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Startup Tips: How to look like a bigger company

Clare Runham • Feb 14, 2021

Want to swim with the big fish? Check out our latest startup tips.


Trust is arguably the most important factor when choosing to do business with someone else. It doesn’t matter how cheap something is, if you don’t trust them, you probably won’t take that risk, at least with your own money!

Sadly, despite many small businesses offering a better service, it’s the trust factors that often mean people look for the all too familiar “safe” choice – a bigger competitor that’s been around longer than you have. In fact, people will frequently pay more for a worse service, because there’s that perceived safety.

Nobody gets fired for buying IBM

The instantly familiar quote for anyone in the IT sector - “Nobody gets fired for buying IBM” – is the perfect interpretation of our evolutionary make-up to be risk adverse.

In their heyday, IBM was a safe bet for software or IT consultancy. For every project, they may not have necessarily been the best choice, but job security for the decision maker was paramount, just in case things did go wrong.

How to even the odds

So, if you’re the David against the Goliaths, there’s no getting away from the fact that people will see advantages to choosing a more established rival – you need to tackle the problem head on. The good news is some simple changes could end up saving you money, as all often too businesses will cut their prices to compete, when it’s not cost that’s the issue.

Here’s our suggestions:

Revamp your Website

First impressions are everything. In the last few years, some excellent self-build website options (e.g Wix) have launched that require zero technical skills – it’s simply drag and drop - which look like they have cost many thousands. Within a few hours, you can have a good-looking website that already helps to make your business look more established, especially if you invest in good photography. If you need some help, we have built many with clients over the last few years.

Develop a Brand

Still using a logo that you created in Microsoft Word? For next to nothing, you can go on People Per Hour or Fiverr and get something far more impressive created that will really help your business look the part and increase confidence. This goes back to first impressions - a professional logo gives the perception of an established business.

Get a Landline

If your only contact number is your mobile phone’s, you instantly reveal yourself to be the small business that you are. More importantly, the fact its mobile, instantly raises a red flag. Does that mean you’ll just disappear without notice? It costs less than £20 to purchase a landline (we can help out there!) that you can re-direct to your mobile. Better yet, our Virtual Receptionist service means we can take your calls and make it seems like you have your own reception, customer care line, or bookings team.

Ask for reviews

To build trust, you’re going to need to demonstrate credibility by showing reviews. Just having a couple on your website isn’t enough – people will jump on Google to dig deeper, so you should have more than a handful on Google’s free review platform, or invest in the paid-for alternatives (e.g. Feefo or Trustpilot) if you really want to build trustworthiness. Not only will reviews help your conversion rate, they help with your Google rankings too.

Register a Virtual Address

Most start-ups don’t have an office, and many business owners don’t like the idea of advertising their home address across the web. The issue with that is having no physical address listed is an instant trust killer. There’s security in knowing that, if anything goes wrong, you can knock on a door and discuss it. So how do you get round the issue? Use a virtual mailing address – it builds trust, makes you look bigger, and protects your home.

Get your face out there

Why do people like dealing with small businesses? Because its more personal! People trust people more than they do companies, so why not tie this benefit up with the most important form of digital marketing – video. Consumers are increasingly impatient and would rather watch a video than read. So, if you have the confidence, here’s your opportunity to build trust and set yourself apart.

A few simple steps can help build trust, giving you that vital foot in the door to demonstrate that you really can do better than the big guys. These techniques aren’t huge investments yet have been proven to help win more work. So what’s stopping you?

