for less than market rates, you might compromise on the quality of work. On the other hand, a more experienced VA can bring a higher level of professionalism and efficiency, making them a worthwhile investment in the long run.

Tip: Research industry standards for VA rates based on your location and the skills required for the role, and set a budget accordingly.

3. Choose the Right Hiring Platform

Finding the right virtual assistant depends on where you look. There are numerous platforms and agencies that specialize in connecting businesses with VAs, and choosing the right one can make the hiring process smoother.

Popular platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to post job listings and review applications from VAs with various skill sets and experience levels. If you’re looking for more vetted and specialized talent, you might opt for professional firms like AskSunday, which handles much of the recruitment process for you.

Each platform has its pros and cons, so you’ll want to choose based on your specific needs—whether you’re looking for a quick hire for a short-term project or a long-term VA with a high degree of specialization.

Tip: Look for platforms or agencies with strong vetting processes, reviews, and clear pricing structures to ensure you’re getting access to top-tier talent.

4. Test for Compatibility and Communication Skills

A virtual assistant can have the perfect resume, but if they’re not a good fit for your business’s communication style or culture, the working relationship might not succeed. Effective communication is key when working with a remote team member. You need someone who understands your goals, can ask the right questions, and provides timely updates on their progress.

During the interview process, pay close attention to how the VA communicates. Are they responsive? Do they ask insightful questions? Do they have experience working with businesses in your industry? Additionally, consider conducting a small trial project to assess their work quality and responsiveness in a real-world scenario.

Tip: Look for a VA with excellent communication skills and conduct a trial task to see how well they perform and interact with you.

5. Prioritize Time Management and Organizational Skills

One of the main reasons for hiring a virtual assistant is to save time and reduce stress, so it’s important to hire someone who excels at time management and organization. A VA should be able to handle multiple tasks, prioritize their work, and meet deadlines without constant supervision.

During the interview process, ask about their time management practices. How do they organize their workday? What tools do they use to stay on top of tasks? A VA who demonstrates strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently will make a positive difference in your business.

Tip: Ask about the VA’s time management strategies, and look for those who use productivity tools such as Asana, Trello, or Slack to stay organized.

6. Check References and Reviews

Virtual assistants may present polished profiles and resumes, but it’s always a good idea to verify their past work through references or reviews. Request feedback from previous clients or employers, and review their work history to ensure they have a proven track record of delivering quality results.

If you’re hiring through a platform, take advantage of user reviews and ratings. If the VA is being hired directly or through a VA agency, ask for references and testimonials. This step can help you avoid potential issues by ensuring you hire someone with a history of reliability and success.

Tip: Never skip the reference check process—talk to previous clients to gain insight into the VA’s strengths, work ethic, and reliability.

7. Focus on Specialized Skills if Needed

Not all virtual assistants are generalists. Depending on your business needs, you may require specialized skills that go beyond basic administrative tasks. For example, if you need help with digital marketing, web development, or graphic design, make sure to hire a VA with the relevant experience and technical knowledge.

When hiring for specialized roles, make sure the VA has a portfolio or case studies demonstrating their capabilities. Ask about the tools and platforms they use for their work to ensure they are up-to-date with industry standards.

Tip: When looking for specialized skills, request work samples, portfolios, or case studies to ensure the VA has experience in the specific area you need assistance with.

8. Set Clear Expectations and Guidelines

Once you’ve hired a virtual assistant, it’s essential to set clear expectations right from the beginning. This includes defining working hours (if relevant), deadlines, communication frequency, reporting procedures, and any other guidelines they should follow.

A lack of clear instructions or expectations can lead to misunderstandings, missed deadlines, or poor-quality work. Create a structured onboarding process for your VA, so they know exactly what’s expected of them and how their work fits into the larger goals of your business.

Tip: Provide your VA with a detailed onboarding document or guide that outlines their responsibilities, key contacts, tools they’ll use, and your expectations for communication and work quality.

9. Use the Right Tools for Collaboration

Effective collaboration between you and your virtual assistant is essential, and the right tools can make this process much smoother. Depending on your needs, you might require tools for communication, project management, file sharing, or even time tracking.

Some popular tools include:

- Slack or Microsoft Teams for communication

- Trello, Asana, or Monday.com for project management

- Google Workspace or Dropbox for file sharing

- Clockify or Toggl for time tracking (if you’re paying by the hour)

By using these tools, you’ll ensure that you and your virtual assistant are aligned and have access to everything necessary to complete tasks efficiently.

Tip: Choose collaboration tools that are user-friendly and fit your business needs. Make sure your VA is comfortable using these tools or can learn quickly.

10. Maintain Regular Check-ins and Provide Feedback

A common mistake when hiring virtual assistants is assuming that, once hired, the VA can work without any oversight or input. While VAs do work independently, it’s still important to maintain regular communication to ensure that tasks are being completed correctly and on time.

Schedule weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to review progress, discuss any challenges, and provide feedback. Offering constructive feedback helps your VA improve and ensures that you’re both on the same page. This open line of communication can prevent small issues from escalating into bigger problems.

Tip: Schedule regular check-ins with your VA to monitor progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges early on.

Conclusion

Hiring a virtual assistant in 2024 can be one of the smartest business decisions you make, offering flexibility, cost savings, and access to a global talent pool. However, success in hiring the right VA depends on proper planning, clear communication, and setting realistic expectations from the start.

By following these 10 tips, you’ll be well-prepared to find a VA who aligns with your business goals, possesses the necessary skills, and helps you stay focused on the bigger picture. A well-chosen VA will free up your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters—growing your business and achieving your goals.

With careful consideration and the right approach, hiring a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for your business in 2024.

