- Identify exactly what tasks need done, then document the steps to do each one.
- Do those tasks and time how long it takes you to do them, making note of this for later comparing against the VA's work.
- Create a shared doc (Google Docs/Dropbox or whatever works) where all effort is logged, including start date/time, end date/time and who completed the work.
- Either use oDesk for tracking activities and effort vs billable hours, or fire up team viewer (or similar) on a VPS, have them login to it to do all their work, and monitor their activities.
- Monitor and feedback tightly for the first few days, or week, depending on complexity of the tasks and output you are witnessing.
There are a lot of good candidates on oDesk, but plan on spending a few hours to do the initial ad and screening, then hiring 7 and firing 6 for every 1 good worker you choose to keep.
