by WP-Dev | Jun 20, 2023 | Virtual Assistant |
VAConnect: Voted South Africa’s Best Virtual Assistant Company, Setting the Standard for Excellence
Unleashing Business Potential through Superior Virtual Assistant Services
In the dynamic world of business, entrepreneurs and organizations face numerous challenges that demand efficient and streamlined operations. Virtual assistant companies have emerged as game-changers, providing invaluable support to businesses. Among these companies, VAConnect stands out as the best virtual assistant company in South Africa. Voted for its exceptional services and commitment to excellence, VAConnect has set the standard for delivering superior virtual assistant solutions. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind VAConnect’s prestigious recognition and how they are empowering businesses to achieve their full potential.
1. Unparalleled Expertise and Experience:
VAConnect has garnered a reputation for its unmatched expertise and extensive industry experience. With over a decade in the virtual assistant industry, VAConnect’s team possesses comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the unique challenges faced by businesses. Their expertise enables them to provide tailored virtual assistant solutions that cater to the specific needs of each client, setting them apart from the competition.
2. Diverse Range of Professional Services:
VAConnect offers a diverse range of professional services that cover a wide spectrum of business requirements. From administrative support to marketing assistance, sales enablement to software engineering, VAConnect’s portfolio encompasses all the essential domains necessary for businesses to thrive. By providing access to a pool of skilled professionals across various disciplines, VAConnect ensures that clients receive comprehensive and integrated solutions to meet their specific needs.
3. Client-Centric Approach:
One of the distinguishing factors that make VAConnect the best virtual assistant company in South Africa is its unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. VAConnect understands that each client has unique objectives and challenges, and they prioritize building strong relationships to fully comprehend and address those needs. By taking a client-centric approach, VAConnect consistently delivers exceptional results, exceeding expectations and solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner.
4. Skilled and Dedicated Professionals:
VAConnect’s success can be attributed to its team of skilled and dedicated professionals. Each virtual assistant is carefully selected through a rigorous screening process to ensure they possess the necessary qualifications, expertise, and work ethic. VAConnect’s professionals are known for their adaptability, efficiency, and commitment to providing high-quality work, enabling businesses to entrust critical tasks with confidence.
5. Seamlessly Integrated Workflows:
VAConnect excels in seamlessly integrating its virtual assistant services into clients’ existing workflows. They understand that smooth collaboration and communication are crucial for successful partnerships. By leveraging effective project management tools and streamlined processes, VAConnect ensures that tasks are executed seamlessly, fostering productive relationships and optimizing operational efficiency.
6. Cutting-Edge Technology and Security Measures:
VAConnect places a strong emphasis on utilizing cutting-edge technology and implementing robust security measures. This commitment ensures that client data and sensitive information remain secure. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, VAConnect provides businesses with innovative solutions that drive efficiency, productivity, and peace of mind.
7. Cost-Effective Solutions:
VAConnect recognizes the financial constraints faced by businesses, especially in the current economic climate. As the best virtual assistant company in South Africa, VAConnect offers cost-effective solutions that deliver exceptional value. Their flexible pricing models enable businesses to optimize their virtual assistant services according to their specific requirements, ensuring that they receive the support they need within their budgetary constraints.
8. Continual Improvement and Innovation:
VAConnect understands the importance of staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving business landscape. They consistently invest in training, professional development, and technology upgrades to enhance their services continually. By embracing innovation, VAConnect empowers businesses with cutting-edge solutions, enabling them to adapt to changing market dynamics and excel in their respective industries.
Conclusion:
VAConnect’s recognition as the best virtual assistant company in South Africa is well-deserved, with its commitment to excellence, unmatched expertise, and dedication to client satisfaction. By providing a diverse range of professional services, seamless integration into workflows, advanced technology infrastructure, cost-effective solutions, and a team of skilled professionals, VAConnect sets the standard for superior virtual assistant services. As businesses navigate the challenges of the modern world, partnering with VAConnect unlocks the potential for increased efficiency, productivity, and overall success.
by WP-Dev | Nov 12, 2022 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
The Importance Of Virtual Communication
Effective communication is one of the most important life skills that we can learn, yet one we don’t usually put a lot of effort into.
