The Qualities of a Superior Virtual Team in 2021

The Qualities of a Superior Virtual Team in 2021

Could your business benefit from a virtual team’s help as we soon head into 2021? If you’re like many rapidly growing companies, you may not have the time to build your own virtual team, but the need persists. That’s where finding a virtual assistant company that can provide the VA team option can be indispensable.

In our rapidly changing world, virtual assistant services are continually evolving. And the remote team aspect is no different. To that end, here are some characteristics of superior remote teams to consider as we approach 2021.

Remote Team Members with Experience

If you value a virtual assistant company that can provide you with a remote team, you’ll want a team with experience. This is especially true since the pandemic has brought many new virtual assistants and VA companies into the mix.

While it’s not always possible for everyone on a VA team to have years of experience, there should be the right balance of veterans among the ranks. A virtual team already skilled because of familiarity with tasks will give you a noticeable advantage as 2021 draws near.

A Virtual Team that Values Unity

We all come from different places with unique perspectives on life. While this is a good thing, it can also work to divide us if we aren’t careful. There are no perfect remote teams or individuals who make up those teams. We all have our struggles and triumphs.

The best virtual assistant teams in 2021 will possess open-mindedness, compassion and maturity to appreciate the humanity of those on their team and any companies they assist with tasks. This means looking for the good in others regardless of political affiliation, race or any other barrier while making a unified effort towards project goals.

Unity will be all the more important, given the potential for vast geographical and cultural differences between virtual team members and the companies they assist.

A Constant Desire to Improve

Today’s virtual team landscape is continually changing. “We’ve always done it that way” will continue to be a dangerous phrase. Instead, quality remote teams will think, “There has to be a better way” and then figure out what those new strategies should look like.

If your business is considering hiring a virtual team this year, look for a group that aren’t scared off by technological advancements and outside-the-box solutions. A complacent and business-as-usual virtual team just won’t cut it in 2021.

Strong Virtual Team Leadership

Successful virtual teams are only as capable as their leadership. Effective virtual teams will need a highly qualified online manager in 2021, especially given today’s challenges.

In their “Forbes” article entitled How to Lead Virtually in a Time of Pandemic, Nick Petschek and Rachel Rosenfeldt share the following:

“Especially in a crisis, we cannot forget that we are all human – and tapping into that humanity is the foundation of leading in such uncertain times.”

Leading virtual teams was never a ‘walk in the park’ but the close of this year and the year to come will require even greater wisdom and skill from those overseeing virtual project management.

Virtual team communication will be a must in 2021 and beyond as work and home lives collide due to rapidly changing conditions caused by the pandemic. The strongest remote teams aren’t necessarily the most gifted or driven in the traditional sense. Instead, they do their best work when each team member feels cared about and their contributions are valued. A competent yet compassionate and kind online manager will be a significant asset in 2021 as the pandemic continues.

Could Your Business Benefit from a Virtual Team in 2021 and Beyond?

If so, Smart to Finish can provide your business with a remote team. That way, you’ll have a qualified group to help you from day one regardless of where your business calls home. We also can assist you if you need a remote assistant (virtual assistant) or an online business manager.

The best way to find out how we can help your business is to get in touch with us. Feel free to schedule a free 30-minute consultation to learn more. We look forward to chatting soon!

How to Choose the Best Virtual Assistant Company for Your Business

How to Choose the Best Virtual Assistant Company for Your Business

Are you a business owner or business manager looking for the best virtual assistant company, given your unique needs? If so, you already realize there are many choices out there. But you also understand that not all options offer equal value.

How do you decide on the best virtual assistant services for your company? While that answer will be slightly different for everyone, here are some useful guidelines to keep in mind.

A Well-Established Virtual Assistant Company

When the pandemic hit this year, many businesses became painfully aware of their neglected digital marketing strategies. More than ever, the ‘brick and mortar’ approach wasn’t cutting it with the lockdowns and uncertainties.

Maybe it was a website that needed updated content, design or features that caught their attention. Or perhaps digital marketing strategies like social media marketing were lacking. Plenty of other concerns surfaced as well.

With that surge in digital demand came new VA companies and solopreneurs to meet that need. That led to an increase in fledgling VA businesses and some scams. While there certainly are some quality recently established VA companies out there, you’ll generally experience more consistent results from a virtual assistant business established well before then.

