Allysha Hickling from The Organised Boss is a Virtual Assistant who believes that hiring a ‘wing-woman’ for your growing business can be the wisest decision you’ll ever make.
She takes things off your hands that wear you down. She specialises in finding efficiencies where you thought none could be found.
I caught up with Allysha to pick her brain on that crucial step when you hire your first virtual assistant as a business because you know that now’s the time to make a decision.
Do I want to take my business to the next level or am I happy doing it all?
It’s a big one to ask, but certainly one that has the power to transform your business, mindset and business future.
Let’s hand over to Allysha…
Allysha, Can you tell us a few things that define you as a person both in your private and professional life?
Hi, I’m Allysha Hickling. I’m a Mum, a coffee lover and a foodie. As a natural-born organiser, I help small business owners thrive by taking over all of their admin as a virtual assistant!
Have you always dreamed of running your own business or did life as a self-employed Virtual Assistant hire you?
I was made redundant at the end of my mat leave. That’s when I made the decision to be my own boss so I end up with more flexibility and can take control of what my life looks like. After a good 15 years within the corporate world as an executive assistant for senior executives, I had all the skills to start a VA business. It just made sense!
After a challenging first 8 months, I found my feet and it’s been amazing ever since!
What difference can hiring a virtual assistant make to someone’s business outlook?
If you want your business to progress and grow, it won’t happen while you’re wearing “all the hats”. So delegating your admin to someone who’s much quicker and more efficient is a great way to access additional time that you never had before. That way you can focus your energy on what you’re best at: Growing your business!
When is the right time to consider hiring a virtual assistant?
I think it’s important to keep an open mind about it. I’d start with being aware of who specialises in your area of business so you know who to approach when the time’s right.
It’s not something that you need to do the minute your business kicks off, but once you’re ready to grow.
Do you have any tips that make the transition from ‘doing it all’ to hiring a VA easier?
It’s super important to do your due diligence before choosing a virtual assistant for your business. There are so many VAs out there who claim to have experience and expertise in your niche but will eventually let you down and disappoint.
Be willing to let go. Hiring a VA means to trust someone and allow them into your business. It’s a two-way street and the success of that partnership relies as much on you as it does on the VA.
Embrace change and understand that there may be a better and more efficient way to do things. A great VA will surprise you with time-savings and clever approaches for tasks that you’ve been doing ‘your way’ for years.
How has hiring you changed your client’s outlook? Do you have a story to share with us?
One of my current clients who I have been working with for 18 months now can’t imagine how she ever ran her business without me.
She trusts me unconditionally, always welcomes my ideas and suggestions and we work as part of a team.
That’s how VA magic can happen in a business.
