What to Do if Your Virtual Assistant Ghosts You?
So, your virtual assistant has suddenly vanished into thin air, leaving you with unfinished tasks and dread that your business processes are going to fall through the cracks. It’s frustrating, confusing, and a little bit like being stood up on a date, except thousands of dollars are on the line instead of a starter platter.
But don’t worry, you’re not alone. VAs ghosting on clients is VERY COMMON, and it’s predictable if you’re looking for outsourced talent in particular ways. At Global Hola, we’re here to help you understand why this happens and how you can find a reliable VA who won’t disappear on you.
Let’s dive into the mysterious world of VA ghosting and how Global Hola can connect you with dependable virtual assistants for the long haul.
Why Do Virtual Assistants Ghost Businesses?
Before we jump to conclusions, let’s explore some common reasons why virtual assistants might suddenly go AWOL:
1. Overcommitment
Many VAs juggle multiple clients at once, and sometimes, they simply bite off more than they can chew. This can lead to burnout and, unfortunately, sudden disappearances.
2. Too Much Work Stress
If your work is just becoming too stressful for your virtual assistant to handle in the hours you’re giving them, they’re likely going to burnout. High stress combined with low pay is a big reason why virtual assistants straight-up ghost clients.
3. Miscommunication
Clear communication is the backbone of any successful working relationship. If there were misunderstandings or unmet expectations, your VA might have found it easier to vanish than to address the issues.
4. Personal Emergencies
Life happens, and personal emergencies can pull anyone away from their work unexpectedly. While it’s tough on you, it’s important to consider this possibility with empathy.
5. Lack of Engagement
If a VA doesn’t feel valued or connected to your business, they might not have the motivation to stick around. Engagement and appreciation go a long way in maintaining a reliable partnership.
6. Low Pay
Just to state the obvious, if you’re paying a virtual assistant $4/hour when they might have better opportunities elsewhere, they’re going to not stay with you. Many just don’t want to deal with the confrontation of saying “You’re paying me too low”, so they just ghost and leave you for a better-paying job.
How to Find a Reliable VA Who Won’t Ghost You
Now that we’ve looked at why ghosting happens, let’s focus on how you can prevent it and find a VA who will be there for you in the long term. Enter Global Hola — your solution to finding dedicated, trustworthy virtual assistants.
1. Conduct a Thorough Vetting Process
At Global Hola, we don’t just match you with any VA. We conduct a rigorous vetting process to ensure that our VAs are not only skilled but also reliable and committed. This means you’re getting top-notch talent who takes their responsibilities seriously.
2. Pay Your Virtual Assistant Well
If your virtual assistant can easily find a job elsewhere that pays better, they will. Wouldn’t you if you were in their position?
For companies like Bruntwork and iWorker who usually pay their virtual assistants around $3.50/hour, this can become a big problem for retaining virtual assistants in your business. Now, of course no one wants to pay more for things, but if this means retaining someone in your business for 2+ years AND you’re already saving 50% on what it’d take to hire in the US, it just makes sense to pay more for business continuity.
With Global Hola, we pay our virtual assistants more than what they can find elsewhere, and we treat them like respected professionals. This is why our virtual assistant talents stay with our clients for the long-term. So yes, we’re not the cheapest, but we promise that our virtual assistants are dedicated to your business for the long term and cost 50% less than hiring in the US.
3. Provide Clear Communication Channels
We emphasize the importance of clear, consistent communication between you and your VA. From the start, we help set up effective channels to ensure that expectations are understood and met on both sides. No more guessing games.
4. Line Your Job Requirements Better With Talent Skills
We take the time to understand your specific business needs and match you with a VA whose skills and work style align with your goals. This personalized approach ensures a better fit and a more productive working relationship.
5. Provide On-going Support & Training
Your virtual assistant needs to receive continuous support and training to stay up-to-date and feel engaged in your role. This means you’re working with professionals who are always improving and adapting to meet your needs, and they keep gaining valuable skills for their overall career.
6. Build a Strong Professional Relationship
We encourage building a strong, positive relationship with your VA. Regular check-ins, feedback sessions, and showing appreciation can make a world of difference. When VAs feel valued and part of your team, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed.
Don’t Be Discouraged by VA Ghosting
Being ghosted by a virtual assistant is a bump in the road, but it doesn’t have to derail your journey. Understanding why it happens and taking proactive steps can help you find a reliable VA who will be with you for the long term. With Global Hola, you can rest assured that your next VA will be a dedicated, professional partner in your business success.
Ready to find a VA who’s in it for the long term and won’t ghost you? Contact Global Hola today and let us match you with a reliable, skilled virtual assistant who will help your business thrive. Our policies, pay, and practices are much better than other virtual assistant companies, and our virtual assistants are there to support your business, even if it’s Halloween when other ghosts are out!
So say goodbye to VA ghosting and hello to a productive, long-term partnership!