Learning how to improve communication skills is an ongoing process that should grow and develop continuously instead of remaining static throughout our lives.
As the world becomes more dependent on the internet and other global platforms communication is vital. For virtual teams, communication is even more critical and even more difficult. The very first, and most important thing to understand is that there is a big difference between virtual communication and office interactions. In the absence of facial expressions, body language and voice signals, your underlying meaning is not always clear.
As with most tasks in life, the essential part of any client/Virtual Assistant relationship is communication. You cannot get tasks completed, and goals achieved, without constant communication.
Communication is key to any relationship, but communication with your VA is vital to ensuring success. In order to develop a productive partnership with your Virtual Assistant, communication will be the key element for success. Opening up the lines of communication should work from both sides.
What Is Virtual Communication?
We define virtual communication as a mode of communication that includes the use of technology – audio and video to communicate with people who are not physically present in front of us.
Outcome
Effective virtual communication provides the ability to communicate more efficiently and quickly. A successful and effective outcome of virtual communication includes a message that is clearly sent via technology and accurately received by another person.
Purpose
The intention of effective virtual communication is to accurately send a message using technology that is received by the recipient in an understandable way. Virtual communication is only considered effective when the message is both sent and received with clarity.
Tools
With so many options of virtual communication tools available, it definitely makes our lives easier. Nowadays, the ability of communicating virtually and instantly or sharing our information in seconds is very crucial. Effective virtual communication comes in different forms, the internet is the largest component in virtual communication. Here are some example of platforms to communicate or share content.
- Skype
- Whatsapp
- Slack
- Zoom
- Teamviewer
- me
- Dropbox
- Google Drive
Managing time – especially across multiple time zones
When you are communicating across time zones, it’s important to put systems in place that suit both sides. Virtual Assistants generally work at the convenience of their clients, making the time factor less important.
Conclusion
Learning verbal communication skills can’t help but will improve our written and digital communications because we develop a better understanding of what people are trying to convey even in short messages.
It is no doubt that communication plays a vital role in human life. It not only helps to facilitate the process of sharing information and knowledge, but also helps people to develop relationships with others. Therefore, the importance of communication cannot be underestimated.
“THE WAY WE COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS AND WITH OURSELVES ULTIMATELY DETERMINES THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES” ~ ANTHONY ROBBINS
by VA Connect | Oct 25, 2022 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
What does it mean to be productive? The word productive is often described as a person’s capability to do a lot of work successfully. How can we maximize our productivity in our careers? Nowadays, the most common answer would be through the utilization of a Project Management Tool.
What is the best suited software for you? A popular comparison would be of Asana verse Monday.com, which are both powerful Project Management Tools. Asana can be described as a simple, more traditional approach and better suited for small to medium sized businesses, while Monday.com is a more sophisticated, detailed option and better suited for medium sized businesses. By comparing the core features of each tool, it will allow you to select the best option for you and your team.
Pricing
This can be the ultimate deciding factor and the fuel behind your system of choice; Asana is free for up to fifteen team members per a project and would require an upgrade to a paid plan to make use of certain features. Monday.com offers a free fourteen-day trial and then the option to purchase the basic plan at $39 USD per month. Asana is slightly pricier than Monday.com when comparing the paid plans but it does offer the option of a free plan and not only a trial.
Task Management
Task Management is achieved by setting tasks with deadlines and then meeting the set deadlines. Asana allows you to create a task, name the task and then assign it either to yourself or a team member, accompanied with a deadline. By clicking on the task, it will expand to show you more detail, you can comment mentioning team members and attach documents or links used to collaborate. Asana displays tasks that are due soon in the ‘Home Section’, and you can see a complete list of all tasks assigned to you by viewing ‘My Tasks’. Monday.com refers to tasks as “Pulses”, you can name the Pulse, assign it to a team member, set its status and make it dependent on other Pulses. Asana has a basic and to the point task management method, while Monday.com has room for customization.
