What is the SECRET to Social Media Management Mastery?

What is the SECRET to Social Media Management Mastery?

by | 19 May 2020 | Outsourcing, Small Business, Social Media | 0 comments

Outsourcing it, that’s the SECRET!

Like it or not, social media is a necessary evil and it’s here to stay – well for the time being anyway. If you don’t have an online presence on any of the platforms, you are missing out and putting your business at a massive disadvantage and the great news is, you don’t have to do it ALL yourself!

It is really important to choose 2 or maybe 3 social media platforms and do them well, naturally based on where your ideal clients ‘hang out’.

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • Google My Business
  • Tumblr
  • Snapchat
  • TikTok

The following 5 tasks can be handled by your Social Media VA

1. Setting up and Optimising your Business Pages

Having these set up PROPERLY and OPTIMISED is very important as it makes it easier for your audience to find you. Every platform has different requirements and your VA will know the best way to set those up – from doing cover images and profile images, to detailed descriptions, messenger autoresponders, linking to your newsletter sign up pages and just filling out all the details in the backend so that potential clients can contact you easily.

2. Create a Plan

Before you start to post, you need a PLAN – an outline of what you’re going to post. Things that need to be taken into consideration include:

  • Theme days/weeks/months
  • Posting Categories
  • Holidays
  • Product launches
  • Events – online and in person
  • Best times to post
  • How often to post

This information is added to a spreadsheet so that you know what’s coming up, so you can plan ahead month by month. Each post is added to this plan and authorised by you before posting. It’s a great historical record of your posts and how they are doing.

3. Content Curation

A great Plan needs great content. Templates form the basis of awesome content, branded with your logo, fonts, colours and images in programs such as Canva or PicMonkey. The magic begins with eye-catching content and engaging captions, stories, videos and audio.

Having a blog is a great source of content as it can be repurposed into to so many things – podcasts, tweets, posts, videos on YouTube and IGTV, Pinterest just to name a few.

4. Scheduling

Once you have the content ready to go, your VA can schedule this into your scheduling program. Facebook has its own scheduler and it recommends doing it straight into there but there are other amazing schedulers available such as;

  • Creator Studio (free for Facebook and Instagram)
  • Hootsuite
  • Buffer
  • Grum (for Instagram)
  • SocialBee
  • Quuu – for content curation
  • Missingltr – for continuous blog posting

Scheduling can be done once a week, fortnight or monthly – just depend on how much content you have on hand. These programs record awesome analytics about your posts and you can see which posts are well received and which ones aren’t working so well.

5. Monitoring Your Accounts

Keeping an eye on your platforms and monitoring, moderating and replying to posts is something your VA can do, although it is encouraged that you do this also. You are your businesses face and voice, so it is important to be involved. If there’s a curly question or something that needs more expertise, then I bring that to the attending of my client to answer but generally speaking your VA can take care of this too. A great VA quickly learns your voice and knows what to do when needed.

Social Media is a time-consuming part of your marketing, there’s no denying that but you can make your life a lot easier by having someone do it for you.

If you’d like a hand with your Social Media Mangement, please feel free to contact me  or book a Chai Chat with me.

5 Awesome Productivity Tips to Making the Most of Your Time

5 Awesome Productivity Tips to Making the Most of Your Time

by | 15 Jan 2018 | Outsourcing, Time Management | 4 comments

It’s not enough to dream of success. It’s not even enough to set goals. It’s all about productivity …

The only way to truly achieve your dreams and build the business you’re meant to build is to sit down and just do it Nike! Share on X

That’s where many of us … well, fail is a harsh word … but it’s the doing that trips us up more times than not.

We overbook our calendars until today’s To Dos become next week’s past dues. We procrastinate on the things that are important while attending to things that are merely “nice to do.” And sometimes we simply take on too much – even when we know better.

The answer? Embrace these five productivity hacks that top soulpreneurs use to get more done in less time. Share on X

#1. Rituals and Habits

Simply put, a ritual or habit is a consistent way of doing something. You have a morning ritual (wake up, brush your teeth, meditate, do yoga shower, and head to your home office), evening ritual (check homework, tuck the cherubs in, watch the evening news, and hit the sack), weekend ritual (sleep late, do the laundry, catch a movie, visit your mum), and many others.

The trouble is, if you’re not careful with your rituals, they can turn into productivity killers. Is checking Facebook or emails a part of your morning ritual? Is turning on Skype a part of your ritual? Distractions such as these can turn even your best intentions into hours of wasted time.

Take a good look at your rituals. What are you doing that you should not be or that should be moved to another part of your day? Make your rituals more efficient and you’ll automatically get more done.

#2. Calendar Management

Want to know how much time you really have available for that new project? Try blocking off time in your calendar for all your existing projects. Fill in all your client calls, your business administrative tasks, time for meals and breaks, outside appointments, and everything else you’re committed to. What’s left might just shock you.

