Non-Repetitive Knowledge Based Tasks are often the most challenging tasks to outsource. Because they are unique, often one time only tasks, finding the right person to do the work can be challenging. If you have a full time VA, it’s possible that they really don’t have this skill depending on the topic. You may need to cast a wider net to get the right worker to do these types of tasks. Generally these tasks fall into the range of research and writing. If you are lucky enough to find someone who can research and write intelligently about multiple topics – congratulations. If not, you probably need to do your own research to find someone new each time.
Another option is to use a virtual assistance service that sources task for you. I have been a user of Fancy Hands for years for just these reason. I don’t need to find someone to work on some obscure topic because they do it for me. It doesn’t always mean the person assigned will be an expert on the subject. Their take on the task may be different than you would have done. Often they will ask for clarification, or if you think they need to adjust what they have done, you are able to reply and get them to adjust. Occasionally you will get someone who is not a good fit. This is rare and Fancy Hands is pretty good about reviewing the assignment and possibly reassigning.
Knowledge Helps
It does help to have specific knowledge in the best ways to research source materials. If someone is looking for white papers for example, a general Google search will not yield as effective a result as other methods. Ideally you want a VA who knows the best databases (FindWhitePapers, My SQL) to use for technology and how to break the topics needed down into the best search terms to find the most current and on topic examples. Knowing how to use open data sites and datasets can find better source material than general Google searches as well. However, that’s not to say a general search isn’t a good method, because it is. Knowing how to phrase search terms and using results to further find information could also be considered having specific knowledge.
Having a background or a good working knowledge of a wide variety of subjects is helpful as well. Ideally you want a virtual assistant that has experience doing research in some industry. Having that knowledge helps in tasks that include finding articles, knowing different compliance requirements, and how to find various investment institutions and vehicles.
Of course, having specific office skills is helpful in tasks as well, repetitive or non repetitive. Knowledge of programs like Word, Excel, Google docs and sheets are definitely necessary to be able to perform a variety of tasks. Additionally, the ability and willingness to learn new things is one of the most important aspects of being a good VA.
