Why You Need a Virtual Assistant More Than You Think

April 23rd, 2012 Daniel14

A lot of business owners go through life never knowing about the benefits that they can get from adding a qualified virtual assistant to their staff. These days, telecommuting and remote working is becoming the norm in a lot of offices, and there are plenty of companies that solely maintain a virtual presence with no brick and mortar location at all. In situations like this, a virtual assistant can quickly become one of the biggest assets to your entire company.

What can a virtual assistant do?
So what can a virtual assistant do then? Well, there are a lot of different tasks that one of these capable remote workers can perform for your business, all you have to do is find one with the right kind of specialty and range of services.

Virtual assistants as office secretary
Virtual assistants began as a companion to a typical office secretary. They would handle phone calls or set up appointments, and some would be put in charge of data entry and administration, depending on the specific needs of the firm. That was all well and good when business were still operating in the same basic mold as they have for the past 30 years, but as the years went by the actual business model for modern companies has changed quite a bit. Now you need a website, and SEO for your website, and a social media presence, and graphics for a multitude of different things above and beyond a well planned marketing campaign.

Role of virtual assistant
It’s in this changing world that the role of the virtual assistant has really come to fruition, and this is why it is so necessary in this day and age to have someone on your payroll who knows the ins and outs of online working. By keeping a person like this around, you are able to effectively keep your finger on the pulse of your online presence. This is especially true if you do not know all the terms and techniques needed for your business to stay online. If you are relatively tech savvy yourself, you might not have such a big need for a virtual assistant, but you could still benefit from the reduced work load that a qualified VA can offer you.

Meeting Deadlines
No matter how you spin it, virtual assistants are one of the primary workforces in the community these days, and they may be just what your business needs to propel itself to the forefront of your industry. If you still aren’t convinced, think about the last time you had a deadline that you were struggling to meet. If you own a small business or work on your own, this is probably something that happens at least a few times a week, if not more. Now how much easier would that deadline have been if you had someone to call to help you out? That’s the beauty of it; you don’t need to keep the virtual assistant on your full time staff. Sometimes just some temporary jobs are all you need.

Melissa John is an experienced and well trained blogger.She is mainly focussed in the area of virtual assistant business.If you’re interested in Melissa’s Virtual Personal Assistant business or if you would like to find out more on her Virtual Personal Assistants services, visit her website.

Business Start-up Advice – Essential Tools for Start-ups

April 18th, 2012 Daniel14

Arguably, starting a new business or working for yourself has never been easier.  Offices can include back bedrooms or cupboards under the stairs.  Mobile phones and broadband mean that communications need not be tied to a land line.  Email allows for a 24 hour operation of businesses – even if that business consists of one man or woman.  Technology has made it possible to work almost anywhere and to manage a huge range of tasks alone.  However, the choices are so wide that for anybody starting up in business it can be hard to know where to start.  Many newly self-employed people overlook some essential tools, particularly when it comes to IT.  Sometimes this is due to lack of knowledge, sometimes simply from lack of time and money.  There are a number of essential tools that you should consider when starting up for the first time which will help you to manage your business and finances smoothly from the start.

Cloud Computing – IT for Small Businesses

Cloud computing is one essential tool that you cannot afford to be without – especially if you are working alone and have only one or two computers to hand.  Cloud computing in itself is not a single ‘tool’; the term covers a whole host of solutions.  Applications and software are now increasingly available in cloud form.  For the un-initiated cloud computing simply means that software or applications are hosted remotely.  The advantages are numerous but put simply, cloud computing means that you don’t need to install software on your computer, which frees up valuable space.  It also means that updates are managed remotely, which is a little like having an IT team without the inconvenience of an IT team’s wage bill.  As software is accessed via the internet you can access your documents, or data from any computer; this can be a lifesaver if your own computer goes on strike.  The other essential tools below are available in cloud computing form – and it’s the form that you should consider closely before investing in other types.

Customer Relationship Management

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are one thing that many start-ups overlook.  In the past this type of system was generally only available to smaller firms.  But today, thanks to technology (particularly Cloud computing solutions), it can be available to even the most micro of micro-firms.  CRM software allows you to record more data about your customers and has a range of benefits.  It helps you to maintain better relationships with your customers, understand their buying patterns and needs, increase sales by anticipating demand and allows you to identify opportunities for cross selling.  CRM systems should also help you to focus your marketing communications more effectively and can offer increased customer satisfaction.  In terms of profits, systems can help to identify high profit and no profit customers – helping you to manage both to your advantage.

Accounting software

Accountancy software is the next frequently overlooked tool to help you keep things running smoothly.  Your business is about making money and effective management of this particular aspect of your business should not be overlooked.  Simple accountancy systems such as ‘homemade’ spread sheets and invoices may seem the obvious low cost solution.  However, the DIY approach to accounts means a massive amount of work for you.  Add it to the day job and you’ll be on minimum wage or less before you know it.  Accountancy software– either desktop or cloud based – makes managing a whole range of accountancy tasks simple and straightforward.  The cloud based software available today makes life simpler than ever.  You can access accounts, produce invoices or access records wherever you are, allowing you to work far more efficiently.  Data stored remotely will not be lost in the event of computer “downtime”.  With cloud based accountancy software your accountant will also have online access to your accounts which avoids software conflicts between systems and saves time and money for you both.

Cloud computing solutions for many aspects of your business can be hugely beneficial.  While the often overlooked tools of CRM and will save you time and allow you to work more efficiently.  If you are in the process of starting up – ignore them at your peril!

Simon Wilson blogs about small business issues, covering everything from getting the right payroll software to advice for young entrepreneurs.

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