Virtual assistants are available for different time zones. Hiring a VA for another zone can be cost-effective. However, when you opt for a VA from a different country, there may be challenges. Time zones can cause communication barriers, loss of direct supervision, distraction, interruption, delay in decision-making, etc. Do you want to overcome time-zone differences and make a better choice? Then, you are in the right place. Here, we will discuss some tips for working with a virtual assistant from another time zone.
Tips for Managing Virtual Assistants from Another Time Zone
Global virtual assistants are professionals and can provide global-standard services. They have lots of industry-specific skills and are cost-effective too. You can get many benefits from a VA, but it has some major drawbacks. Below, we have discussed the tips to overcome the challenges of hiring a professional global VA.
1. Use of Communication Tools
Communication is an essential part of running a business smoothly. When working with a VA from different zones, the main issue you will face is communication problems. However, using technology and proper planning can help you mitigate the issue.
There are several communication tools. Slack is the best communication tool. You can use their instant messaging features or send messages at your convenience. Therefore, first, you have to choose the appropriate communication tools. Then, you must set a time that works for both of you. Thus, you can discuss tasks, projects, and deadlines.
2. Prepare a Schedule and be Transparent with the VA about the Time Restrictions
As I have already discussed, preparing a schedule is essential to maintain the business process. You must be transparent with your VA about the time restrictions. You can set 3 days a week for business discussions for the week, progress reports, wrapping up, and planning for next week.
Let’s take an easy example. Suppose you run a business in Washington DC, USA, and hired a VA from the Philippines. Then, the time difference will be 12 hours. Let’s see how you can schedule a meeting with your VA.
Thus, you can maintain your time and discuss the essentials with the VA. It will not fully eliminate the problem but you can effectively work with them. When scheduling, you must consider some factors and freely discuss the restrictions with them.
In addition, you must let your VA know your unavailable time and vice versa. Thus, you can know when to discuss an urgent matter. Maintaining this proper schedule will help you effectively communicate with your remote associate and freely proceed with your business process.
3. Maintain an Open Line of communication
While working with a virtual assistant from another time zone, you can maintain an open line of communication. You can enable asynchronous and synchronous communication. Both have different values.
Synchronous communication is used to communicate with the VA in real-time. Mainly, it is used to discuss any urgent matter. Suppose you want to discuss any issues they must choose synchronous communication tools, such as Slack. Again, you can also use Slack to deliver messages at your desired time.
On the other hand, you can also use asynchronous conversation. Suppose you can discuss a plan for next month or any message that doesn’t need the VA’s reply immediately. Then, this mode of communication can be helpful. When working with a VA from different places, this mode will help you, Here, you can use various tools, such as –
4. Introduce Split-Shifts for Managing Virtual Assistants
You can also introduce split shifts to help your VA work on your project easily. Split shit is usually a process of breaking down the whole day’s tasks into 2-3 parts.
For example: when breaking down an 8-hour routine, you can break it into 2 shifts – 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Thus, you can help your VA maintain their work-life balance and they can also work productively.
5. Pay Attention to Cultural Norms When Hiring a Virtual Assistant from Another Time Zone
Again, cultural norms also play an important role when collaborating with a VA. Whenever you hire a VA from a different place, you must know the cultural norms of the VAs and traditions. Again, you must know their holidays and not schedule any tasks or meetings on those days. Thus, you can effectively collaborate with your VA from different places.
6. Maintain Participation without Micromanaging
Whenever you are hiring a virtual assistant, you must control our project. You must ask for the production report and keep track of their work. However, you must avoid micromanaging. Micromanaging is one of the reasons why employees resign. Micromanaging kills creativity and develops stress and trust issues. Here, we will discuss some ways to manage your business avoiding micromanaging.
Managing a Virtual Assistant from Another Time Zone
Hiring a VA from different places is a strategic move towards business success as they can provide different benefits. However, there are some drawbacks to hiring a global virtual assistant. You may face communication challenges, coordination issues, and late making decisions.
However, you can mitigate the issues and streamline your business process with our guide. You must also keep track of your business process and talk about the challenges to the VA, reveal the scope for better, and welcome new and innovative ideas from the VA. Thus, you can build trust and increase productivity by working collaboratively with the VA.