FAQ Section

1. What is the average cost of hiring a virtual assistant? 

The cost varies depending on the VA’s experience, location, and skillset. On average, VAs can charge between $10 to $50 per hour, with specialized tasks or high-level skills costing more.

2. How do I ensure the quality of work from my virtual assistant? 

You can ensure quality by clearly communicating expectations, providing detailed task descriptions, setting deadlines, and regularly checking in with your VA. Conduct a trial project before committing to a long-term contract to evaluate their work and professionalism.

3. Can I hire a virtual assistant on a part-time or project basis? 

Yes, one of the key advantages of hiring a VA is the flexibility they offer. You can hire them on an hourly, part-time, or project basis, depending on your specific business needs.

4. How do I assess the skills of a virtual assistant? 

Ask for a portfolio, work samples, or case studies relevant to the tasks you need help with. During the interview, ask specific questions about their experience and proficiency with certain tools and platforms. A small test project is also a great way to gauge their skills.

5. What tools do virtual assistants typically use for work? 

The tools used depend on the type of tasks they handle. Common tools include communication platforms like Slack or Zoom, project management tools like Asana or Trello, and file-sharing systems like Google Workspace or Dropbox.

6. How do I ensure that my VA adheres to deadlines? 

Set clear deadlines for each task and use project management tools that allow both you and the VA to track progress. Frequent check-ins can also help ensure they stay on track with your timeline.

7. Do I need to provide training for my virtual assistant? 

While most VAs are self-sufficient, some training might be necessary, especially if you use proprietary software or require knowledge of specific business processes. Provide guidelines or tutorials for tasks that require specific workflows.

8. How do I maintain communication with a VA working in a different time zone? 

Make use of scheduling tools to find common meeting times and use asynchronous communication tools like Slack or email for updates. Time zone differences can even work to your advantage by providing extended working hours for your business.

9. Can I trust a virtual assistant with sensitive information? 

Yes, but it’s crucial to establish security protocols. Use secure password-sharing tools like LastPass and have your VA sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to protect sensitive information.

10. How do I manage payment for a virtual assistant? 

Payments can be managed through freelancing platforms like Upwork, which offer built-in payment systems, or through direct arrangements using PayPal or other invoicing tools. Be clear about payment terms upfront, including frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) and the method of payment.

Hiring a virtual assistant can streamline your operations, enhance your productivity, and free up your time. By following these tips and best practices, you’ll find the right virtual assistant to help your busi

Are you looking to generate some extra income without quitting your day job? Creating a side income project can be a great way to earn additional money and pursue your passions. With the help of a virtual assistant, you can automate many of the tasks involved in running a side income project, freeing up your time to focus on growing your business.

In this blog post, we'll explore 10 side income projects that you can create and automate with a virtual assistant.

1. E-commerce Store

One of the most popular side income projects is starting an e-commerce store. With the right products and marketing, you can turn your e-commerce store into a profitable business.

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Product research: Finding and sourcing products to sell.
• Inventory management: Tracking and restocking inventory.
• Customer service: Responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues.
• Social media marketing: Promoting your products on social media.
• Email marketing: Sending promotional emails to your customers.

2. Online Course Creation

If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can create and sell online courses. Online courses are a great way to share your knowledge and generate passive income.

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Course content creation: Developing course materials, such as videos, presentations, and worksheets.
• Course platform management: Uploading and managing your course on a learning management system.
• Marketing and promotion: Promoting your course on social media and other online platforms.

3. Blogging

Blogging is a popular way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world. If you have a passion for writing, you can start a blog and monetize it through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content.  

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Content creation: Writing blog posts and creating other types of content, such as infographics and videos.
• SEO optimization: Optimizing your blog posts for search engines.
• Social media promotion: Sharing your blog posts on social media.
• Email marketing: Building and nurturing an email list.

4. Print-on-Demand Products

Print-on-demand services allow you to create and sell custom products, such as t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, without having to hold inventory.

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Design creation: Creating designs for your products.
• Product listing: Listing your products on print-on-demand platforms.
• Order fulfillment: Managing orders and shipping products to customers.

5. Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products without holding inventory. When a customer places an order, you purchase the product from a supplier and have it shipped directly to the customer.  

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Product research: Finding and sourcing products to sell.
• Store setup: Setting up your online store.
• Order fulfillment: Managing orders and shipping products to customers.
• Customer service: Responding to customer inquiries and resolving issues.

6. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing involves promoting other people's products or services and earning a commission for each sale.  

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Content creation: Creating content that promotes affiliate products or services.
• Email marketing: Building and nurturing an email list of potential customers.
• Social media promotion: Sharing affiliate links on social media.

7. Online Coaching or Consulting

If you have expertise in a particular field, you can offer online coaching or consulting services.

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Client acquisition: Finding and attracting new clients.
• Scheduling: Scheduling appointments with clients.
• Content creation: Creating content, such as blog posts or videos, to promote your services.
• Email marketing: Building and nurturing a relationship with your clients.

8. YouTube Channel

YouTube is a popular platform for creating and sharing videos. If you have a passion for video creation, you can start a YouTube channel and monetize it through advertising, sponsorships, or merchandise sales.

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Video editing: Editing and producing your videos.
• Channel management: Managing your YouTube channel, including uploading videos, responding to comments, and optimizing your channel for search.
• Social media promotion: Promoting your YouTube channel on social media.

9. App Development

If you have the skills and knowledge, you can develop and sell your own apps.

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• App development: Helping with the development of your app.
• App store optimization: Optimizing your app for the app store.
• Marketing and promotion: Promoting your app on social media and other online platforms.

