Is 2024 the year you finally take the plunge and start your own business? Have you been working on a business plan and are not sure how to take the next steps? Are you ready to step into the world of business, but are worried about how to juggle the running of the business, administration, bookkeeping, marketing, funding, and your time?
Starting your own business is unnerving enough but in the shadow of Covid, Brexit and the cost-of-living crisis, those challenges can seem more daunting than ever.
When you are setting out starting your business there seems like a never-ending mountain of administration and paperwork to wade through, policies to write, bookkeepers to hire, premises to rent, IT to source, telephone lines to connect, websites to build…the list is endless.
Therefore, how can you run your business and avoid being bogged down by the back-office functions needed to keep the business going? Is there a team of people who could support you, without you having to hire an army of individuals?
Virtually Smart Ltd Online Business Management options could be your answer. Here are just a few areas which Virtually Smart Ltd could support your start-up or SME (this list is not exhaustive)
Strategic business planning
Start-ups require a solid foundation to thrive. An OBM or OBMT can support start-ups by offering strategic business planning services. This can include helping define goals, target markets, and competitive positioning. Working closely with start-up founders, an OBM or OBMT can provide valuable insights, market research, and expertise to develop robust business plans which align with a company’s collective vision and set them on a path to success.
Funding opportunities
Access to capital is crucial for start-ups to fund their businesses, develop their products or services, and drive growth. An OBM or OBMT can support start-ups by providing guidance on funding opportunities and seek out grants through financial institutions and or local government sources.
This can include preparing business plans, financial projections, and connecting start-ups with potential investors, venture capitalists, or crowdfunding platforms. By accessing relevant funding opportunities, an OBM or OBMT can help start-ups secure the necessary resources to enable them to grow and thrive.
Executive and Management support
At the head of every business is a business owner and or management team. These are usually very busy people with a multitude of tasks to tackle.
An OBM can offer individual Executive support just as an in-person PA would. From arranging meetings, answering, and fielding telephone calls, filtering email, diary management, arranging travel, taking minutes, managing the management team daily requirements and offering a full suite of Executive support; an OBM can be an essential part of the senior leadership team’s daily function.
HR and recruitment management
An OBMT can be crucial when it comes to HR and team management. From generating attractive and robust employment adverts, writing employee contracts, ensuring all employment laws are adhered to, staff onboarding and team management an OBMT can be a crucial support for a start-up’s growth.
An OBMT can ensure that the employment process is seamless and professional. From the very first stages of recruitment, to the sift, arranging interviews, onboarding and right through to performance management and staff surveys; an OBMT taking control of a start-ups HR and recruitment function can relieve a lot of pressure form the business owner and or management team.
Digital marketing strategies
In the modern business landscape establishing a strong online presence is paramount for start-ups to gain visibility and attract customers. An OBMT can play a vital role in developing comprehensive digital marketing strategies for start-ups.
Online digital marketing strategies can include establishing search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, content creation, building websites and email marketing to create a cohesive brand identity. The ability to harness online digital marketing strategies can help drive targeted traffic to a start-up’s website or online platforms.
Technology and infrastructure support
Start-ups often face resource constraints, including limited technological infrastructure and IT expertise. An OBMT can offer valuable support by providing technology solutions tailored to the specific needs of a start-up.
This can include assistance in setting up cloud-based systems, e-commerce platforms, customer relationship management (CRM) software, and other essential tools. By equipping start-ups with the right technology infrastructure, an OBMT can help streamline operations and support scalability.
Collaboration and networking opportunities
Collaboration and networking play a vital role in the success of start-ups. An OBMT can source and create opportunities for start-ups to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry peers, and potential partners. This could be achieved through hosting online events, webinars, or establishing communities where start-ups can share experiences, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.
From strategic planning to social media and digital marketing, from financial management to team management and HR, an Online Business Management solution from Virtually Smart Ltd could be just the right option for a start-up or SME.
If you would like to speak with Helena Parrott about your business needs, then please do contact her on Mobile: 07954 994 769 Email: helena@virtuallysmartltd.com and find out more about Virtually Smart Ltd at https://www.virtuallysmartltd.com/
Written by Katy-Jane Mason for and on behalf of Virtually Smart Ltd.
