A good VA can eliminate thousands of decisions. Here's how to use one effectively:
Start Small Week 1-2: Email filtering and calendar management Week 3-4: Add travel and appointment booking Week 5-6: Include research tasks Week 7-8: Expand to personal tasks
Create Decision Templates
Give your VA frameworks, not constant instructions:
Email Response Template: - Urgent from key people: Alert immediately - Meeting requests: Check calendar, propose times - Information requests: Send standard resources - Sales pitches: Polite decline template - Newsletter/FYI: Friday folder
Travel Booking Framework: - Flights: Aisle seat, early arrival preferred - Hotels: 4+ stars, near meeting location, gym required - Ground transport: Uber/Lyft default - Meals: Research but don't book
The VA Success Formula
1. Document your preferences once 2. Create decision boundaries 3. Regular check-ins initially 4. Gradual expansion of authority 5. Quarterly reviews and updates
Tom's VA handles 80% of his administrative decisions. Cost: $600/month. Time saved: 15 hours/week. ROI: Priceless.