Many property management companies are embracing the benefits of adding remote team members to their workforces, including reduced overhead costs, access to a global talent pool, and increased flexibility.
However, despite the advantages, some common concerns hold businesses back from fully embracing virtual assistants. In this blog, we will address the reasons you might be scared to choose VAs and provide practical solutions to help you overcome them.
You Don't Know How Much to Pay Them
Determining the appropriate compensation for a property management virtual assistant can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the market rates in different regions. The fear of either underpaying or overpaying can hinder your decision to build a team remotely.
To overcome this, it's essential to conduct thorough research on industry standards and salary ranges for similar roles. Consult online resources, and salary surveys, or reach out to professionals in your network who have experience working with property management virtual assistants. By gathering relevant data, you can make informed decisions and ensure fair compensation for your remote team members.
The Timezone Difference
The geographical distance between you and your remote team members can give rise to concerns about communication and collaboration due to the timezone difference. However, with effective planning and leveraging the right tools, this hurdle can be easily overcome.
Start by establishing clear expectations regarding working hours and availability. Identify overlapping hours where team members can connect in real time for meetings and discussions. Utilize project management and communication tools, such as Slack or Asana, to ensure seamless communication and keep everyone on the same page, regardless of their location.
The Language Barrier
Language barriers can cause anxiety when considering remote hiring, especially if you are uncertain about the proficiency of potential candidates in the desired language. However, it's important to remember that many remote professionals are highly skilled and proficient in multiple languages.
When screening candidates, clearly define the language requirements for the role and conduct thorough assessments or interviews to gauge their proficiency. Additionally, encouraging open communication and providing resources for language improvement can help bridge any gaps and foster effective collaboration.
Before choosing a virtual team member, you can also schedule a video meeting with your top candidates to better understand their language proficiency and if it meets your requirements.
You Aren't Sure They Can Do the Work
One of the most common fears when choosing virtual contractors is the uncertainty of whether they can deliver the expected quality of work.
To address this concern, focus on establishing a robust recruitment and onboarding process. Clearly define the job requirements and desired skills, and design thorough review or assessment processes to evaluate candidates' capabilities.
Request work samples or portfolios to gain a better understanding of their abilities. Additionally, consider starting with a trial period or project to assess their performance before committing to a long-term arrangement.
When sourcing virtual talent through VPM Solutions, you can also look for virtual assistants with specific training and certifications to fit the roles you need.
You're Not Sure They Really "Work"
The fear of a remote team member slacking off or not being as productive as in-office employees can be a significant hurdle to overcome. However, it's important to recognize that productivity should be measured by output rather than physical presence.
Set clear goals and expectations for remote team members, and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track their progress. Regular check-ins and project updates can help ensure accountability and provide opportunities for feedback and guidance. Utilize time-tracking tools or project management platforms to monitor productivity objectively.
Data Security
Concerns about data security often arise when considering remote help, as sensitive information may be shared and accessed by individuals outside of your immediate control. 
To mitigate this risk, prioritize data security measures, including:
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Implement robust security protocols, such as encrypted communication channels and secure file-sharing systems
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Provide clear guidelines on data handling and confidentiality to remote team members and ensure they understand and adhere to these policies
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Regularly review and update your security practices to stay ahead of potential threats
When onboarding a new virtual assistant, make sure they understand data and security guidelines for your property management company.
You're Not Sure How a Remote Team Member Fits With Your Team
Integrating a remote team member into your existing team may raise concerns about their ability to collaborate effectively and feel like a cohesive part of the group. However, with intentional effort and the right strategies, remote team members can seamlessly integrate into your team's dynamics.
Here's how to make it happen:
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Foster a strong team culture: Clearly communicate your team's values, mission, and goals to remote team members. Encourage participation in team-building activities, both online and offline, to cultivate a sense of belonging and camaraderie. Regularly engage in virtual meetings or video conferences where everyone can share updates and insights.
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Encourage open communication: Establish channels for transparent and open communication among team members. Encourage remote team members to share their ideas, concerns, and progress regularly. Foster an environment where everyone's opinions are valued and actively seek their input during team discussions.
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Leverage collaboration tools: Utilize collaboration tools such as project management software, shared document repositories, and video conferencing platforms to facilitate teamwork. Ensure that remote team members have access to the necessary resources and information to collaborate effectively.
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Assign a point of contact: Designate a team member as the point of contact for remote team members. This person can serve as a bridge between the remote worker and the rest of the team, providing guidance and support and addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
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Regularly evaluate progress: Conduct regular team evaluations to assess how well the remote team member is integrating and contributing to the team's goals. Seek feedback from both the remote worker and other team members to identify areas for improvement and address any challenges promptly.
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Encourage virtual socialization: Foster a sense of connection by organizing virtual social events or casual chats. This could include virtual coffee breaks, team lunches, or online team-building activities. These informal interactions help build relationships and strengthen the team's bond.
By implementing these strategies, you can overcome the fear of how a remote team member fits with your existing team. With proper communication, collaboration, and inclusion, you'll create an environment where both remote and in-office team members can thrive and work together effectively.
Don't Let Fear Keep You From Skilled Remote Team Members
Although adding remote team members to your workforce may initially raise concerns, these fears can be overcome with the right approach and mindset. Embrace the benefits of property management virtual assistants and leverage the available tools and resources to create a productive and cohesive team that transcends physical boundaries.
If you're ready to see the talent available today, ensure you have a Free Company Profile through our platform! VPM Solutions is the ideal platform to find, select, and grow your team and business with our self-service solution for sourcing quality talent.
