COVID19 has brought with it dramatic changes to all of our lives.
With millions across the world having to be furloughed, many working from home or in a lot of cases, many losing their jobs; now more than ever we need to remain focussed on being flexible in our approach to work, be adaptable to change & create strategies to remain efficient & current under pressure.
Therefore, when businesses, charities or even those running a busy home are considering how to maximise their time, increase their efficiency or even make internal changes to their business ethics or ethos; how can this be achieved without taking on another full time member of staff?
One of the changes COVID19 has brought with it, is the need for flexibility in working patterns.
Many media streams are already exploring the ‘new normal’ & in amongst this is the ability for our work force to remain working from home for the long term. For many companies this is already looking like a permanent change.
But where some sectors have been encouraged to find ways to return to work if they cannot work from home, this may need adjustments to protocols, paperwork, staff working guidelines, staff handbooks, ensuring Business Secure guidelines are embedded & above all that this information is passed on to employees, stake holders & Directors accordingly.
Therefore, how can a VA (Virtual Assistant) help?
How can another pair of hands help you through this transition?
If you have noticed that administration, invoicing, answering email, answering the telephone, expenses & keeping on top of policies, new legislation, procedures & understanding how the ‘new normal’ will affect your business; it might be time to consider seeking out a business minded VA to help support you through this transitional period.
A Virtual Assistant (VA/PA/Executive Assistant) can be employed for a set number of hours with set tasks given to support you & as they already work remotely; there is no need to adjust their working patterns.
Seeking out the right VA for the tasks ahead
When you have made the decision to hire a VA/EA, you will first need to consider what are your key area’s you need help with. Some VA’s can specialise in accountancy for example, others in full VA/EA support & others specialise in social media, the list goes on.
If you are struggling with the day to day running of your business, it might be better to seek out a VA with a full breadth of experience & skills. This will enable you to have more confidence in approaching & finalising the list of tasks you require support for. However, if you are seeking someone to support you in building & maintaining your social media presence, then a Social Media VA would be a better point of call.
Helena Parrott – Director/VA Virtually Smart Ltd has spent the past 20 years building her business repertoire & knowledge of the inner working of a variety of industries. It is this expertise & vast amount of skills, which now has other business owners & teams of people rely on Helena, to guide, advise, support & transform their business’s.
Developing relationships
Once you have your VA as part of your business, the communication going forward is imperative. Helena Parrott’s skills set enable her to be flexible & proactive to her client’s needs. Helena recently spoke about her flexible approach to working alongside Dolphin N2
“By acting independently & supporting the team in the background, I continue to embellish upon & strengthen my existing skills. I’m very adaptable though, so pretty much whatever they ask I can get done. As the team are so busy, I often use my own initiative to make decisions for them & am given carte blanch to do so by the team.” Helena Parrott – Director/VA Virtually Smart Ltd
Therefore, if you are juggling & struggling to keep all of your metaphorical balls in the air; maybe it might be time to consider the benefits of hiring a VA to help your business, your charitable organisation or even your busy home find some clarity during the COVID19 crisis & beyond.
Written by Katy-Jane on behalf of Virtually Smart Ltd.
