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February 1, 2024

8 Tips to Unplug and Enjoy Spring Break with Your Kids

Are you planning a spring break vacation with your kids? If so, you may be feeling overwhelmed at the thought of juggling work and family obligations. Taking time away from work is a great opportunity to relax and make memories with your children. However, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time to make sure you can truly unplug and enjoy the break. After all, when you work remotely, it can be hard to put your phone down. That’s why we’ve put some great tips together for you! Learn some tricks to get prepared at work to be able to fully enjoy and embrace the upcoming vacation and family memories.

1) Decide What Can Wait

Make sure to prioritize tasks and decide what can wait. Some things may need to be taken care of before leaving, but some tasks can wait until after you return. Start by making a list of all the tasks that need to be done, and then prioritize those tasks in order of importance. This will help you determine which tasks you can delegate or delay until after the break.

2) Let Your Boss and Team Know as Soon as Possible

You can start by talking to your boss and teammates about the dates you plan to be gone. If you have vacation or personal days available, this is the best way to ensure that you will get the time you need. Your boss may even suggest ideas to make the process easier, such as having someone cover your responsibilities while you’re gone. Keeping an open dialogue with your team will help make sure everyone is on the same page; it’s important to stress too that even though you might work remotely, you still want separation from vacation and work time.

3) Set an “Out of Office” Message

Letting people know you will be away on spring break is important. Setting an ”out of office’ message is a great way to do that. This can be done through email or by updating your voicemail. Make sure the message states you will be away and when you will return. This way people know they can’t reach you, but they can still reach someone else if they need help while you are gone. Don’t forget to turn off any automatic emails during the time of your vacation. This way you don’t have to worry about being interrupted by work-related emails.

4) Check in Only When Needed

When you’re on vacation, it’s important to find ways to unplug and truly enjoy your time off. One way to do this is to limit the number of times you check in with your work. This could mean limiting yourself to checking in only when necessary or at pre-agreed upon times. Try to get the most out of your break by focusing on quality family time, rather than worrying about work obligations. Make sure you let your boss and teammates know if and how often you plan to check in, so they know what to expect from you while you’re away.

5) Keep Your Phone out of Reach

This will help reduce temptation to constantly check emails and messages, and ensure that you don’t miss out on time with your family. Put your phone away in a place where you can’t easily access it, or switch it off altogether. If you need to keep your phone available for emergencies, set a specific time each day when you will check in with work. That way you can still enjoy the break without worrying about work related tasks.

6) Put Together a Daily Schedule

Creating a daily schedule is one of the best ways to ensure you’re able to unplug and really enjoy your spring break with your kids. This can help keep everyone on track and make sure that you’re all getting the most out of your time away. Come up with activities to do each day, from morning till evening. Be sure to include some fun, educational activities, some quality family time, and some down time for yourself. Scheduling out your days will help you stay focused and make the most of your break. Remember to also leave room for flexibility and spontaneity – it’s a vacation after all!

7) Set Some Ground Rules

First, decide how often you are going to check in with work, if at all. Make sure to stick to the rule you decide and don’t let it be flexible. Secondly, create a schedule for the day and talk about expectations so everyone knows what is expected of them. Finally, set some boundaries for yourself. Make sure to take some time for yourself throughout the day and make sure not to be too strict on the time you spend away from work. Ask your family to help keep you accountable as well.

8) Take Some Time for Yourself

Taking time off work for a spring break trip is a great way to unplug and enjoy quality time with your kids. However, make sure you take some time for yourself too! Dedicate some time each day for yourself so that you can relax and recharge. Go for a walk, take a bubble bath, pray or meditate or read a book. Taking some time for yourself will help you be in the best mental state to spend quality time with your kids during your trip. Remember, your trip should be a fun break from the daily routine, so make sure to make some time for yourself to enjoy it too!

What are your tips for getting ready for spring break at work? Let us know so we can share them!