Workflow Management
Optimization of your company’s business processes through automation includes mapping, planning and coordinating all parts of your business structure. Workflow in Asana is created through views such as lists, Kanban boards, calendar and timeline formats. Monday.com operates in a similar way, it allows you to see different visualizations for Pulses without having to switch between browser tabs. Monday.com shows a list view of your Pulses with a mini progress bar for each one, it also shows the visualization of your choice in the section above the fold. You can change the Pulse statuses in Monday.com using a drop-down menu in the list section, you can stretch and shrink Pulses in the timeline view or drag-and-drop cards in the Kanban board. Monday.com gives you more freedom to customize your workflow than the traditional approach of Asana.
Communication
Communication is a key factor to a successful team; a team must establish communication standards and a shared task management system contributes to those standards. Asana gives you the option to comment at task, project and team levels and Monday.com only lets you comment on tasks. Asana allows communication between your team in various ways, you can comment directly on a task or start a conversation in a dedicated window within a project. If you have a team page, you can host team discussions and post announcements on one dedicated page. The inbox keeps track of all communication, alerting you when a conversation has started, when you are mentioned in a comment or when a team member prompts interaction. Monday.com offers one way to communicate with your team and that is at task level. When you click a task in a project, a window will open, and this is where you can leave update. Here is where you can leave comments, mention other users, add GIFs or attach files and links. Monday.com offers the use of an inbox, that will display all communication on the subscribed boards, even if you are not assigned to an item or mentioned in a comment.
Integration is a method of coordination that allows various software systems to work together. Asana offers over 100 integrations from Dropbox to Slack. Monday.com does not match that number. The the integrations offered by Monday.com are useful, though this feature is dependent on each individual business and will depend on your preference. Asana is a clear leader in integration.
What is the best Project Management Tool for me as a Virtual Assistant? My conclusion and chosen tool of productivity is Asana, simple is better.
by VA Connect | Oct 21, 2022 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
There seems to be a continuous divide when it comes to developing sales strategies, especially deciding on whether to stick to the classic method of face-to-face direct sales or joining the revolution of going full virtual. This time last year, I was waking up at the crack of dawn to brace the Johannesburg morning rush to get to my first client meeting in Pretoria. Today, I am working virtually for an American company. My first Zoom meeting is at 3 p.m., which is 8 a.m. Central Time Zone in Tennessee. I have gone from meeting clients in person every day, to calling and emailing them. Building virtual relationships with the time difference has been quite an adjustment, but I am enjoying not having to sit in traffic for hours. As someone with experience on both sides, this is my take on the two strategies.
The way I distinguish virtual from direct sales would be quality versus quantity.
Direct Sales – Quality
Direct sales would be the quality approach. The focus is on face-to-face interactions. The value of the relationship between business and client is heightened because of the personal bond created. The client’s trust is built on meetings where informal conversations can lead to a higher chance of client retention. Even if the number of clients reached is considerably lower, because of the time taken to build the relationship.
Virtual Sales – Quantity
Virtual sales would be the quantity approach due to the access to a larger spectrum of potential clients from various industries, and the ease of contact via electronic platforms i.e. email. It is a great way to determine which industries to target and eliminate the ones that do not bring in positive metrics or sales. However, maintaining good relationships with clients can be difficult because of not having the face-to-face factor, and managing a concentrated customer base can create a lower chance of client retention.
To further differentiate the two sales strategies, I will use the 4 A’s model: Acceptability, Accessibility, Affordability, Awareness, and the selling of sweaters as an example for each.
4 A’s Model
Direct Sales
- Acceptability – Why should customers buy our sweaters? Are they priced according to the quality we are offering? This component can be used in the sales pitch to potential customers.
- Accessibility – Ensuring the store is stocked up with sweaters and positioned where customers can easily see and reach them.
- Affordability – Are our sweaters priced to attract our target markets? How are the sweaters priced against competitors at stores nearby?
- Awareness – Can customers see that we sell sweaters in our store? Are they visible on mannequins in the display window? Do we have a sign?
Virtual Sales
- Acceptability – Why should customers buy our sweaters? Are they priced according to the quality we are offering? This component can be used in the product title and description on the website.
- Accessibility – Having a website that is easy to navigate, and mobile phone optimised, so customers can effortlessly buy sweaters from any device.
