The Many Ways in Which Working More Gradually Can Benefit the Virtual Assistant

 The Many Ways in Which Working More Gradually Can Benefit the Virtual Assistant

Every company has busy periods. These issues affect both seasoned virtual assistants and those just getting their feet wet in the field. No one is picking up the phone, your inbox is so empty you're worried about a power outage, and you're at a loss for what to do in the event that your internet goes out. The bright side is that tranquil periods won't be as scary when you've gone through them and realized they inevitably come to an end. I get that, though; in the dark hours when business is slow, there can be hairy, terrifying monsters waiting for you unless you've been there.
For that reason, I am going to provide you with ten tried-and-true methods for driving away those demons and making the most of those peaceful hours. Incorporating even a few of the suggestions and ideas shown here will serve to occupy your time when business is slow and strengthen the groundwork you have already laid for your future success. By compiling this list, I hope to help you make the most of your company's capabilities and avoid the frustration of a work slowdown when you least expect it.

1. Reconnect with previous leads. This one piece of advice may sound elementary, yet it can end up saving your life and helping your business thrive. Get back in touch with people you haven't spoken to in a while by going through your contact files (you do maintain a list of business prospects, correct?). Be creative and send them an email that says "thinking of you and your business." You may also send them a card that includes your business card or an e-card that promotes a new service you're offering. Make sure that once a lead, whether new or old, realizes they need virtual support, they think of you first.
2. Get rid of anything you've been putting up with. The coaching term "tolerating" refers to the unfinished business and long-forgotten thoughts that we all carry along with us, sometimes subconsciously, and which can sap our strength. What images pop into your head when you consider something you keep in your mind at all times? Is completing a business relationship with someone you've been avoiding calling absolutely necessary? Is there paperwork piling up on your desk? Are you missing any information on one or two pages of your website? Have you been meaning to get around to doing something for a while now? We must muster the mental and physical stamina to proceed. We aren't able to accomplish all that we want to because these things that we're enduring sap our strength. Stop putting up with anything, even a single item, and you'll create space for more success.
Ask for what you need by calling your mom, best friend, coach, or mentor. There are several challenges that come with being a professional who is self-employed. If you're struggling emotionally, reach out for help. You should choose someone you trust with your emotions and who can offer you encouragement when you need it when you call (or, better yet, talk to them in person). Before you ask for what you need, tell this person some of your worries and uncertainties. Perhaps it would help if they expressed their pride in you. A weekly phone call to see how you are can be just what you need. Get what you want by asking for it. Our loved ones are really curious about our desires and would do anything to fulfill them. Your chances of success will increase significantly when you have people like these rooting for you.
Get yourself set up to take on new clients. Among the most effective strategies to guarantee the arrival of new business is to guarantee, with absolute certainty, that we will be completely ready for their arrival. Are you prepared to present a client with a welcome package? Would you be able to promptly send it to a new client who called five minutes from now? Can you attract new clients with your current level of organization? Are you feeling in control of your business schedule and present tasks? Is there a set procedure you follow when taking on a new client? For example, do you have an agenda for the "first meeting" or questions you ask to determine the client's needs? Make sure you can respond "yes" to all of the questions above to avoid unintentionally turning away potential new business opportunities due to a lack of preparedness.
Take a leap of faith and try something scary. I don't want you to become a nude skydiver, but it would be wise to check that we aren't avoiding any business-building activities out of fear. Pick anything you're scared to do and do it, no matter how tiny. Is joining a networking organization something you're nervous about? Is the thought of contacting your previous employer and inviting her to lunch to talk about virtual assistance terrifying to you? Is avoiding the organization that requested you to give a presentation something you're doing? You should be listening to your inner voice at this point, which is describing your own unique monster-in-the-dark; they are only examples to get you thinking. You will come out of the ordeal more powerful, assured, and pleased with yourself if you rise up, face the monster, step into his mouth, and dance about. Do something scary, but ultimately rewarding, to push yourself to your limits.
6. Make room for it. Not long ago, I sorted through my office bookcase and gave away a few books that I no longer needed. Even though I only cleared out a single shelf, it greatly increased the amount of mental space I had. Do you feel overwhelmed by the amount of paperwork you have? Do you feel like you need to sort through and arrange your files? So what about all the clutter on the floor that you have to step over daily? Keeping our physical surroundings tidy can greatly improve our ability to focus on our work. Determine whether there is "room" for improvement by taking stock of your physical environment.
Install a single new client service. If you want your clients to see you as more than just another face in the crowd, consider adding a "added value" service to your repertoire. An example of this new customer service item could be virtual dog walking, e-zine support, or bookkeeping. It could also be something you do "above and beyond the call of duty," such as sending birthday cards to clients, checking in with busy clients to see what else you can do, or giving unbilled 15 minutes of your time. Since we provide a service to other businesses, our customers are our most valuable asset. Is there anything you can do differently to show your clients how much you appreciate them on a regular basis?
Do not let your "circle of influence" get closer than you. Improving upon point 7, it's always a good idea to let the people we consider part of our "circle of influence" know that we're actively seeking new business opportunities. Any individuals in your life with the power to bring business your way are considered to be part of your circle of influence. In addition to being coworkers and former business associates, they are also mentors. Keeping track of these individuals and getting in touch with them on a regular basis to let them know you're still in business is a simple way to expand your business. You may update them on new offerings and make sure they think of you first when they suggest Virtual Assistance to others.
Listen to the voice within you. Despite what some may have you believe, business isn't only about business. When it comes to advertising and expanding our company, the creative juices flowing through everyone of us may be a tremendous benefit. Is there ever a time when you had a truly "crazy" concept for how to teach people about your services? 'Out of the box' thinking is evident in other people's marketing and advertising materials. Have you ever been blown away by it? (And I just found out that you came up with that idea about six months ago but never did anything with it). Too bad. Feel free to express yourself creatively. When advertising your company, don't be scared to do anything little creative. Among my previous clients, there is a coach who, along with other female entrepreneurs (massage therapists, estheticians, art teachers, etc.), is planning to host a women-only pajama party next month. It appears like a lot of fun, and it's utterly insane. Is there anything you could do that would make people laugh and exclaim, "Wow!"?
10. Consult a mentor. "No need to reinvent the wheel" is the last category our item originates from. Are you acquainted with any successful entrepreneurs or virtual assistants? If that's the case, perhaps you might buy that individual a cup of tea and have a chat with them over the phone. In what ways were they successful? Can you tell me where they ran into problems that you could prevent? "If you were in my position right now, what is one thing you would do to grow my business?" is another possible question to ask. People are happy to brag about their accomplishments, and you'd be amazed at how much helpful information you can glean from just asking.
It is as simple as that. Even if your job is temporarily slowing down, there are ten things you can do right now to keep expanding your business.
Wow, that's funny!

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