For that reason, it makes sense more than ever to choose a virtual assistant company that’s been around for a while. That way, you’ll have a greater chance of getting the results your company needs (especially during the crucial times we find ourselves in).

Remember that ‘Cheap’ Virtual Assistants Won’t Save You Money

Especially with many businesses struggling this year more than usual, this one bears repeating. Some businesses new to the virtual assistant world figure they can build their business with cheap virtual assistant services.

After months or years of disappointment, they finally realize they’ve spent more money on ‘cost-effective’ services because they’re just a watered-down version of the reliable services they needed all along. That’s because a cheap remote assistant, remote team or online manager will cost you more in the long run.

You lose more than money in this pursuit too. You also lose the time you could’ve spent building your business the right way from the start. In the virtual assistant world, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. There’s little doubt you’ll get what you paid for but didn’t want if you go the cheap route.

For that reason, be cautious of offers to build your business from the ground with mere pennies. If it were that easy, a lot more people would own successful companies. Instead, look for a quality business that gives you more value in their pricing.

Especially if you’re unsure if you can afford a VA, don’t give in to the low-rate trap. Even some more established businesses were tempted to go that route this year given the harsh economic times. But remember that inferior work at basement prices will cost you more now than when things were economically stable.

Assess Your Needs First

It’s easy to jump into the search phase when looking for top virtual assistant companies. You already feel the crunch for time and are falling behind on tasks after all. But choosing too quickly could make the process more difficult.

Before searching for a VA company, get a good idea of your business needs. Besides that, also figure out your company’s major weaknesses and future goals. This will allow you to not simply fill roles in your company. It’ll also allow you to solve your most perplexing concerns and reach for your dreams.

In her “Inc.” article entitled Virtual Assistants are the Best-Kept Secret of Modern Productivity, Diane Gottsman shares some of the possible needs you may have as a business:

“Perhaps you would benefit from higher-level support, such as a virtual business manager capable of creating the processes and forms that your growing company needs. VAs can also be personal assistants, managing a mix of business and personal tasks.”

If you take the time to discuss your needs, weaknesses and future goals beforehand, you’ll have a better idea of the best VA company for your business when the search phase begins. Without taking that step first, it’ll be tough to decide.

Looking for the Best Virtual Assistant Company for Your Business? Let’s Chat!

With Smart to Finish, delegating tasks doesn’t have to be drudgery. We provide the perfect solution to your digital needs, whether your business could benefit from an online business manager, virtual office assistant, digital marketing virtual assistant or virtual team.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can propel your business forward, please contact us for a free 30-minute consultation. We look forward to becoming a vital part of your business development and growth strategy.

Could a Virtual Team Help Your Six or Seven-Figure Business Recover from the Recession?

Could a Virtual Team Help Your Six or Seven-Figure Business Recover from the Recession?

A virtual team may be just what your successful company needs to recover from a historic recession brought on by the pandemic. The reality is that most successful businesses (although not all) have struggled this year.

And for some, it feels like you’re just trying to pick up all the pieces. Now, it may be time to regroup and rebuild. Feelings of hope and doubt may visit you in turns over whether you can satisfyingly do that.

If that’s where you find yourself, you aren’t alone and you have options when growing a business after a recession (and during it). The same entrepreneurial and risk-taking spirit that got you this far is still there. So, you look at the challenges, even if they seem daunting, and courageously find solutions. That’s just who you are.

As you figure out how to grow your business in light of the pandemic, we can help. We’ve been able to support successful businesses in adjusting to this year’s volatile market conditions.

In her “Forbes” article entitled How to Reinvent Your Business to Survive a Recession, Michelle Clarke shares the following: “With some preparation and foresight, companies with executable business continuity plans in place are usually better positioned to dedicate the resources required to quickly implement a strategic response to a disruption by pivoting or reinventing their business model.”

Here are some reasons to consider a virtual team as you decide on business growth strategies during the recession.

Prompt Results When You Need Them Most

Perhaps you had to let some of your employees go, and now you need to scale your business quickly again. The only trouble is that you feel stuck because hiring takes loads of effort, time and training. How will you ever promptly deliver the results your customers or clients demand?

