Business

4 Helpful Small Business Organization Tips

Published

3 years ago

December 21, 2021

As a small business owner, organization is one of the distinct challenges you face. It might not always feel like the most pressing, but it’s certainly one of the most important. And if you don’t do something about it sooner rather than later, sloppiness and confusion could ensue.

The Importance of Being Organized

There are certain elements of running a business that are “sexy.” Things like marketing, sales, branding, and even product development are fun and exciting. They can be creative (and usually provide immediate feedback). Organization, though? Not exactly the most thrilling aspect of running a company. But it’s arguably one of the most critical.

Being organized saves your business time. Rather than spending hours searching for files, trying to track down expense reports, or dealing with preventable scheduling conflicts, you can move efficiently through your week and amplify productivity.

On a related note, being organized saves your business money, reduces waste, and improves your customer service by allowing your team to quickly attend to customer needs and concerns.

At the end of the day, all of these factors combine to reduce stress.

“Not knowing where to look for information, sorting through unorganized paperwork, and dealing with the consequences of poor organization create a stressful workplace. And that stress may extend into the business owner’s life and lead to a feeling of being burned out,” Long Island Center for Business and Professional Women mentions. “Implementing solid organization systems will help reduce this stress and give you more time to enjoy life outside work.”

If your business is currently being held back by confusion and a lack of clarity, there’s good news. All it takes is a proactive strategy for getting organized and you can finally put your company on the right path.

4 Organization Tips for Small Businesses

Being organized is really the combination of doing lots of little things right. It won’t happen overnight, but if you’re strategic in your execution, you’ll eventually have your business firing on all cylinders with total clarity and efficiency. Here are some tips:

Organize Your Physical Office

Begin with your physical office. Look for opportunities to clean and declutter. Removing unnecessary items from your physical environment will reduce distractions and feelings of overwhelm.

Focus on one area of the office at a time. Begin in one corner of the room and go through each and every item. Toss anything that you don’t need. Donate anything that’s functional but no longer being used. Send equipment in for repair if it’s something that no longer works but would still be useful. If you haven’t used something in the past six months and don’t plan on using it in the next six months, it goes.

Keep Track of Inventory

It’s time to get a grip on your inventory. Use office inventory software to keep track of office equipment, supplies, and furnishings with an easy-to-use web-based system. This will give you real-time visibility into precisely what you have, as well as anywhere you’re deficient.

Go Paperless

Going paperless is one of the best things you can do for your business. Not only does it allow you to get rid of physical clutter, papers, filing cabinets, and machines (printers, fax machines, scanners, shredders, etc.), but it also enhances your ability to find files when you need them.

The key to a good paperless strategy is to have a strong cloud filing system. This requires you to choose the right cloud storage platform and to use a streamlined filing system that keeps records organized in an intuitive and predictable manner.

Take Control Over Receipts and Bookkeeping

From a financial perspective, taking control over receipts can improve your bookkeeping and save you thousands of dollars per year. If employees use their own cards and expense different purchases, make sure you have an expense tracking solution that they can download directly to their smartphones. This allows them to take pictures of receipts and load them into the system right away.

Keep Your Business Organized

A lack of organization hurts your bottom line, creativity, innovation, and employee satisfaction. By finally gaining control, you can reorient your company and move the business in a stronger direction. Use this article as a starting point, but be sure to identify additional areas for improvement. It won’t always be easy, but it will be rewarding.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.