“It takes too long to train an assistant, so I’ll just do the work myself.” This concern is very common and seems quite valid, but it is flawed. If you have been thinking in this way, we will show you in black-and-white that you might be under a misconception.
Yes, when it comes to large tasks, it is easy to justify the time spent on training, but what if something really takes you just 10 minutes to complete? Is it then worth spending 30 minutes explaining the task to an assistant? Just look at this:
What if something really takes you just 10 minutes to complete? Is it then worth spending 30 minutes explaining the task to an assistant?
- 10 minutes once a week = 8.5 hours a year. If you delegate that 10 min task, you gain a full workday! 30 min spent to gain 8.5 hours is easy maths.
- If it’s a task that takes 10 min per day, delegating it saves you pretty much an entire workweek of 40 hours! Even if the training took 1 – 2 hours this will still be worth it.
You can reduce the time spent on training by setting up your (virtual or on-site) assistant for success from the first day. Communicate your expectations clearly – include the objectives, deadlines and the style you want. We all know the saying, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it again?” If you do something right the first time, it saves a lot of time.
You can reduce the time spent on training by setting up your (virtual or on-site) assistant for success from the first day.
Having regular contact with your Virtual Assistant (VA) is crucial. This can be in the form of daily phone conversations or weekly huddles that highlight wins (tasks completed satisfactorily) and priorities for the coming period. This way you ensure ongoing quality. Your VA will happily oblige.
Investing time in training someone to do the tasks you don’t have time to do will always be worthwhile in the end, because it increases your capacity.
