Virtual Office Support

26 May

Today I bought a loaf of bread from Sainsburys...

The point I'm trying to make is that sometimes it is good to do something out of the ordinary.  By conforming to do what you've always done just because it is close by, you're expected to or (God forbid) you actually care about what people might think of you if you changed your shopping habits (yes, there are people out there who do care and worry about this very thing - how sad is that?) you resign yourself to stay in a hum drum rut.

If you don't do something different, something to break your routine, it's unlikely you'll discover new opportunities, new ways of working or even thinking!  So just because you've always done your own admin, raised your own invoices, edited your website, researched your competitors, etc., doesn't mean you have to continue to do it.  Why not step away from the comfortable routine and outsource those tasks that don't actually earn you money.  Be brave, try to outsource a few tasks at first. You'll be amazed at how liberating it is.

Go on, be brave - buy a loaf of bread from Sainsburys/Tesco/Waitrose/M&S - shake things up (just a bit!)

Sarah Bradley
Executive Virtual Assistant
www.helpahoy.com









13:21 GMT  |  Read comments(2)

04 March

If I Get Run Over by a Bus...

I’ve always been an keen advocate of having an updated ‘If I Get Run Over By A Bus’ document/file containing a full set of instructions covering who, what, where, when, why and how.

Not the cheeriest of subjects, but having one I guarantee will give you a top 'feel good' factor.

I’m an optimist so if the bus does ‘get me’, I assume that there’ll be a good chance I will survive, so this document will be handy for those trying to keep all the plates spinning whilst I’m out of circulation not to mention if the worst should happen.

If you've ever had to act as an Executor, you'll appreciate what I'm trying to say all too well!  Grieving aside, there will be a tremendous void depending on the amount of details that had been managed by the deceased.

Why complicate feelings of loss with a mystery?

Details to include:

* Copies of important documents
* Where documents are filed
* Procedures to follow within hours and days
* Where immediate cash can be obtained
* How to process insurance claims
* Where cars and other equipment are serviced
* Serial numbers
* Contact details of tradespeople
* Automatic payments from bank accounts

… and so on

If giving is greater than receiving, consider this a precious gift to those you’ll leave behind. And since it is unlikely you’ll be given much advance notice about these things, why wait? If you don't have time, why not get a Virtual Assistant to help you or even nag *ahem* remind you about it?

I have a handy template available, just complete the form here and check the box to sign up to receive my newsletters here and I'll email a copy to you free of charge.

I'm a firm believer that if you prepare for these things, you tend to ward them off happening.  But I'm superstitious like that... but looking both ways before you cross the street helps too ;)

Sarah Bradley
Executive Virtual Assistant
www.helpahoy.com

05:56 GMT  |  Read comments(0)

01 March

Too Young to Network?

I was a bit late picking up my 6 year old from school yesterday.  Don’t worry; I won’t bore you with excuses why.  Anyway, I rushed up the boardwalk to his classroom to find he had an audience of teachers and assistants.

He usually gets upset when I’m not standing with all the other parents eagerly waiting for their offspring, but not today.  Puzzled, I asked if he’d had a good day and he beamed at me and said “Yes, mum, I’ve been telling all the teachers what you do.”  “And what did you tell them?” I asked, praying he didn’t tell them I bought toilet rolls and typed a lot (which was what he used to tell the staff at the nursery I did when he was about 3 – don’t ask me how he arrived at that conclusion).

I kid you not; this was what he said, verbatim:

“I said you help people with their work and they asked how, so I told them you help them with business stuff and you call yourself Help Ahoy which isn’t anything to do with pirates”. 

From the mouths of babes...

Then, after I’d hugged the life out of him and embarrassed him in front of his friends by kissing the top of his head multiple times and repeatedly telling him how proud I was, he asked if he could have some of my business cards to take into school in the morning!  To which I burst out laughing (more hugs and kisses ensued...)

His book bag is duly sporting a small envelope with my cards for the morning.  Will they get handed out?  I doubt it, but it doesn’t matter.  He is networking for me.  He is proud of me and what I do. 

This might not sound ‘that’ important, but as a guilt-ridden Mumpreneur who juggles being a Virtual Assistant, running a home and bringing up two kids, it is music to my ears and is something I will never forget.

