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Guide to Starting Off Right with a New VA: 6 Essential Steps

Updated on : 10 Sep 2024

Welcome to the world of remote work with your new Virtual Assistant (VA)! Here's your roadmap to make the onboarding process as smooth as a perfect cup of English tea. Let's dive in, shall we?

Step 1: The Commonsensical Agreement

Common sense isn't so common, right? First things first: let's get the basics sorted. This step is about laying down the groundwork. Agree on the salary, work hours, and the job duties. You want to avoid those cringe-worthy "I thought you said..." moments in the future. Be clear, be concise, and make sure both you and your VA are on the same page.

Step 2: The Human Touch of Video Calls

Now, let's bring in the human element. On their first day, set up a video call with your VA. Why video, you ask? Well, it’s more personal. It says, “Hey, welcome aboard! Yes, I am a real person, not just a bunch of typed words on your screen.” This step is all about making your VA feel seen and heard.

Step 3: Day One Game Plan

Continuing from Step 2, use that first call to map out your VA’s first day. Think of it as their orientation day. Introduce them to the team, set them up with the necessary tools and software. It's their first day at Hogwarts - just without the magic wands and talking hats!

Step 4: End of Day Reports

Ah, the beauty of organization! Let your VA know how you like things done. Personally, I’m a fan of end-of-day summaries in neat, bullet points. Whether it’s via Slack, email, or carrier pigeon (just a bit of British humor there), establish a reporting process that suits your style.

Step 5: Communication Expectations

Communication is key. Explain how you prefer things to be done. For example, I set tasks on Trello or Asana, and then look forward to concise, bullet-pointed summaries at the end of the day. I encourage my team to work independently, but I’m always a Slack message away if they’re in a bind.

Step 6: The Family Welcome Chat

Cap off the day with a friendly chat. Remember, your VA is now part of your business family. It's time to ask them if they have any questions or need anything clarified. It's like extending an invitation for a virtual cup of tea – warm and welcoming.

Bonus Tip: The Agreement

Here’s a little extra nugget of advice – get your VA to sign an agreement if you haven’t already. This should detail the job description, salary, payment schedule – all the important stuff.

But wait, there's more!

At VirtualStaff.ph, crafting these agreements is a breeze. We specialize in creating localized, compliant agreements with just a few clicks. It’s simple, effective, and ensures everything is crystal clear from the get-go.

Looking to compliantly onboard a VA in the Philippines? We've got you covered! Visit our VA Compliance Solution page to see how we can streamline the process for you. Say goodbye to complications and hello to a seamless experience with VirtualStaff.ph.

And there you have it! Six steps (plus a bonus) to integrate your new VA into your team seamlessly. It’s all about effective communication, and clear expectations. Happy onboarding!

One Seat away from reliable, affordable staff.

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Michael Brodie

Founder of VirtualStaff.ph — Creator of the VirtualStaff Seat System​

Michael Brodie is the founder of VirtualStaff.ph and the creator of the VirtualStaff Seat System, a modern alternative to traditional outsourcing and offshore staffing agencies.

After years of seeing business owners struggle with inflated markups, recruiter-driven hiring, and unreliable offshore models, Michael set out to build something different — not another job board, not another BPO, but a system.

The result was VirtualStaff.ph: a plug-and-play way for businesses to build dependable, full-time back-office teams in the Philippines — without salary padding, outsourcing firm markups, or long-term lock-ins.

Through VirtualStaff Seats, businesses can add reliable Filipino staff directly into their operations — one Seat at a time — for roles like customer support, admin, billing, bookkeeping, and back-office operations.

Today, businesses across the US, Australia, and the UK use the VirtualStaff Seat System to build stable, long-term teams that simply work — while staying in full control.

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