Specializing in working with Therapists in the Mental Health field. Reach out for assistance today!
Check out the graph below to visualize the difference (over time) of hiring, or not hiring a Virtual Assistant ,and the rate of growing your business. To sum up the findings, hiring a VA can launch your business into growth by maximizing workflow to increase efficiency.
I think we could all read these quotes and feel like they apply. It sounds like such an easy thing to delegate a task, but there’s so much more that goes into that thought process and action.
Read on for specifics in this Business Insider story here. All quotes courtesy of Dreamers & Doers article published on May 18, 2021, 10:04 AM CDT.
All individuals featured in this article are members of Dreamers & Doers, a private collective that amplifies the entrepreneurial pursuits of extraordinary women through thought leadership opportunities, authentic connection, and access. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and subscribe to their monthly The Digest for top entrepreneurial and career resources.
Creating systems start the growth process.
Let’s be honest – who can actually say they’ve completed their to-do list?! It’s challenging to say the least; things are constantly being added to it!
That’s where hiring a virtual assistant comes into the picture, helping businesses get their to-do list COMPLETED by increasing productivity and efficiency!
Small steps can make BIG progress; reach out today! Contact
Sometimes, we just need to read a how-to in order to make the change!
First step: make a list of all the work you currently do for your business, line by line, and include EVERYTHING. Quickly, you will see how much extra work you do outside of your primary role. I’m partial to #8 of course, outsourcing is key. Read on below!
(list courtesy of Overworked? 12 Practical Ways Entrepreneurs Can Cut Down Their Hours
“Put your rest activities into your calendar just as much as you put your work activities there. It’s the only way you can effectively force yourself to take time for yourself.” ~ Nicole Munoz, Nicole Munoz Consulting, Inc.
“It may sound obvious to some people, but not so obvious for the others: As a business leader, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. Your main job is to mentor and coach the people who work on all the elements of the business. Take a look at all the tasks that you do. I’m sure you already have dedicated experts in your team to deal with some of these. Then, fire yourself. Let people work.” ~ Solomon Thimothy,OneIMS
“I divide tasks that I need to accomplish by size. Then, I figure out what size task I’m best able to complete at a certain time of day. Since I’m a morning person, I find it easier to accomplish large tasks quickly at the beginning of the day and then smaller tasks toward the end. However, you might prefer working on large tasks toward the end of the day. It depends on your productivity habits.” ~ Bryce Welker, Beat The CPA
“We’ve all heard that people overestimate what they can do in a week, but underestimate what they can do in five years. If you want to keep your work weeks to a minimum, start being honest about what you can accomplish in a week. Identifying the most important thing you can be working on to affect the bottom line of your company each day is key. Then do that 40 hours per week.” ~ Matt Wilson, Under30Experiences
“If entrepreneurs aren’t leveraging automation yet, then they need to. Marketing automation performs routine, everyday tasks for you so you can spend your time wisely and still get more done. It’s easier to stay productive and meet deadlines when you have technology working for you.” ~ Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
“Only with clear boundaries for their time will a driven entrepreneur find that balance. Many successful entrepreneurs leave their industries after a few short years to build a family or pursue their passion because they are unable to have both. The only way I am able to “work to live” is by design, and I assure you it’s worth the effort. Set clear boundaries and respect them.” ~ Reuben Yonatan, SaasList
“The right mindset, leadership and systems are key. In order to greatly reduce your time, you’re going to have to trust people. Then you need to cultivate and build leaders within your organization. To be successful you should have a system where those leaders routinely meet with clear goals and agendas around managing and growing the company. That’s it. Enjoy your time off.” ~ Kevin Getch, Webfor
“If an entrepreneur doesn’t have the resources to hire in-house and delegate certain tasks, they can outsource tedious tasks that don’t generate revenue. For example, the following tasks could be outsourced: blog content creation, social media marketing, website design, payroll and bookkeeping.” ~ Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
“Avoiding long hours is hard, but taking breaks in between tasks can alleviate the pain. If long hours span from early strategy calls through late-evening client meetings, make the most out of your business day. Hit the gym, take lunch outside, listen to an audiobook. Recharging between other energy-intense sessions is a long-lasting exercise worth trying out.” ~ Mario Peshev, DevriX
“Scheduling hard stop breaks into your daily routine will help you balance work with the other parts of your life. Break your day into multiple work shifts to create a natural separation in your schedule. Neglecting this aspect of your routine can be harmful to work and oftentimes lead to counter productivity.” ~ Jordan Edelson, Appetizer Mobile LLC
“Entrepreneurs are goal-driven, and usually get overly absorbed in career goals. I like to have fitness goals that dictate a workout schedule, for example. I recently took classes in scuba diving and boat sailing, as well, to get out of the office and focus on something new and adventurous. Leave the phone at home and go explore the world.” ~ David Boehl, GoLastMinute
“Empower your team. Too many entrepreneurs think they need to still have their hand in every single thing at the company, which is draining to them and ultimately discouraging to the employees who are ready to step up and take on more. I did this years ago when I had a major surgery and had to delegate responsibilities during my recovery and then just didn’t take all of the responsibilities back!” ~ Kelsey Raymond, Influence & Co.