- Affordability – Are our sweaters priced to attract the desired target markets? How are sweaters on competitors’ websites priced?
- Awareness – An email campaign, targeted at a group of potential customers to inform them about our brand of sweaters.
We can see from this, that the mechanisms of the 4 A’s in both approaches often coincide and have similarities.
Overall, a combined approach of both sales strategies would, in my view, be the most beneficial. This should be based on your company’s goals and objectives, amidst these uncertain times. Adapting to the current climate and adopting a sales process that not only protects your team, but also grows your business, is essential.
by VA Connect | Oct 19, 2022 | Virtual Assistant |
I have my notes! I have gone through my speech and talking points multiple times and even spoken to myself in the mirror.
So why is it that I am still nervous?
Everyone is nervous before an interview, even if you believe you are the perfect candidate. Whether it’s an in-person interview or the virtual kind, the interview process can be a daunting experience. If you allow your nerves to get the better of you, it can have a negative impact on the outcome of the interview.
These tips and tricks won’t only assist you in preparing for an interview but can also be used before any type of public speaking or presentations you may give in the near future.
1. Breathe (in through the nose, out through the mouth)
We have all heard it and we know very well that it does work, especially when you concentrate on your breathing. All of a sudden, the thud you feel against your ribcage subsides and you can tune out the noise.
2. Be 10 min early
As a person who is never on time for anything, this is a hurdle for me even for virtual meetings. But it is important, not only for your own nerves but also to avoid any last-minute technology complications. Being early also shows you are prepared and starts your interview off on a good foot.
3. Focus
Focus on the next 15 minutes only, close your mind to everything else happening around you. The next 15min are important to you. You want to land the position and you want to have a good interview. So, switch off from the rest of the world and move away from any distractions for this period of time.
4. Be Confident
Repeat to yourself 5 reasons why you are perfect for this position. Repeat it at least 3 times. Keep telling yourself how great you are and how you add value, bring something new and unique to the position. Use this as your mantra, stick it up on the mirror, write it down, say it while making a cup of coffee, keep yourself positive and motivated to achieve that goal, and ace that interview.
5. Be Present
Besides clearing your area of clutter, you also need to clear your mind and give your full attention to the person interviewing you. Be mindful of the fact that this person has set aside time to meet with you.
6. Admit that you are nervous
Allow yourself to admit that you are nervous or anxious. I have always found it helps me to talk it through with someone else – normally my mom – it gives perspective and allows the opportunity to get input before the actual interview.
7. Challenge Yourself
What’s the worst that can happen?
How many times have you allowed your negative thinking to get in the way of taking a chance on something? We have all stood in our own path at one point in our lives. It’s time to stop the negative thinking and begin taking action. No one is going to make it happen for you, you are the owner of your own destiny. So step up and grab it with both hands.
8. Listen to Music
We all have a power song.
Music is soul food. It can put a smile on your face, a spring in your step and change your mood. Find your power song and listen to it while getting dressed, eating your breakfast and before your interview. Find that inner voice and let it Roar! Thanks, Katy Perry.
9. Relax
Take a minute to lie on the floor and relax or sit and close your eyes. Let your mind wander and stop focusing on the interview or presentation ahead. Smell the fresh air, listen to the noises round you and switch off for 3 minutes. You never know what you make learn?
10. Get Some Air
Go outside for a couple of minutes and just soak up some good vitamin D and fresh air.
Did you ever think you would appreciate fresh air as much as you do when you take off your face mask and just breathe? Me neither. Now try to incorporate that into your daily life. Take a few minutes every hour or so to walk outside and get some fresh air. A number of business owners and employees have mentioned that when they stepped away from their desk and took a break; firstly they felt so much better and secondly, they had the answer they were trying to get or could solve the problem they were dealing with. A different perspective and surroundings can do wonders.
11. Fuel Your Body
Have something to eat and very importantly – be hydrated. Hangry is a real emotion. We have all been there. There is nothing worse than sitting down for a grueling session and you realise you haven’t eaten. Have a good breakfast, lunch and dinner. Feed your body and mind and make sure you are feeling your best walking or logging into that interview.
