Virtual Assistants are in a unique position to help a small business stay competitive in the coming year. By anticipating needs and presenting solutions to the unique challenges that a business owner will face this year, a VA can make herself an invaluable partner. Whether you are an aspiring Virtual Assistant ready to find your first client or a veteran VA ready to make this your most profitable year yet, use the following points to convince prospects that hiring you is vital to their success in 2009.
Virtual Assistants can help a small business cut costs
In and of itself, using a Virtual Assistant will help a business cut costs. A VA is flexible, typically working on an hourly basis, and only as much as you need her that month. By using a Virtual Assistant instead of hiring a full- or part-time administrative professional, there are no overhead expenses such as benefits, taxes or office equipment to purchase or maintain. Once hired, a Virtual Assistant can help an owner analyze other expenses and make smart purchasing decisions.
Virtual Assistants can help a small business be more efficient
A Virtual Assistant can help identify and implement ways to operate more efficiently and maximize productivity. This could include office management procedures, phone and email message management, and efficient use of technology.
Virtual Assistants can help a small business focus on cash flow
Any task that takes a business owner away from selling needs to be automated or outsourced to a Virtual Assistant or other expert. These tasks include (but are certainly not limited to) bookkeeping, correspondence, marketing, and web site maintenance. If a small business owner can’t answer “yes” to the question, “Is this the best use of my time right now?” then he or she needs a Virtual Assistant!
Virtual Assistants can help a small business increase their marketing efforts
A savvy business owner needs to market on many fronts to compete this year. Local media continues to be important, but in addition some businesses must also leverage their website, draw readers to an electronic newsletter, blog or podcast, and make use of social networking media. A Virtual Assistant can help manage or implement these efforts.
Virtual Assistants can help a small business offer top-notch customer service
It is increasingly competitive for a small business to keep customers buying from them. Virtual Assistants can help by conducting satisfaction surveys, analyzing trends or needs, or offering customer appreciation gifts. With the phone technology available, a VA can guarantee that a businesses phone is personally answered during business hours and customers will never have to reach voicemail. More importantly, Virtual Assistants can give business owners back the TIME they need to be responsive to customer needs.
Angela Green is the author of "The Virtual Assistant Manual for Moms: A 4-week plan to build your VA business." Moms, learn how to work at home by starting your own VA business and sign-up to receive free weekly tips at http://www.vamanual.com. |