Make it a habit to block time in your calendar for every commitment, and you’ll never again over-promise or over-commit. Colour coding helps for each activity so you an see it quickly

#3. Learn to Let Go

Here’s a news flash. You do not have to do EVERYTHING in your business. You can (and should) hand off those low-level tasks to someone else. Hire a Virtual Assistant to create your documents, manage your emails and calendar, do your Social Media, upload your blogs. Turn over your bookkeeping to a bookkeeper. The time you free up will allow you to work on what’s truly important — and that only you can do.

#4 Work Hard, Play Harder

You are not a machine. You cannot work all day every day and hope to be at your best all the time.

Take a day off. Get some rest or relax on a long, slow walk along the beach or park. Take a friend out to lunch. Go shopping with your kids. See a movie or a play. Do something — anything — other than work.

Not only will you return to the office feeling much more refreshed, but you’ll find yourself more creative and productive than before as well.

#5. Focus

Multi-tasking is IMPOSSIBLE no matter how much we think we can. You cannot efficiently create a new coaching program while you’re simultaneously surfing Facebook and Insta, keeping an eye on the kids and answering the phone every time it rings.

Instead, use your calendar to block time off for important tasks, then turn everything else off so you can focus. No phone, no Facebook, no kids or husbands or neighbors or pets demanding “just a minute” of your time. Tune everything out, and you’ll find your work getting done much faster.

Managing your time and turning up your productivity is not something that comes naturally to most people but when you learn to master this skill, you’ll find your business grows right along with you. Share on X

Interested in how I can INCREASE you productivity, book in a Chai Chat with me to find out.

5 Ways to De-Stress Your Christmas …

5 Ways to De-Stress Your Christmas …

by | 18 Dec 2017 | Holidays, Outsourcing, Virtual Assistant | 2 comments

Christmas can be a very festive and fun time of the year but it can also be quite stressful to its lead up, especially if you are running a business. Here are 5 ways you can de-stress and make this festive season a more organised, chilled and fun time. Share on X

#1 … Organise a Kris Kringle

Our family changed over to KK quite a few years ago now. Names are written on a Christmas Card and each of us picks one out. We spend a minimum of $50 and that’s it. It takes the stress out of buying lots of gifts just for the sake of buying something and we spend a bit more and get something ‘better’ rather than something cheap and nasty or something we don’t need.

#2 … Keep Your Chrissy Lunches Simple

Christmas Day in Australia is generally quite warm as opposed to the snowy wintery time in the northern hemisphere. Slaving over a hot oven for hours is not my idea of fun and far too much work. Our Aussie seafood is second to none and is a welcome change to hot lunches or dinner. Even an antipasto of cold goodies with some crusty bread is an easy alternative. So keep it simple and do a lovely platter and a refreshing sparkling wine punch with lots of berries and fruit to go with it.

#3 .. If it all gets too much, MEDITATE

Take some time out to sit still and breathe. There are some awesome apps that you can download onto your phone, such as Omvana, Headspace Simple Habit and my very fave Insight Timer. All have guided meditations from as little as 5 minutes, so you don’t need to spend a lot of time out. Calming your mind helps you think more clearly and you’ll be able to do more. Your breath and your mind work in tandem, so as the breath begins to lengthen, your brain waves slows down and you de-stress.

#4 … Do a Digital Detox

Spend time away from Facebook, Insta, the computer AND your phone Share on X – if you can’t live without your phone, check it only twice a day (and not for 2 hours at a time!) and set up the Do Not Disturb feature for phone calls, texts and notifications – it’s under Settings. It allows you not to be contacted between certain times apart from contacts who are your Favourites. I have this on every single day set from 9pm to 8am. We all need a break from technology for our mental and emotional health.

#5 … Engage the Services of a Virtual Assistant

No need to worry about your emails, phone calls, Social Media posting and scheduling, blog posting, newsletters etc. Engage a Virtual Assistant to take care of your business during your break. Share on X This will give you peace of mind that your business is still being looked after and not come to a complete stop over the break. Remember, the rest of the work doesn’t have such a long break as we do, so keeping your business going is very important.

If you need a helping hand over the holiday season or anytime for that matter, please feel free to book in a Chai Chat with me.

Do you have any tips for de-stressing, please feel free to share them below … Ax

6 Tips for Working WITH Your Virtual Assistant

6 Tips for Working WITH Your Virtual Assistant

by | 26 Jun 2017 | Outsourcing, Virtual Assistant, Virtual Business | 0 comments

So, you’re running an awesome business and it’s ticking along nicely, – you’re taking on clients and taking care of the day-to-day running but your business isn’t quite getting to that next level. Maybe you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and your admin is starting to fall behind. What is this costing your business? It’s time to let go and outsource and hiring some help? …

Congratulations! … you’ve taken that step and decided to hire a Virtual Assistant to help you out. Great decision! Share on X

The following six tips will help your transition of letting go and putting your trust into someone who has your best interests at heart.

Tip #1

Be clear about your expectations to avoid misunderstandings. It is wise to have an agreement, signed by both parties, that outlines these expectations.