Reach out today! Contact
We are one-month into the undetermined amount of time that we will have to maintain the current status of online video sessions, online work-outs, online meetings, online everything really.
Make sure to allow yourself time to practice self-care among the chaos and frequently remind yourself that this is a moment in time and our nation will recover.
Most importantly, reach out for help with your small business. Now is a good time to reflect on how you’d like your business to operate or goals to achieve.
Due to the public health situation, many small business owners are required to move their business online or operate virtually. If we all pitch-in, we can help flatten the curve. Reach out for help today, while your business is operating online.
This picture is especially beautiful to me because it represents all that we look for in the Spring Season. From flowering plants and budding trees, to more sunshine and warmth.
Then we’re brought back to reality and the state of our nation. It’s a stressful time for a lot of people and small businesses are trying to find ways to connect with their customers in unique ways, given the current public health situation.
This is a great time to find creative ways to stay connected and still provide necessary services. It also provides us with a chance to connect more with nature and exercise. For most, the “rat race” was the norm. Now, every person has to reevaluate how they choose to see things with “social distancing”.
For small businesses, this is a great time to find ways to maximize your business operations. This “vacation” away from work (as most of us know it), can help open the creative box to explore possibilities. Hiring a VA can help you focus on your customers to get through this challenging time.
Photo cred HalidonMusic
(Photo: Getty images)
Let’s be real, we love to Spring Forward but in reality- we lose one hour!
Does your small business feel that one hour loss? For me, I love the extra daylight in the evening- but the adjustment is hard!
Hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) can alleviate extra admin tasks that you “just don’t have time for”. Let me help you Spring Forward and get things done!!
What does 2020 have in store for your small business? The first thing that comes to mind for many in the New Year is the power of organization. Organization is the first step in almost any process and can yield huge results. Once your small business is organized, administrative support is an easy delegation. Reach out in 2020 for admin support or for help with the organization of your small business!
One quick and easy way to market your business is to show up in one of the most commonly used search engines in the world. When someone wants to find out information, they will google it for the comfort of their phone. *Insert* Google My Business.
Did you know that there are free marketing strategies out there? I know, sounds crazy! They are out there and you can create a free page for your small business that will generate leads if someone starts to search their area, online, for your services.
Of course, there are also paid portions of this if you choose. With Google My Business, can make sure that the most up to date business operating info is out there, just by “claiming” your business. Too many times I see all this money and time spent on paid advertising (which works) but how about the free options to drive online traffic to your small business? A monthly report is sent via email on the web traffic you received to your google page and search engine performance.
This is one of the many reasons to hire a VA- for help with your small business, but also GROWTH. Looking at the bigger picture while performing the day-to-day tasks. Reach out today!
We live in the time of instant communication; people and customers seem to want an instant response. The problem with that comes on the back of small business owners who are trapped between wanting to be available, and also having a life outside of their work. It can be hard but also liberating to cut this proverbial “cord”!
Have you ever received a customer text message at a time when you weren’t thinking about work (e.g. 7:00 PM)? All of a sudden, after-hours, your brain switches gears and this can affect a lot more than just that moment. Some things may include added stress, urge to respond, need to schedule/re-schedule, so on and so forth. The thought may even cross your mind that you may need to set some boundaries. (This is normal and healthy!!)
Think about our world before text messaging and instant response, your customer base will understand the need for responding via email by the next business day. Hold strong in your business model! Pro Tip – Add your response time in your signature to give email recipients an understanding of when to expect a response from you.
If you currently use text messaging, do you find it harder to enforce your business practices and policies? That’s completely normal, as we associate texting with our personal life with friends and loved ones. Email is a great tool, as a way to communicate business needs in a different professional medium while not having an instant “personal” connection to the text recipient.
Pro Tip- Create a separate email address @ your business which can strictly handle new inquiries, provide information, respond to scheduling requests, respond to business matters, administrative issues, etc. As an added bonus, I provide the handling of this and other correspondence as a service! In the day of instant communication, people are happy with a response of any kind and are happy to receive an email reply.
