I’ve noticed a trend in small businesses and CRM use: many people start by using a spreadsheet or invoicing software like QuickBooks and think they’ll be fine. You may think you don’t need a CRM because you have plenty of contacts in QuickBooks or on a spreadsheet. In my experience, no matter how big your business is now, you should be using a CRM.
Besides the plethora of tools that technology provides, it also allows for the opportunity to work with a virtual assistant. A virtual assistant is a professional (yes, we're real live people, not artificial intelligence!) who can help you with your business needs and works remotely, but is only an e-mail or phone call away. There are many ways to utilize a VA (virtual assistant), but here are three main ways to consider how a VA can help you with your business.
Anyone who has ever worked in a law office knows how crazy it can get with court dates, discovery deadlines and the like. It’s a challenge to know exactly how to manage it all. I worked in one law firm that used an old-fashioned Rolodex and Post-It notes to remind themselves of deadlines (eek!). Fortunately, technology has made it much easier for attorneys and their staff to keep everything organized and on-time.
If you're new to using a virtual assistant, it might be a little confusing at first to think of the things a VA can take over for you. You may even be concerned that delegating doesn't fit your budget, so you're stuck doing everything by yourself until you can grow your revenue.