Finding A Great Fit: Virtual Assistance in 2016

Photos Courtesy of Stuart Miles|FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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We are already in the second week of the new year. Time flies very fast. Are you on track with your goals?

• New Business Cards Ordered: Check

• Networking Events to Attend for 2016: Check

• Help With Monthly Projects & Tasks: NOT CHECKED!

Why are you still struggling to do everything in your business as if it was the year 2000? The Virtual Assistant Industry is on the rise and partnering up with a VA is the 21st century way of getting things accomplished in your business. 

How Do I Find A Top-Notch VA Professional?

Be Professional, Kind & Make Sure It Is The Right Fit For Your Business

Be Professional & Kind- Do not write this in your Ad:  Hi, I am Joe Blow from XYZ company and I am paying $15 an hour to hire a VA to do a long list of stuff. Please don't reply if you expect a pay rate of $X amount of dollars or have any requirements to work with me.

WOW!

This will surely leave you without the excellent world class service you deserve.

The previous statements are geared towards an employee/employer type relationship. These do exist in the VA world, think Craigslist or Elance. Even if this is the type of relationship you desire this type of ad doesn't leave the reader excited to work with you. Additionally, many virtual assistants work for a firm and are independent contractors. So be careful how you craft your ad unless you are really seeking to hiring an individual as an employee to join your company.

Most often if you are seeking someone who will go beyond being a taskmaster and deliver feedback and brainstorming strategies on the strategic view of your company you will be dealing with a business owner. I am unsure how you would feel if a potential client approached you about gaining help from you for their business and they wrote the above statements. Bad Business Communication 101. 

So to answer the question of "How Do I Find A Top-Notch VA Professional"?

• Make a list of what type of non-revenue generating tasks/projects you do daily.

• Figure out if you are ready to partner up with a VA. If you aren't ready to let go and trust someone with your baby, then you are not ready to work with a VA Professional

• Determine what frequency you will need help. Most VA's charge a monthly retainer just like attorneys to do business with them.

• Figure out your budget before you seek out a VA

• Write an interesting RFP that showcases your personality and business in the best light.

• Check out the potential VA's FAQ list on their site to determine if they are a good fit for you.

Finding the right VA Professional fit for you and your business may take a bit of patience. The end result will be that you will gain your time back and have your very own business partner, cheerleader to help you conquer your strategic goals in 2016.

KEEP IT SUNNY!

I Am Not Making Money

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Does this sound like you? "If I had more time to market I know I could increase my bottom-line. I am so frustrated that my business isn't making more money and I feel like throwing in the towel. This isn't the dream I had in mind when I started my business and it is turning into a nightmare". These are the thoughts of a very unhappy entrepreneur.

As a small business owner I understand that trying to do everything all at the same time AND take care of your marketing efforts to win new clients is a lot of work. I am exhausted just thinking about it. 

But there is a way to make your dreams a reality.

The first order of business is to recognize that you are having a problem. The second order of business is to get some help. Let other professionals such as a bookkeeper or a virtual assistant into your business life.

Do not be fooled into thinking you can do everything that you need to do to keep your business afloat. Start making money by making an investment in a business partnership today. So are you drowning? Tell me what is keeping you from making money in the comments below.

Keep It Sunny!

The Art Of Collaboration In Your Business

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What are the common themes that popular companies like Google, Zappos & Apple possess? Innovation and a company culture that supports collaboration amongst team members. When talented professionals come together and are given permission to use out-of-the-box thinking then magic can happen. 

Are You Blocking Success?

If you want your business to soar higher than you ever imagined then think about how you can use collaboration to achieve innovative results. Working with freelancers, virtual assistant professionals and other consultants may give you the competitive edge you need. When you allow yourself to brainstorm, share ideas and see a different perspective, you move one step closer to reaching success in your business. Are you ready to delegate & collaborate? Share your thoughts with me below.

No Employees Wanted

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As a solopreneur or small business owner the idea of running your business without employees probably has crossed your mind on occasion. The questions you might have pondered quietly are "Is this possible? Why should I consider this and how can I do this?"  Well, it is possible. Many companies have successfully adopted this business model. And it is on the rise. According to Forbes.com "One third of Americans are freelancers (17 million people), contractors and consultants right now and there will be more of them than full-time employees in six years. Also, "Employers are saving more money hiring freelancers because they don’t have to pay benefits and they are looking to hire experts who can complete specialized projects."  Why should you consider this? There are many reasons why it could make sense to shift from the idea of having employees to working with freelancers or partnering with vendor companies to provide support. Entrepreneur.com cites three good reasons:

a) The business does not have employees available to perform the tasks.

b) Demand is uncertain.

c) The job requires a specialized skill that the company lacks or the business owner doesn't plan to specialize in.

Whatever your reason you might want to consider trying out this business model in your company for a short period of time to test it out to see if it is something that can help you to be more efficient and gain more revenue for your company. Of course we can assist you in one-on-one virtual assistant business support and connecting you with other service providers that you may need. Share your thoughts on this new way of doing business below.

Keep It Sunny!