Hiring a virtual team can help you to scale or rescale your business rapidly. That means less stress over having the help you need. It also means you can set aside the worry over having the expertise you’ll need. Right from the start, you’ll have a highly skilled team ready to make great things happen at your company.

A Team Outside of Your Company’s Challenges

When your business goes through challenging times, all of your team members feel that stress from the top to bottom. And just when you need innovation the most, all that stress can translate into a drop in energy, creativity and purpose.

How do you bail yourself out of such a scenario? While the best plan will require a multi-pronged approach, one answer for some businesses is to hire a virtual team outside of the company to assist with navigating these challenging times.

Instead of just hiring one virtual assistant, you’ll get a virtual assistant team. Bringing on a virtual team outside of your home-grown one has its advantages during tough times. Your remote team will be able to better emotionally separate themselves from the stress you feel in your business (while still being passionately involved in building your dreams).

What does that mean for you and your company? Help for your most pressing challenges from an energetic and creative team. You’ll get optimal results even when anxiety levels may be high in your business. You might also benefit from an outside perspective which will allow you to break free from operating in survival mode or feeling paralyzed.

White Label Services When You Need Them Most

White label virtual assistant services can also be a vital part of your comeback strategy. As you recover from the recession, now may be the opportune time to add new services or reintroduce previously existing services you had to cut back on for a while.

But what do you do if you’re not yet ready to hire someone as a full-time employee? One possibility is hiring a skilled part of our team to be part of the face of your team. You can present individuals from Smart to Finish as your own employees with our white label services during tough times, impressing your prospective clients or customers in the process.

Not only do you look more established by doing this, but you’ll automatically bring on an expert. That type of customer confidence can allow you to grow (or regrow) your business with fewer frustrating moments and unknowns. You just may find that bringing on a team of white label professionals is the ‘secret sauce’ for how to grow your company during challenging times.

Could a Virtual Team Be Part of the Solution to Your Pandemic Challenges?

Have you hit six figures or seven figures in your business, but things have been unusually tough this year? At Smart to Finish, we understand the many obstacles facing a six -figure business and larger along the path to success. We also realize that what matters most is that you can improve the lives of people around you who need your product or services while meeting your revenue goals.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can assist your business during the pandemic and the future, feel free to get in touch for a free 30-minute consultation. Whether you need an online business manager, virtual assistant or remote team, we’re here to make sure you grow your business regardless of the challenges.

How the Power of Delegation Can Grow Your People Skills as an Entrepreneur

How the Power of Delegation Can Grow Your People Skills as an Entrepreneur

Learning the power of delegation can take months and years to achieve. So, why go through with the sometimes-painful process of learning the art of delegation as an entrepreneur?

The increased opportunity to grow your business and revenue as an entrepreneur should be enough to take it seriously. But have you considered the personal growth benefits associated with delegating? Although the fiscal pressures you face can sometimes be immense, the people skills you gain can be even more valuable over time.

Although budgetary needs are critical and can feel all-consuming, it’s possible to meet them and still not succeed on a deeper level. Because, ultimately, the point of the entrepreneurial journey is to improve the lives of people. That means your customers, clients, staff and yourself. Money aside, if that goal isn’t met, then what’s the point?

Your most valuable business connection is the people meaningfully involved with your dream. As you learn how to improve delegation, you’ll notice that your people skills grow too. And it could be argued that no greater ability exists than being able to meaningfully and authentically connect with others. Here are some people-skill benefits you can expect as you learn to excel at delegating tasks.

Delegating Helps You Listen to Your Intuition Better

When you first became an entrepreneur, you may have ignored your ‘gut feelings’ or intuition when making business decisions (and gotten burned as a result). But, after a while, you probably regretted not listening better.

This ‘sixth sense’ is so essential to business growth. It allows you to be guarded or less so even when all the facts aren’t in. It helps you decide to go with the ‘less impressive’ job candidate because there’s something about them you can’t fully explain that’s different.

As you delegate work, you continually improve your intuition skills. Fostering this skill allows you to read between the lines, pick up on non-verbal cues and make the best decision. No course or book can give you the answers on whether to outsource a particular task to ‘John’ or ‘Andrea,’ for instance.

You listen to your intuition, fully understanding life is nuanced and people are far more complex than we often admit. Being sensitive to what’s best for you, your staff and your customers through following your intuition can make them feel cared about and valued. People will always appreciate authenticity like that.

