Keiron @ Full-Time-Bloggers last blog post..Wordpress is always out of date!!!

Most VAs are versatile and good at learning new processes (part of the challenge that presents is why many VAs do what they do) so, while there would be a learning curve with any new project, unless your system is completely wacked out, it shouldn’t be a problem for anyone who has good experience. Most VAs would also probably have the software you use (unless it’s specialized, in which case you’d have to negotiate that with your VA).

One especially good thing about establishing a good relationship with a VA is that as you add to their duties, if they don’t have a particular skill they probably know someone does and can either connect you directly or manage the project for you so you only have one point of contact.

For example, I love getting businesses set up with a web presence, but I’m not a designer. So I outsource that part. My clients know this, but to them it’s a seamless process and it’s all handled by me. It makes everyone’s life easier to only have one gate keeper.

So no, you shouldn’t need 5 VAs. If you choose a good VA with diverse experience they’ll probably be able to handle almost anything you throw their way. And if they can’t they’ll figure out the best person to get it done for you - sometimes without you even knowing.

As far as cost effectiveness goes, how much is your time (and your hair) worth to you? If you spend 10 hours a week doing bookkeeping and other administrative tasks, what else could you be doing with those 10 hours? Could you be concentrating on the areas of business that bring in money (which should more than cover any VA fees)? Could you take off early for a long weekend with your family? Could you take up a new hobby or write that book you’ve been thinking about?

What would you do if you had an extra 10 hours of free time each month? In my experience, having more free time and less stress is pretty much priceless.

Such as my book-keeping, I tear my hear out with my accountancy package every year (even though I know it’s one of the easier ones!), but you’d need the same software as me and the knowledge of both the package and my business to do such a thing - where does this sit with VA’s, or do I end up with a book-keeper as well, and suddenly find myself with 5 VA’s that I have to spend half my life talking to, just to get anything done?

This isn’t a dig at what Amanda does, as I’m damned sure I probably do really need a VA and it would surprise me what they would take on, the biggest question for me would always still be - is it cost effective?