My previous 2 emails covered things I wish I knew before hiring a VA:
- Don't use an agency
- The night shift
- Current wages
- The amazing talent you can find
Here are 2 more:
#5 This is a TEAMMATE, not a FREELANCER
I understand that we use the word "freelancer" to mean the same thing as "virtual assistant".
Someone who doesn't work in our office who I could dispose of at any time if I don't like them
And that's what I thought I was hiring my first time.
Well...he still works for me today, in 2026.
20+ years.
That's not a freelancer.
It's not a "VA"
He's not disposable or a robot or "hire slow and fire fast" or any of the other crappy ways poor employers treat people poorly.
He's amazing and he's a teammate.
And so are 55 of the 60 people I have on my team (yeah, I have a few who aren't doing great and I still keep them...my bad).
They're as close to being long-term employees as they can be, without using the word "employee" (because the Philippines won't let you...they're independent contractors).
I thought he was a "freelancer". Now I know they're part of an indispensable TEAM.
And TEAM is the key.
Want to build a team around you? Hire your first Filipino team member.
#6 - They're thinkers...if you'll let them
This one took me a while to figure out.
I thought Joven was just going to follow directions. And he did for a while.
But after a few months he started thinking outside the box. Started correcting my instructions. Started questioning me and coming up with solutions.
They want to contribute.
They want to be a teammate.
They want to be a part of something.
They want to be valued.
They want to do good work and go above and beyond and impress you.
They just have to trust you before they will.
It's an odd cultural thing. If they don't trust you, they'll hold back.
You have to do things to gain their trust. Once you do, they'll start thinking and bringing ideas and solving problems for you.
But they have to trust you (have I said that enough times now?)
You're not hiring a robot.
How to gain their trust?
- assume the problem is your fault
- don't yell when they do something wrong
- provide training...even if it's simple
- say YES when they bring something to you
- Or...say no, but provide a reason and encouragement.
- pay on time
- help them feel like their job is secure
It took me about 18 months to figure this out. You should understand it much quicker than I did.
John
PS. Our AI Scout (available on the Premium ($99) account) is the best way to quickly find the right VA. Tell it what you want and it will put that person in front of you.
OnlineJobs.ph
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