As you plan for the new year and start going over all the projects you need to complete you should also be outlining the work that you could be delegating to your virtual assistant. Follow the steps outlined below to help make the process more streamlined.

• Prepare a summary of your business processes throughout the year. Include short and long term goals, special projects, events, and major deadlines that are vital to your business success. Providing the VA with this insight will set their expectations and allow them to assess the key information about your business to help you meet your milestones.
  
• Make a list of the tasks you dislike, are less skilled at performing and find time consuming. Estimate how much time these tasks actually take up in a month. Delegating these tasks will be fun and getting your time back will be productive.
  
• Create custom categories for your tasks. Think in terms of priority, urgency, productivity, and wish list. This process will allow you to take stock of what needs to be done and when, group the related tasks, and prioritize the workflow.

Other key points to consider when delegating your workflow include understanding skill sets, having confidence in others abilities, setting manageable time frames, allowing room for learning curves and accepting mistakes.

Remember your partnership will be based on achieving the common goal of "assisting you with your business endeavors". Initially, your VA will be focused on learning the in's and out's of your business and working style while your focus will be on building a rapport and getting to know more about your VA.