10. Virtual Assistant Services

You can also start your own virtual assistant business and offer your services to other clients.

Tasks that can be automated by a virtual assistant:

• Client acquisition: Finding and attracting new clients.
• Project management: Managing your projects and tasks.
• Communication: Communicating with clients and other team members.

As you can see, there are many side income projects that you can create and automate with a virtual assistant. By outsourcing tasks to a virtual assistant, you can free up your time to focus on growing your business and generating more income.

When choosing a virtual assistant, it's important to find someone who is reliable, skilled, and a good fit for your business. You can trust AskSunday Virtual Assistant service fully to be your trusted partner in your side income project. AskSunday is one of the top VA services of 2024 and has received prestigious recognitions and has been featured across the media since it's inception.

Remember, creating a successful side income project takes time, effort, and dedication. But with the right planning and execution, you can turn your side hustle into a profitable business.

As a small business owner, you've poured your heart and soul into your venture. But getting potential customers to convert into paying customers can be a challenge. Here are 10 proven tips to help you increase your closure rate:

1. Know Your Audience Inside and Out

• Research: Dive deep into your target market's demographics, psychographics, and pain points.

• Empathy: Understand their needs, desires, and concerns from their perspective.

• Segmentation: Divide your audience into smaller groups to tailor your messaging and offerings effectively.

2. Create Irresistible Value Propositions

• Unique Selling Point (USP): Clearly articulate what sets your business apart.

• Benefits-Focused Messaging: Highlight the tangible advantages your product or service offers.

• Customer-Centric Approach: Tailor your value proposition to address your target audience's specific needs.

3. Optimize Your Sales Funnel

• Identify Stages: Map out the customer journey from awareness to purchase.

• Nurture Leads: Provide valuable content and personalized communication at each stage.

• Track Performance: Use analytics to measure the effectiveness of your sales funnel and make necessary adjustments.

4. Leverage Effective Marketing Channels

• Social Media: Choose platforms where your target audience is most active and create engaging content.

• Content Marketing: Produce high-quality blog posts, articles, and videos to attract and educate potential customers.

• Email Marketing: Build a targeted email list and send personalized, relevant messages.

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Optimize your website to rank higher in search engine results.

5. Build Strong Relationships

• Networking: Attend industry events and connect with potential customers and partners.

• Customer Service: Provide exceptional customer service to foster loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

• Partnerships: Collaborate with complementary businesses to reach a wider audience.

6. Utilize Sales Enablement Tools

• CRM Software: Manage customer interactions, track sales activities, and analyze performance.

• Sales Training: Equip your sales team with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

• Sales Scripts: Develop effective scripts to guide conversations and increase conversions.

7. Personalize Your Approach

• Tailored Messaging: Customize your communication based on individual customer preferences and needs.

• Personalized Offers: Offer promotions and discounts that are relevant to each customer's interests.

• Follow-Up: Maintain regular contact to build trust and address any concerns.

8. Track and Analyze Performance

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Set measurable goals and track your progress.

• Analytics Tools: Use data to identify trends, optimize your marketing efforts, and make informed decisions.

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review your performance and make necessary adjustments.

9. Address Objections Proactively

• Anticipate Concerns: Identify common objections and prepare effective responses.

• Empathy and Understanding: Listen actively to customers' concerns and address them with empathy.

• Reframing: Present objections in a positive light and offer solutions that benefit the customer.

10. Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

• Continuous Learning: Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies.

• Adapt to Change: Be flexible and willing to adjust your marketing strategies as needed.

• Experimentation: Test different approaches to find what works best for your business.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly improve your small business's closure rate and achieve sustainable growth. Remember, success in sales is a journey, not a destination. Consistent effort and a customer-centric approach are key to achieving your goals.

We know we’re preaching to the choir on this one, but we can honestly say that business owners today have way more responsibilities than ever before.
Some of us may wistfully long for what it must have been like to start a business in 1975 or even 1985, where essentially, all a business owner needed to get started was a physical brick and mortar location and a landline (okay, we’re exaggerating for dramatic effect!).
Our point is, nowadays, if you want to establish credibility as a business owner, there are few “must-dos.” These include: having a website, creating a blog or another content distribution vehicle, SEO optimization, utilization of third party review site such as Yelp, and participating on social platforms.
Bottom line: having an online presence is one of the most important things you can do to promote your business. What’s the first thing you do when you hear about a new business? You Google them, of course. I don’t know about you, but when a small business owner has no website, or equally as bad, an outdated or a non user-friendly interface, my opinion of their brand plummets.
What we’re trying to say is that we know you have a long, ever-growing list of To Do’s. Take a deep breath. We can help you build your business and manage your online presence.
First, let’s review why good entrepreneurs hire virtual assistants like us in the first place.

We support you in a way no one employee could.
Your business needs vary from graphic design to web development to social media know-how. However, most startups and small businesses don’t need full-time employees in each of these areas. Worse yet, imagine trying to hire one single employee who has all the skills you need?
At this point in your business’ growth, you need a team of experts, not the expense of a single employee…and, that’s exactly what you get when you hire Ask Sunday. When you sign on with us, you gain access to the varied skill sets of our entire team. Your VA serves as your go-to point person, leveraging the expertise of our full staff to get whatever it is you need done.

Want to grow your business? Forget what your loved ones look like? Time to delegate!
Chances are you’re guilty of uttering this phrase: “No one can do it as well as me!” You’re probably right about that, but the fact remains that if you want to scale your business (and keep your relationships in tact), you have to find reliable people to whom you can outsource non-core tasks.
Outsourcing to our reliable team is the perfect, affordable solution.
Ready to get started? Wondering what specifically to send our way? We’ve created this handy list of ways we’re currently helping our clients, broken down by category.

