Blog Post

Here’s What You Need To Do For Christmas NOW

Clare Runham • Nov 20, 2018

Whether you like it or not, we’re now into the Christmas countdown. Whilst it’s the last thing you probably want to think about right now, remember how difficult December can be – often the worst month for revenue and certainly the worst for getting paid!

So, without further ado, here’s what I believe you should have your eye on (don't worry, I won't be encouraging you to put up the Christmas tree!).

Catch up with invoicing

Who’s going to pay you in the last couple of weeks of December? Yep – no-one!

With Christmas Eve falling on a Monday, the last working day for many businesses will be Friday the 21st December . If you’ve not invoiced for work yet, it’s time to get cracking! Otherwise, before you know it, clients will do all they can to avoid you before they hit the pub early on Christmas Eve and that will lead you with unpaid invoices that won’t get paid until January.

Remember, if you don’t like chasing up invoices as much as you like wrapping up endless Christmas presents, Miss MPS is here at your service to do that job for you. In fact, we’ve even helped with the wrapping before too (seriously!).

Decide on your Christmas hours

Try and prepare the little things like this in advance. There’s nothing worse – or unprofessional - to phone a company that says its open online, only to find when you call there’s a voicemail message announcing they’re not open. So, decide when you’re shutting down for the holidays, inform your staff and let your clients know too!

Here’s your checklist on what to update:

  • Website
  • Email signatures
  • Email marketing campaigns
  • Facebook (and other social media)
  • Your Google My Business listing

If you want some time off over Christmas, don’t forget that the elves at Miss MPS could be picking up your calls up for you, ensuring you never miss a sales lead or important message.

Plan your resources

Now might be the time you receive a glut of holiday requests from staff who have forgotten that they still have 3 days left to take before they lose them and all decide that they want to take those days around Christmas. In that case, plan ahead. Don’t let half your staff take days off when your marketing guy is simultaneously planning the year’s biggest marketing campaign to go out!

Check your suppliers too; are they still able to fulfil what you need from them in-line with when you’re open? Preparation is the best way to mitigate risks – imagine if you couldn’t get support from your IT support company for a week, or you promise next day delivery and your courier can’t cope. Have your Plan B ready.

Not got the time to do the research? You guessed it! Miss MPS can help out with that one too. We also save clients thousands by carrying out supplier reviews on their behalf. We are also here to help with any important tasks that come up if you find yourself short staffed.

Make use of the dead time

It really doesn’t take a week to give the office a tidy. The last couple of weeks will likely be much quieter, leaving the door open for you and your team to get ready for a roaring 2019!

So what can you do to prevent twiddling thumbs?

  • Send out thank you cards to clients (and remind them on what you can do for them)
  • Ask for testimonials/case studies – your customers might be bored too!
  • Get writing and scheduling blog posts into the New Year
  • Mystery shop your competition
  • Hold a marketing meeting to brainstorm your first quarter’s activities

Clare Runham runs Miss MPS , a team of virtual personal assistants who are there to take the stress away from small business owners. From arranging appointments, to full-scale event planning, they do it all at a cost-effective hourly rate.

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!
23 May, 2023
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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