You can find them almost everywhere in the internet. As with anything you need to research on, you can start with Google. Elance.com is also a top favorite because potential virtual assistants actually bid on your project or job vacancy so you get the best price. Not only that, but you can see clearly the historical background and profiles of all candidates on elance.com.
After you've gathered a number of possible candidates, it's time to get to know them a little bit more. One of the most important, yet ignored, steps is to take a look at their references. Getting feedback from their previous clients would give you a good idea of how they might also work with you. Make sure their skills are what you are looking for, depending on the tasks you have in mind. Interview them about their work habits and schedule to make sure that it's a good fit with your requirement. For example, if you need an online dedicated support person, then it won't work to hire someone who has erratic work schedules, which might work if all you needed was editing or something similar. Also, if you're going to ask your virtual assistant to do work that deals with sensitive information, like your marketing plans or a situation where you have to share your "secret business formula," then make sure to have them sign a confidentiality agreement.
Lastly, talk about rates. $10-$50 is the range where you could go - depending on what work they'll be doing and how skilled or experienced they are. Other payment schemes are on a per project basis, where it's really up to you to judge, depending on the work you would need, how much you're willing to pay. Having several candidates also helps because you get to judge the average rate that is required for the work.
It's possible that you might have to go through several cycles of the steps above to find your perfect virtual assistant. No problem, it's just like hiring someone for your offline business. I don't think there's a big business with only the owner doing all the work. Once a virtual assistant fits your needs perfectly, make sure to pay them well and engage them in your business. As you're business grows, you might want to get a team of virtual assistants eventually.
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