Outsourcing Solutions Now Include Virtual Assistants for Small Business
Entrepreneurs today must face a multitude of obstacles when attempting to start a new business venture in today’s tough economic times. Bankers seem oblivious to the operating credit needs of small business, and investment firms seem interested in only sure deals that do not involve startup risk, yet offer enormous potential for multiple returns on their investment. After funding issues have been addressed, the focus must then shift to revenue generation and expense management activities.
In order to focus on the revenue imperative, every small business owner knows that he must free up his time from dealing with menial tasks and concentrate on customer acquisition and service quality control. However, staffing for administrative and support needs are generally last on the hiring agenda. During the first few years, the use of contractors must be stressed well before the consideration of a fixed payroll system can even be contemplated. Startups survive their early years in such a fashion, but if major projects can be parceled out to contractors on an effective basis, then why can’t administrative and support functions be delegated as well?
Virtual assistants for small business
The simple answer to that question is that they can in today’s modern outsourcing service environment. The phrase that has evolved recently in the industry to define this type of support is “virtual assistant”. The term encompasses the same strategy of outsourcing entire routine operating functions overseas where labor costs are low or to domestic entities where scale benefits of size provide a varied support opportunity. The concept of outsourcing single tasks may be new, but many virtual assistant support firms have expanded their client offerings in recent years, and each is committed to freeing up your time and increasing your productivity.
The number of areas where support is given is nearly endless, but here is a brief sampling of what could easily be delegated to a “virtual assistant”:
- Marketing analysis and lead generation;
- Graphic design support;
- Meeting/Event preparation and travel planning;
- Actual business process outsourcing;
- Building databases and scanning documents;
- Email promotion support;
- Customer support and call center activities;
- Website and search engine optimization;
- Request for proposals from vendors;
- Offsite backup accommodation;
The typical billing plan covers an allotment of monthly hours at rates as reasonable as $35 per hour. Some firms specialize in using only domestic workers, but for the ones that utilize labor from other countries, the various service providers handle the forex issues related to paying for these services internally. All billings are charged in U.S. Dollars.
Firms also provide tracking support and business metrics to ensure that you can follow your assistant’s progress and measure his effectiveness. To get started, you must first define what you need. You may want only to free up your time, or you may have a list of projects that have been put on the backburner. Prepare a detailed list and then delegate.
Support is only a mouse-click away in today’s virtual world!
Article provided by Tom Cleveland, 5218 Shirley Rd., Gainesville, GA 30506