PERSONAL TASKS
Search travel sites to compare travel dates, book airfare and hotel, and provide research on local activities and pricing.
Find the perfect birthday or anniversary gifts for your mother, niece or significant other to save you from looking like that overly busy person who forgets important dates!
Find a reputable dog walker to take out Oliver, your much loved furry family member, when you’re burning the midnight oil at the office.
Make reservations for two at a nice restaurant (with gluten free options) and send you twenty email reminders so you don’t miss dinner with your better half.
Order iPhone chargers and other things you need on Amazon so they arrive at your doorstep!

BUSINESS TASKS
Transcribe your interviews/meetings so you can review them later, in peace.
Manage your calendar and set up meetings. We’ll make sure you don’t over (or double) book!
Go through your email inbox and file accordingly/get it down to that magic, unheard number: 0.
Provide email customer support at all hours of the day and night so you can get some sleep.
Handle data entry tasks so you can stop beating your head on the desk and move on to other, more strategic tasks.

GRAPHIC / WEB DEVELOPMENT
Design or refine your logo.
Create beautiful PowerPoints that’ll kung-fu wow them at that trade show presentation.
Design infographics-the hottest new way to convey information-and other graphics, for use on social media.
Create additional web pages for your website as needed.
Create opt-in and landing pages so that you can capture those email addresses!

SOCIAL MEDIA
Perform hashtag and competitive research on Twitter. Become a #hashtagmaster.
Create personalized banners and headers for Facebook, Twitter and other social media platforms.
Content calendar ready to go for the month? Good job planning ahead. We’ll get them scheduled in Hootsuite, Sprout Social or your tool of choice.

The self-employment bug is in the air…and it’s highly contagious.
How do we know?
Exhibit 1:
The explosive growth of coworking spaces. These airy, light-filled, lease-free flexible office arrangements are popping up in droves and teeming with entrepreneurs who gather to collaborate and innovate.
Exhibit 2:
A recent Forbes article suggests a record number of Americans scratched the entrepreneurial itch in 2013. Data released by Babson and Baruch Colleges suggests that last year 69% of new businesses in the U.S. started at home and that 15 to 20% of our workforce is engaged in running a startup or a more established business.
Exhibit 3:
We can personally attest to a surge in demand from our clients for small business tasks such as website development, logo design, social media scheduling, and PowerPoint creation.
Once we became a trusted resource, clients wanted a one-stop-shop. In addition to handing off those pesky time-consuming tasks that we happen to love (like negotiating with your phone carrier on overage charges, or seeing if “unbundling” your cable is even an option) clients wanted us to sort through their inbox and file them accordingly (how nice would it be to open up Outlook and see a big fat goose egg–zero–emails!).
We were only too happy to oblige. We hustled back to the drawing board, built up the team we needed to sufficiently add to our repertoire, and launched our Premium Service offerings.
Now, we’re proud to be a go-to resource for affordable outsourced business services.
As we send each of you off with a newly launched website or punched up logo, we’re silently applauding you. We’re rooting for you. We want to see you succeed. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five actionable business books that’ll provide you (or the newly minted entrepreneur that you love) with the advice, insight, and tips they need to persevere.
Afterall, coming up with the idea is the easy part, where entrepreneurs often fall short, is in the execution. You’re the glue that holds it all together. You’re going to need to become a master delegator, persuader, communicator, team builder, and goal setter. Our top 5 picks address each of these issues.
1. The Four Hour Workweek, Timothy Ferriss
Whether you’re in a soul-sucking job, or trapped underneath your own business, Tim Ferriss teaches you how to “escape the 9 to 5, live anywhere, and join the New Rich.” He’ll break you of misconceptions, such as the need to work 40+ hours per week to be successful, and instead advocates newfangled ideas such as a series of “mini retirements.” He’ll show you everything you need to establish a business that runs without you, and get you focused on how to streamline, eliminate distractions, and automate.
2. Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill
One of the best-selling books of all-time and an acknowledged wealth-creating tool, Think and Grow Rich has sold over 70 million copies–and for good reason. Napoleon Hill, a former advisor to President Roosevelt, spent 20 years interviewing 500+ of the world’s most successful businessmen (the likes of Andrew Carnegie), packaged his extraordinary findings, and unlocked the secret to success for millions. He refused to see success as the result of luck or background or even intelligence. Instead, the common thread he uncovered was persistence and the refusal to recognize failure. Each of the magnates he spoke to possessed a deeply held belief that they’d achieve their dreams, and they were unflappable in their determination. With his 13 “Laws of Success,” Hill deconstructs the mental barriers we place to acquiring wealth and lays out a roadmap to success.
3. The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, Stephen Covey
This #1 best seller sets up your framework for personal effectiveness is approved by online casinos Australia. The seven habits are simple rules for life, but also timeless principles and powerful tools. This book focuses on cultivating personal development, so that you can become more effective in how you work and relate with other people. At the heart of the book, is a deep appreciation of the fact that we’re all interdependent, we need each other to achieve our best outcomes.
4. The E-Myth Revisited, Michael Gerber
Seen as guiding light for successful businesses, the most often quoted piece of wisdom in this book is: “work on your business, not in it.” Gerber offers business owners a much needed shift in perspective, encouraging delegation, and counter intuitive to most entrepreneurs, encourages them to set up systems that allow their business to run without them. The book’s Amazon review covers it quite nicely: “Gerber walks you through the steps in the life of a business from entrepreneurial infancy, through adolecence growing pains, to the mature entrepreneurial stage.”
5. How to Win Friends & Influence People, Dale Carnegie
Good relationships are the foundation of a successful business, and that’s what makes this book a great read for small business owners. You will need to excel at working with people. If done incorrectly, managing employees can be one of the most draining tasks a business owner faces. Ever wonder how to establish loyal relationships with the people that work for you, and get them to do what you want…without being a dictator? Dale Carnegie masters the art of “influence” and persuading others to emotionally invest in your business.