 

 

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January 20, 2024

What’s Next? An Insight into 2024 Job Trends

A new year means new trends, and working with hundreds of companies across the United States, we have noticed a few patterns that seem to be emerging for 2024. From the more obvious ones such as an increase in remote work to those that you might not be aware of such as pre-made materials for the screening process, let’s break down what we see coming in the new year:

The Continuing Surge of Remote Work and Uptick in Scams

The phenomenon of remote work has been a game-changer in the employment arena, a trend predicted to continue. An increasing number of organizations are tapping into the merits of remote employment, including amplified productivity and reduced overheads. However, I am seeing companies move more towards a hybrid schedule versus completely remote; some companies do not like giving up that control and wish to keep an eye on employees in the office. We expect to see more jobs that are hybrid with a certain amount of time spent in the office and a certain amount of time allotted to spend at home. Don’t worry, though, many companies are increasing the jobs they offer for completely remote workers.

But as with any significant shift, there’s another side to consider. This rise in remote work opportunities has opened the door to a concerning escalation in job-related scams. These scams typically come cloaked as ‘dream job’ remote offers that seem too appealing to refuse. These so-called opportunities can leave unsuspecting job seekers vulnerable to identity theft, financial loss, and even legal trouble. 

These scams are becoming so sophisticated; in the past, you could look at a vague job post with lots of misspellings and immediately recognize it as fake. However, scammers are now creating entire websites to try to convince job seekers to hand over their information. I recommend doing thorough research on a company before applying; does their website have typos? Does it have filler text? Are the photos of staff members real people or stock photos? Is the website extensive and user friendly? Does the company have social media they keep up to date? At the end of the day, trust your gut. If something seems too good to be true, then it most likely is.

Increasing Emphasis on Pre-Made Application Materials for Screening

As we head into the new year, expect to see a stronger emphasis on the use of pre-made application materials in the job search process. With technology becoming more integrated into every aspect of our lives, it’s no surprise that it’s seeping into the recruitment realm as well. To start with the basics, many companies are now turning to AI to sift through the hundreds of applications they receive. This artificial intelligence is looking for keywords in your résumé and cover letter that match keywords in the job description to determine who is qualified and who is not to move onto the next round of the hiring process; be sure to use some of the wording from the job post in your application materials.

Once you make it past the first round, I am now seeing lots of companies ask for videos to be recorded and sent in for review. Instead of jumping straight from your cover letter to a phone interview, this video allows employers to see you and hear your responses to written questions they send over. It looks like it will be harder in the future to connect with a real person over a job application, simply due to the multitude of people applying for each position. Treat this video like an in-person interview: find a quiet place, use a neutral background, and practice answering the questions a few times before recording.

The Growing Importance of Transparency with Salaries and Social Media

2024 will see the workplace moving towards more transparency and fairness, particularly with salaries. There are many companies where you can look up salaries ahead of time, and workers are being encouraged to talk amongst themselves and discuss their pay rates. Be sure to base pay on experience in order to offer fair rates. Remember, employees are openly sharing what they make so your decision to offer one salary over another should be easy to defend and not be prejudiced in any way.

On the flipside of this, companies are looking for more transparency from employees in their social media. We have seen several people post on their personal social media pages, only to be let go by companies soon thereafter because of how that post might reflect back on the company. When applying for a job, think of your social media just like your cover letter. If your pages are private, then that should be acceptable. If your pages are public, be sure to review what you have posted ahead of time. Sometimes it even helps to have a private personal page for family and friends then a public page you use to show off your talents and skills which can help you land a job.

These are just a few of the emerging trends we are seeing within our own work of helping companies find and hire remote help. 2024 is sure to bring even more to the table, but these are a few key things to keep in mind when posting and applying for jobs.

