There are many ways that businesses can improve on their bottom line, with the obvious things being astute financial management, better customer satisfaction and of course observing and remaining abreast of new trends.
So, what will be some of the new trends following the devastating impact of a pandemic that almost crippled business in 2020? Some are a direct result of the pandemic and some a result of on-going advancements in technology and improved business practices. Here are 4 ways the steel industry can do better business in 2021…
Cocooning has improved our virtual capabilities
The steel industry, like many others, can benefit from the lessons learned as a result of the pandemic. We have learned to operate virtually, saving money in many areas like transport costs, less administrative office space and even attending international virtual events online as opposed to travelling to them. The industry can benefit from maintaining many of these practices and the savings they impart.
Social Media and online marketing can be your friend
Many trends in social media can be advantageous, providing you obtain the assistance of experts in this area. Google searches, creating blogs, podcasts and videos for an organic marketing and most importantly utilising Social media to maintain a good reputation and good customer relationships.
Embracing technology
Virtual reality has changed the way we engage with people and market our products. Artificial intelligence, chatbots and in particular 3D printing have entirely changed the face of the steel industry for manufacturers of all steel products. All steel manufacturers need to keep abreast of the latest trends and embrace these new technologies to succeed in the 21st century.
Outsourcing is an international trend
Due to the rapid shift to virtual business practices many industries, like the steel industry, are outsourcing online services. One that is particularly useful is hiring Virtual Assistants as opposed to new permanent staff. They charge only for the specific work done, thereby saving employees unnecessary expenditure for recruiting, training, HR services and of course sick leave, holiday pay and year-end bonuses!
The Virtual Assistants that do it all
V-Assist, having been operating in the virtual space for some time already know all there is to know about online services and offer such a wide range that employees in the steel industry need seldom look any further.
From administration to the Social media marketing and CRM referred to in this article – and much more – you need only talk to us to cover all your virtual outsourcing needs.
Stay current – stay positive and especially stay safe! Particularly now, following a year when so many women lost their jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more have turned their sights to Entrepreneurial endeavours and many are succeeding admirably. So much so, that a new breed of Female Entrepreneurs is making the headlines in a predominantly man’s world.
Some research was done in the USA where a number of the most successful women were interviewed and one of the things that were revealed about female Entrepreneurs is that many of them preferred to outsource the wide range of services that versatile Virtual Assistants could execute for them.
Empathy and understanding
One of the key reasons for this is that most Virtual Assistants are themselves female Entrepreneurs and other Female Entrepreneurs understand that it takes a multi-tasking ability to effectively carry out the services of a really versatile assistant.
There is also an element of empathy for other women and a desire to stand in solidarity with them. Little wonder when one realises that more than two-thirds of the jobs lost due to the pandemic were women. Many of these were single women too and the sole breadwinners of their families.
A better way to do business.
Setting aside all emotions, however, these Dynamic entrepreneurial women also understand that the outsourcing of services, especially when your business is a small to a medium-sized entity, simply makes sense. Here are a few good reasons why…
Avoiding HR headaches –South African employers face multiple employment issues. Hiring a Virtual Assistant eliminates the need for a permanent employment contract as they are hired only when you need them.
Cutting costs –VA costs are very reasonable and billed only for the specific services you use – saving on permanent employee sourcing, training and benefits like holiday and sick leave pay etc.
Expand your network – Astute female Entrepreneurs understand the benefit of expanding their networks and Virtual Assistants do exactly that. They are well connected with other service providers who may want to do business with you!
A Dynamic VA services company
We at V-Assist can proudly say that we ourselves are a team of dynamic female Entrepreneurs. We are versatile, multi-tasking and enjoy serving our many loyal female-owned small business clients.
Our network extends beyond just the services we offer and so we are a ‘one-stop’ outsourced services solution. Contact us to find out first-hand why so many dynamic female Entrepreneurs hire V-Assist!
