Valentina Brega, founder of Hire Train VA, shares her journey from poverty to launching her own company. She provides a mini-masterclass on hiring virtual assistants and delegating tasks. Other topics include her immigration story, building a team of virtual assistants, and tips for attracting top talent. Valentina's charitable cause is Operation Underground Railroad. Books mentioned include 80/20 Sales and Marketing, Expert Secrets, and Traction.
Delegating tasks to virtual assistants allows entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and higher value activities.
Consider virtual assistants from countries like the Philippines, Egypt, Jamaica, and Guatemala for skilled and dedicated support staff.
To attract the right candidates, be specific in job postings, conduct personality surveys, and test candidates with relevant role plays or mini tasks.
The importance of taking initiative and not waiting for opportunities to come, being proactive in creating your own success.
Deep dives
The power of resilience and not giving up
Valentina shares her personal journey of coming from a financially struggling background in Moldova to moving to the US in search of a better life. Despite facing numerous rejections, she persevered and eventually won the diversity visa lottery, which led to a completely different life in the US.
The importance of delegating tasks and responsibilities
Valentina highlights the value of delegating tasks to virtual assistants, emphasizing that it allows entrepreneurs to focus on their strengths and higher value activities. She advises entrepreneurs to delegate responsibilities instead of just tasks, providing virtual assistants with clear ownership and accountability.
The benefits of hiring virtual assistants from specific countries
Valentina recommends considering virtual assistants from countries like the Philippines, Egypt, Jamaica, Guatemala, and more, as these countries have proven to have skilled and dedicated virtual assistants known for their strong work ethic, English proficiency, and cultural compatibility.
Tips for finding and managing virtual assistants
Valentina suggests being specific in job postings to attract the right candidates, conducting personality surveys, and testing candidates with role plays or mini tasks relevant to the position to ensure they possess the necessary skills. She also emphasizes the importance of delegating responsibilities rather than tasks to virtual assistants, giving them a sense of ownership and allowing them to contribute more effectively.
Importance of Taking Initiative
One of the main insights from the podcast episode is the importance of taking initiative and not waiting for opportunities to come. The speaker emphasizes that no one is coming to save you and that you have to be proactive in creating your own success. This mindset encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones, take risks, and pursue their goals.
Building Relationships and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
Another key point discussed in the podcast is the significance of building strong relationships and surrounding yourself with the right people. The speaker highlights the value of having a supportive network, such as a host family or mentors, who can guide and inspire you on your journey. They also stress the importance of being intentional about the people you associate with, emphasizing the impact that like-minded individuals can have on your personal and professional development.
Constant Learning and Adaptability
The podcast episode emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability. The host and guest discuss the value of studying books, honing skills, and staying up to date with industry trends. They emphasize that success lies in being open to change, embracing new opportunities, and constantly seeking improvement. By cultivating a growth mindset and remaining adaptable, individuals can better navigate challenges and position themselves for long-term success.
Valentina Brega is the founder of Hire Train VA, which helps busy entrepreneurs reclaim their time by hiring world-class support staff.
In this episode, Valentina shares her story of immigrating to the U.S. from the poorest country in Europe, and – with just $400, a 1-year-old daughter and no car – building a skill set while working remotely and eventually launching her own company.
She also delivers a mini-masterclass on how to hire a rockstar virtual assistant and begin to delegate your lower dollar-per-hour tasks.
Plus:
- Valentina's journey to the U.S. and how she made ends meet
- Getting started as a remote assistant to real estate investor Bill Allen
- Negotiating with homeowners on cold calls
- How she built a team of virtual assistants
- Examples of tasks you should hand over to an assistant
- Which countries she's found to be the best sources of talent
- Why hiring a remote assistant will turn you into a better leader
- Writing a job posting that attracts A-players
- Using personality tests, mini-projects and role playing when hiring
