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…

It has been made very clear in the last few years and greatly emphasized in 2020, due to the lockdown aspect of the pandemic, that many industries have made a radical shift to doing more business online. Despite this, there will always be those who prefer to have the “live” experience or an “in-person” liaison with a salesperson or manager. We have all become familiar with online shopping but many of us still prefer the live experience. Even events –like conferences and large exhibitions can be held online now, but still many prefer to meet and network “face to face” – even if it is “mask to mask”! Having said that let's take a look at 4 ways Motor dealers can build their business in 2021…

Many articles have been written about what makes a great V.A. Well to begin with are you even aware of what V.A is? For the uninitiated, a V.A is a Virtual Assistant – yes similar to a P.A, but much more than just a P.A, in that they operate virtually and they don’t need to be employed as full-time staff. Well what it takes to make a great V.A has changed considerably in the last year, so let’s look at what it takes to make a great V.A in 2021…

Without any doubt the COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge influence on business as a whole not only in South Africa but on a global level. The fact that there has been a forced ‘work from home’ situation and massive financial setbacks will have changed the face of many businesses and as we hurtle into a new year still fighting a second wave of this scourge things are going to be very different.

So we have made it through 2020. We’ve crossed the threshold into what we all want to believe will be a far better year ahead. 2020 was so dramatic, with such a massive impact on so many businesses that business may never be quite the same again. We had to learn many lessons as the pandemic thrust us all into a situation of rapidly adjusting how we operate – so do you believe 2021 will just make that all go away? Well seeing as we have not even got past the pandemic yet and have found ourselves thrust into a second wave, it more likely begs the question “what will your business do differently this year?” There are four changes we can think of that most businesses will make…

The fact that more businesses (particularly SMEs) every year turn more and more to outsourcing services and human resources is testament to the fact there are some very good reasons to do so. Even as far back as 2013 research on the issue showed that a whopping 90% of all businesses believed outsourcing was crucial to achieving growth! We do not doubt that the onset of COVID-19 and a new wave of businesses operating from home would only have increased these numbers, as business look to more cost savings and improved productivity. Although the reasons to outsource are numerous and quite detailed, these four criteria are the four essential ‘cornerstones’ of why you might well be able to boost your business in 2021 by outsourcing…

It really has been a stressful year for so many reasons. Businesses have had to fight for their lives to survive – Stay home Moms have had to deal with the extra stress of having the kids around all the time and if ever there has been a good time to take a well-earned rest it’s now! Sadly though, many small business owners will feel that they have just begun to get back on their feet and are too scared to take the time or leave the business when there is so much catching up to do. The reality, however, is that to a large extent business will still come to a halt anyway as it always does in December so are you really hanging around for the bright reasons? Here are just a few reasons you really should take that holiday…

It’s that time of year again when men’s upper lips start sprouting weird and wonderful moustaches. November has now affectionately become ‘Mo’vember and globally men are taking on a challenge and hooking up with a charity that supports the awareness and treatment of Prostate cancer and other men’s health issues. It’s a fun way to help a very serious problem. Prostate cancer affects 1 in 17 South Africans according to CANSA (The Cancer Association of South Africa) and is the number one cancer found in men too. Testicular cancer and men’s mental health issues, often associated with contracting cancers of this nature, are also part of this initiative.

Being in a business of predominantly women, Virtual Assistants understand the many issues that women have to face, both personally and in the workplace. Health and business and long-term wealth are all inextricably linked, and we all know that without your health you cannot function correctly to achieve anything. We fully empathise with our fellow women in this month that Breast cancer awareness and prevention are in the spotlight. Other female cancers are included too like cervical, colorectal, uterine and lung cancer, but breast and cervical cancer are the most prevalent.

When a company hires a permanent employee, they are essentially looking for someone to add value to their business. Without that there is little point in hiring. We, as professional Virtual Assistants (or VA’s), are acutely aware that the same applies to any outsourced service. Our play on William Shakespeare’s ‘How do I love thee, let me count the ways’ – to ‘the value of VA’s - let me count the ways’ is because we believe that when you become aware of the true value of a great VA, it may be ‘love at first’ sight for your business!