When you work with a Virtual Assistant (VA) it’s essential to treat it like a very important business deal and not casually. You wouldn’t work with most people without the most important document that you can have in the business world – a contract.
Many people make the mistake of not getting a contract first because they feel like it’s a lot of work. But, it will be a lot more work if you don’t get a contract.
Here’s what a contract involves:
Write Down the Offer
Write down in a list every last thing that is being offered by both sides of the agreement.
Spell Out Terms
Express how much money will exchange hands and how it will happen, such as the monthly fee and how it will be paid, such as through PayPal.
List Contact Information
Be sure to list main and alternate contact information such as business name and address work phone and business phone number, as well as pertinent email addresses.
State Expectations
Be sure to list all the expectations and responsibilities of each business involved. For example, the VA must get the work done by xyz date, after being given the work by xyz date by the business owner.
Mention Consequences
It’s always a good idea to mention the consequences of not following the contract, such as whether or not both agree to arbitration and which country, state, city and county laws will be enforced.
Sign the Contract
Use something like HelloSign.com to sign the documents to make them legally binding. It’s very important to get the contracts signed in a legally binding manner.
These things are important because:
Without a Contract You Have No Legal Standing
It is true that sometimes a judge will enforce a handshake and emails if you have enough compelling evidence to back up your claims, but a signed contract is iron clad.
It Solidifies the Business Relationships
It’s good to keep your professional and business life as separate as possible, and the best way to do that is through a contract. You’ll likely become close to your VA over time but the contract will help keep you both on the right path.
Contracts do not have to be complicated but they do need to be very specific and include every eventuality that you can consider within the contract. Include prices, extras, and more. The more you put, the better.