Can you be too young to network?  Apparently not!  I wonder if 4Networking will start Junior 4N Passports?

Is he Britian’s youngest Business Networker?  If you can beat this, do share.

Sarah Bradley
Executive Virtual Assistant (and proud mum!)
www.helpahoy.com

16:49 GMT  |  Read comments(0)

18 February

5 critical elements to an effective collaboration

As an Executive Virtual Assistant, I appreciate only too well the benefits of well matched professional collaborations; not just with my clients but also with fellow Virtual Assistants.  The blog below deftly outlines five ways to ensure such collaborations are both effective and meaningful.

Guest blog by A.Michelle Blakeley, Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc

Successful businesses are built on collaborations; functional collaborations.  No business can survive without establishing and developing powerful relationships with like-minded business owners. Even the most marketable products and services need outside forces and influences to reach their target market and achieve optimum sales results.

However, there is a method to developing effective collaborations. You simply cannot connect, partner and venture into business with any business. Whether you are a ‘solopreneur’ or have a small staff, your ability to effectively create collaborations is crucial to your business success. You need to know who to connect with, what value you each bring to the table, what are the terms and how will you keep the communication lines open.

Here are 5 ways to ensure your collaborations are effective and meaningful:

1. Power partner: Select business owners who have products or services that compliment yours and have the client base you are looking for. Their mindset, motivations, visions and business practices should also be compatible with yours. Don’t be afraid to approach someone who is already at your next level. If your product or service is strong enough, it could be an opportunity for you to expand.

2. Determine the value and incentives: Know what you can and can’t bring to the table. Know what is expected of you and what you expect of your partner(s). Determine the benefits of the collaboration and are they aligned with your values. Never sacrifice the integrity of your business for a sale.

3. Spell it out in black and white: Collaborations really should be in writing. Having your terms and agreement in writing will help eliminate any misunderstandings or miscommunications. Knowing who is responsible for what will set the boundaries of your relationship.

4. Client sharing and management (follow-up): You want to expand your client base while maintaining your identity. Remain separate, but equal. How are referrals handled? What is the process for contacting referrals? Is there a referral fee involved? It’s okay to share client databases; but be sure you have an established follow-up system for handling each other’s clients. Your clients should receive and expect the same quality and level of service from your partner.

5. Communication: Be sure to schedule regular meetings to review your collaborative relationships, make necessary adjustments and outline growth strategies.

It’s important to remember that in collaborations, your partner’s success depends on your success and vice versa. Having a formal collaborative partnership could make all the difference for your business. No business owner is an island. Savvy business owners and entrepreneurs know when to ask for help and know how to leverage their product or services.

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A.Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans.  She is featured in Forbes.com as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter and the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurs on www.BlogTalkRadio.com

09:33 GMT  |  Read comments(0)

08 January

There's SNOW business like NO Business...

All the doom and gloom about the bad weather affecting businesses might make good headlines (although that is debatable) but there is an upside!

The bad weather is actually having a positive effect for us at Help Ahoy (dare I say it?) we've a steady flow of enquiries from businesses who's staff can't get in because of the snow or can't get in because their child's school or nursery is closed.

I think the bad weather highlights the drive and determination people have, but I don't think we should reward heroic efforts to get in just in case it ends badly.  I also think we need to cut people slack too. If they can't get in, they can't get in.  The saying ‘if you trust someone you make them trustworthy’ is very apt.  Trust your staff to make the right decision.

I work from home so my 60 second commute isn't hampered by anything other than the odd toy left on the landing LOL!

Being business support professionals with fully equipped home offices mean Virtual Assistants are a good failsafe for when your own staff can't get in.  Having your calls diverted to a VA maintains that perception of professionalism and ensures clients don’t resort to contacting your competitors!

Setting up staff so they can work from home during the bad weather is now proving to be a necessity rather than a 'nice to have'.  If the bad weather has done one thing really well and that is to test Disaster Recovery Plans.

Back to the SNOW business:  My sons have been busy making snow angels and have been generous enough to make snow angels for our neighbours on their front lawns (we have very understanding neighbours!) Magical memories that will last a lifetime...

And remember, just because you can't get into work doesn't mean you can't be productive AND enjoy the snow!

And finally...

snow balls = good
ice balls = not good

04:07 GMT  |  Read comments(0)