It’s that time of year again, when many of us look forward to a well-deserved vacation from the day-to-day grind. Invariably, this means that managers and business owners have to grapple with staffing issues. It’s essential that vacation schedules are properly planned to ensure that the business remains productive, operations continue to run smoothly, and that the company’s reputation is upheld.
Vacation planning is especially difficult for solo entrepreneurs. They need a cost-effective, practical solution that suits their unique needs. Most solo entrepreneurs don’t have employees and need to maintain a professional image, while dealing with customer service issues that arise in their absence.
You’ve earned your time off. But are you prepared to lose clients and pass up opportunities to gain new ones while you’re on vacation? I don’t think so!
The Solution
Some companies hire temporary staff through temp agencies. However, there are many downsides to this option. Recruiting and training costs can be high, with no flexibility on the minimum level of service to be contracted. It can also be difficult to ensure continuity of service, as you won’t always get the same temp.
Chances are, temps aren’t a viable option for the home-based solo entrepreneur. Most temporary assistants don’t go on-site and the home office may not have enough space or equipment to accommodate them.
That’s why it makes sense to consider contracting a Virtual Assistant (VA). A Virtual Assistant is an independent entrepreneur who provides administrative support or specialized business support services on a contractual basis from his/her own office. Your Virtual Assistant doesn’t have to be in your office, your city, or even your country!
Unlike temps, Virtual Assistants have a vested interest in their clients’ success. If a VA isn’t satisfying their clients, they’ll soon run be out of business.
No matter how much you love your business, you need to take some time for yourself, and summer is the time to get away. For many solo entrepreneurs and companies, Virtual assistance makes good business sense – from greater flexibility and consistency of service to reduced administrative costs and personnel issues, virtual assistance is the low-cost, no-hassle solution for your temporary staffing needs.
Find your perfect virtual assistant and enjoy your vacation!
Copyright 2006, Michele Hanson-O’Reggio. All rights reserved.
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