The Virtual Assistant Blog
Helping business owners run a successful business
Choosing the right small business CRM solution
When providing data entry virtual assistant services we come across many different customer relationship management (CRM) systems offering more and more features and functionality. When contemplating a CRM system for a small business, the one with the most...
A beginner’s guide to going self employed
Self-employment is on the rise. People are choosing to work for themselves for a number of reasons. For some, it’s a chance to realise a dream job; for others it offers the flexibility and freedom that a 9-5 job just can’t match. Some move into self-employment after...
Blog your business to success – tips for small business owners
Building a business based solely on your blogging is a tall order for any entrepreneur, but many businesses use great blogs to gain followers, boost profile, demonstrate credibility and add real value – so could you blog your business to success? Want to start a blog?...
How to improve time management skills – tips for the busy entrepreneur
Every now and then we plan to be more efficient. We resolve not to leave things until the last minute. We promise to prioritise better to achieve a healthy work/life balance. And when we remember just how hard it is to get out of bed that hour earlier, we get lulled...
How to manage your expenses – tips for small business owners
Keeping track of your expenses is one of the most fundamental tasks for a small business. The largest part of your tax return will be based upon your business expenses, and accurate records can help to reduce the amount of tax you pay. So it's important to set up good...
Generating marketing content online – how to overcome writer’s block
 Whether it's for social media, your blog or your website, generating content for online marketing can leave small business owners with a serious case of writers block. But it needn't be a headache. Take a look at these tips that we've compiled to give you some ideas...
How to prepare and manage invoices
The more professional your invoices are, the more likely they are to get paid on time. That’s nothing to do with how ‘good’ they look; it’s to do with giving your client the information they need to put your invoice through their systems and make payment to you....
Types of invoicing for small business owners
As a small business owner, invoicing is just one of the many things you need to keep on top of – but it’s also one of the most important functions to manage. No invoice = no income. Here, we give you a quick run-down of the different types of invoicing for small...
Essentials of event planning – how a virtual assistant can help
 There are many ways to promote a business including online marketing, television advertising, print advertisement and radio spots. One very effective method that is often overlooked though is running an event. Events are a fantastic way to showcase new products,...
What are the benefits of outsourced bookkeeping services?
If your business is in need of basic bookkeeping services, you are faced with two choices. You can hire a new staff member to perform the work or have your bookkeeping services outsourced. While hiring an employee might be worthwhile if you have 40 hours of...
CRM and small business: a guide to best practice
Gathering customer data and knowing how to use it is one of the ways to business success – no matter what size you are. Why is it so important? Because the better you understand your customers, the more likely you are to be able to sell to them. That’s why we’ve put...