By the Renewminder Talent team · Updated 20 October 2026
In the first week: day 1, give them their own logins with two-step sign-in and a short welcome call; day 2, hand over the first task with a written how-to and your saved replies; days 3 to 4, let them work and check everything they send; day 5, read their handovers, fix what's unclear and add the next task. Review together after 30 days.
Before they start
- Write a one-page brief: what the business does, who the customers are, how you like to sound.
- List the tools they'll need: email, calendar, help desk, accounting, shop.
- Collect your saved replies, price list and policies (refunds, delivery, cancellations) in one place.
- Decide what they can do alone and what needs you, for example refunds above a set amount.
Day 1: access and welcome
Create their own account in each tool, never share your password, and switch on two-step sign-in. The NCSC's small business guide covers the basics: strong passwords, two-step verification and keeping access to what each person needs. Then a 20-minute call to walk through the brief.
Day 2: the first task, written down
Start with one task, for example the support inbox. Give them the how-to, the saved replies and examples of good answers. Ask them to draft, not send, for the first day.
Days 3 and 4: let them work, check everything
Let them send, and read what they sent. Correct in writing so the how-to gets better each time. Most questions in the first week are answered once, then never again.
Day 5: the handover and the next task
By now you should get a short handover at the end of each day: what's done, what's waiting, what needs you. Fix anything unclear and add the next task from your list.
After 30 days
Review together: what's working, what to hand over next, what to stop, and whether the hours are right. With Renewminder Talent your Talent Lead runs the first week with you and checks the quality from then on.
Sources
Checked 20 October 2026. Rules change, so check the source before you rely on it.
Quick answers
How do I onboard a virtual assistant?
Give them their own logins with two-step sign-in, a one-page brief, written how-tos and saved replies, start with one task, check their work for the first days, and agree a daily handover.
Should my assistant use my login?
No. Give them their own account in each tool so you can see what they did and remove access at any time.
How long until a remote assistant is up to speed?
On a well-written task, usually within the first week. Add more tasks once the first one runs without you.
What should a daily handover include?
What's done, what's waiting, and what needs you.