Overwhelmed By Success? Learn To Outsource

As a virtual assistant for online physical product sellers I see a reoccuring question:

 ”Do I really need to outsource?” The only way I can answer this is by asking you a few questions.

1. Have you seen a growth in your business?

2. Do you feel you are stuck-in-a-rut?

3. Are you so consumed with fulfilling orders that you don’t have time to restock your online photos, grow your social network or get publicity?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you need to learn “how” to outsource and “what” to outsource.  

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Stephanie Fish is the owner of Buckeye V.A. virtual assistance for the physical product seller. I invite you to take advantage of my free 30 minute consultation to see if my services will compliment your business. If you are serious about building your business without sacrificing your summer, please contact me at buckeyeva@gmail.com

 

Don’t Waste Money On A Virtual Assistant!

I’m not saying outsourcing to a virtual assistant is a waste of money, I’m saying Don’t Waste Money On A Virtual Assistant when you’re not ready for a virtual assistant.

Let me explain, as a virtual assistant I know that not all small businesses need to outsource, but I would guess that the majority of small businesses will eventually need to take this next step. The problem that I’ve seen in the past is a small business owner might wait until they have become so over whelmed with their business that they either (1) give up, sell the business or just close it or (2) try to stuff an exorbent amount of tasks into a very small time span and hope the virtual assistant can pull off a years worth of work into 30 days.

 Whether you’ve outsourced in the past, are presently seeking or plan to outsource in the future here is a “Don’t Waste Your Money On A Virtual Assistant” check list:

1. Plan: What would you like to do for the next 30, 60, 90 days to grow your business? Do you need to have a press release and some articles written? Do you need to set-up or add content to your blog? Do you need to get your website out infront of your target market?

2. Prepare: Do you have a current list of account information readily available to you and your virtual assistant?  Do you have a list of questions for your virtual assistant? What about concerns for your business?

3. Pause: If you said “no” to any of the above questions, don’t worry! Your virtual assistant should have a set of questions for you during your initial consultation that should help you sort out all of the important information to get you started on your new relationship.

4. Party:  Rejoice once you have found the virtual assistant that fits your business perfectly, I’m sure you won’t want to let them go. 

Communication is key in all relationships, even business relationships. As a virtual assistant I try to keep in touch by updating my clients on a weekly basis. This has helped us move through many hoops and reach new levels for her business.

 

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Stephanie Fish is the owner of Buckeye V.A. virtual assistance for the physical product seller. I invite you to take advantage of my free 30 minute consultation to see if my services with compliment your business. If you are serious about building your business without sacrificing your summer, please contact me at buckeyeva@gmail.com

 

   

Boomer Diva’s Unite!

I had the awesome opportunity to speak today at the Boomer Diva Day Celebration that was hosted by WECAI 

If you would like to read more about what we learned, what was taught and who the speakers were please visit this post from Michelle Waters

May God Bless You!
Steph

Sweet “16″? Not Really

Yesterday started out to be a nice sweet “16″ birthday for my oldest daughter. We had a nice homemade breakfast and she opened her gifts. At lunch time we decided to go to Applebee’s and eat some junk food, this is when it started to get “not so good”.

When we got outside the van wouldn’t start. So we had to wait about 1/2 hour for my husband to come home and give us a jump.

We got to Applebee’s, sat down, ordered ice water with lemon and an appetizer sampler to share. Then it happened! My 8 yrs. ( she’ll be 9 on Sunday) went into a seizure! She’s on medication and hasn’t had one for about a year, but this was no seizure we were used to! I’ll spare you the details, but a woman from the table behind us came over to help me open my daughters airways, the ambulance was called.

We spent the next 7 hours in the E.R. before she was cleared to come home, it turns out she has an ear infection (and her ear doesn’t hurt?!) that started the seizure.

I’m so thankful we weren’t far from home, we have good medical help within reach, and we are all home together.

My 3 oldest daughters were so brave and they held up very well. My 8 yrs.old said she’s “not ever going to Applebee’s again!” LOL

 

May God Bless You!

Steph

 

Summer Plans? Life Behind the Computer

DO YOU PLAN ON WORKING LONG HOURS THIS SUMMER?

This is a very important and valid question that needs some serious consideration. As a virtual assistant for small business owners I have seen how frustrated the business owner has become when they have summer plans that do not include your business, yet you know you “have” to continue working.

There is an answer to this question and it’s called “outsourcing”.  There are a few things to take into consideration before you outsource:

1. What are your summer goals? Make a quick list (nothing fancy, this is for your eyes only) of everything you want to work on or accomplish this summer. Include spiritual, health/fitness, alone time, family/friends, sports, fun reading time, etc.

2. How many tasks do you need completed? Will these be on a daily, weekly or monthly basis? Are these repeated tasks?

3. How many hours do you want to “free up” for your summer plans?

4. Do you need to start working towards your holiday sales goals? Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be looking ahead to the end of the year!

 

May I suggest something that works for me? Grap your calendar, a large tablet, ink pen and your favorite beverage and go sit in your favorite quiet spot. Start making a list of your goals and be honest with yourself with how much work you can accomplish without sacrificing your summer.

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Stephanie Fish is the owner of Buckeye V.A. virtual assistance for the physical product seller. I invite you to take advantage of my free 30 minute consultation to see if my services with compliment your business. If you are serious about building your business without sacrificing your summer, please contact me at buckeyeva@gmail.com