It separates you from entrepreneurs who bowl over others because they feel they have to ‘win’ at all costs. And it can help you achieve your higher purpose while in business and leave a lasting legacy worth following.

Delegating Teaches You How to “Let Go” for Better Results

As an entrepreneur, you can control how hard you work, but you can’t perfectly guarantee your results. You have to learn to control what you can and let go of what you can’t.

But what can and should you control when it comes to people? You really can only control yourself. You naturally hate being micromanaged as an entrepreneur, and so does your staff. Attempting to gain more control than necessary on projects and oversight leaves you emotionally and physically spent.

Micromanagement also leaves your staff feeling frazzled, untrusted and less productive than they could’ve been. Learning effective delegation teaches you the invaluable people skill of letting go. Because the surest way to lose your people is to ‘smother’ them in an attempt to bend them to your will.

In his “Entrepreneur” article entitled How to Delegate Better and Become a Great Leader, John Boitnott shares the following advice:

“Empower your workers to feel like they’re making valuable contributions and are trusted to handle new responsibilities. Part of that empowerment means giving your workers access to the people, equipment, information and materials they’ll need to do a good job. As a result, they’ll gain more self-confidence and will achieve more.”

Guide your staff only as much as necessary. After that, as hard as it initially can be as an entrepreneur, let go and let your team do their best work. After all, the feeling of being in control of others is just an illusion. A vital part of growth personally and professionally involves getting out of the way so everyone can give their best effort towards collective success.

Delegating Improves More than Just Your Work Relationships

Developing effective delegation skills means learning to get things done with the help of others. It means learning to ‘play’ as a team, work hard, foster mutual respect and accomplish your goals while remaining sensitive to others’ goals and dreams.

Delegating done well can improve your work relationships as an entrepreneur. If carried out correctly, your workers will feel valued that you entrusted them with so much responsibility. They’ll appreciate your healthy balance of proper guidance and autonomy.

The valuable people skills gained from the delegation of responsibility will also give you the tools needed to nurture your most vital relationships. That may involve how you interact with your extended family, close friends, children and significant other or spouse.

With solid people skills in place you’ve learned from delegating, you’ll have the unique ability to nurture your most vital relationships. And in doing so, you’ll have a healthy support system in place to make a positive difference in the lives of your clients, customers, staff and personal life.

Want to Discover the Power of Delegation on a Deeper Level?

As you grow in your delegation skills, you’ll find a variety of available strategies to meet your company’s needs. One powerful possibility is hiring a virtual assistant company to assist you with tasks.

Smart to Finish can help you with delegation whether you need an online business manager, virtual team or virtual assistant. We offer on-demand solutions to your staffing needs, so you don’t have to wait months and years to grow as a business.

If you’d like to learn more about how we can grow your business, feel free to reach out to us. Scheduling a 30-minute free consultation only takes a minute but could be one of the biggest steps you take towards scaling your business.

Delegating Tasks: Why It’s Important to Your Growth as an Entrepreneur

Delegating Tasks: Why It’s Important to Your Growth as an Entrepreneur

Why is delegating tasks necessary to your growth as an entrepreneur? Because learning how to delegate is far more than something you do. Most importantly, the delegation of responsibility done well shapes who you become.

In her “Entrepreneur” article entitled 7 Rules for Entrepreneurs to Delegate Effectively, Anna Johansson says, “You need to think about delegating some of your work. Delegation is a key factor in entrepreneurial success, on both a personal and professional level.”

At first glance, delegating may seem like nothing more than a mundane task entrepreneurs check off their lengthy to-do lists. But the end result is a destiny and not just a duty.

As an entrepreneur, you’re continually growing. You may not always think of it that way because of your ever-growing responsibilities, but that’s the undeniable reality whether your company is struggling or thriving.

Not all entrepreneurs experience the same growth trajectory though. Some look more like a stunted, water-deprived garden plant. Others experience lush growth like a plant regularly given plenty of water. What makes the difference between the two?

While the answer to such a question is nuanced, learning the art of delegation as an entrepreneur is an integral aspect of your growth process. Here’s why you should regularly delegate work if you want to grow as an entrepreneur.