If you do choose to use text messaging in your business, here are some tips and stats courtesy of SmallBizTrends.com. However, given all these tips, you could switch to emailing the exact same information.
Texting Etiquette:
Texting is just like any other communication tool. If you keep that in mind, you can avoid some of the gaffes people make.
***Of more importance is to keep records of all communication with your customers; a service I can help with!
Below are the stats from SmallBizTrends.com showing a few of the downsides to using text messaging in business.
Check out this cool map, there’s always a place to start. It’s hard to get wrapped up in the big picture of small business. Small steps can mean a world of difference. Reach out for assistance with the small tasks.
Your small business CAN afford it. It doesn’t have to be expensive ($$$) or every single project! It could just be one or even components of one. I can guarantee you will like the results! Reach out today!
Such an easy statement to make, especially in small business. Does it really get done tomorrow or is it just pushed onto the next day/week list? Let’s be honest, it never really (all) gets done. The list of things that you need to do eventually just grows.
Imagine if you were able to check those things off your list one (or all) at at time. All it takes is reaching out. Just think: completing your list could only cost you $30, say what?! Having a clean slate is more than refreshing, it’s motivating.
When you hire a virtual assistant, you are hiring minute tracking work that provides you with 100% productivity. Again and again we hear: ‘You get what you pay for.” Yep, by the minute in this case! I have no minimums, no task is too small. I crave efficiency. How can I help your small business grow?
SPRING
It’s hard to believe that in just a couple short months, this is what everything will look like! A good time of the year, better than New Year’s if you ask me, is Spring! New growth in everything around us. This is also a great time to renew and grow your small business. People are getting outside, feeling refreshed and less out of the dol drums like winter had in store.
The time is NOW! What small things could I take off of your hands? Emails that need tending to? What about new customer responses? The best thing about email is inbox ZERO, have you ever had it? Does everything have a place (folder) in your email with rules that make it go there until you’re ready? It’s a wonderful thing and definitely a motivator for other areas of your business!
Use this Spring season (pre-Spring for now) to reach out and delegate some aspects of your small business! When that load is lighter, you will wonder what else you can delegate!
This is a graphic showing how much small business owners love or hate doing certain tasks. Where do you stand in this spread? How can I help you love your business more? Reach out today!
The holiday season is a make-or-break time for many small businesses. With increased customer demand, festive promotions, and year-end tasks piling up, owners often feel overwhelmed by administrative work, inventory management, and customer inquiries.
Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) during this busy period offers a flexible, cost-effective solution to keep operations running smoothly while allowing you to enjoy the season.
Holidays bring a surge in new business—but also stress from staffing shortages and endless to-do lists. A VA can manage time-consuming tasks like responding to emails, scheduling new clients, scheduling social media posts, and organizing holiday promotions. This frees you to focus on high-value activities, such as strategic planning or spending time with family.
Unlike full-time or other contract hires, VAs work remotely and are paid only for hours or tasks completed—no overhead for office space, benefits, or equipment. During peak seasons, you can scale up support quickly, then scale down afterward.
Happy customers drive repeat business, especially during the holidays when loyalty is key. A VA can handle new inquiries, current client inquiries, track shipments, manage returns, and even send personalized thank-you notes or holiday cards to professional referrals. This professional touch boosts satisfaction without stretching your in-house team thin.
By delegating routine tasks, you reduce burnout and reclaim personal time. Many small business owners report that a VA helps them close out the year strong—wrapping up projects, organizing files, and preparing for a fresh start in January—while still celebrating with loved ones.
In short, a virtual assistant isn’t just extra help—it’s a smart investment that keeps your small business thriving through the holidays and beyond. If the season feels overwhelming, consider bringing one on board for a smoother, more profitable end to the year. Reach out today to get started: Contact
Article and images generated via Grok AI
Small Business Week is here, and it’s time to shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs, dreamers, and doers who power our economy and bring vibrancy to our communities. These small business owners are the backbone of innovation, resilience, and local charm, and this week is all about celebrating their contributions. Let’s dive into why Small Business Week matters, how we can support these local heroes, and what makes small businesses so special.
Why Small Business Week Matters
Small businesses aren’t just shops, cafes, or service providers—they’re the heart of our neighborhoods. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses, employing nearly half of the nation’s workforce. They drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster community connections. Small Business Week, typically celebrated in late April or early May, is a chance to recognize their impact and remind ourselves of the power of thinking local.
This week is also a moment to acknowledge the challenges small business owners face—economic shifts, supply chain hurdles, and the ever-evolving digital landscape. Yet, despite these obstacles, they persevere, adapt, and continue to serve with passion. That’s worth celebrating!
