I usually suggest a 90 day type of trial period. Here are the things that are important in the first 90 days.

Setting expectations for 90 day probation:

• The first 30 day goal is to establish trust and basic communication.
• The next 30 days you focus on business processes and procedures. You chart out how things need to get done and talk about ways to be more efficient using your virtual assistant where it makes sense.
• The last 30 days you are fine tuning all of the above, truly focusing on what you really need to do vs. what your virtual assistant can do for you.

It is a good idea to set up a formal 90 day review to go over what has worked well and what needs improvement. If things are not working, this is a good time to part ways.