Supposedly a cliché, ‘time is gold’ is often mentioned when workers are faced with deadlines or some such activity that has a certain end. A valuable resource shared by everyone, it is easily the most precious because life and its attendant activities revolve around minutes and hours. As a virtual assistant, time management becomes a central factor in the organization and delivery of tasks.

Lack of priority setting, procrastination, and lack of knowledge in the usage of proper technology tools are three of the common enemies of time management.

For virtual assistants, creating a to-do list of the five most important tasks for the day is key for getting things done. It also helps if a to-do list for the week is prepared to insure that the work plan is on track. With these lists prominently displayed on a computer frame, a virtual assistant will remember.

Because of great flexibility available to virtual assistants, procrastination can easily set in. Working from home presents more challenges such as playing with children or doing household chores that can be disruptive. Discipline and self-control are important as much as focus and determination so that assignments are delivered on time.

Another good way to stay focused is by following a “time out” schedule for yourself. Sometimes knowing that there will be a couple of hours for relaxation at the end of the day is enough to concentrate on the job at hand.

Tools such as Skype, Google calendar, and Dropbox are tremendous help in staying on track. Becoming informed and acquiring the skills for these tools will enhance a virtual assistant’s work performance.

Time is money and nowhere else is this truth more evident than in a virtual assistant’s world. Creating a ‘done’ list will produce a sense of accomplishment for a virtual assistant and guarantee satisfaction for the clients.

Written by Yoli P.- The Help

Many people do not believe that savings are important. I was one of them and for the longest time it was the last item on my goals. But we all learn our lessons albeit late in life. Because the future is unpredictable, having a safety cushion becomes an absolute necessity for everyone. There are compelling reasons for getting on the saving-for-the-rainy-days track such as retirement, education, and natural disasters like flooding.

But how does one start preparing for that rainy day? With fixed monthly bills to pay, setting aside extra cash becomes a daunting task attainable only by self-discipline and determination.

First, assess spending habits by listing all expenses. This can be tedious (and I speak from experience) but it really pays off. For example, a tall latte costs $3.00. If consumed twice daily during a five-day workweek, that’ll be $30.00/week and in 52 weeks, that’s a whooping $1,560.00 spent on coffee alone. Cutting this expense in half will insure that four-digit cash in a savings account by the end of the year.

Next, create a realistic budget, categorizing each expense. For example, Transport category includes bus fare, gas, and toll fees. Groceries and eating out belongs to Food and Dining while clothes buying would be under Shopping.

Remember the discipline and determination? These two comes handy when making the monthly contribution to the new savings account. Because lifestyles are different for everyone, it is not possible to have an applicable formula for savings. Usually, income is divvied up with 60-65% towards “rent and other fixed costs,” 20% for “wants,” and 15% for savings.

Although credit cards could be helpful, it is also easy to become dependent on them particularly when cash is short and payday is a week away. Sinking into debt can quickly happen from this point on.

Saving what one can over time will help tremendously. I remember looking at my savings account at the time when all it contained was a sad two-digit figure. I decided to change the numbers; that was 15 years ago. It was not easy but the peace of mind I now enjoy is more than the interest any bank can offer.

Here’s a quote that is a constant reminder of the power of determination and sincerity:

When your determination changes, everything will begin to move in the direction you desire. The moment you resolve to be victorious, every nerve and fiber in your being will immediately orient itself toward your success. On the other hand, if you think, “This is never going to work out,” then at that instant every cell in your being will be deflated and give up the fight. Then everything will really move in the direction of failure (Daisaku Ikeda).

Written by Yoli P. – The Help

According to U.S Department Of Labor (Bureau of Labor Statistics,) Employer costs for employee compensation averaged $31.09 per hour worked in March 2013. Wages and salaries averaged $21.50 per hour worked and accounted for 69.1 percent of these costs, while benefits averaged $9.59 and accounted for the remaining 30.9 percent. Total employer compensation costs for private industry workers averaged $29.13 per hour worked in March 2013. Total employer compensation costs for state and local government workers averaged $42.12 per hour worked in March 2013.

Reference: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecec.pdf

Plusses of Hiring The Help

Reduction of overhead or fixed costs. The Help generates savings because its presence cuts down overhead or fixed costs (office space, equipment, labor).  This additional capital can be funneled back to the business.

Delegation of functions.  Managers and businesses that do all operational functions (research, budgeting, marketing) are costs that are passed on to the customers.  Delegating some of these to The Help will add to a business’ competitive edge.

Efficient staffing.  Long term or project-based staff can be expensive (salaries, health insurance).  With The Help at your service, costs will be confined to work rendered.

Compensation.  Since The Help is associated with Elance, its clients are assured of transparency in all transactions.  Employers put payments in escrow with Elance, to be released to the provider when work is satisfactory and delivered.  Since the freelancer (in this case The Help) can see that payment is ready, anxiety of not getting paid is eliminated.

Other perks in hiring The Help

• Frees managers’ time to grow the business
• Manages projects across time differences
• Provides its clients with a set of guarantees
• Has the resources and expertise to begin projects immediately

With The Help, we will save you money and increase your profit without compromising the quality of
service you provide to your clients!