We’ve all heard a lot about this “new depression” lately. How can we not do it? We are inundated daily with it. It doesn’t matter where we look; Television, radio, newspapers, magazines … even the corner market, is what people talk about.
Many businesses, especially small businesses, are having to close their doors due to increased expenses from day-to-day operations, this tax, that fee … it can be maddening! Owners are trying to think of more and more ways to cut corners in order to 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 considering 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 today. Many positions that companies run in-house could be easily outsourced, saving the company money while allowing owners to not only focus on the most important tasks, but also keep their doors open and save money. sole source of income for many employees.
It really is very simple … think of internal employee overheads; supplies, office equipment, furniture, liability insurance, workers’ compensation, taxes, SS, benefit packages (the list goes on and on). All this in addition to the employee’s salary. Outsourcing a “Virtual Assistant” for administrative support, marketing, copywriting, time management / scheduling, and various other off-the-plate tasks, no longer has all those expenses. This allows not only the business owner, but also their 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 of the tasks actually performed. No longer will you have to worry about someone sick, time wasted at the coffee machine today, smoking breaks, or most importantly … additional expenses. Virtual assistants are finally coming to the forefront of business even though we’ve been around since the early 90’s.
Employers often think on the negative side. They worry if the job is being completed … or, in most cases, they are not prepared to hand over control to an outside source. What you need to remember when working with a virtual assistant 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 wise 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, showing that they take their reputations as seriously as yours. Ask for references and follow up with them.
The key issue is choosing someone you can trust and who is willing to give up some of the decision making. It really ties their hands if they have to constantly be asking for your approval. It is also very frustrating for VA. You hire us to save you time, not to be just another person to keep an eye on. Trust us to do our job so you only have to worry about 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 hired nationally to help alleviate some of the pressures. We have allowed companies that would otherwise have had to close their doors to stay open. You can find articles and discussions about “VA” from Entrepreneur.com to Good Morning America. All of which you agree, is 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 internships as they can now focus on bringing in the 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 entire position or eliminating the daily mundane tasks that bind you so much, it will save you time and money that you can better spend on more important things you need to focus on but never seem to have the time. Accountants, accountants, administrative assistants, personal assistants … whatever. Technology has never been better, use it, fear not!
You can choose your new VA from anywhere in the country considering that everything is done through 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 write the correspondence. Once installed, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that things are being completed the way you would yourself. As you watch others close their doors, you will find comfort in that your business is safe and money is spent wisely.
If you are curious, do a little research online yourself and you will understand the true value that a VA would add, not only to your business but also to your personal life.