Lilis Liana
Startups are usually rich in vision, but tight on budget.
That’s exactly why hiring a virtual assistant (VA) can be a game-changer.
But here’s where many founders slip up:
They go for the cheapest option, only to spend way more time, energy, and sanity than they expected.
Low-cost doesn’t always mean low-impact. In fact, hiring the wrong VA can slow your growth instead of accelerating it.
So how do you hire a VA the smart way?
Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Get Crystal Clear on What You Want to Delegate
Your VA isn’t a mind reader, and they’re (usually) not a one-person army.
You need to clearly define:
- Which tasks are eating your time?
- Which tasks don’t require your founder-level brainpower?
- Which parts of your business can be systemized or templated?
If you’re vague, expect vague results.
Step 2: Know the Output You Want, Not Just the Task
Once you know what to outsource, go deeper: what outcome do you expect?
- Want more leads? Be specific—how many, what type, and from where?
- Want research done? On what exactly—competitors, audience insights, tools?
- Want content? Then outline the tone, purpose, format, and frequency.
If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. And neither can your VA.
Step 3: Choose the Right Outsourcing Model
There are two main ways to hire a virtual assistant:
Time-Based Model
You pay by the hour.
This model works best when:
- You already have SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures)
- You’re hiring for ongoing support
- You trust the VA’s experience
You can find hourly VAs on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, or Guru. But beware:
If you’re not 100% sure what you need, or if the VA lacks the right skillset, you may end up paying more in the long run.
Hourly billing gives some freelancers a hidden incentive to stretch out tasks.
Results-Based Model
Instead of paying for time, you pay for outcomes.
You agree on deliverables (e.g., 5 graphics per day, 10 leads per week, 3 blog posts/month) and lock in a flat daily or per-project rate.
Platforms like CognoPlus and LXN operate on this model, charging around $50 per day for vetted, skilled VAs.
The challenge?
Good VAs on these platforms get booked fast.
So if you find a VA that gets you results, keep them. Train them. Retain them.
Clarity Is Key to Hiring a VA
Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t just about saving time, it’s about scaling smart.
So before you jump in, get clear on:
- What tasks you want to delegate
- What success looks like
- How the results will support your growth
And remember: you don’t always have to train from scratch.
You can also hire a professional and experienced VA, so you can skip the training phase and focus directly on results.
Make smart moves now, and your future self (and your startup) will thank you.
Flow VA 