Be creative in business
We’ve all heard a lot about this “new depression” lately. How can we not? We are inundated daily with it. It doesn’t matter where we turn; Television, radio, newspapers, magazines… even the corner market is the only thing people talk about.
Many businesses, especially small businesses, have to close their doors due to increased expenses from day to day operations, this tax, that fee… it can be maddening! The owners are trying to think of more and more ways to cut costs so they can survive while keeping as many employees as possible. The methods used today were not even considered five years ago. That would be going “virtual” or outsourcing some of the work locally. When you consider the expense that an internal employee costs the company, it is worth considering.
The age of technology has never been stronger or more advanced than it is today. Many positions that companies handle in-house could easily be outsourced, saving the company money while also allowing the owners to not only focus on more important tasks, but also keeping their doors open by saving the only source of income for many employees.
It really is very simple… think about the overhead of internal employees; supplies, office equipment, furniture, liability insurance, workers compensation, taxes, SS, benefits packages (the list goes on and on). All this in addition to the employee’s salary. Outsourcing to a “virtual assistant” for administrative support, marketing, copywriting, time/scheduling management and various other tasks takes the work out of you, you no longer have all those expenses. This allows not only the business owner, but also his internal employees more time to focus on other, more important things. Companies “hire” virtual assistants to do the work, paying only the fee and expenses for the tasks actually performed. No more worrying about someone sick, wasted time at the coffee machine today, smoke breaks, or most importantly, extra expenses. Virtual assistants are finally coming to the forefront of business even though we’ve been around since the early ’90s.
Employers often think on the negative side. They worry if the job is getting done… or more often, they’re not ready to hand over control to an outside source. The thing to remember when working with a VA is this: the Virtual Assistant is also in business and as such is not an employee but rather a partner. If you look good, we look good! It’s that easy. It is advisable to always select someone who is willing to sign a confidentiality agreement, as this is what protects both parties. Also, make sure they have a legitimate business license, which shows that they take their reputation as seriously as yours. Ask for referrals and follow up with them.
The key issue is choosing someone you can trust and who is willing to hand over some of the decision making to you. It really ties their hands if they have to constantly ask for your approval. It is also very frustrating for the VA. He hires us to save him time, not to make him just another person to keep an eye on. Trust us to do our job so all you have to worry about is yours. WE ARE competent and experienced… that’s why you chose us, right? Once you decide to take that step, you won’t regret it. My clients wonder why they didn’t do it a long time ago.
Virtual assistants are being hired across the country to help ease some of the pressure. We have allowed businesses that would otherwise have had to close their doors to remain open. You can find articles and discussions about “VA” from Entrepreneur.com to Good Morning America. All of which agrees, it’s the newest method of doing business that makes practical sense. Especially now, when so many have to downsize or risk going under, this method can help save inside positions as they can now focus on making money.
Consider any position or duty you may currently hold online or over the phone as a “virtual” opportunity to save money! Whether it’s the full position or eliminating the mundane daily tasks that tie you down so much, it will save you time and money that can be better spent on more important matters that you need to focus on, but never seem to have time for. Bookkeepers, accountants, administrative assistants, personal assistants… you name it. Technology has never been better, use it, don’t be afraid of it!
You can choose your new VA from anywhere in the country considering that everything is done by other means. It will take time to get used to the idea of being able to pick up the phone, email or fax your instructions. It will also take a little time for you and your new VA to get used to each other. You will need to communicate which procedures you prefer or how you would word the correspondence. Once it’s installed, you’ll have peace of mind knowing things are completing the way you would yourself. As you watch others close their doors, you’ll find comfort that your business is secure and money is being spent wisely.
If you are curious, do some research online yourself and you will understand the true value a VA would add, not only to your business but to your personal life as well.