12. Stick to Your Routine
Do not skip something that energizes you for the day – whether it’s your morning run, yoga session or cup of coffee. Exercise clears my mind and allows me to think clearly, never mind the fact that it also makes me feel good about myself. No matter how busy life is or how much you believe you do not have the time – make the time, it is important.
It is normal to feel nervous before and during an interview, especially when you have high hopes to land the position. Even the most confident person will experience some butterflies.
My hope is that one or a few of these tips will allow you to get your mind in the right space and allow your nerves to be used in a positive way, rather than having a negative impact on your interview.
by VA Connect | Sep 17, 2020 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
I have been in a fortunate position to have been able to resign from my job and go and travel. Look, it isn’t the easiest thing to do, as it takes months and even years to plan. But it is something that I would highly recommend everyone does. Take the plunge and forget about having to sit in the traffic to get to a desk you will sit behind for 8 hours, only to get back in your car to sit in some more traffic.
Why take a sabbatical?
Why would anyone want to leave their stable job with regular income? Everyone asks, “Aren’t you scared to leave your stable job?”. Yes, it is scary to think of, but you will not have any regrets. So many people are planning and saving for their retirement, wanting to go travel only then. But realistically, would you be physically fit to do a 21km roundtrip hike to see the infamous Trolltunga in Norway, or volunteer to help build a new cattery in Sweden, at the age of 65?
A misconception for quitting your job to go travelling is that it’s expensive. It can work out cheaper than your normal day to day life with an office job. You don’t have any rent to pay or other major bills to pay. If you are smart, you can find places where you can volunteer and in return, you get accommodation and food during your stay. Volunteering can be very rewarding, and one can learn so many new skills as part of the experience.
Planning for a once in a lifetime experience
Taking time off to go and travel for a few months is not something you can just plan for a month in advance. It takes months or even years of working extra hard to earn money to save. One must cut all costs to save every penny. It’s even saying no to Friday night drinks with your friends because you need to save. Every penny counts, and it is worth it when you finally get on that plane for the adventure of a lifetime.
You don’t have to plan every single move; you can just go with the flow. Depending on your passport, you may have limited time in the country. You can have a rough idea of your trip, but it does have to be cast in stone. You may find that you love the south of France and want to stay an extra few weeks.
Nothing ‘adventured’; nothing gained
Experiencing a new culture or ticking off the hot air balloon ride that was on your bucket list can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will have, and you will carry that experience with you for life. You learn new things every day, things that you will never be able to learn by sitting at your desk doing your 8 – 5 office job. Like stumbling across a Spanish fiesta in a small coastal town and being the only English-speaking person in the crowd, but you will have one of the best nights of your life. You will also meet some really interesting people and make lifelong friends.
Be adventurous! And take the plunge – you will not regret it.
by VA Connect | Sep 16, 2020 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
Something we all tend to talk about easily but not always “do it”. It’s easier to tell someone else that they should push their boundaries BUT when it comes to yourself, we struggle…. Well sometimes I do.
“The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment.” -~Pema Chodron
These past few months, I’ve been focusing on educating myself more to be able to do my own thing. When I left my full-time job to be with my son, I had this mind set of where I wanted to be and what to do other than must being a stay-at-home mom. Life happened and things didn’t turn out exactly as I wanted but I’m okay with it, I am happy. I still haven’t educated myself as much as I expected…not at all.
At first this wasn’t so easy, I was scared – I mean, I was in a comfort zone. I had a stable job, stable income and left it for the exact opposite.I left all of this to do what I always dreamed of for a complete unknown territory. This would be the second time in my life I had this opportunity.
The first time I was too afraid to do something on my own, to step out of my comfort zone, so I said no. It was a year later where the opportunity approached me again, and I realised that I had to step out of my comfort zone. I had to give it a try, or I will regret it for the rest of my life.
After a few weeks passed I realised that, my new “environment” had so much more to offer. AND that yes, this is unknown and completely out of my own comfort zone, that I might not do everything I planned but that whatever I get done will be good enough. It was only two weeks until I had enough clients/projects lined up to be more than okay. My son was happy & healthy to be with me at home.
