10 tasks you can outsource to a Virtual Assistant

Outsourcing tasks to a Virtual Assistant can be one of the most cost-effective investments for a business. It can be your alternative solution to employing. No locked in long-term contracts and you pay only for the hours you need, when you need.

Below are just a few of the many tasks you can delegate to help shift your focus to the things that really matter.

1. Email management

One of the most highly used methods of communication in this new technological era. The typical worker spends up to 28% of their working week in their inbox. Imagine handing over even 20% of that time and putting that 20% back into higher-level duties.

A VA is well equipped to take over a busy executive's inbox - archiving, filing, replying on behalf of, and removing the noise. They’ll help you set up an effective and manageable system that works for both of you.

2. Managing calendars and schedules

A VA works with you to ensure you keep track of your day-to-day schedule, keeping you at maximum efficiency and prepared for what lies ahead. A VA will make sure you know where you need to be and when. They’ll take on the coordination of everyone involved and reschedule any meetings that are needed.

3. Travel arrangements

If you’re an executive who travels a lot, you’ll know arranging travel can be a hassle. A VA can help plan your trip from start to finish. Booking your flights, accommodation, rental cars, and even making dinner reservations. They will keep in mind your budget requirements and put together an agenda so you know exactly where you need to be and when.

4. Meeting coordination

Is there ever a better feeling than just turning up to a meeting without the stress of having to make sure everything runs smoothly? A VA can help coordinate your meetings by crafting an agenda, inviting attendees, organising catering and venue options, assisting with preparing presentations, and travel requirements, and taking minutes and distributing these.

5. Research

Research is a big factor in business and is both necessary and time-consuming. You may need a VA to assist in keeping you up to date with industry news, collect information on a new lead before a sales pitch, or research some statistics for an upcoming presentation. Having the information condensed and filtered out can save a lot of time.

6. Accounts Support

 A VA can help with keeping your books in order, making sure invoices are processed and your reconciliation is kept up to date. They can liaise with your accounts department and make sure any invoices travel through the correct LOA process.

7. Supplier liaising

Communicating with key suppliers and stakeholders can be a significant part of maintaining and developing effective relationships. Importantly, this needs to be kept on top of. A VA can help keep the communication consistent and make sure everyone is on the same page.

8. Data Entry

Data entry can be a tedious task. Something that needs to be done but isn’t everyone’s favourite. This is something you can outsource to a VA. They can collect, sort, and input data into your choice of software.

9. CRM management

Keeping a CRM system up to date can be a real chore - but a highly important one too. An effective CRM system will help with better organisation, efficiency and impress clients. A VA can make sure leads, contact information, and flows are kept up to date.

10. Gift purchases

If you’re someone who struggles on making a decision when it comes to buying gifts for others - leave it to a VA. Whether it’s business or personal related, a VA can arrange a suitable gift tailored for clients, colleagues, family, or friends.

There are a variety of tasks that you can delegate to a Virtual Assistant - not to mention the many benefits of hiring a VA over an in-office employee. A Virtual Assistant is well equipped to take on every one of these tasks just as effectively as an employee.

Have you thought about hiring your own Virtual Assistant? 

EAssist is a Virtual Executive Assistant whose aim is to help NZ business owners put their focus where it’s needed. Reach out for a complimentary chat