Did you know that many established Virtual Assistants (a) no longer accept any new clients, (b) send your work out to a sub contractor or member of their “virtual team,” or are (c) actively generating revenue by referring you to one of their trusted colleagues?

This isn’t an insidious plot. It’s a sign that the Virtual Assistance industry has come of age. As a business grows and matures, expansion beyond what one self-employed person can handle alone is the natural progression of events for successful entrepreneurs.

When you make the decision to look for a virtual assistant, you want to get it right the first time. The right VA for you will be the person whose skills and personality are a fit with yours, not just whoever has an opening or charges the least.

How to choose the right VA

Identify the tasks you plan to delegate.
For some people, this comes easily; for others, it can be confusing. Here are a couple of articles to help you define your needs:
How to Work with a Virtual Assistant
What Work Should I Give My VA?
101 Ways to Use a VA

Look for VAs who already have the skills needed for the tasks you need done.
For greatest efficiency, take a little time to discover VAs who already possess expertise that matches what you need accomplished. Yes, we can all learn on the job, but that’s better reserved for a time down the line when you and your VA have developed a strong working relationship and are both ready to move into some new territory together.

Ready to Start? Where ARE They?
Most VAs have a website, so you can search for the key services you need online. Visit the International Virtual Assistants Association and Remote Professionals, where you can search their member directories for people who have the skills you need. Ask others who use VAs for recommendations. Visit social networking sites like Stumbleupon, Linked In, and even Twitter and search for the key words “Virtual Assistant.” Search for “Virtual Assistant blog” to find yet thousands more VAs! Another phrase to search for is “Virtual Assistant referral service.”