People always ask me what I do as a virtual assistant, so I decided to sit down and create a list of all the business tasks I have or currently do handle for various clients. It came up to a lot more than even I thought, 63 to be exact. Let’s see if your small business could use some help completing these so you can focus are more important things to grow your business.
Customer Service
Everyone knows that customer service is the key to gaining and especially keeping clients. Don’t let this simple thing fall to the wayside!
Processing orders and shipments
Processing refunds
Handling customer inquiries
Following up on orders, inquiries, etc.
Inviting/approving requests to join a membership community (e.g. Facebook)
Many small businesses don’t have the space or ability to hire a full-time admin support person, yet this is an important role in keeping your business running smoothly.
Managing your client’s calendar/schedule
Building or managing databases (of contacts, for example)
Booking appointments and calls
Making travel arrangements
Online file management (in Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
Data entry
Creating forms
PDF conversions
Drafting letters, emails, internal communication, etc.
Oh email, that things we all love to hate. So many emails to respond to, or ignore, or, wait how did you get on that list!
Setting up Gmail or any other email client
Replying to common questions
Flagging important messages that need a reply
Following up on sent emails
Deleting spam
Unsubscribing from unwanted promotional lists
Forwarding messages and inquiries to other team members
Marketing & Event Management
A newsletter or event can bring your business to the forefront of so many people. It can also be a great way to let people know what you are up to so they can reach out to do business with you.
Setting up promotion for the event (including creating promotional materials)
Setting up the tech platform for the event (GoToWebinar, Adobe Connect, Join.me and Google Meet)
Sharing images/videos/articles
Managing online communities (such as Facebook groups or other online forums)
Inviting followers to attend events
Monitoring online reviews
Online Store & Project Management
Believe it or not, almost every business handles orders and has deadlines. But do you have time to deal with all of those things?
Uploading product images
Uploading product specifications
Setting up inventory management platforms
Setting up fulfillment systems
Setting up gift certificates and coupons
Product category management
Processing and fulfilling the orders
Managing inventory
Liaising with suppliers and other contractors (such as product photographers, description writers, shipping companies)
Setting deadlines for tasks
Monitoring progress
Overseeing quality control
Setting up new projects using templates
Formatting documents (Excel, Powerpoint, Word)
Did you see any repetitive tasks on the list that I can liberate your business from? Many of these can definitely help your business, and your work/life balance, if you let someone take them off your plate. Business tasks are a necessity but they don’t have to imprison you or keep you counterproductive. So break free from repetitive cycles. As I say, heling you work ON your business not At your business.
