MWH 041 : VA’s & Outsourcing with Sam McFarlane (Sam Says)

We hear it all the time, that in order to grow, we need to let go. Are there aspects of your biz that you are ignoring or procrastinating over because they don’t fall within your skill set but you know they need to be done? Are these things holding you back in terms of business growth? Can you guess what today’s topic is all about? Yup, we’re talking outsourcing, and VA’s specifically. Owning your own business is something that most people are so protective of, naturally, right? So the thought of having anyone take on some of that responsibility can be really frightening! But I’m learning that it doesn’t have to be, nor should it. Join me in this episode as I chat to a VA to get all the ins and outs about their role and how our businesses can flourish with their help.  
THIS WEEK’S PODCAST
This week’s guest is pumped to show you how you can stop wearing SO MANY hats in your business and really benefit from outsourcing the help of an awesome VA. There are so many things to consider when you are hiring a VA and it can get extremely overwhelming so, Sam McFarlane from Sam Says is here to walk us through some steps to follow when looking for a VA to help you in your biz. Sam launched Sam Say’s in December 2012 after working in Marketing and Events for 8 years. She wanted a more flexible lifestyle that fit in with the demands that comes with a young family. She’s a very talented mumma with two little ones aged 8 and 6. She specialises in helping small business owners with their social media, events and general administration.  
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
1. What a VA actually IS and how you can benefit from one 2. What to consider when hiring a VA 3. How to get the most out of the VA you hire  
HOW TO DETERMINE WHAT NEEDS OUTSOURCING Ask yourself what tasks in your business are absolutely crucial to it’s success and only you can perform. Be honest, do you REALLY have to do all of those things?
Skill level: Identify your strengths and weaknesses
Enjoyment: What aspects of the biz take you the most time and bring you the least enjoyment?
Time: Estimate the time this is taking you and estimate how much this would cost to outsource. The likelihood is that a VA will do this in less time than it takes you and you will be able to spend time on tasks that will benefit your business in the long run!  
A LOWDOWN ON WHAT WE CHATTED ABOUT Sam’s business journey from professional services to starting her very own business
How VA’s work
The difference between overseas and local VA’s
Pricing structures and how VA’s charge
How to find a VA  
BONUSUS Sam has created a wonderful eBook ‘Everything You Need To Know About Hiring a Virtual Assistant’ which is FREE if you sign up to her newsletter. Head on over to www.samsays.com.au to get yours!  
CONNECT WITH SAM
                Website: www.samsays.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamSaysVA
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/sammcfarlane
Twitter: https://twitter.com/samSaysVA  
RESOURCES To find a VA, check out http://www.virtuallyyours.com.au/ Australia’s Premier Network of Virtual Assistants in Australia