Delegating a general research task to your virtual assistant (VA) can be challenging, especially when it comes to articulating your specific requirements and ensuring the research meets your standards. Miscommunication in this task can lead to wasted time and a loss of enthusiasm for your project.
Imagine a scenario where unclear instructions result in research that doesn't align with your needs or fails to provide relevant insights. This misalignment can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of passion for pursuing new ideas or projects.
In this blog article, we'll provide a clear guide on how to effectively assign general research tasks to your VA, ensuring your research needs are accurately met.
What You Need to Prepare:
Before delegating the task, gather the following data, information, and files to empower your VA in conducting effective research:
Specific Items to Research For
Criteria or Requirements for Inclusion in the Report
Preferred Presentation Format (e.g., document, spreadsheet)
Number of Hours to Allocate for the Task
Any Additional Details or Instructions
Note: If providing references or attachments with a heavy file size, please try to reduce/compress the file size first before sending it to your VA.
What to Send to Your Virtual Assistant:
Use this template to convey your general research instructions:
Subject: General Research Task
Dear [VA's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I have a research task for you – gathering information on [specific items to research for]. Here are the details you'll need:
1. Specific Items to Research For: [List the items to be researched]
2. Criteria or Requirements for Inclusion: [Specify criteria or requirements for inclusion in the report]
3. Preferred Presentation Format: [Specify the format for presenting the research findings]
4. Number of Hours to Allocate for the Task [Specify how long you'd like the team to do research]
5. Any Additional Details or Instructions: [Provide any other relevant information]
Please ensure the research meets our criteria and provides valuable insights. Below is the timeline plan for this task:
- [insert date today]: I am endorsing this task to you today.
- [insert initial deadline]: Initial deadline of submission for the research output
- [insert date to provide feedback or next steps]: I will provide feedback or request for more research output.
- [insert final deadline]: Final deadline for submission of research output
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or require further clarification.
Deadlines and Task Limits:
Consider giving your VA at least three days before the intended use date to allow for thorough research and any necessary revisions. Clearly communicate any specific milestones or checkpoints for review during the research process.
Effective communication with your VA is essential for successful task delegation. We’re interested in learning about the communication challenges you face in assigning tasks. Share your experiences by leaving a comment on this blog or emailing us at info@8point8.net. Your insights will guide our future articles and help address communication hurdles effectively.
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