How To Hire A (corporate parties) Virtual Assistant
No commentsBy Chris Simpson
If you are a business owner and you are looking for the most cost effective way to get the work done that you need help with and don’t want to take on a full time employee, then a Virtual Assistant could be just what you need. Finding the right virtual assistant doesn’t have to be a difficult task. To help you out we are going to provide you with a list of things you need to look for in a virtual assistant.
You are going to be relying on the virtual assistant to take care of important tasks for your business. So finding someone that you can work easily with is vital. You also want to make sure that your virtual assistant is going to be able to present your business properly, and that they have the skills you need. Make sure that you can set up a consultation with the Virtual Assistant.
During your consultation you will be looking for how well the VA responds to your questions, how they answer the phone, the promptness of the appointment you made with them and is there follow through.
The virtual assistant that you are going to hire should also have an online office that you can visit. This is usually a website, and this website is the equivalent of a face to face interview. Their website should be free of misspellings, improper grammar and unprofessional writing. If the VA is not presenting a polished professional image for themselves, chances are they aren’t going to present you in a polished and professional manner.
You should also look for finesse. The VA you are thinking of working with should be able to easily guide you through the services that they offer. They should be very knowledgeable about their products, services and capabilities. You want to make sure that they have business sense and that they know how to use it.
Knowing their personal and professional traits is also important. To do this all you have to do is listen to the person you are interviewing. They should take the lead when necessary in the conversation, there should be confidence in the way they speak about themselves and their business, as you are listening do you feel as though you can trust this person and finally do you feel as though you can connect with this person.
You should also take a look at their experience. When we talk about experience, we are not talking about as a virtual assistant per se. You need to know the experience they have in the services they are offering.
Many administrative assistants have left the office to start their own VA business with years of experience in the different tasks and services they may offer, but have only been a VA for a few months. Likewise, someone can be a VA for years and actually have little experience in some of the services they offer. Make sure that you get the full picture when you are talking with them.
Making sure that you get the above information will help you find the right virtual assistant for you business and your needs.
Chris Simpson is dedicated to helping people find honest and legitimate work at home and home based business opportunities. Find legitimate work at home opportunities today at: http://www.HomeNetPro.com
Automate with Auction Software
By optica00003
If you list a few items “here and there” at online auctions, it only takes a few minutes to get your items up for sell. However, if you build an online auction business with hundreds of items for sale, you’ll run out of time and energy fast. That’s why automation is so important. Even if you find the perfect one stop online auction shop where you can sell all your items in one place, automation will still be necessary to keep the business going - and keep your sanity! Here are some great ways to automate your auction tasks.
Automate with Auction Software
There are software programs that are specially made for auctions. These programs will store all your listings in a database along with titles, descriptions, photos, pricing and shipping details. Some programs have a feature where you can save templates for certain categories. For example, if you sell household products, you might use the same template for all household items. Then, you might use a completely different template for your wholesale products. Therefore, you can save each template and have them available when you need them.
How it Works
A great benefit of using auction software is you can list more items in less amount of time. Here’s how it works:
a) Type in your listings and accompanying details.
b) Upload photos or banners for your listings.
c) Submit the items to the auction site for listing.
It’s that simple. Without this software, you will likely have to submit each item by hand through an online form with several screens. This could take several minutes or longer per listing. To get this software, check with your one stop online auction shop first. They might offer the software as a free tool. Use the search engines to search for “auction software” or “auction listing automation.”
Automate Emails
Once items have been sold, you should have some email templates ready to go for “thank you” messages, up-sell messages, etc. Create several “thank you” emails for the types of products you offer, each being customized for those customers. Also, create several “special offer” emails to send buyers throughout the year. Some one stop online auction shops provide automated email systems for you. It’s free and simple to set up a system like this, and the rewards are tremendous!
Automate the Shipping Process
Keep shipping supplies on-hand at all times. Prepare envelopes, boxes or bags ahead of time with labels, packaging materials, etc. Develop a system that you will use every time you receive an order so you won’t get disorganized. Take advantage of shipping “tools” supplied by your one stop online auction shop or payment processing company. Some auction sites or payment processors will provide packing slips for every order with the customer’s purchase details already printed for you.
Automate Listing and Ending Times
Schedule your items to end around the same time so you can easily manage them once the auctions end. If you schedule auctions to end on weekends, you can concentrate on shipping the items at the beginning of the week. Those who run auctions weekly usually go through a cycle of listing, ending and shipping around the same times every week.
Saving Time and Money
Automation will help you save time and money. You can list and manage more items through automation. Also, you’ll have a better chance at getting repeat business by sending regular mailings or e-mails to buyers. The more money you can save the better bargains your customers will receive!
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Seven Business Mentoring Tips: How to Survive Paying Taxes
By Laurie O’Neil
We’ve all heard of the phrase “Death and Taxes.” Ben Franklin gave this timeless small business advice when he proclaimed that they are the only two things in life that are certain. But you don’t have to let your tax responsibilities drive you and your business to an early grave.
As a business coach, the one problem I see many entrepreneurs running into is failing to budget enough money to set aside for their taxes. Then, when it comes time to file their taxes, they don’t have the cash so they avoid the situation altogether. Unfortunately, not filing taxes is NOT the solution to the problem!
The following business mentoring tips are among some of the best pieces of bookkeeping business advice that I have shared with busy entrepreneurs over the years. If you find yourself coming up short on cash by the time taxes roll around, here are some things you can do to alleviate the stress:
Business Mentoring Tip #1: Gather your records and file all your tax forms immediately, even if you can’t pay a cent.
Business Mentoring Tip #2: Write a letter to the IRS explaining your financial situation and attach it to your forms. More than likely, the IRS will work with you to find a payment option with which you can live. One of those options could be setting up a payment plan so that taxes can be paid in installments.
Business Mentoring Tip #3: Have in place a solid business plan that makes accommodations for both federal and state taxes, and stick to that plan. The last thing a new business needs is to lose its profits by paying penalties to the IRS.
Business Mentoring Tip #4: Open a second bank account (like a tax savings account) to be used exclusively for saving money to pay taxes. As a business coach, I’ve seen many clients successfully use this strategy.
Business Mentoring Tip #5: Each time your write yourself a check or make a cash withdrawal from the ATM, take 20% of that money and deposit it into your tax savings account. For example, for every $100, set $20 aside for taxes. You will be pleasantly surprised how quickly your tax savings will add up come tax time!
Business Mentoring Tip #6: Each quarter, on January 15th, April 15th, June 15th and September 15th make estimated tax payments to the Federal and State governments.
Business Mentoring Tip #7: Each October meet with your tax preparer for preliminary tax planning. You can evaluate where you are for the year and leave yourself ample time to reduce your tax liability or make additional payments.
By using this proven bookkeeping business advice and implementing these seven tips into your business’s bookkeeping practices, you will be able to survive paying your taxes.
Linda Hunt and Laurie O’Neil are the co-founders of The Bookkeeper’s Referral
Network Inc., the place where business meets great bookkeepers. To get your
copy of The 9 Disastrous Mistakes Most Freelance Bookkeeper’s Make in
Business (and How You Can Avoid Them!) visit http://www.bkpr-network.com
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