 

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January 9, 2024

HireMyMom Year in Review: Thank You 2023 and Welcome 2024

First and foremost, from our HireMyMom family to yours, Merry Christmas! We hope that you are taking this time to rest, relax, and enjoy creating memories that will last a lifetime with your families. Sometimes it can be easy to get caught up in the holiday rush trying to buy everyone gifts and make food, but make sure you take a second for yourself to just breathe. This is also the time of year to reflect on all that happened.

For HireMyMom, in 2023 we accomplished quite a bit that we wanted to recap with all of you:

  • Lesley wrote over six articles that were featured on Entrepreneur’s website. Check out her profile here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/author/lesley-pyle
  • Lesley guest starred on over 15 podcasts!
  • The HireMyMom team attended three small business expos to spread the word about our company.
  • We surpassed helping over 30,000 small businesses in our 16 years as a company this year!
  • We shared 52 blogs that covered topics for job seekers and small businesses alike.
  • The HireMyMom team launched our two self-paced courses of Cultivate and Hiring Made Easy.
  • We started offering more Reels on our Instagram page to help our audience.
  • We started a TikTok page!
  • And we added new members to our Facebook group.

And so much more, but those are a few of our favorite highlights!

For 2024, we are working on expanding our social presence (so expect a LOT more TikToks) as well as revamping the kinds of emails we send to our audience. Our biggest change that we are most excited about for 2024 is that we are working on a brand new and improved website to enhance its functionality and offer new/better features for our audience. We are grateful to everyone who has provided feedback on our website, and we cannot wait to share this new version with you.

Thank you to all of you that are part of the HireMyMom community. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with everyone in 2023; we met lots of new faces and reconnected with some old friends, all of whom we are appreciative of for your support.

We wish you and yours some very Happy Holidays. As your year comes to a close and you are able to reflect on all that you accomplished, we would love for you to share that with us! Tell us about all your wins, and share your goals for 2024 with us. Chances are, many other members in our community can benefit from hearing about your journey and where you hope to go in the future. Send us an email, or find us on social media to share. We would love to see your faces on TikTok especially!

Please remember to take some time for yourself and remember the reason for the season: your friends, your family, your past adventures, and your future endeavors. Thank you for sharing your year with us; we look forward to seeing you all once more in 2024!

 

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January 9, 2024

A Basic Outline of Health Insurance for Entrepreneurs and Remote Employees

In today’s ever-changing work landscape, more and more companies are embracing remote work and hiring remote employees. Some companies may offer health insurance for their employees while other companies only hire remote contractors, which means you have to figure out your own health insurance. However, navigating the world of health insurance can be overwhelming and confusing. As entrepreneurs ourselves, we know some of the basics around health insurance, so we wanted to share a little info that might help in choosing your insurance for the upcoming year.

Understanding the Basics of Health Insurance

Health insurance is a contract between you and an insurance company that provides coverage for medical expenses. Key terms to know include premiums (the amount you pay for coverage), deductibles (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in), and copays (the fixed amount you pay for each medical service). Understanding these basics will help you navigate the world of health insurance and make informed decisions for yourself and your team.

Essential Steps in Preparing Health Insurance

Start by assessing your needs and budget, then research different insurance providers and plans. Consider your specific needs, such as age and health conditions. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, compare the plans and choose the one that offers the best coverage and value for you. 

If you are a business owner, don’t forget to communicate the details of the plan effectively to your employees to ensure everyone is well-informed and protected. Think about the specific needs and preferences of your remote team. Are they more interested in comprehensive coverage or lower premiums? Are there any pre-existing conditions that need to be taken into account? Additionally, consider the flexibility of the insurance provider and the ease of accessing healthcare services while working remotely. You can send out a survey to your team to ask their preferences here. Also keep in mind that getting insurance for employees that are in different states will require some different steps to provide coverage.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Health Insurance Provider

When choosing a health insurance provider, it’s important to consider factors such as network coverage, reputation, customer service, and cost. Look for a provider that has a wide network of doctors and hospitals to ensure you have access to quality healthcare; you can also search by doctor if you want to ensure a certain doctor will be covered. Check reviews and ratings to gauge the provider’s reputation and customer satisfaction. Also, consider the cost of the plans, including premiums, deductibles, and copays, to find a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage. Some plans also have great benefits that promote employees staying healthy by logging miles walked or challenges the companies can offer; this might be a great way to encourage your employees to boost their immune systems.