Someone Out There Can Do Those Tasks Better

Yes, that’s initially a tough one for one’s ego as an entrepreneur but so true. Among all the jobs you have to get done, some are a constant struggle because they aren’t where your passions and strength lie.

That doesn’t make you weak or inept. It’s just the reality every entrepreneur out there faces. To grow, you have to learn to play to your strengths. But you can’t stop there. You also need to gather individuals around you who are strong in areas you aren’t.

The more this happens, the more your business will thrive. You won’t always feel like you’re doing some tasks well but failing at others. You’ll have more time to grow in the skills that interest you most and become even better at them because of your delegation skills.

Less Frustration Means More Passion

You need to maintain your passion as an entrepreneur to stay motivated and continually grow. But somewhere along the way, all the things you have to do can sap the joy out of you. And you can start to feel regularly frustrated.

Every entrepreneur goes through seasons of aimlessness, complacency and a loss of vision. And not all entrepreneurs survive this stage. For some, that’s a good thing because they’re ready for a different entrepreneurial challenge. But others simply need a bit more perseverance to break through the listlessness.

Although seasons of frustration can help you grow, no one receives a trophy for staying there longer than you have to! Less frustration through effective delegation gives you more time and inner calm to make the best choices for your business and those who’re helping your mission to become successful. You also have more time and energy to focus on personal growth as an entrepreneur.

The Power of Delegation Ensures Even More Growth Will Happen

What do you experience as an entrepreneur when you aren’t delegating appropriately? An incredible amount of physical, emotional and spiritual stress. You’re always busy—like someone lost at sea in a rowboat who’s unsure of where to locate the closest shore.

There’s an enormous effort with little progress. It’s hard to figure out a plan to grow as an entrepreneur (let alone figure out how to implement that strategy). You’re always just trying to ‘keep your head above water.’

Something drastically shifts when you begin delegating, though. You become more intentional about your business strategy, and you’re able to focus much more on self-improvement. You finally have time to get out of the way of your business and just concentrate on leading it.

And it’s not long before you find ways to improve. One major perk of noticing opportunities to grow as a business owner is that encouraging your team to grow personally becomes a higher priority. Your goal isn’t about ‘squeezing every last dollar out of them.’

It becomes about genuinely wanting your staff to achieve their highest potential because you’re interested in them as people. And when your staff feels valued, you’ll be amply rewarded.

Could You Use Some Help with Delegating Tasks?

Once you go all-in on delegation, finding virtual help can significantly improve your personal and business growth. You can quickly enhance your delegation of duties through a virtual assistant company instead of going through the long, arduous and unpredictable process of hiring in-person staff.

Instead, you’ll have an on-demand solution to all those nagging tasks that need to be done. Those tasks may be completed best by a virtual team, virtual assistant or online business manager. Smart to Finish can help you develop a customized delegation strategy so you and your business continue growing.

Would you like to find out more about how we can assist you? If so, feel free to reach out to us for a free 30-minute consultation. We look forward to working with you!

Happy Delegation Day!

“Are You Tired, Overwhelmed And Overworked?
Do you want to have support in your business but don’t even know where to start?

 

Are you staying up late at night trying to figure out how to setup an email campaign or broadcast?  

We dare you to do something about it. 

Discover why delegating is your secret weapon to have more time, energy and happiness. (Oh and of course business growth!)

Introducing… the Delegation Dare.

A 10-Day Virtual Intensive to train you how to change your mindset and learn the  key strategies to make delegating work for you.

Here is a recap of what you will receive when you join…

🤗 A private Facebook group where you will access daily trainings and live Q&A calls.

📃 Templates, checklists and action guides to use as tools in your learning.

💻 Includes 10 hours of virtual assistant support hours!

📩 Goodies in the mail to help you with your delegating practices! 

🛎 Includes a 30-minute bonus session to map out your delegating strategy!

Here’s what some of our clients have to say about delegating to us:

The easiest techie girl I’ve ever worked with and she knows how to make things pleasing to the eye. Plus, I love knowing if I’m in a pinch or my website has a glitch, she will find a solution fast! Amber ROCKS!”  Jeanna Gabellini

“Where most entrepreneurs get stuck in everything ’tech’ it takes to market their brand and sell online. There’s no need to do it yourself, or even figure out what you need. Smart to Finish is a great resource for busy entrepreneurs who need virtual assistance and tech support.”  – Ali Brown