Amy Smith is a virtual assistant and is usually called upon when a Small Business realises they aren’t quite so small anymore! And the realisation has hit them that their time could be better spent elsewhere, there must be a better way, right?!

In the Digg Podcast Amy gives five ways to help become more efficient in business.

1.Map out Processes

Can anything be removed or combined? 

Can anything be automated? - easiest places to automate are CONTRACTS,  INVOICES, BOOKINGS, PROJECT/TASK MANAGEMENT 

Can anything be delegated? Task aligns with another team member's skillset etc. Weigh up a system cost with your hourly rate and decide whether it’s cheaper to spend the money or spend the time. 

Use programs like Hello Sign, Docu Sign and Ever Sign to make your contracts easier for clients to sign and get back to you in a timely fashion. 

2. Diary Management

Diary is there to be managed not filled. White space is not evil. Flexibility is key. Batch where possible, are you multitasking or just jumping from one task to another and thinking it’s productive.

Colour code - look ahead and see how your week/month is shaping up.

3. Inbox Management 

Your inbox should work for you, not cause you work. 

Archive older than 12 months - tip search unsubscribe to bring up newsletters Create subfolders. Not too many! 

Follow the 4D rule - DO, DEFER, DELEGATE, DELETE. 

Reduce your check-ins 

Use your email providers features, for Gmail for example use Templates for  emails you send on repeat or Rules to send certain emails into designated  folders.

4. To-Do Lists

Out of your head and onto paper/digital.

Prioritise - colour code. Bad day? Look and see what has to be done and ditch the rest. 

Give timings. Be realistic!

5. Outsource 

Take away and trim back, get as much out of what you have as possible before adding anyone in. Few mins here and there might be the difference between having the budget to hire/contract someone or not. 

Outsource before you need it. Easier to get organised whilst it’s not crazy busy  and they’re dropped in at the deep end. 

Get recommendations from others in your line of work, check the Society of  Virtual Assistants for ‘Approved’ UK VAs.

Communicate honestly, set boundaries around response times, methods of updating etc. 

Review how things are going!

If you would like to connect with Amy then send an email to 

[email protected]

Or follow on Instagram @vamosadmin

The Digg Podcast is brought to you in Partnership with https://wildandfreeoutdoors.com/