Easy communication with your virtual assistant
Posted by Flyxie Consulting Services on
Strong Communication is the key
The paradox of choice is based on the theory that having too many choices will only result in aggravated stress and in the long run, unhappiness. Nowhere is that more obvious than in your choice of communication platforms, where there is an unlimited number of platforms, apps and websites available. To establish a good interpersonal relationship with your virtual assistant - you need to select the right one.
There are so many communication tools and platforms available to us, most of which are free. Choosing one that is clear, easy to use and fits your needs is crucial to being able to efficiently solve problems, discuss questions and issues with your virtual assistant and ultimately, better service your customers. Successful communication is key to success.
Communication tools, apps and platforms
Here are a list of the most common ways to organize effective communication with your virtual assistant, in no particular order
- Messenger
- Skype
- Slack
- Microsoft Teams
- What'sapp
- Telegram
- Discord
- Trello
- Google Sheets
- Airtable
- Monday.com
- Draw.io
The best fit
It can be hard, with all these choices, to determine the best fit for your needs. You will most likely have to test a few until you find the best choice!
If the incoming customer requests are simple and seldom require follow up, then a basic message platform like Messenger or Skype will most often times be adequate. However, if there are regularly cases that need to be escalated, discussed and resolved, a more complex structure like Google Sheets or Slack might be more appropriate.
For shops with extensive training or instruction materials, Airtable and Trello allow for a high degree of creativity and customization. Draw.io is a completely free platform that is perfect for making on-boarding or process documents.
Free vs subscription
We are fortunate to live in an era where there are unlimited, free resources. One only needs to know where to look! Most of these tools are free, with different features reserved to paying members and various levels of subscriptions available. In general, the free options are more than sufficient to manage any e-commerce task.
Have regular meetings
Your staff may not be familiar with the platform you choose. Have a face-to-face meeting at first, then regularly to be sure that any questions are answered and that everything is clear and concise. When running a business, there is no room for mishandled tasks and communication.
These meetings will also allow you to give regular feedback. Your VA may think they are doing a great job when the opposite is true and there is room for improvement. The working relationship will only be improved with regular feedback and strong communication.
Choose what is best for you
There is no one right answer, every shop is different and has differing requirements. For this reason, no one will be able to outright declare one platform to be the best. It may be that for you, a combination of different platforms works most efficiently. It is entirely up to you. The good thing about having an ocean of choices is that if you test a specific platform and don't like the feel of it - there are plenty more fish in the sea!
If you're ready to delegate to a virtual assistant who can support you while your business is growing, why not consider Flyxie Consulting Services ? Head over to the Contact Page and send a message or request a call back.
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