The Beginner's Guide to Using a TC

Tips and Tricks to make the most out of your partnership

Including a Transaction Coordinator (or "TC") into your business can be one of the most financially beneficial decisions you make in your career. A fine-tuned workflow created between you and your TC can result in more time for lead generating & money making tasks as well as increased customer satisfaction & client referrals. Of course, the opposite effect would take place if you and your TC aren't in sync or even a good match. One of the best ways to make sure "it's not you" is to follow the steps in this beginner's guide below.

https://www.thetcadvantage.com/single-post/BeginnersGuidetoTCs

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Transaction Coordinator / Virtual Assistant

Because the Transaction Coordinator/Virtual Assistant industry is growing so rapidly there are now several to choose from.

And because clients work so closely with their Transaction Coordinator/Virtual Assistant it is very important to find one that is a perfect fit for you. If you ask yourself the right questions and respect your answers you will be on the right path to choosing your perfect TC/ VA.

Here are just a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a Transaction Coordinator/Virtual Assistant:

• What is your personality type?

Are you a Type A that works well with other Type A personalities or do you need a more laid back person to work with? Or are you relaxed and need a Type A personality to keep you on track, on time and organized? Think about what type of person energizes you and consider a TC/ VA that compliments that.

• What is your communication style?

Are you a quiet person who doesn’t like to talk every day? Or are you better served by a daily or weekly phone call to connect? If you are chatty, don’t partner with a TC/ VA that prefers to be less-than-chatty. Neither one of you will be happy.

• How often do you like to communicate?

Do you like to email 5 times a day, once a day, once a week? How much communication do you want from your TC/ VA? Do you like to chat on the phone? Do you hate the phone and prefer email? Maybe using Skype to communicate is more your style. It’s important to find a TC/ VA that matches that style. Trust me; you don’t want to receive 20 emails a day from an “in-touch” TC/ VA if you prefer less but more focused communication. It will drive you both crazy in no time.

• What kind of commitment do you want?

Do you have a ton of on-going projects and want a retainer agreement where you and your TC/ VA commit to a predetermined amount of hours per month? Or at this point in time do you have small projects that you need minimal help with and just want to pay by the project or via packages? Save yourself time and determine this up front.

• How involved do you want your TC/ VA to be in your business?

Do you want him/her to brainstorm marketing ideas with you, rehash your business plan? Or do you have a preference for someone who will simply submit your work on time and keep your business admin tasks completed? Don’t partner with a TC/ VA that has no involvement in mind or you’ll find yourself unhappy. Likewise, don’t ask a TC/ VA whose preference is to simply complete projects and email them to you to collaborate on an advertising campaign.

• What kind of work style do you prefer?

Do you prefer a more structured work style? Do you like pre-determined meeting times? Or can a spur-of-the-moment phone call work for you? You’ll be much happier to partner with a TC/ VA that has the same work style as yourself.

• How important it is for you “click” with your TC/ VA?

Ideally, we all click to a degree with the professionals we hire, such as our accountant, lawyer, etc because we want to give our money to someone we trust and like. However, it’s crucial to really click and connect with your TC/ VA because they’ll become a partner in your business. Depending on your arrangement and needs, you could expect to talk with them daily. Some people prefer to have the expertise the TC/ VA offers and can manage without a personal connection and other business owners need the connection first and realize the TC/ VA can learn the skills necessary. Think about what would work best for you.

• What kind of importance do you give certifications and associations?

Do you want your TC/ VA to have a long list of official certifications or belong to a list of associations? If that’s important to you, there are TC/ VA's who hold several certifications and belong to many associations. Not holding a certification doesn’t mean a TC/ VA isn’t qualified and professional but it might be something you want to consider.

• Do you mind if your TC/ VA subcontracts to other TC/ VA?

Many TC/ VA's make it a common practice to subcontract work out, and if they do, you should be ok with that. Do you prefer just one person to work on your projects? Do you care if other people manage your projects so long as your TC/ VA gives it the final approval before sending it on to you?

• And last, but certainly not, least – do you trust your gut?

Easier said than done. But once you talk to someone, communicate with them several times, get the responses you are looking for – then see what your gut tells you and go with it. You’ll be on your way to a successful relationship with your new TC/ VA.

Just a few simple questions can prevent a lot of misunderstanding and wasted time. If it works out perfectly, you’ll have a partnership that will benefit your business for years to come.
www.ChristineMatus.com