I suspect I didn’t do as well as I wanted to with studying and educating myself because my head wasn’t in the right place. However, my mentality has since changed, and I now find my success from setting my own boundaries – or to set fewer boundaries.
I found that defining to large goals and targets detracts from what you really set out to do. The goals I set for myself in this unknown world – to be a full-time mom, to work all day, be a homemaker AND to study – weren’t achievable.
So, today – don’t set “permanent” goals. I have a rough idea in mind, the results to be outstanding. “There are no limits to your potential achievements.”
In my opinion, push the boundaries, by not making any OR if you have them – they need to be flexible in changing circumstance. Just put in all the energy and effort you can without exhausting your other responsibilities. You will create a sense of inner self-satisfaction AND never be too hard on yourself.
You will regret not trying something, but you will never regret doing something out of your comfort zone that can be good for you!
by WP-Dev | Sep 15, 2020 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
It’s no secret that 2020 has been a year of craziness to the max and I am sure we are all looking forward to seeing the back of it as we whizz through the last few months of this year. In saying that, you may be looking at ways to bring your business to the next level in 2021 (or maybe you are still ready to go ahead with your goals and see them through to the end of this year). Whatever you are deciding, are you ready to think out of the box?
I am referring to Vision Boards.
Have you heard of them? Do you have one? Have you ever used one or at least entertained the thought of using one? You may be wondering, “How can a vision board help me grow my business?” – keep on reading and I will tell you.
What are vision boards?
As always I would like to break down what a vision board actually is before we look at why you should have one and how it will assist you in your business.
Vision boards have come a far way. They were used in ancient times to almost “predict” the future of young royals and to create a pathway to greatness. Now you may not a royal destined for the throne, but you are a person destined for greatness. You are a person destined to have success in life, especially if you own a business.
Vision boards are there to make your goal more visible. To give yourself more clarity on what it is you wish to achieve. Your goal and your vision may change as your circumstances change, and that is fine, you can change your vision board as you see fit.
So in short, a vision board is a collection of images and phrases which are relevant to your business or personal goals. It helps you to stay accountable and to stay on track in order to bring your vision to life.
Factors to creating a great vision board
When you start creating a vision board there are a few things you should take into consideration so that you make sure you have a board that truly reflects you and your business goals. Here are some of them below:
- Clarity – You need a clear vision of what you want to achieve.
- Get out of your comfort zone – Do not give yourself goals you know are easily attainable. You need to reach higher, go further and challenge yourself in order to be successful – so make goals that will require a little more effort to achieve.
- Be committed – Make sure that you are ready to put in the work to reach your goals and to make your vision come to life.
- Be reasonable – Yes, you need to challenge yourself and your goals should not be easy-peasy to reach, but you also need to make sure you give yourself enough time and have the resources at hand to reach these challenging goals.
Once you have all of these things in place you can get started with actually creating your board.
Creating your vision board
If you are not too sure where to start, Pinterest has millions of ideas and you will be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the things you may want to have at hand before you start your vision board project:
- Card paper, pin board, white board
- A collection of magazines (make sure they are ones which are likely to have images that are relevant to your goals)
- Embellishments if you are the creative or blingy type
- You can also have personal photos if they are relevant to your end goal
You will want to clear your head, be in a quiet space and be intentional when choosing the items which will go onto your vision board. DO NOT just go with the images that are pretty or look nice.
Stick them on your board with intention, even use affirmations or mantras while adding them to your board. Make it more real for yourself. Feel like you are achieving the goals one by one as you stick each image or phrase on your board.
The last step – place your vision board in a place where you will see it often through the day. The best would be to see it first thing in the morning and last thing at night – maybe make two, keep one in the office and one at home.
The more you see it the more accountable you will be to MAKE IT HAPPEN. Visual goal setting is highly effective. We are visual beings after all.
Something that is also important to know is that when you create a vision board, do not create a glorified check-list, rather use the time to become aware of where you are now, where you want to go and what you will need to get yourself there. From there you will be able to create a visual masterpiece to keep your mind in the right place and your energy flowing on the right vibration.