The Magic of Small Businesses
What makes small businesses stand out? It’s the personal touch. Whether it’s the barista who knows your order by heart, the boutique owner who curates unique finds, or the family-run restaurant serving recipes passed down through generations, small businesses offer experiences you can’t find at big-box retailers. They’re where stories are shared, traditions are born, and communities come together.
Small businesses also spark innovation. From eco-friendly products to cutting-edge tech startups, many of today’s biggest ideas started in someone’s garage or kitchen. These entrepreneurs take risks, challenge the status quo, and inspire others to dream big.
How to Celebrate Small Business Week
Ready to join the celebration? Here are some simple, meaningful ways to show love for small businesses this week (and beyond):
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate Small Business Week, let’s commit to supporting these local gems year-round. Whether it’s choosing a neighborhood bookstore over an online giant or hiring a local contractor for your next project, your choices shape the future of small businesses. Together, we can ensure they continue to thrive, innovate, and enrich our lives.
So, here’s to Small Business Week—a time to honor the hustle, heart, and creativity of small business owners everywhere. Go out, shop small, and celebrate the businesses that make our communities unique. What’s your favorite local spot? Share it in the comments and let’s keep the love going!
Article Credit: Grok AI generated content
Image: The Hartford
In today’s fast-paced world, time is the ultimate currency. Whether you’re a small business owner, an entrepreneur, or just someone juggling a hectic schedule, the idea of offloading tasks to free up your day can feel like a dream. Enter the virtual assistant (VA)—a game-changer that’s more affordable, flexible, and valuable than you might think. Here’s why hiring a virtual assistant is absolutely worth it.
1. You Get Your Time Back
Let’s face it: you’re probably spending hours on tasks that don’t directly move the needle for your goals. Scheduling meetings, answering emails, managing social media, or handling basic research can eat up your day faster than you’d like to admit. A virtual assistant can take these repetitive, time-consuming tasks off your plate, leaving you free to focus on what really matters—whether that’s growing your business, brainstorming new ideas, or simply enjoying a rare moment of peace.
2. Cost-Effective Expertise
Hiring a full-time, in-house employee comes with a hefty price tag: salary, benefits, office space, equipment. A virtual assistant, on the other hand, is a fraction of the cost. Most VAs work as freelancers or contractors, meaning you only pay for the hours or tasks you need—no overhead required. Plus, many virtual assistants bring specialized skills to the table, like graphic design, bookkeeping, or content writing, so you’re getting expertise without the expense of a dedicated hire.
3. Flexibility That Fits Your Life
One of the best things about a virtual assistant is how adaptable they are. Need help for just a few hours a week? Done. Scaling up for a big project? They’ve got you covered. Unlike traditional employees, VAs often work remotely and on-demand, giving you the freedom to adjust their workload as your needs change. It’s like having a personal support team that ebbs and flows with your schedule.
4. Less Stress, More Productivity
Ever feel overwhelmed by a to-do list that never ends? A virtual assistant can be your secret weapon against burnout. By delegating the small stuff, you’re not just saving time—you’re reducing mental clutter. That clarity lets you tackle bigger challenges with a sharper focus. Studies consistently show that multitasking kills efficiency; handing off tasks to a VA lets you single-task your way to better results.
5. Access to a Wide Talent Pool
When you hire a virtual assistant, you’re not limited to your local area. You can tap into talent from around the country, finding someone who’s the perfect fit for your needs and budget. Need a VA who’s a whiz with a specific software? The remote nature of the gig means you’re casting a wider net, increasing your odds of finding a rockstar assistant.
6. Scaling Made Simple
If you’re growing a business, a virtual assistant can help you scale without the growing pains. They can handle the extra admin work, customer inquiries, or data entry that comes with expansion, letting you keep your eye on the big picture. Think of them as a bridge between where you are now and where you want to be—supporting you without the commitment of a permanent hire.
Is It Really Worth It?
You might be thinking, “Sure, it sounds nice, but can I justify the cost?” Here’s the thing: hiring a virtual assistant isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. The hours you reclaim can be spent generating revenue, building relationships, or simply recharging. Even at a modest hourly rate, the return on investment often pays off in spades when you consider the value of your time.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a virtual assistant isn’t just for CEOs or tech moguls—it’s for anyone who wants to work smarter, not harder. From saving time and money to boosting your productivity and peace of mind, a VA brings benefits that ripple through every part of your life. So why keep juggling everything yourself? Take the leap, delegate, and watch how much lighter—and more successful—your days become.
Meredith Whitley, LLC 