Starting your own business can be a very exciting and stressful time in any ones life. If you have been in employment you know that you have a skill that is of value to you. After all, that skill has provided you with an income for many years. Whether you are a Plumber, Web Designer or a Financial Advisor you have an hourly rate that is worth something to your current employer.
If you decide to start your own business, you will be forced to learn a number of new skills. Running a business is not about installing a boiler, designing a website or advising someone about a pension; this is your trade. Running your own business is so much more.
One of the first outsourcing companies you may need to employ will be that of an Accountant. You are going to need to ensure that your 'books' have been completed correctly. That you are claiming the right allowances and that you comply with the rules and regulations set down by government.
When designing contracts with your prospective clients, you may well employ a solicitor to ensure that you are covered should anything untoward happen to you, your employees or possible any subcontractors. You may need to rely on your terms and conditions should you find that a client has become unreasonable towards you.
You may use an insurance broker to make sure all of your insurances are correct and you and your family are protected from any eventuality. You may use a Bookkeeper, an IT Professional or a PR & Marketing company to ensure your business message is being heard and understood. All of these functions are a form outsourcing.
I would therefore like to suggest another form of outsourcing that you may not have heard of, that of a Virtual Assistant or Virtual PA. A Virtual Assistant or Virtual PA will help you and your business get organised, ensure that you are following the best practice in your daily administration and help you create that important work life balance we all need in our lives.
When you choose to outsource any of your business functions ensure that you ask the following questions:
- How long have you been a Virtual Assistant/Bookkeeper/Accountant?
- How many clients do you currently have?
- How much do you charge?
- What are your current working hours?
- What is not covered in your fees?
- What is your background?
- What skills do you have?
- What sort of work do you do for your current clients?
- Where do you work from?
- Will you sign a Non Disclosure Agreement?
It is important that you trust your virtual employee; after all they represent you and your business when you are not available.
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