Nothing is worse than having an assistant that is always gone or busy doing other things when you need them, it can be worse than frustrating to have an important project that needs to be completed and have your assistant call in sick when you need them to fill in the gaps. The great thing about a virtual assistant service is that you don’t need to wait on a particular virtual assistant unless you really want to.
At Ask Sunday you will have a primary virtual assistant assigned to you, as well as a secondary or back up assistant that will be full trained on your account and ready should anything happen with your primary assistant. You will never need to go without the help you need, and you will never pay more than what the job costs. Visit us at Ask Sunday for a free 3 hour trial to try out our services.

AskSunday, one of the best virtual assistant service providers, is adding to the festive joy through the year end season by giving away $25 discount coupon on new subscriptions. All you have to do is to use coupon code SAVE25DA at the time of signup, that’s it! Offer runs through the year-end season till December 31st, 2018.

Here is the link for subscribing to a plan : https://www.asksunday.com/signup/

And here is the link to know more about AskSunday : http://www.asksunday.com/

Whether it is scheduling appointments, vendor screening, outbound calls, internet research, travel planning, website design and maintenance, or graphics design for your marketing literature and social media posts. You can delegate all of these tasks and more from your work bucket to a Dedicated Virtual Assistant at AskSunday.

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness are at the forefront of every individual's and business's priorities in today's digital age. Enter virtual assistants (VAs), the versatile solution that promises to transform how tasks are managed. But does the claim hold true? Can virtual assistants really save you time and money? In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the compelling reasons behind the affirmative answer, addressing the critical questions that often arise when considering hiring a virtual assistant.

The Time-Saving Power of Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants are like time alchemists, transforming hours that might be wasted on mundane tasks into golden opportunities for growth and productivity. Here's how they do it:

Key Ways Virtual Assistants Save You Time

1. Task Delegation

By outsourcing routine and time-consuming tasks like email management, data entry, and scheduling to virtual assistants, you free up your valuable hours to focus on high-priority activities.

2. Specialized Expertise

Virtual assistants bring diverse skills to the table. When you delegate tasks like graphic design, content creation, or technical support, you tap into their expertise and avoid the learning curve.

3. Extended Work Hours

Virtual assistants can work in different time zones, allowing tasks to be completed while you sleep, resulting in round-the-clock progress.

4. Efficient Organization

Virtual assistants excel at organizing information, streamlining processes, and managing calendars, ensuring tasks are executed seamlessly.

Common Questions About Time Savings

1. Will Delegating Tasks Take Time to Set Up?

Yes, there might be an initial time investment to onboard your virtual assistant and communicate your expectations. However, this short-term effort yields long-term time savings.

2. How Do I Ensure Tasks Are Done Correctly and Timely?

Clear communication, setting deadlines, and using project management tools foster efficient collaboration, ensuring tasks are completed to your satisfaction.

3. Can Virtual Assistants Adapt to My Work Style?

Yes, virtual assistants are adaptable professionals who quickly learn your preferences and work style, ensuring a seamless partnership.

4. How Can Virtual Assistants Handle Tasks I've Always Done Myself?

Virtual assistants can tackle a variety of tasks you handle personally, such as managing appointments, social media posting, research, and more, freeing you to focus on strategic decisions.

The Money-Saving Advantage of Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants not only save you time but also present a cost-effective solution for various reasons:

Key Ways Virtual Assistants Save You Money

1. Reduced Overhead Costs

Hiring a full-time employee comes with expenses like salaries, benefits, office space, and equipment. Virtual assistants eliminate these overhead costs.

2. Pay for What You Need

Virtual assistants offer flexibility, allowing you to pay for the exact hours worked or tasks completed, preventing you from paying for idle time.

3. No Training Costs

Virtual assistants are typically skilled professionals who require minimal training, reducing the need for costly training programs.

4. Scalability

As your business grows, virtual assistants can accommodate increased tasks without the need for additional infrastructure or resources.

Common Questions About Cost Savings

1. Will Quality Be Compromised with Lower Costs?

Not necessarily. While some virtual assistants offer competitive rates, they often maintain quality through experience and specialized skills.

2. How Does the Cost of a Virtual Assistant Compare to a Full-Time Employee?

Virtual assistants are generally more cost-effective than full-time employees due to the absence of overhead costs and the ability to pay only for the work done.

3. Can Virtual Assistants Handle Complex Tasks Despite Lower Costs?

Yes, many virtual assistants have specialized expertise in various domains, allowing them to handle complex tasks efficiently.

4. Are There Any Hidden Costs?

While virtual assistant rates are the primary cost, make sure to clarify any additional charges, such as software subscriptions or communication tools.

The notion that virtual assistants can save you time and money is not a mere claim; it's a reality backed by tangible benefits. These versatile professionals possess the power to optimize your efficiency, minimize overhead costs, and elevate your productivity. By outsourcing tasks to virtual assistants, you embark on a journey where time becomes a valuable asset, and your financial resources are allocated with precision. Ultimately, the decision to hire a virtual assistant is not just about cost, but about embracing a transformative solution that fuels growth and success.

