Taking a Vacation? Your Business Doesn’t Have To!
The Problem
It’s that time of year again, when many of us look forward to a well-deserved vacation from the day-to-day grind. Invariably, this means that managers and business owners have to grapple with staffing issues. It’s essential that vacation schedules are properly planned to ensure that the business remains productive, operations continue to run smoothly, and that the company’s reputation is upheld.
Vacation planning is especially difficult for small and home-based business owners. They need a cost-effective, practical solution that suits their unique needs. Oftentimes they don’t have employees who can run things in their absence. And they need to maintain a professional image, while dealing with customer service issues that arise in their absence.
You’ve earned your time off. But are you prepared to lose clients and pass up opportunities to gain new ones while you’re on vacation? I don’t think so!
The Solution
Some companies hire temporary staff through Temp Agencies. However, there are many downsides to this option. Recruiting and training costs can be high, with no flexibility on the minimum level of service to be contracted. It can also be difficult to ensure continuity of service, as you won’t always get the same temp.
Chances are, temps aren’t a viable option for the home-based business owner. Most temporary assistants don’t go on-site and the home office may not have enough space or equipment to accommodate them.
That’s why it makes sense to consider contracting a Virtual Assistant (VA). A Virtual Assistant is an independent entrepreneur who provides administrative support or specialized business support services on a contractual basis from his/her own office. The Internet and modern technology has enabled home-based business support services to evolve and provide cost-effective business solutions seamlessly without compromise to timing, accessibility or quality. Work assignments are easily communicated by email, telephone, instant messaging or fax. Your Virtual Assistant (VA) doesn’t have to be in your office, your city, or even your country!
Unlike temps, Virtual Assistants have a vested interest in their clients’ success. If a VA isn’t satisfying their clients, they’ll soon run be out of business. Take a look at page 2 to see how Virtual Assistance compares to temporary staff.
Conclusion
No matter how much you love your business, you need to take some time for yourself, and summer is the time to get away. For many companies, Virtual Assistance makes good business sense - from greater flexibility and consistency of service to reduced administrative costs and personnel issues, Virtual Assistance is the low-cost, no-hassle solution for your temporary staffing needs.
Enjoy your vacation – we’ll keep an eye on things while you’re gone!
Copyright © 2004-2005 Michele Hanson-O’Reggio. All Rights Reserved.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michele O’Reggio is the Entrepreneur’s Leverage Coach. She helps entrepreneurs grow their business and get more clients by delegating and using systems like the Get Clients Now!™ sales and marketing system. Claim your FR-EE report “ The Top 7 Clues that you Need Help and Systems” by sending an email to top7clues@getresponse.com and visit Michele’s sites for more information – www.IWantMoreClients.com & www.DelegationCoach.com
NOTE: You’re welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the “about the author” info at the end), and you email a copy of your reprint to mailto:articles@avirtualpro.com.
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