01.05.08
Would you outsource your life?
What if you could inexpensively pay someone to take care of the tasks that eat up a lot of your time? For example, have someone book travel, research car prices or even keep track of birthdays, anniversaries and other important events and send the appropriate gift? Sound too good to be true? Well, in today’s global marketplace, it’s not.
I first heard about this unique service by reading The Four Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. In his book, he had a guest writer, AJ Jacobs, write about his experience with a “Virtual Assistant” from Brickwork India. A Google search turned up many other companies offering similar “Virtual Assistant” services; including, Tasks Everyday, Your Man In India, and for those who are hesitant to go offshore, there is a U.S.-based company called Ask Sunday (who has posted some of their actual requests online - including one for a rhinoplasty appointment!).
Outsourcing tasks are usually billed by the hour; anywhere from $4 to $20, depending on the task and company. Those that have used these services have said that it is extremely important to be clear about the task to be completed, and if you’re dealing with someone whose first language is not English, to use plain, simple words. Also, it is important to establish a timeframe for the task, i.e. “If this task will take longer than 10 hours, please email me to confirm the additional hours.”
Also, another benefit of working with Virtual Assistants living in India is the time difference – you can send them a task before you leave the office for the day, and then have it completed by the time you return the next morning.
If anyone has tried these services, I would enjoy hearing about the experience and what you thought of it. Also, how often do you find yourself sending tasks to your Virtual Assistant?
All the best,
Joanna L. Vahlsing, PMP
http://www.joannavahlsing.com/