Miss MPS is a Virtual Assistant business based in East Malling, Kent. We help small businesses grow by taking care of time-sapping admin, phone calls, and everything else mentioned in this article.
02 Jun, 2023
In today's fast-paced and demanding work environment, leaving the office early may seem like a distant dream for many. But fear not, because we hold the secret to achieving this elusive goal: the exceptional powers of a Virtual Assistant (VA)! With our efficiency, resourcefulness, and knack for managing tasks, we can be your ultimate ally in reclaiming your precious time and bidding farewell to the office earlier than ever before. So, sit back, relax, and let's explore how as a VA we can work our magic and help you achieve your much-deserved early departure. 1. Master of Organization: Our organisational skills are akin to those of a superhero. We possess the extraordinary ability to streamline your workload, ensuring maximum efficiency and minimal time wastage. By entrusting us with tasks such as scheduling, calendar management, and email prioritisation, you can rest assured that your day will be optimised to its fullest potential. With our meticulous planning, we will help you stay on top of your responsibilities and complete tasks well ahead of schedule, giving you the freedom to leave the office early with a sense of accomplishment. 2. Defending the Fortress: Picture this: You're about to call it a day when your phone starts ringing incessantly, demanding your attention for urgent matters. Fear not! Your trusty VA has got your back. You could have the ability to hand over all calls, screen emails, and handle enquiries, ensuring that only the most crucial and time-sensitive matters reach your ears. With our impeccable judgment and communication skills, we can efficiently handle routine queries, saving you from being tied down by distractions and allowing you to exit the office in triumph. 3. Supercharging Productivity: A VA is a productivity powerhouse. Armed with an array of digital tools and automation techniques, we can work wonders in enhancing your output. From research and data analysis to social media management and account handling, we can tackle tasks that would otherwise devour your precious time. With our assistance, you can harness the full potential of your working hours, completing assignments swiftly and efficiently. The result? Early departures become your new reality. In the age of Virtual Assistants, leaving the office early has transitioned from a mere aspiration to an achievable reality. By harnessing the organisational prowess, gatekeeping finesse, productivity superpowers, and task delegation mastery of a VA, you can bid farewell to your desk earlier than ever before. So, embrace the modern world of remote assistance, unleash the power of a VA, and enjoy the sweet taste of freedom as you leave the office early, knowing that your productivity has never been higher. It's time to make early departures your new office norm! Call us today on 01732 757 870 and leave the office early next Friday!
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As a virtual assistant, I've often thought about how my job is a lot like a glass of wine. Yes, you read that right – a glass of wine! I know it sounds a little strange, but bear with me and I'll explain. First of all, both virtual assistants and wine come in many different varieties. Just like there are different types of wine – red, white, rosé, sparkling – there are also different types of virtual assistants. Some are designed for basic tasks like scheduling appointments, while others can handle more complex tasks like managing your entire email inbox and bookkeeping. Secondly, both virtual assistants and wine can help you relax and unwind. After a long day of work, there's nothing like pouring yourself a glass of wine and letting your stress melt away. Similarly, a virtual assistant can take care of all the little tasks that add up and cause stress in your daily life. Need to schedule a meeting? Done. Need to book accommodation for a business trip? Consider it taken care of. As well as this when you buy a bottle of wine from a reputable winery, you know that you're getting a high-quality product that will taste great. Similarly, when you choose a well-known virtual assistant, you can trust that it will perform the tasks you ask of it reliably and accurately. Finally, both virtual assistants and wine can be a little unpredictable. You never know exactly what you're going to get – sometimes the wine might be too sweet, or the virtual assistant might make a bigger difference to your life than you had imagined. But just like you grow to love the unique qualities of different types of wine, you will also grow to love everything about your virtual assistant. So there you have it – virtual assistants and wine may seem like an unlikely pairing, but they actually have more in common than you might think! Whether you prefer a glass of red or a virtual assistant that can handle all your scheduling needs, both can help make your life a little easier (and maybe a little more fun). Why not give us a call and start to de-stress your life today?
19 May, 2023
Virtual assistants have become increasingly popular in recent years as more businesses and individuals are realizing the benefits of having a remote assistant. However, there are still some common misconceptions about virtual assistants that prevent people from hiring them. In this blog, we’ll explore these misconceptions and explain why you should consider hiring a virtual assistant for your business or personal needs. Misconception 1: Virtual assistants are too expensive. One of the most common misconceptions about virtual assistants is that they are too expensive. While it’s true that hiring a full-time virtual assistant can be costly, there are plenty of options for those on a budget. For example, you can hire a virtual assistant on a part-time basis or for a specific project. Additionally, virtual assistants are often more affordable than hiring an in-person assistant because you don’t have to worry about providing them with office space, equipment, sick and holiday pay. Misconception 2: Virtual assistants are not reliable. Another common misconception about virtual assistants is that they are not reliable. Some people worry that because they are not working in the same office as their assistant, they won’t be able to monitor their work. However, virtual assistants are just as reliable as in-person assistants. In fact, many virtual assistants have a strong work ethic and are highly motivated because they want to maintain a good reputation with their clients. Misconception 3: Virtual assistants are not skilled. Some people assume that virtual assistants are not skilled because they do everything. However, virtual assistants are often highly skilled professionals who specialize in a variety of areas. For example, you can hire a virtual assistant who is a social media expert, a copywriter, or a graphic designer. You can also find virtual assistants who specialize in more administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, and bookkeeping. Misconception 4: Virtual assistants are not able to communicate effectively. One of the biggest concerns people have when hiring a virtual assistant is that they won’t be able to communicate effectively. However, virtual assistants are often excellent communicators who can adapt to their client’s communication preferences. Many virtual assistants use tools like email, chat, video conferencing, CRM systems and project management software to stay in touch with their clients. Misconception 5: Virtual assistants are only for businesses. While virtual assistants are often hired by businesses, they can also be a great asset for individuals. For example, if you’re a busy professional who needs help managing your personal life, a virtual assistant can help with tasks like scheduling appointments, booking travel, and managing your inbox. Virtual assistants can also help with personal projects like planning a party or researching a vacation destination. So why you should hire a virtual assistant? Now that we’ve debunked some of the common misconceptions about virtual assistants, let’s talk about why you should consider hiring one. Here are some of the benefits of working with a virtual assistant: • Increased productivity: By outsourcing tasks to a virtual assistant, you can focus on the tasks that are most important to you. • Cost savings: As we mentioned earlier, virtual assistants are often more affordable than in-person assistants. • Flexibility: Virtual assistants can work on a part-time basis or for a specific project, which gives you more flexibility. • Access to specialised skills: Virtual assistants often have specialised skills that can help you to complete tasks more effectively. • Improved work-life balance: By delegating tasks to a virtual assistant, you can improve your work-life balance. Virtual assistants are skilled professionals who can help you increase productivity, save money, and improve your work-life balance. What are you waiting for, get in touch today to find out how we can help you with your business or personal needs.
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