Conclusion
To summarize – vision boards are not a new age trend. In fact, many people are adopting the practice of creating a visual goal set if you will. And it is not only for personal use, you can use it to create your business success. Points to remember:
- Stay focused when creating, have relevant goals but also make them challenging. Make yourself step out of your comfort zone – that is when you will truly feel a sense of achievement.
- Choose images that are projections of where you see your business in the future as well as what will help get you there.
- Lastly, make sure you see it every day, even a few times a day, look at it, feel it, believe it. Make it yours!
Are you ready to leave this year behind you and look toward the future with your vision board?
Excellent! See you on the other side.
by WP-Dev | Sep 15, 2020 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
Some employees never thought of a future where they would be forced to work remotely for a week, two months or even longer than that. Many people lost their jobs or had to close their companies. Maybe you were a business owner who never dreamed that a ‘black swan’ like the coronavirus would hit, and now need to think of other ways to keep your business afloat or maybe you just need to start a new business so that you can earn a pay check.
When you decide to start a business, you first need to ensure that; your innovation or business idea is addressing a long term problem, it must solve a pain point, there must be a passionate market for your product or services and most importantly, it must be ethical and not be aimed at taking advantage of people during these difficult times.
If you are planning on starting a business, have no fear as a virtual assistant can help you with ANYTHING from administrative tasks to website design! We will ensure that all processes run smoothly and that your business can grow.
Here are some Covid-19 inspired business ideas that a Virtual Assistant could help with.
1. Become a professional speaker or move your speaking business online
Speakers would previously have travelled to different venues and events but since Covd-19 many of their coaching sessions, workshops and talks have now been cancelled. For this reason speakers need to turn their events into online experiences aimed at reaching audiences all over the world
We can help a professional speaker by:
- starting an online community of followers and running private Facebook groups
- deciding which tools, apps and platforms are best for you to host your webinars
- teaching you how to speak specifically to your audience online
- setting fee schedule documents which you can use to quickly respond to conference managers and event coordinators to ensure that you don’t miss out on any bookings
- helping you get onto podcasts
- helping you turn your conferences into books and designing book covers
- researching speaking opportunities that are a good fit for you and contacting the event coordinator on your behalf
- ensuing that you are paid after each event and assist you with the billing and bookkeeping
- giving you moral support and encouragement when you need it
2. Starting a Membership Programme
Many businesses like yours may have had to temporarily close their doors. Don’t view this as a total shutdown; this is a great opportunity to offer your services online. People are craving community and connection and may be facing isolation at home. Provide your clients the same value they would receive if your doors were open.
We can help you start a membership by:
- coming up with valuable content that will keep the members engaged and interested
- building and maintaining your website
- creating PDF’s, freebies and membership cards
- creating a Facebook group to encourage and manage your member community online
- writing and sending out invoices to members and keeping track of all monthly/annual subscriptions
3. Turning your Brick and Mortar Business into an online business
If your brick and mortar business is already thriving offline, then why not give web visitors the choice of either buying online or at your physical store? There are many different offline businesses that can be moved online. Here’s an example. If you like to bake, you can start baking customised wedding cakes, birthday cakes, fresh bread, cupcakes and pastries. These can be posted on your Instagram page or sent out in a WhatsApp group to people in your local area. People enjoy homemade baked goodies and may place repeat orders for two loaves of bread per week or a box of six cupcakes every Friday.
A virtual assistant can assist you by:
- making your social media pages look amazing by creating beautiful posters of your products for sale
- taking orders and ensuring that your customer s have made payments
- building brand awareness and dealing with online customer queries
- offering discounts, promotions and fun events to give people a reason to shop at your store
4. Starting up a Cleaning Company
Do you enjoy cleaning so much that you wouldn’t mind opening your own cleaning business? This is the perfect time to follow your dream as sanitation and hygiene are of utmost importance right now. Offices and homes need to be cleaned more often than before. As your commercial or residential cleaning business starts to grow, things can get tough and you will need an extra pair of hands such as ours.