On the flipside, as a contractor, it is important to focus on being healthy while working from home. Search out plans that might offer incentives for you as an individual to complete healthy tasks. You can also search for plans that send regular health tips and offer check-ins to ensure you are keeping your health at the top of your mind.

For more in-depth information about healthcare options, visit: https://www.healthcare.gov/

 

 

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January 9, 2024

How to Land a Remote Job without Any Prior Experience

In today’s digital age, the concept of traditional office jobs is rapidly changing. More and more companies are offering remote job opportunities, allowing individuals to work from the comfort of their own home. This is especially beneficial for stay-at-home moms who want to balance their family responsibilities while still pursuing a career. However, one common obstacle for many stay-at-home moms is the lack of prior experience in the workforce. If you’re a stay-at-home mom looking to land a remote job, don’t worry – it is possible!

Understanding Remote Work and its Advantages

With remote work, you have the flexibility to work from anywhere, whether it’s your cozy home office or your favorite coffee shop. No more rushing to beat traffic or having to step away from the office if your kiddo gets sick at school. Remote work allows you to create a work-life balance that suits your needs as a stay-at-home mom. You have the freedom to choose your own hours and manage your time efficiently. Plus, with advancements in technology, collaborating with colleagues and clients from around the world is easier than ever.

Evaluating your Skills and Interests

As a stay-at-home mom, it’s important to evaluate your skills and interests to determine the type of remote job that would be a good fit for you. Consider your previous experiences, hobbies, and any relevant skills you may have developed while raising your children. Take the time to reflect on what you enjoy doing and what you’re passionate about. By identifying your strengths and interests, you’ll be able to narrow down the types of remote jobs that align with your skills and allow you to truly enjoy your work. You can also include this information on your resume; as a mom, you know all about meeting deadlines and staying organized, for example! If you are unsure what skills you have that are marketable to companies, you can schedule a one-on-one session with our HR experts who can help you. Even if you have been out of the workforce for an extended period of time, that’s okay! You have lots of amazing skills you learned from being a mom that you can bring to the table and put to work for any company.

Getting Certified: The Key to Enhancing Your Resume

Getting certified in a specific field can significantly enhance your resume and increase your chances of landing a remote job. Certifications demonstrate your dedication and expertise, giving employers confidence in your abilities. Research the certifications that are relevant to the remote job you’re interested in and invest time in obtaining them. Whether it’s a coding certification or a project management certification, adding these qualifications to your resume can help you stand out from other candidates and show that you’re committed to professional development. This is also helpful so that you don’t have to go to school for a long time or pay a large sum of money; there are great programs out there such as those offered by LinkedIn or Hubspot for all sorts of certifications. Certificates can also show your commitment to companies that you are serious about getting back into the workforce and learning new things.

Building an Appealing and Powerful Resume

A well-crafted resume can make all the difference when applying for a remote job. Showcase your relevant skills and experiences, highlighting any transferable skills gained from your time as a stay-at-home mom. Use action verbs and quantify your achievements to make your resume stand out; if you worked on a project where you grew a company’s social media base by 75%, include that number for potential employers.  Don’t forget to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for, and always proofread for any errors or inconsistencies. With a strong and compelling resume, you’ll have a greater chance of catching the attention of potential employers.

Always remember, we are here to help as well. If you ever feel stuck along the way or unsure, you can reach out to us and take a look at our training resources.

