You may be an entrepreneur running a small business while also working in the clinic all week. You’re constantly getting bombarded with emails inquiring about your services. By the time you get home, you’re exhausted but you still need to sort through and answer an inbox full of emails.
Or, you may be a veterinarian running a clinic and trying to find ways to alleviate work stress for your employees. Your CSRs are constantly being flooded with requests for medical records from clients while also trying to answer phones and ensure the doctors get their labwork on time.
These are just a couple of situations that could be improved upon by bringing on a veterinary virtual assistant—someone who knows the ins and outs of veterinary medicine and the importance of effective and timely communication, work-life balance, and the human-animal bond.
What is a virtual assistant?
When I first heard about virtual assistants, I assumed they were “Wall-E”-type computers that helped people with their businesses (shout out to all the Disney fans). However, veterinary virtual assistants are independent contractors who can provide a variety of services that make life easier for veterinary professionals, from practice owners and managers to technicians and client service representatives.
Virtual assistants can work from anywhere, and they aren’t limited to the typical 8-hour workday. They can generally be more efficient and flexible with administrative tasks than those working in the clinic who have to contend with clients and patients in the practice, ringing phones, and other team members.
The benefits of working with a veterinary virtual assistant
When you hire a virtual assistant, you can pass off your cumbersome and tedious administrative tasks so you have more time to focus on the parts of your job you love. And, when you hire a veterinary virtual assistant—someone who has first-hand experience working in a veterinary practice—you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they understand what you’re going through and what it takes to achieve the work-life balance you crave.
From a remote or virtual setting, a virtual assistant can help with:
- Clearing and answering emails (email management); creating email templates
- Setting appointments (calendar management)
- Data entry and organization
- Client communication, including sending appointment reminders
- Social media management
- Financial services, such as bookkeeping and invoicing
- Research on various medical- and business-related services and technologies
Since virtual assistants are typically 1099 contractors, you are not responsible for providing benefits or paying payroll taxes.
How to get started with a veterinary virtual assistant
Before hiring a veterinary virtual assistant, consider what you need help with. Most virtual assistants can handle a variety of administrative tasks, but some specialize in various areas like bookkeeping, social media management, or client communications. Many professionals already work with virtual assistants, so you can find a trusted veterinary virtual assistant by asking your VetPartners or LinkedIn connections for their recommendations.
Once you find someone who might be a good fit, schedule a consultation. Most virtual assistants will meet with you for free, but some may charge a small fee. Prior to the consultation, write down any questions you have, the tasks you need help with, and what you expect from your assistant regarding schedule, workload, responsiveness, and other details. Be sure to ask how their fees work. Some assistants charge an hourly rate, while others charge per project. Ask for referrals, and follow up with those referrals.
Veterinary virtual assistants can work with veterinary practices, consultants, pet rescues, and other animal health businesses. When you find the right veterinary virtual assistant, you’ll get back your time, experience less stress, and enjoy your job and life again.
Search the VetPartners member directory to find the right professional for you.
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