A virtual assistant can help by:
- managing your schedule-there is nothing worse than being double booked
- creating contracts, invoices, service proposals and cleaning logs
- ensuring you have sufficient cleaning supplies, detergents and PPE (masks and gloves)-keeping stock of the different products can be time consuming
- placing ads on career websites and interviewing cleaning/driving staff and conducting background and criminal checks
- creating social media pages and campaigns to boost your business and show off the work that you have done for other clients
5. Starting up a Gardening Club
Most people are staying home and gardening as it is one of the most stress relieving hobbies that you can have. Some of us need a breath of fresh air every now and then as we get tired of being indoors. You can plant trees, flowers or even grow your own food. You can offer your expertise to other gardeners. You can give advice and information on how to grow a specific flower or vegetable, or how to get rid of garden bugs or you can record a video on how to arrange flowers in vase. How big your gardening business becomes depends on the time you put into it and the creativity that you have.
If you only want to be involved in the gardening part of things, we can always help with the administration by:
- coming up with creative ideas for your website and social media pages
- planning and organising how you will showcase your plants or flowers
- finding interesting new ideas all the time, such as an online cooking show using vegetables from your garden
Don’t be afraid to start that business, transform your business slightly or give it a total make over altogether. Whichever you choose, a virtual assistant will be able to provide the business support that you need.
by WP-Dev | Sep 5, 2020 | Entrepreneur, Virtual Assistant |
I wouldn’t call myself an optimist. You know one of those people that seem to have rays of sunshine follow them wherever they go. I however wouldn’t call myself a pessimist either, but I certainly can feel negative at times.
Sometimes I get stuck in a perpetual cycle of negativity and guilt that is difficult to get out of and maybe you have experienced this too. “I should be positive about my privilege, food on the table, a job, health, family and have no right to feel negative about these trivial things etc. etc.”
To feel positive, you might try different techniques such as thinking positively or surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. However, often this forced focus on trying to develop a positive disposition leads you even further down the negativity path and by trying to push negativity out and force positivity in, you feed the guilt, strengthen the negativity and are left feeling emotionally drained!
Our feelings influence our behaviour and attitudes
How we feel affects our perception of a situation which gives rise to our attitude and behaviour. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge how people, things and situations make you feel in order to express the attitude and behaviour that you feel comfortable with. If this is sounding familiar, then read on for a different approach to filtering out the negative. This is a dynamic process and a constant journey, so this is food for thought from a person who is not a self-proclaimed expert on this but rather a person still navigating the methods of filtering out the negative.
Get rid of emotional pollution
Try this little exercise next time something or someone causes negative feelings, which I like to call emotional pollution. Instead of trying to force positive thinking, keep the negativity at the forefront of your thoughts and ask yourself what is making me feel negative today and what can I do about it? Is it a tarnished relationship, lack of sleep, an insurance claim, government policies? By analysing what it is about the situation that is making you uncomfortable you direct your focus on how and if you can change your situation. So, for example if a tarnished relationship is causing emotional pollution, think about how that can be changed, or weigh up the value of the relationship against the effort of maintaining or rectifying it. Should you find that the effort of maintaining the tarnished relationship far outweighs the benefit of keeping the relationship then it’s time for a change. Either the relationship needs to end or your role within the relationship needs adjusting. By shifting your focus – from being consumed by negativity and avoiding a forced, unnatural positive disposition to driving actionable change towards your negativity you will inadvertently make room for the positive.
Some things you cannot change
I know at this point you are saying ‘easier said than done’ and some things are just impossible to change and I agree, you can’t change or eliminate everything that doesn’t make you feel good.
At this point I remind myself of a very well-known mantra which I feel can be used by anyone, ‘Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.’ Some things are simply not in your control so identify those things that create negativity in your life and ask yourself is this something I can control? If yes, then take actionable steps to eliminate or change the negative aspect or causes of emotional pollution. If the answer is no, then ask yourself what can I control about this situation? The answer is to again focus on you and how you feel.
Aim to find a way to take the negative that you can’t control, change the way you feel about and accept that this is within the boundary of your control. Remember what is meant to be, will be and every day that you wake up and do your best to filter out the negative is a great start to letting the positivity in.
Photo by photokip.com from Pexels