 

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January 9, 2024

Be a Rockstar Transaction Coordinator with These Expert Tips

Are you interested in becoming a real estate transaction coordinator or virtual assistant? Look no further! Our partner Christal Allen has put together an informative masterclass on how to excel in this role and become a rockstar transaction coordinator. With years of experience in the real estate industry, Christal has gathered valuable insights and tips to help you succeed in this fast-paced and ever-evolving field. So, if you’re ready to take your career to the next level, keep reading for some expert advice on how to be a top-notch transaction coordinator.

Understanding the Role of a Real Estate Transaction Coordinator

In the real estate industry, the role of a transaction coordinator is crucial in ensuring smooth and successful transactions. As a transaction coordinator, you will be responsible for managing and organizing all the paperwork, timelines, and communication between the various parties involved in a real estate transaction. This includes agents, buyers, sellers, lenders, and other stakeholders. Your attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and ability to prioritize will be vital in keeping the process on track and ensuring a positive experience for all parties. 

Skills Required to Be a Successful Virtual Assistant in Real Estate

Excellent communication skills are essential as you will be dealing with various parties involved in transactions. Additionally, strong organizational skills are crucial for managing paperwork, deadlines, and keeping everything on track. Attention to detail is a must, as even the smallest oversight can have significant consequences. Adaptability is also important in this fast-paced industry. Finally, technological proficiency is essential, as virtual assistants rely heavily on digital tools and software.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

One common challenge is managing the tight timelines and multiple moving parts involved in a transaction. To overcome this, prioritize effective communication and establish clear expectations with all parties involved. Another challenge may be dealing with difficult clients or high-pressure situations. In these instances, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor is key. It’s also important to stay organized and develop systems to streamline your workflow. Lastly, staying up-to-date with industry changes and technology advancements will help you overcome any potential challenges.

The Importance of Continuing Education and Training in Real Estate Coordination

Continuing education and training in real estate coordination is crucial for staying ahead in this fast-paced industry. With the constant evolution of technology, industry regulations, and best practices, it’s essential to stay up-to-date to provide the best service to your clients. By investing in ongoing education, you can expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and gain a competitive edge. Take advantage of courses, webinars, conferences, and networking opportunities to learn from industry experts and stay informed about the latest trends. Embracing continuous learning shows your commitment to excellence and positions you as a knowledgeable and trusted professional in the real estate transaction coordination field.

If you are ready to get started on your journey to become a real estate transaction coordinator, head over to Christal Allen’s site to sign up for her masterclass!

 

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January 9, 2024

How to Stay Focused on Your Goals When the Job Search is Silent

Job searching can be a roller coaster of emotions. There is the excitement of submitting your resume, anticipation of the interview, and joy at getting the job offer. But there can also be a lot of discouragement along the way. If you’re not getting called back for interviews or hired, it can be difficult to stay motivated and focused on your goals. We encourage all companies to update everyone that has reached out, but unfortunately many are not able to with as many applicants as they receive. When you find yourself on the other side of those silent application submissions, here are some tips on what you can do to stay motivated:

Don’t Take it Personally: Remembering It’s a Numbers Game

Receiving rejections or not getting call backs can feel personal, but it’s important to remember that the job search is often a numbers game. There are usually multiple applicants for each position, and the hiring process can be subjective. Don’t let it affect your self-esteem or discourage you from pursuing other opportunities. Focus on what you can control, such as continuously improving your skills and application materials, and trust that the right opportunity will come along.

Keeping Motivated: Surrounding Yourself with Positivity

When facing the discouragement of not getting call backs or job offers, it’s important to surround yourself with positivity. Seek support from friends, family, or mentors who can provide encouragement and remind you of your strengths. Engage in activities that uplift your mood, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. Surrounding yourself with positive energy can help you maintain a hopeful mindset and keep you motivated to pursue your goals.