When the idea first came out for people to hire themselves out as virtual assistants, the business world was amazed, it was a novel but brilliant idea to have what is now popularly called a virtual assistant that can take care of many of your more mundane and repetitious tasks freeing you up to take care of more important work during your work day. Now a virtual assistant can cost a great deal more than you want to pay, if you are not careful and shop around.
You can get a virtual assistant through Ask Sunday, we offer highly affordable prices and the more hours you buy per month the better your price is going to be. Our virtual assistants can offer you a wide range of services such as data entry, blog posting and taking care of daily repetitive tasks so you don’t have to.

The slowdown in the aftermath of the Corona virus pandemic is going to be very different from any other we have seen in the past. This is nothing like the dot-com bust, or the housing market crash that the world emerged out of in the last couple of decades. Experts say that what’s coming our way is comparable only to the Great Depression of the last century. The outcomes of the depression then were drastic declines in industrial output, severe unemployment and acute deflation in almost all parts of the world. The gloomy sentiment around the Covid-19 virus pandemic is recruiting more and more economists and public policy experts with each passing day. While we should certainly avoid panic, as things always fall in place eventually, we certainly should not waste time preparing ourselves for what’s sure to follow the health crisis – a severe economic crisis.

There could not be two opinions about the time to act in such circumstances. No, it is NOT “Soon”, it is NOT “Sometime this week”, it is NOT “at the earliest convenience”. The time to ACT is NOW, no later. The mantra is simple – Adapt or Perish!

We list down a few extremely important points on how an SME can adapt and survive the storm during the downturn, here:

These are arguably the best of times we are living in. Everything these days is available at the click of a button. Be it ordering household supplies, shopping for a new phone, sending gifts to your loved ones – you name it and you can a find a service or a website that can help you accomplish your objective.

Do the holidays make your normal workload go crazy? If so then you would probably love to have a personal assistant to make this time a bit less stressful and allow you to enjoy it a bit more. If you think that a personal assistant is way beyond your means, then you might be surprised to find out that a virtual personal assistant is very affordable for just about anyone. Use your personal assistant to help you with your holiday schedule, make outgoing phone calls for you or to help you plan your company’s Christmas party. Need help with your holiday email? Our assistant may help you with creationg an account on $5 minimum deposit online casino. Our personal assistants at Ask Sunday can help you sort through your email for the important emails and take care of your spam mails each week. Visit us at Ask Sunday and we will show you how to try our service for 3 hours free.

Halloween is just around the corner, and it's time to start planning your spooktacular party! But with so much to do, from decorations to costumes to food, it can be overwhelming. That's where a virtual assistant can come in handy.

A virtual assistant, or VA, is a remote professional who can provide administrative, technical, or creative support. They can handle a wide range of tasks, from scheduling appointments to designing graphics. And when it comes to planning a Halloween party, a VA can be a real lifesaver.

Here are some ways a VA can help you plan your Halloween party:

1. Guest List Management

• Create a guest list: Your VA can help you create a guest list, including contact information and dietary restrictions.
• Send invitations: They can send out invitations via email, snail mail, or social media.
• Track RSVPs: Your VA can track RSVPs and keep you updated on the guest count.

2. Venue and Decor Planning

• Find a venue: If you're not hosting the party at home, your VA can help you with web research and find a suitable venue.
• Plan the decor: They can help you brainstorm ideas for decorations, such as themes, colors, and props.
• Order supplies: Your VA can order supplies online or in-store, and coordinate delivery.

3. Food and Beverage Planning

• Create a menu: Your VA can help you create a menu that is both delicious and spooky.
• Order food: They can order food from local restaurants or caterers.
• Plan the bar: If you're serving alcohol, your VA can help you plan the bar, including ordering drinks and hiring a bartender.

4. Entertainment Planning

• Find entertainment: Your VA can help you find entertainment, such as a DJ, band, or magician.
• Coordinate logistics: They can coordinate logistics, such as arrival times and payment.
• Plan activities: If you're planning any activities, such as games or contests, your VA can help you organize them.

5. Costume Planning

• Research costume ideas: Your VA can help you research costume ideas based on your theme or preferences.
• Find vendors: They can find vendors that sell costumes, wigs, and makeup.
• Coordinate fittings: If you need to get your costume tailored or fitted, your VA can help you schedule appointments.

6. Budgeting and Expense Tracking

• Create a budget: Your VA can help you create a budget for your party.
• Track expenses: They can track your expenses throughout the planning process.
• Manage payments: Your VA can help you manage payments to vendors and suppliers.

7. Day-of Coordination

• Create a timeline: Your VA can help you create a timeline for the day of the party.
• Coordinate vendors: They can coordinate with vendors to ensure they arrive on time and set up correctly.
• Handle last-minute details: Your VA can handle any last-minute details, such as running out of food or drinks.

In addition to these tasks, a VA can also provide support with:

• Social media promotion: Your VA can help you promote your party on social media.
• Email marketing: They can send out email invitations or reminders to guests.
• Website creation: If you're creating a website for your party, your VA can help you design and build it.

By hiring a virtual assistant, you can free up your time to focus on other aspects of your life while knowing that your Halloween party is in good hands. A VA can help you plan a stress-free and unforgettable party that your guests will be talking about for years to come.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact AskSunday today to hire a virtual assistant and start planning your spooktacular Halloween party!

The Need For a Second Income Stream

The need for financial flexibility and security has become increasingly apparent in the world we live in today. A full-time job provides stability, but having a second income stream can offer a cushion against economic uncertainties, unexpected expenses, and provide the means to pursue personal goals and aspirations. Juggling a full-time job and a side hustle may seem daunting at first, but with the right mindset and approach, it's very much achievable.

