| One of the key concepts of owning a business is | | | | is a per diem service by definition. So, big task or |
| realizing that the same actions will render the | | | | small, on-season or off, a VA will be available. |
| same results. The business world is fluid, so it is | | | | Cost is also a frequent deterrent for many |
| not enough to merely keep up; one must | | | | micropreneurs. When viewed narrowly a virtual |
| consistently strive to stay ahead. Doing this | | | | assistant does appear to cost more than a |
| requires that a business owner partner with | | | | full-time on-site employee as a VA's hourly rate is |
| skilled, capable professionals. Contracting with a | | | | generally higher. However, utilizing the services of |
| talented virtual assistant is the ideal first step in | | | | a VA is not simply a hiring decision, it is a business |
| this process. | | | | decision. That requires viewing the situation with a |
| It is not uncommon for small business owners to | | | | wider lens. Unlike employees, virtual assistants are |
| operate under the "no pain, no gain" philosophy. | | | | independent contractors so, with the possible |
| They know they need assistance in their | | | | exception of incidental costs, there are no |
| day-to-day tasks, but will not allow themselves | | | | additional fees associated with their hourly rate |
| the "luxury" of support. This short-sighted | | | | such as workers compensation insurance or health |
| approach will eventually lead to missed deadlines | | | | benefits. |
| and customer dissatisfaction. While struggling | | | | In addition, on-site employees require ongoing |
| behind the scenes may help some business | | | | training, tools to perform their work and the |
| owners feel self-sufficient, it provides absolutely | | | | space to do it in. All of those are resources that |
| no benefit to the customer, and, ultimately, it is | | | | the business owner would be required to provide. |
| the customer's opinion that matters. By leaving | | | | Alternatively, VAs are already equipped with all |
| the drudgery of day-to-day tasks in the capable | | | | three assets at no cost to their clients. Most |
| hands of a VA, an entrepreneur will be better | | | | significantly, a VA is only paid for the time spent |
| able to concentrate on the core tasks involved in | | | | working on each project. There are no fees for |
| growing his business. A smooth and efficient | | | | 15 minute breaks, idle time or socializing that are |
| workflow on the backend will also make for a | | | | generally part of the on-site employee |
| better customer experience on the frontend. | | | | atmosphere. By looking beyond payroll and |
| Many entrepreneurs avoid getting the help that | | | | concentrating on the overall business impact, it is |
| they desperately need because their business is | | | | easy to see the significant savings that a virtual |
| seasonal. They mistakenly believe that by | | | | assistant offers. |
| struggling through the busy months, they will be | | | | Contracting with a VA is, at its root, a smart |
| able to catch up during the slower months. This | | | | business decision. Whether through seasonal |
| feast or famine mentality is counter-productive to | | | | assistance, general tasks or specialized services, a |
| sustained business growth. In fact, it is perhaps | | | | skilled Virtual assistant will enhance all aspects of a |
| seasonal business owners who benefit most from | | | | business. |
| a virtual assistant's on-call status. Every seasonal | | | | (c) Copyright 2009 Dee Middlebrooks-Bernal. All |
| employer knows it is a hassle to constantly rehire | | | | Rights Reserved. |
| and layoff employees. However, virtual assistance | | | | |