Refining Your Skills: Continuously Learning and Improving

In order to increase your chances of getting called back for interviews and ultimately finding the right job, it’s important to continually refine and improve your skills. Take advantage of online courses, workshops, and networking events to expand your knowledge and stay up to date with industry trends like our self-paced course Cultivate. Seek feedback from professionals in your field and use it as an opportunity to identify areas for growth. By actively working on your skills, you not only enhance your qualifications but also demonstrate your dedication and commitment to potential employers.

Your Resume, Cover Letter and Networking Plan

After experiencing a lack of call backs, it may be necessary to reassess your job search strategy. Take a closer look at your resume and cover letter to ensure they are tailored to each position and highlight your relevant skills and experience. Consider seeking feedback from professionals on our HR team when you use our jobseeker training services. Additionally, evaluate your networking efforts and make any necessary adjustments to expand your professional connections and increase your visibility in the job market.

Embracing Patience: Understanding Success Takes Time

Finding the right job takes time and patience. It’s important to remember that success in the job search doesn’t happen overnight. Each application and interview is an opportunity to learn and grow, even if it doesn’t result in immediate success. Trust in the process and understand that your perfect job may require persistence and perseverance. Embrace the journey and keep pushing forward, knowing that with time, the right opportunity will come your way.

Already found your dream job? Share some tips for your fellow moms who are in the hiring journey right now.

 

 

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January 9, 2024

Rocking Parenting and Professional Life with a Newborn

Having a baby is one of the most joyful moments in life, but it can also be one of the most stressful times, especially when you’re trying to juggle both parenting and professional commitments. Working remotely with a newborn baby can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right approach. Below we’ve provided some tips that we hope help you navigate this new and exciting time in your life:

Create a Flexible Schedule

Flexibility allows you to adjust your work hours based on your baby’s needs and your own energy levels. This may mean working in shorter, more focused bursts during nap times or late in the evening when your baby is sleeping. By designing a schedule that works for both your work and parenting responsibilities, you can find a balance that allows you to be productive while still being present for your little one.

Communicate with Your Team/Manager

Clear and open communication with your team and manager is crucial when working remotely with a newborn. Be transparent about your needs and limitations, and discuss how you can effectively manage your workload. Set realistic expectations and establish clear boundaries to ensure everyone is on the same page. Regularly check in with your team and keep them informed of any changes or challenges you may be facing. This will help foster understanding and support from your colleagues and manager.

Prioritize and Delegate Tasks

Identify the most crucial and time-sensitive projects, and focus your energy on completing them first. Delegate non-essential tasks to colleagues or outsource them to freelancers or virtual assistants. By prioritizing and delegating, you can ensure that your workload remains manageable and that you have time and energy to devote to both your baby and your professional responsibilities.

Take Advantage of Naptime

Naptime can be a valuable opportunity for productivity. Use these quiet moments to tackle important tasks, catch up on emails, or attend virtual meetings. Prioritize your workload and make a to-do list so you can make the most of the limited time. Be prepared to work efficiently and focus on tasks that require uninterrupted concentration. If your baby naps on a schedule, that is also a great time to schedule meetings if you need to have them. Of course, there is no guarantee that your baby will nap or stay asleep during those meetings so be upfront with whomever you are meeting with or have a backup plan for someone to help out with the baby during those times. 

Take Care of Yourself Too

Taking care of yourself is crucial when balancing parenting and professional life with a newborn. Don’t forget to eat nutritious meals, get adequate sleep when you can, and ask for help from family and friends. By nurturing your own physical and mental health, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of remote work and parenting. Remind yourself, this is a season and it won’t last forever but you do need to make sure you are not overextending yourself when you have a newborn to care for.

Seek Support from Other Parents

Connecting with other parents who are also navigating the challenges of working remotely with a newborn can provide valuable support and encouragement. Seek out online communities, forums, or social media groups where you can share experiences, ask for advice, and gain insights from others who are going through a similar journey. By building a network of fellow parents, you can find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone and gain helpful tips and strategies for managing the demands of both parenting and professional life. We have a dedicated Facebook group for our audience that you can use to find new jobs but also connect with fellow moms.