Almost 40% of adults in the United States engage in a side hustle, as per a recent Bankrate study, indicating that they generate additional income apart from their main job or other primary income sources like family support or trust funds. Side hustles are particularly prevalent among younger demographics, with 53% of Gen Zers (ages 18-26) and 50% of millennials (ages 27-42) reporting that they earn supplementary income on the side, according to Bankrate.

Before You Select Your Extra Income Ideas

Before diving into the world of side hustles, it's essential to take stock of three things. These are

1.     Your Existing Skillset

2.     Your Interests & Hobbies

3.     Market Demand and Dynamics

The very first thing you need to ask yourself is, “What am I proficient at?” What skills do you possess that are in demand in the market? You must do a self-assessment, to recognize your strengths and marketable skills. Whether it's writing, graphic design, programming, or project management, understanding where your expertise lies is the first step towards a successful second income stream. Sometimes, the most fulfilling side hustles stem from personal interests and hobbies. Whether it's photography, crafting, or cooking, aligning a side hustle with one's passions not only makes the journey more enjoyable but can also lead to greater success. An integral aspect of choosing a side hustle is assessing the demand for the skills or products you offer. It’s imperative to do a thorough market research to identify gaps and opportunities. Understanding the needs of the target audience is crucial for tailoring a side hustle that not only aligns with personal interests but also addresses a market demand, increasing the likelihood of financial success. At the intersection of these three things, lie the best of extra income ideas that can get you the financial success and freedom you have always longed for.

Top 10 Side Hustle Ideas

Let’s now get down to the meat of the topic. How to make extra income while working full time? As with every new thing you start, this too can look a bit difficult at first, but once you take that initial first step, things typically do fall into place. Also, we must add that creating a second income stream becomes much more achievable with the assistance of a virtual personal assistant service like AskSunday. We say so based on our own experience where our clients have thanked us profusely for making all the difference between success and failure for them in their side income journeys. So, below we list down the top 10 side hustle ideas where individuals have made real money, at times more than what their primary jobs used to pay them.

Have you dreamed of having personal assistants that could make your life just a little bit easier, but then laughed it off when you realized that personals assistants are not for people like us? What if you found out that that you too could have a personal assistant for a very affordable price by hiring a virtual assistant?
These personal assistants can do many of the same tasks that a traditional personal assistant would do, but at a mere fraction of the price. Need help with phone calls or emails? A personal assistant can help you in a variety of ways to ensure that you get the extra time you need and all of your tasks get down. Ask Sunday can offer you, personal assistants at a very affordable price, you can also choose from 3 different packages and save more money the more hours that you buy.

If you know someone that is busy all the time and never seems to have time for themselves or to get everything done they have to do, then you may have come across the perfect gift for them. They may have everything else in the world in abundance but the one thing that they are sure to be in short supply of is time. Give them extra time to use however they want and there are sure to be grateful. The best way to give them that spare time they needs is with personal assistants.
At Ask Sunday we offer you the ability to buy a subscription for a friend or family member. Virtual personal assistants are affordable and a great way to ensure that your friend gets a gift that they are sure to use and love. Visit our site to learn more about getting a personal assistant for someone you care about as a gift.

Regardless of your job, email can be an overwhelming task to deal with every day. In fact most people find that this is the one place that they fall short, in trying to keep up with all the emails they must sort through, the spam they get and must delete and all the mails that must go out on a daily basis. If there is one thing that most people that must use email in their jobs could wish for it would be help to tame their email box. Personal assistants may not be something that you think you can have access to, but at Ask Sunday anyone can hire a personal assistant.
Personal assistants can help you with both your incoming and outgoing mail, have them answer your client emails, send out weekly emails to clients or those that you hope will become clients. Have your personal assistant clean out your spam box and take care of other emails per your instructions. At Ask Sunday you can get the help you need for a price you can afford, try out our services for 3 hours to see if they meet your needs for free.

The Outsourcing Dilemma: Virtual Assistant V/S Freelancer

The question is a pertinent one for those looking to outsource non-strategic tasks and smaller projects. What makes more sense – hiring a virtual assistant, or going to a platform with many listed freelancers to get your next project done? There is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem statement. It is therefore extremely important to understand the nature of both these working arrangements, the pros and cons of both options and then do a careful evaluation of your own needs to come to a conclusion. This article will surely help you answer this very dilemma.

Let us look at some of the most important parameters that one should consider while evaluating both outsourcing options.

1.      Nature – Strategic V/S Peripheral

It is important to assess whether your project actually falls in the category that can be easily delegated to a 3^rd party. For small businesses and startups racing against time and fighting new challenges every day, it is usually advised to keep core business function in full control, while outsourcing non-strategic stuff to reduce time to market in case of any new initiative or product launch. Same is true for most projects. Still, if one were to outsource an important project aligned with organizational strategy, it only makes sense to outsource it to a trusted party with whom you enjoy a long-standing working relationship. Trust, accountability and strong project management skills are what you expect from your outsourcing partner. This is where a Virtual Assistant service outshines a Freelancer who may or may not understand the significance of your project. Would you really want to take that chance?

2.      Periodicity – Repetitive V/S One-Off

If the project you are looking to outsource is of small duration, and can be completed within a few days, hiring a freelancer for the job would be a better decision from purely a pricing point of view. The Gig Economy is all about charging you for the quantum of the work done. However, a VA service will charge you subscription fee upfront, for at least a month in most cases. So the general thumb rule is – hire a VA for repetitive tasks, go for a freelancer for a one-off gig.

