Virtual Assistants Add Value to Small Businesses

At least once a week, I hear small business owners mention there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done, or that their workloads are becoming increasingly unmanageable. I know first-hand that an overwhelming to-do list can wreak havoc on a schedule, affect interactions with clients and slow down business marketing efforts. Sure, adding another full-time employee to your team to handle administrative, financial and marketing tasks may not fit your budget, but have you considered working with a virtual assistant?

Virtual assistants work from their home offices, using their own supplies and equipment, to help business owners with just about any task imaginable - from setting appointments to marketing projects. They’re independent contractors, who only work when you need them, so you can freely delegate tasks, while keeping your budget intact.

A little while ago, we discussed how to connect with their customers, and I suggested reaching out for help to set up and maintain your business Facebook account. Well, Anita Hicks to the rescue. She’s the owner of Virtual Assistance by Anita, a virtual assistant business, which primarily provides small business owners with social media, email marketing and website content management services. Anita’s first client was Bob Bauer, owner of Coffee News of Catonsville/Arbutus.

Anita says, “Clients contact me because they know they should use social media, but they don’t know where to start, or they don’t have the time.” Some virtual assistants, like Anita, offer business owners specialized services. “My niche is social media. I create personalized Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube pages for small businesses. I help my clients fly to new heights by enhancing their social media profiles and helping them attract “fans” and “followers.” I also offer training classes to teach them how to manage their profiles successfully on their own.”

Virtual assistants can also assist with the same tasks you’d delegate to a full-time in-office administrative assistant. Meet Tam Grier, virtual assistant and owner of In Decency and Order, Administrative & Organizing Services . She started her business after providing administrative services to her church choir and other music artists. Rather than focusing on social media, Tam offers services such as preparing correspondence, calendar management, appointment setting, event coordination and electronic filing. “I help my clients get tasks done, even when they’re away from their offices. I believe in communicating with them on a regular basis, so that we develop a professional relationship, even though I complete my tasks virtually.”

Both Anita and Tam agree that clients request their services to save time and money. Remember, you don’t have to do it all. When you position your business for long-term growth, delegation is key.