In a recent discussion with The Networking Group online meeting, Amanda Flemming (founder of Virtual Coastie), a virtual assistant (VA) based on the Hibiscus Coast—AKA a Virtual Coastie—discussed how VAs can support tradies so they can do what they do best.
What is a virtual assistant?
A virtual assistant is a person to whom you outsource an aspect of your business or even your personal life. They operate remotely and offer services such as administration, data entry, travel bookings, social media management, SEO, payroll, or virtually any other aspect you could think of.
There are a number of benefits to hiring one (or several!). Amanda points out that tradies are always on the go and very busy with manual work, so they especially can benefit from having a VA.
7 benefits of hiring a virtual assistant
1. You can delegate
Amanda explains that a virtual assistant is someone you can call or message and offload all your little tasks onto. For example, if you’ve just left a site meeting, you call your VA to set up a new job and schedule your team to do it that same afternoon.
2. VAs are flexible
VAs are flexible to your specific needs, both in what they can do and when. Virtual assistants will be more than happy to accommodate you when you need them, and so if this means you need their help at 7pm, then can arrange to be available
3. You get time off
Amanda asks: “When was the last time you actually took some time off?” Having a virtual assistant gives you the flexibility to take some time for yourself by offloading certain tasks that may take up much of your time. Because VAs build a relationship with your customers, suppliers and team members, they can slot in anywhere to pick up the slack, giving you more time off.
4. Increased productivity
With a VA, Amanda points out that you’re ultimately paying for expertise and knowledge. VAs know tech tools well, and how to use them to be as efficient as possible. On top of that, you only pay for the time they work, meaning you aren’t being charged for any downtime.
5. Industry Knowledge
Amanda explains that VAs know your time is precious and that you don’t have time to explain everything in detail. You can rest assured that with Virtual Coasties, your VA knows the construction industry and therefore the terminology and industry standards. This allows them to hit the ground running.
6. Your time is focused
As a tradie business owner, your time is better spent on revenue-generating activities like talking to your customers, quoting that next big job, or networking rather than on “busy work.” A VA will take the admin and paperwork off your hands so that you can focus on what you do best and get back on site where you are needed.
7. It’s cost-effective
The final benefit is that VAs are cost-effective. Because they are someone you’re outsourcing work to, they pay their own taxes, other expenses, and have their own office and computer equipment. This makes them far cheaper than an in-house employee.
In one study, Amanda explains, it was shown that you could save as much as $40,000 a year by hiring a VA instead of a full-time employee. The study found a permanent employee cost $73,522 a year on average, while a VA cost just $33,800.
Conclusion
Tradies are known for being where the action is, but as technology advances, and their businesses grow, they find more and more of their time being taken by admin and related tasks. Luckily virtual assistants exist to pick up the slack and boost efficiency all while being cheaper than a brand-new full-time employee.
Amanda’s talk certainly highlights the benefits of having one, but they need to be seen to truly be believed. If you’re a tradie looking to take your business to the next level or carve out a little more free time, then a virtual assistant is awaiting your call.
Amanda Flemming is the owner and founder of Virtual Coastie Ltd. Amanda has worked with Tradies for the past 15 years and her team remotely supports them with their administration, accounts, social media and job management. Check out www.virtualcoastie.co.nz for more details.
See the whole presentation on (12) Amanda Flemming from Virtual Coastie shares SUPPORTING TRADIES SO YOU CAN FOCUS ON WHAT YOU DO BEST – YouTube
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