As an entrepreneur or small business owner, you may be faced with a cash flow dilemma that may restrict you from getting the help you desperately need. You may not even have the time and resources to be able to hire an additional employee, however, many successful businesses can vouch that hiring a Virtual Assistant has changed their lives and contributed to their businesses flourishing. Hiring a virtual assistant is always a good investment as you will not only save your time but your money too. This week we would like to introduce you to Raees Abrahams, one of our highly skilled VA’s.
Full name: Raees Abrahams
Location: Cape Town
Meet Raees:
How long have you been a Virtual Executive Assistant and how long have you worked at Outsourcery?
I have been an EA for just over a year now, and I have worked at Outsourcery for a year and 4 months.
What do you enjoy most about being a VA at Outsourcery?
The part where you have a team leader who oversees things or has your back when you stuck in the corner, however, your clients and your workload is all dependant on how you manage it, thus you must manage your day and tasks. Your manager (SEA) does not micromanage you and this makes an enormous difference, as we are hired as an EA to be a self-starter and able to work unsupervised.
What are your key strengths that you pride yourself most on?
I am a fast learner and have managed to master everything I have put my mind to. I love a good challenge, and Outsourcery clients always throw challenges at you. I am also a problem solver and able to do a bit of everything if I do say so myself. This is mainly due to the work experiences and the clients who I have been tasked to work with.
Are there any weaknesses within your skill-set as a Virtual Assistant that you have identified?
Not giving my full 100% to every task. I tend to prioritise certain things over others, besides getting it done maybe not giving all of it my 100% attention to detail is something I should work on.
What are you doing to combat these?
Giving my 100% to everything. Proofreading and checking my work, as well as asking a colleague to also check it.
What have you learned from your career as a Virtual Assistant thus far?
There is no limit to what you can do for clients, and not everyone will always be happy with you, don’t take it personally, many times it’s just not a good personality fit.
How has your work ethic developed over the years to suit the requirements of different clients?
I have learnt to be more proactive and to focus on exceeding expectations by going above and beyond what is expected.
What are your favourite components of your work as a Virtual Assistant?
I have multiple clients and I have a specific role for each – ranging from a Virtual Assistant to an Operations Manager, as well as a Marketing Assistant – it really varies.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a Virtual Assistant?
Multiple clients with many deadlines. This pushes you to work overtime on many occasions, which can take a strain on you if it’s continuous.
When delegating, what do you think is the most important thing to remember?
To constantly check up on the PA/EA who you have delegated to in terms of quality of work, but also if they are on the right track to not waste the clients time.
What does a typical day/week look like working as a Virtual Assistant?
It’s full of surprises! It’s a usual office day from 09:30 am to 6 pm or later, as you may be faced with a few hiccups. But hey, that’s what we here for! We are the remedy. We are the solution to all problems.
What would you describe success as a VA?
When you can retain your clients for an extended period or until they no longer require your services. I also feel positive feedback from clients to be a success.
