When a business owner is need of a virtual assistant, the protocol is to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP).  This online document format varies from posting-site to posting-site but the main components are:

*Describe your company – offer contact information
*Give a description of the project and whether it is on-going or one-time.
*How many hours are you seeking to contract with a virtual assistant?
*What is your budget?

*Software or Hardware needed?

*Expected date of completion if one-time project work

*What do you expect from a virtual assistant?

 

 

 

Here are 5 basic recommendations I have compiled when submitting an RFP to better help the virtual assistant assess your needs:

1)    Unless the proposal is anonymous, submitting your website address is helpful to the virtual assistant choosing to respond.  Even if the online format does not ask for your company URL, consider adding this information.  I prefer to research the company for which I am submitting a proposal beforehand, so any industry information will only help the virtual assistant send an informative introductory letter to the potential client.

2)    Some RFP requests ask if you have worked with a VA before and some do not. This information is helpful to know as I respond to those who may not have worked with a VA in more relative detail than to those who are familiar with working with a VA. 
3)    Be specific with what it is you are looking for in a virtual assistant.  If you want someone available between the hours of 9 am to 5 pm, be sure to state this.  If you need someone who is proficient in QuickBooks or Photoshop be certain to state the level of expertise you are seeking.  Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced are good terms to use when looking for specific skills.
4)    If you do not have just the right words to write an RFP, consider hiring a virtual assistant to help you with just that particular task. 

Janine Gregor

 

 

 

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