If you have any tips for your fellow moms, share them with us!

 

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January 9, 2024

Success Story- Erika Sheets

Tell us about you and your experience finding work on HireMyMom.

HireMyMom was an upgraded experience from the start! I was impressed with the obviously curated collection of employers and opportunities, particularly compared with the grind of the standard job sites. I also noticed how much more responsive employers were, probably in part because they, too have a select audience. I am delighted to have found the perfect job at the perfect time thanks to HireMyMom!

What are your top tips for landing a job or jobs on HireMyMom.com?

Concise resume, personal note with application, find, connect with & message the hiring manager on LinkedIn

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your work from home journey?

Successful remote work requires strong executive functioning skills, initiative and self-discipline.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

Introducing other to Jesus Christ

What is something about you that many people don’t know?

I read and retain at a very accelerated level

 

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January 9, 2024

Managing Remote Virtual Assistants for Small Businesses

A remote virtual assistant is a valuable asset to small businesses, providing support and assistance. However, managing remote virtual assistants comes with its own set of challenges. Traditionally, everyone would be in an office with easy access to one another to ask questions as well as to keep everyone accountable on tasks. However, this looks a little different in our virtual world:

Understanding the Role of a Remote Virtual Assistant

Remote virtual assistant roles are diverse, encompassing administrative duties such as managing emails and scheduling appointments, to more specialized tasks including social media strategy, content creation, and data management. The versatility of a remote virtual assistant means that they can adapt to the specific needs of a business, making them a highly flexible asset.

For small business owners to maximize the benefits of working with a remote virtual assistant, it is crucial to identify the areas of their operation that require the most support. This could involve routine tasks that consume a disproportionate amount of time or specialized projects that require specific expertise not available in-house. For example, you might find yourself spending a lot of time scheduling meetings with clients — a virtual assistant can help with this! On the more specialized side of things, you might need a VA that can respond to customer inquiries about product specifications.

Establishing a detailed job description is a key step in this process. It should not only outline the tasks and responsibilities but also highlight the skills and experience required to perform the role successfully. This clarity helps in selecting a remote virtual assistant whose capabilities align with the business’s needs, fostering a productive and mutually beneficial working relationship. 

Setting Clear Expectations and Communication Guidelines

From the outset, define the work parameters: specify the tasks, deadlines, and the frequency of updates required. Detailing these aspects will prevent misunderstandings and ensure that your assistant has a precise understanding of what is expected from them.

Decide on a communication rhythm that works best for your business and your assistant. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or bi-weekly, these regular check-ins will serve as touchpoints for both parties to discuss progress, address any hurdles, and adjust priorities as needed. The chosen communication tools — be it email, messaging apps, or video calls — should facilitate easy and open dialogue.

Furthermore, it’s crucial to agree upon the work hours that align with your business needs while considering the time zone differences. This clarity not only aids in setting realistic deadlines but also ensures that there are designated times when immediate feedback or urgent discussions can take place. 

 

Overcoming Common Challenges in Managing Remote Virtual Assistants

Navigating the obstacles of remote collaboration with virtual assistants requires a strategic approach to maintain a healthy, productive work environment. Addressing miscommunication is crucial; implementing a standard operating procedure for how tasks are conveyed and feedback is given can mitigate misunderstandings. Creating a structured yet flexible accountability system where achievements and progress are regularly reviewed also enhances motivation and productivity.

To combat the sense of isolation that remote assistants might feel, integrating virtual social interactions and team-building activities can foster a sense of belonging and improve morale. Encouraging a work culture where remote virtual assistants feel valued and part of the team not only strengthens their loyalty but also bolsters their commitment to the business’s success. Adopting these strategies allows small businesses to effectively manage the challenges that come with remote virtual assistants, ensuring a cohesive and efficient team dynamic.

Have you worked with a VA before? Share your experiences with us!

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