It's no secret that running a business is hard work. Running a multi-faceted business and keeping your sanity AND creative genius intact? That's even harder. So, if you're feeling a bit overwhelmed or running out of time to meet deadlines, it might be time to stop stressing and start delegating.
There are so many benefits to you and your design business when hiring a DVA [Designer Virtual Assistant]. These are just a few:
Expertise:
Access to a professional with specialized knowledge and skills in design, ensuring high-quality work and creative solutions.
You're already spread too thin and overwhelmed. You definitely don't have the time (or the brain space) to teach someone the ropes of the industry. When you hire a designer virtual assistant, you're getting another...you. Someone who already has the knowledge base needed to propel your business and build your brand.
Time Savings:
Delegating design tasks allows you to focus on other essential aspects of your business, saving valuable time and increasing overall productivity.
There are only so many hours in the day, and you can't use them all working. Well, you can, but I wouldn't advise that. When you have a DVA handling the things you don't love to do, can't find time for, etc., it can free up a lot of your time to focus on the things you love about your business and leave you with guilt-free evenings and weekends enjoying life beyond your business.
Fresh Perspective:
Gain insights and fresh ideas from an external perspective, providing a new angle to your projects and potentially enhancing your creative output.
Everyone needs a fresh perspective sometimes. I don't care how long you've been designing spaces; we all get stuck every now and then. When you work with someone who has experienced the same roadblocks and pain points of a design project, you've got an experienced sounding board working side-by-side with you. Think of your DVA as your designer bestie!
Cost-Effectiveness:
Avoid the expenses associated with hiring a full-time employee, as virtual assistants typically work on an as-needed basis, reducing overhead costs.
Real talk. Paying an employee is expensive. Payroll, paid time off, sick leave, healthcare benefits... yikes! The beauty of working with a DVA is that most are independent contractors with their own businesses. By working with a DVA, you can increase your productivity without the expense of hiring a full-time employee. Your DVA is there when you need them. And when you don't? No overhead.
Flexibility:
Benefit from the flexibility of adjusting the level of assistance you require, allowing you to scale the services based on your current workload and specific project needs.
Different projects require different levels of assistance. Different seasons of your business can be the same! Working with a DVA means you can delegate just the tasks you need help with when you need it. No one wants to pay for services they don't need. A DVA can be a worthwhile investment for your business that will actually save you money. And, friend, everyone wants to do that!
Efficiency:
Streamline your workflow by entrusting the technical aspects of your work to a skilled virtual assistant, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and professionally.
Efficiency is a huge part of the design industry because time is money, and we only have so much of both to go around. Working with a DVA to get the administrative and technical tasks off your plate is a great way to stay organized, professional, and efficient while you focus on the parts of your business that you most enjoy - like DESIGN!
Collaboration:
Enjoy the advantage of collaborating with a like-minded professional who can serve as a reliable sounding board for your ideas and provide valuable input for your design projects.
Taking a collaborative approach to working with a DVA can be very helpful to everyone involved. You benefit from having a like-minded teammate to bounce ideas off of during the process, your DVA learns more about how you think and how they can best support you, and your clients walk away with stunning design plans. Win!
Now, if you're a bit of a control freak like me (like most of us are, if we are being honest), you might find it hard to ask for help. Outsourcing tasks can seem easy enough, but when you're faced with the option to take a few things off your plate, you think to yourself, "Which ones?". Here's the tough part, my friends. We have to let go. Like Elsa-style, LET GO of some control. Much easier said than done. But it doesn't have to be!
So, how do you find the right DVA for you and your business?
Do your research! Ask fellow respected designers who they have worked with or would recommend. Check out their work. What does their website and/or social media look like? Are there reviews highlighting the qualities you're looking for in a DVA?
Have a conversation. Sometimes you just...know. After one conversation, you may be ready to get the ball rolling and dive in. But, if that conversation just wasn't your vibe, it's ok to pass on their services. It's not personal, and we all connect with other people in different ways. Never be afraid to walk away if you feel the DVA just isn't a great fit for your business.
So, there you have it! Running a successful design business doesn't have to mean doing it all alone. By hiring a Designer Virtual Assistant, you can delegate tasks that drain your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating beautiful, functional spaces. With the expertise, fresh perspective, and flexibility a DVA offers, you'll find your business running more smoothly and efficiently. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy life beyond work, reducing stress and enhancing your creative genius. So take the leap, do your research, and find the perfect DVA to help elevate your business to the next level. Your future self will thank you!
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