The Reliable Assistant
Organizing your business on a day to day basis is one of the most important aspects of running an efficient company. Never underestimate how critical having a reliable administrative component is to your efficiency and, frankly, your sanity.
Behind every successful Executive is likely an administrative support system keeping them in check and keeping them moving forward in the right direction. It can come in various forms, but, make no mistake, it will be vital to your firm’s ability to grow.
First, we have the Sole Proprietor. If there is not money in the budget to hire a separate administrative assistant, you can become your own. It is as simple as having a good working knowledge of Outlook to schedule meetings and understanding some type of bookkeeping software such as Excel or Quickbooks or a reasonable facsimile.
If you take the time to understand how to create and manage contacts in your email system, you will be surprised how easy managing your schedule and communicating with clients and advisors can be. Additionally, having the knowledge to pivot your way through spreadsheets will provide you with a great sense of freedom and confidence in recording your business financials and creating a solid foundation to turn that information into a broader goal application. Knowledge is power and if you can record that knowledge with these simple tools, you will be in a better position to understand, anticipate, and react to trends in your bottom line.
If your budget allows, consider using an Adminstrative Contractor. Virtual Assistance is available through sole proprietors who focus solely on managing the organization of your business.
A colleague used a Women Business Enterprise Sole Proprietor for years that had been recommended by her professional colleagues. Handling things like her schedule, her invoicing, follow up, and friendly collection reminders were just some of the items addressed by the contractor. And I will mention that the Sole Proprietor and the Adminsitratice Contractor were in two very different time zones. But despite that, the arrangement continued successfully for many years.
If you require a local assistant, look for the virtual assistant mentioned above that also can provide in-office services. Filing is a great example of such a service. Clearly, that can only be provided locally. A good resource for a local contractual administrative assistant may be your accountant or a business colleague with a similar set up as you. If you are in an Executive Exchange or Leadership Program, ask your fellow members or your facilitator, they could be a gold mine for recommending help you may need.
Lastly, hire an Administrative Assistant outright. If your firm is larger or your revenue supports the full time hiring of an assistant, this clearly would be the ideal approach. Make sure you ask colleagues and advisors first. Many may have positive direction to provide in your search. Starting with referrals from people you trust will likely yield better and quicker results than going it alone. There are also staffing firms that can assist you as well.
Regardless of the size of your company, administrative management and assistance is a core component of your success or lack thereof. Whether honing some of your own skills or working with a staffing company, there are many options open to you.
Be like Geordi La Forge, ,our gorgeous Poodle show dog featured in today’s Blog, and be well groomed for meetings with prospective clients by ensuring you have the right administrative support to appear organized and in control of your business. Whether the Investment is in training yourself or hiring the right contractor or employee, always strive to impress your audience with great organization.
Be well.
