You are overwhelmed. Your online empire is growing quickly. It is time to find a virtual assistant. You know that hiring a VA is a big investment but also that if you find the right VA, your profits will increase because you will be able to spend more time doing the things that you are good at (marketing, strategy, serving clients).

How do you make sure that the person you choose to work with will be the perfect fit? You can't know for sure until you start working together. But, here are some tips for finding a technically savvy virtual assistant.

1. Compatibility

You will be working very closely with the person. Even if a candidate has all the skills you need, you need to "click" in order for you to get the most out of the partnership. Spend some time talking to candidates, don't rush through the interviews. This person will be an integral part of your business for a long time into the future.

2. Portfolio

It is one thing for a VA candidate to say that she has experience with web maintenance or organizing teleseminars. Ask her for some specific examples of work she has done. Note though, sometimes VAs sign confidentiality agreements with clients — so they may not be able to provide recent work samples. Look at the VAs own website for a sample of their work.

3. Commitment to Training and Learning.

The best VAs are learning and growing all the time. That learning will help you. Ask the VA what training she has completed. Your needs will change as you grow, you want a VA who will grow with you.

4. Focus

The VAs that can help you the most will have clients that are doing similar things to you. If a VA has a tightly defined niche — and you are part of that niche — that is a very, very good thing. If a VA doesn't serve your niche, it isn't a deal-breaker, it just means that learning curve may be steeper in the beginning.

5. Process

You are hiring a VA to help you develop and maintain systems for your business. A good VA will have a set interview and client intake process. If she has a solid system, chances are, she can help you develop good systems for your business too.

Bonus Tip:

Price is not the bottom line. A good VA will become a trusted sounding board and support partner in your business. You want to make sure you hire someone that will bring value to your business as well as giving you the time to escape from the day to day details so you can concentrate on your money making, business growing activities.

The best place to start looking for VAs is by referral. Ask your colleagues who they use. Most VAs will also be able to provide referrals.

With a little bit of research, you can hire a VA that will grow with your business.