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How A Creative Virtual Assistant Can Become a Real Business Asset
Don't get dragged down by doom and gloom, we’ve all heard that there’s a recession going on, that redundancies are being made left and right and uncertainty is everywhere.. That may be the case, and perhaps that's precisely why right now is the best time to become a creative problem solving Virtual Assistant.

Many small businesses, Virtual Assistants included, think they're in the business of selling their products or supplying their services. Successful businesses, those that thrive in more trying times, are those that realise they exist to solve their clients problems. Are your clients having a rough time and contemplating how to drive up profits or save money by reducing costs? In difficult times these problems don't go away – they increase. So for a keen problem-solving business (like yours!) there's plenty to be getting on with.

Treat creativity as an asset
To really add value to our clients we must understand and unlock our creativity. In affluent times, creativity and innovation are often seen as soft skills, nice to have, but not really taken very seriously. In more troubled changing times, your creativity can become your biggest asset.

Have a Brainstorming Session
Next time you are having an update with your clients, ask what they consider to be their greatest problem right now. Then both of you get a piece of paper, turn that problem into a question and write it at the top, e.g. 'How can I increase sales?' or 'How can I improve cash flow?' etc. Then between you brainstorm and write down at least 10 answers to that question. Write down everything you can think of and don’t stop until you have at least 10 each. Include everything that comes up, no matter how whacky, you never know where these sideways ideas might lead when you discuss them in more depth.

Investigate the good and the bad
When you have at least 20 ideas, go through the list with your client and discuss each one. Talk about how realistic they are and which ones merit further investigation. Then pick the top 3 favourite ideas to explore, and get to work. Now you’ve not only generated more work for your business, you’ve become an indispensable problem solver for your client and a real business asset.
 

In The Spotlight...

Specialist Virtual Assistant Business Insurance
We have teamed up with a brand new provider of business insurance specifically tailored to the needs of virtual assistants.

As a virtual assistant you’re no stranger to diving in at the deep end when needed. However, being an essential part of so many businesses means it can be difficult to keep track of what's what. With lots of loose ends to tie up, things can get missed, forgotten or just not done correctly.

If something does go wrong, and your client loses out, they'll look to you to fix the problem or compensate them if you can't. If this happens you’d better brace yourself and dig deep because that means calling on the legal people.

But there is another way. If your client alleges you've made a mistake and sues, professional indemnity insurance looks after you by paying your legal defence and any damages you're liable for.

Having it means you’re free to keep running your business; leaving your reputation, your bank balance and your client relationships intact.

And the best bit? Every UKAVA member gets 10% off their professional insurance with PolicyBee. That means £250,000 cover from as little as £11.09 a month. It’s payable by interest-free Direct Debit too.

For a quote and instant cover, click here

If you have any questions or topics you’d like to see covered in a future issue please get in touch.