3.      Complexity & Skills Required – Medium & Multiple V/S High & Singular

Let’s say your project includes developing a new website along with content creation, a brand new logo, taking care of on-page and off page SEO for your new website, preparing marketing and sales literature including flyers and brochures for the launch event. Needless to say, the project requires different skills and a wholehearted team effort. When you hire a VA service like www.AskSunday.com, you don’t get just one assistant, but also get access to a team of highly skilled resources who aid your VA to serve your needs better. The VA acts like a layer of Project Management for you. Compare this with hiring a single Freelancer. A freelancer would be better suited when you are looking for the best possible talent available for a job that requires not too many skills. You can focus on listed freelancers and check their ratings for that skill alone. However, breaking down your complex project so that you may delegate individual pieces to different freelancers is the surest way to tragedy!

4.      Speed & Efficiency – Team Effort V/S Individual

Almost all of the VA service providers are professionally run businesses, with real performance KPIs in place for their associates. These include turn-around-time, customer satisfaction, minimizing error ratios etc. In case of Freelancers, the individual providing freelancing service is bound typically by terms of service of the aggregating platform loosely, and his or her own professionalism and morality, which translate into final ratings of course. Another aspect to consider would be how soon you want your task delivered? If it is just a 2 hour job, it would probably make more sense to get any available freelancer involved than having a team of VA look into your request and have your task move through their process pipeline. However, if the project is a bit more tedious and complex, a VA service would almost always outperform your regular freelancer.

5.      Quality Assurance & Project Management

Just as stated in the point above, the KPI’s applicable in professionally run VA service provider companies require having a separate team for QA and another one for CSR. The Virtual Assistant assigned to you acts as a project manager who oversees execution and delivery of your project by a team of experts at the backend, while simultaneously shielding you from the bane of having to interact with each one of those skilled resources. So go for a VA service without any hesitation if you want an additional layer of Quality check and project management.

6.      Cost of Delegation

While one could look at the cost of delegation simply by checking the price of subscription or the hourly rates, it would be an entirely futile exercise. The cost of delegation includes not just the price you have to pay for the subscription or the gig, but also the productive time you have to personally spend with the representative from the 3^rd party explaining, monitoring, managing, and checking their output. The cost of delegation also includes the risks of a missed or late delivery, a partial delivery of your project, or delivery with too many shortcomings and errors. Before choosing a VA service, do checkout their reviews on popular review portals, and same goes for freelancers as well. When you have a large, complex and repetitive project at hand, the obvious choice should be to hire a Virtual Assistant, with respect to the total cost of delegation. 

Since you are here, we would like to show you our appreciation by extending a USD 25 discount coupon on AskSunday plans. Take your free trial and also avail a free discount on all dedicated plans by applying "SAVE25DA" at the time of signup! 

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Virtual assistant services are becoming increasingly popular these days due to their convenience, flexibility, and affordability. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a small business owner, or a busy professional, virtual assistant services can help you with various tasks such as email management, scheduling appointments, social media management, and more. However, with so many virtual assistant services available in the market, it can be challenging to select the right one for yourself. In this article, we will discuss some tips that can help you choose the right virtual assistant service for your needs, and also do a comparison between top VA service providers. So here's what you should consider before chosing your VA:

1. Identify your needs: The first step in selecting the right virtual assistant service is to identify your needs. Make a list of the tasks that you want your virtual assistant to perform, such as administrative tasks, social media management, customer support, etc.

2. Look for experience and expertise: When selecting a virtual assistant service, look for one that has experience and expertise in your industry. For example, if you are a real estate agent, look for a virtual assistant service that specializes in real estate.

3. Check reviews and testimonials: Before hiring a virtual assistant service, check their reviews and testimonials online. This will give you an idea of their quality of work, reliability, and professionalism.

4. Ask for references: If possible, ask the virtual assistant service for references from their previous clients. This will give you an opportunity to speak with someone who has worked with the service before and get their feedback.

5. Consider communication and availability: When selecting a virtual assistant service, consider their communication skills and availability. Make sure they are available during your working hours and are easy to communicate with.

6. Look for security and confidentiality: When working with a virtual assistant service, you will be sharing sensitive information with them. Make sure the service has appropriate security measures in place to protect your data and ensure confidentiality.

7. Consider pricing: Finally, consider the pricing of the virtual assistant service. Look for a service that offers competitive pricing while providing high-quality services.

We did a short and crisp comparison of the top contenders in the Virtual Assistant Services domain, all of which are highly regarded by their customers as can be seen by their individual ratings on popular feedback channels. All data sourced from virtualassistantassistant.com and companies' own websites. Here are the top 5 VA Service Providers to look out for in 2023:

 1. AskSunday

 2. TimeETC

3. WoodBows

4. Belay

5. TaskBullet

In conclusion, selecting the right virtual assistant service requires careful consideration of your needs, the service's experience and expertise, reviews and testimonials, communication and availability, security and confidentiality, and pricing. By following these tips, you can choose a virtual assistant service that meets your needs and helps you focus on growing your business. 

Disclaimer : All information is sourced from public domain, including from virtualassistantassistant.com, and websites of individual virtual assistant companies. Information reflects what the author could source from public websites. AskSunday LLC takes no responsibility for the accuracy of ratings or any other data published here using secondary sources of information. Readers are advised to do their own due diligence as well before selecting their virtual assistant services company.

Everybody likes to get stuff for free, how about getting some extra time in your life for absolutely free? Would that gift be priceless? What would you do with that extra time? At Ask Sunday we offer 3 hours of our award winning virtual assistant services for free, just for signing up. You can try out a virtual assistant and get an extra 3 hours of your own time to do whatever you want.
Ask Sunday is so confident that you will love our service and want to keep using it, that we are willing to give you a free trial just to see for yourself. Once you have signed up you will have one week to use your 3 hours, you can have virtual assistant services for a long list of tasks that can help you with everything from your office work to personal tasks that you have been putting off.