1. Start with the work you need done
A virtual assistant is a person who supports agreed tasks remotely. The right starting point is a recurring workload you can describe and review: an inbox to organize, invoices to prepare, or a CRM to keep current. A broad request to “handle everything” makes it harder to choose the skills and hours you actually need.
List each task, its frequency, the system it uses, and the result you expect. Separate routine execution from decisions that need your approval. Explore Fidura’s virtual assistant services to see which tasks can be combined.
2. Match the schedule to the workload
Estimate the time needed across a normal month, including check-ins and reviews. Choose hourly support when demand varies, or a monthly allocation for a steady workload. Specialist tasks need a skills review even when hours are available.
At Fidura, Flex is USD 11 per hour with a minimum of 20 hours per month. Monthly allocations are 80 hours for Part Time and 160 hours for Full Day. Compare hourly and monthly virtual assistant costs before choosing.
3. Agree overlap across countries and time zones
For a business in the USA, Canada, UAE, UK, or India, specify the working days and time zone you actually use. Eastern, Central, and Pacific cover different schedules; “US hours” alone is not a clear working window. Confirm how seasonal clock changes, holidays, and urgent requests will be handled.
Assistants work remotely from India. Your proposal confirms the agreed overlap and coverage; it does not imply continuous or round-the-clock availability. See how matching and onboarding work.
4. Review the proposed match
Use the discovery call to discuss communication, relevant tools, and the type of work involved. Ask how the proposed assistant would clarify an incomplete task, report a blocker, and know when to seek approval. Review actual requirements rather than relying on a generic list of skills.
Confirm what happens if the working arrangement needs attention. Fidura’s 14-day fit guarantee covers work to resolve the fit or arrange a replacement; review the terms before committing.
5. Set access and review points before delivery
Use individual or delegated accounts with access limited to the work. Agree where files are stored and who can download or share them. Keep payments, sensitive submissions, and important live changes behind an approval step. Review Fidura’s access and confidentiality approach and raise any client-specific requirements before access is shared.
Start with a clear task and a review point. For an inbox task, specify the priority senders, labels, replies the assistant may send, and messages to escalate. Review the result together, then refine the instructions before increasing the workload.
Questions to settle before you start
- Which tasks, tools, hours, and deliverables are included?
- Who approves spending, messages, and changes?
- How are time records, progress, absence, and exceptions handled?
- What does the plan cost in USD, and when are invoices due?
- What notice is required to change or end the engagement?
Review the current plans and engagement terms. At Fidura, the first invoice is due on receipt and paid in advance at onboarding. Monthly invoices are due within 7 days of the invoice date.