Working with a Virtual Assistant

Make the Most of Your Virtual Assistant

Working with a virtual assistant is a little bit different for everyone. Every client is going to have their own unique set of needs, as well as their own unique style of communication. Similarly, each virtual assistant is going to have a unique skill set and area of expertise. Regardless of these factors, though, there are a few practices that both the client and the VA can keep in mind to keep things running smoothly, make the most...

Grammar Rules, A Point of Debate?

For those of us unhealthily obsessed with the English language, the conventions of grammar are not to be taken lightly. For we humble word nerds, proper syntax and careful execution are of the utmost importance. There IS generally a right way to do things (though sometimes there’s debate over what exactly that is), and grammarians of all disciplines will agree. Certain rules, though, fall under heavier scrutiny than others, as the...

Who Needs a Virtual Assistant?

Who could use a little extra help these days? The short answer: everyone. Businesses of all kinds are choosing less conventional means of staffing. They’re turning to remote workers that can be located anywhere in the world. Work is assigned to members of the team through a variety of means, like email, chat, or phone correspondence. Virtual assistance gives anyone and everyone the ability to seek out the help they need, without...

Beginner’s Guide to Small Business Outsourcing – Part 3

In Part 2 of this series, we discussed the importance of picking the appropriate outsourcing provider for your tasks. Once you have found your perfect provider, it’s important that you commit to making that relationship work. Too often, we speak with small business owners who view outsourcing as an experiment. Their first question is: “Is there a contract or commitment?” When they find out there isn’t,...

Beginner’s Guide to Small Business Outsourcing – Part 2

After going through Part 1 of this “Beginner’s Guide to Outsourcing, you should have a value-driven, prioritized list of projects, tasks, and responsibilities ready to be outsourced. Jump into outsourcing unprepared will leave you frustrated, and likely waste time and money. But don’t start looking around for a provider just yet… To research and pick an outsourcing partner without carefully defining your needs...

Beginner’s Guide to Small Business Outsourcing – Part 1

Outsourcing can be intimidating, and there are quite a few pitfalls along the way (especially for beginners). Some people try hiring freelancers a few times, have a horrible experience, and unfortunately, go back to doing everything themselves. Because we’re in the business of taking on outsourced work, we’ve put together a three-part series that will help you avoid many of the common mistakes, lay out a strategy that will...