Tip #2

Understand that a VA is not an employee … they are a business owner just like you who will view your business from a different perspective – view them as a business partner.  a cheerleader and confidant. Treat each other with respect and integrity and the VA will look after you, support you and promote you to their networks.

Tip #3

VAs do not need to be micro-managed – you’re paying for someone who doesn’t require a lot of supervision. Experienced VAs will check in with you and keep you posted with progress reports.

Tip #4

VAs are not sales people. They are there to assist with aspects of your business that prevent you from generating more income.

Tip #5

Plan ahead as much as you can and communicate your deadlines. If something is urgent, your VA will do their best to accommodate but this isn’t always possible due to advanced work scheduled with other clients.

Tip #6

VAs don’t necessarily work ‘normal’ business hours … be assured that work is being done but not necessarily during traditional or daylight hours. If you need them to be around certain times, just let them know and work out times that suit both of you.

 

Keep communication channels open by working out what suits both of you and setting mutual boundaries. Share on X

Letting go is really hard and your Virtual Assistant understands that. They will help you work through that anxiety so you can be assured your business is in great hands.

 

Click here to schedule a free 30 minute Discovery Session with me.

 

Top 3 Things to Consider BEFORE Engaging a Virtual Assistant

Top 3 Things to Consider BEFORE Engaging a Virtual Assistant

by | 24 Mar 2017 | Outsourcing, Small Business, Virtual Assistant, Virtual Business | 0 comments

Does delegating make you freak out and feel cold with fear?

Engaging a Virtual Assistant for the first time can be quite a daunting experience and very nerve racking …

  • What if you can’t find the right one?
  • What if they do it wrong?
  • What if they rip me off?
  • How can I trust someone else to look after MY business?

These are very legitimate concerns but it doesn’t have to be this way if you know what you’re looking for and you do your homework.

So, here are the Top 3 Things to consider BEFORE engaging a Virtual Assistant … Share on X

#1 … Professionalism

There are many Virtual Assistant out there with varying qualifications and experience, so how do you know which one to work with? Good question!

Professional Virtual Assistants run their own businesses just like you do, they work with you, not for you and are super skilled at what they do. They’ve spent time and energy on training and education and they want your business to succeed.

Sure, skills and experience will vary, so do your homework and due diligence. Research and ask around for referrals. Word of mouth is very powerful.

#2 … Budget

Can you afford to engage a Virtual Assistant or more importantly, can you afford NOT to do so? Share on X

If you’re spending time doing everything yourself, then it’s a no-brainer. Work out a budget but be realistic. An awesome Virtual Assistant will work with your budget or let you know what they can do to fit with it. Some work on hourly rates and some offer packages – these are based on value and outcomes rather than time keeping. This benefits everyone in the long run. Remember the rates will be higher than employing someone but there are also hidden costs with employment.

Hiring the cheapest Virtual Assistant may not get you the results that you want an may cost you more in the long run, so don’t go on price alone. It’s not worth the heartache.

#3 … Your Business Goals and Dreams

What are your short and long terms goals and dreams?

  • How will you achieve them?
  • What is your timeframe?
  • Who do you need to help you achieve them?

Depending on what your short or long terms goals and needs are will depend on what ‘type’ of Virtual Assistant you engage. If you just need to get stuff done now, then you may need to engage a generalist VA to help with day-to-day tasks, such as diary management, emails, travel, event management etc. but if your goal is to grow, then you may need someone more specialised to implement marketing strategies and processes to streamline your business.

Work out what you want done and find a Virtual Assistant that will fit into your needs. Share on X You may even need more than one and that’s totally fine too. 

 

Take the time to do your homework and don’t be afraid to let go and delegate. It’s the only way your business will grow.

Click here to schedule a free 30 minute Discovery Session with me.

3 Ways a Virtual Assistant Can Increase Your Efficiency

3 Ways a Virtual Assistant Can Increase Your Efficiency

by | 9 Jan 2017 | Outsourcing, Virtual Assistant, Virtual Business | 0 comments

Would you like to get 5 hours or more, back a week?

Research shows that on average businesses spend at least 10 to 15 hours a week on non-core, unbillable tasks. How amazing is that? So, if you’re earning say, $150 an hour, taking all day to do a particular task (and tearing your hair out while doing so) it makes sense to pay someone, like a Virtual Assistant, $50 an hour and they can do it half the time and with twice as much skill. It’s a no brainer!

Virtual Assistants not only save you time and money but they increase your productivity by improving your efficiency.

Here are the Top 3 Ways a Virtual Assistant Can Increase Your Efficiency Share on X


#1 … Setting Up Processes

How much time are you spending on everyday tasks? Do you ever wonder if there is an easier way of doing things? There are tons of programs available now that can help streamline and automate these everyday functions and a Virtual Assistant can help pin point these for you, set them up and get them working for you.

#2 … Social Media Management

We all know that social media can be and is very time consuming. Sure, you can do it yourself, it’s not rocket science but is it good use of your time? A Virtual Assistant can create and curate your content, schedule out your posts using programs such as Hootsuite, Buffer or Recurpost, just to name a few. They can also gather data and report on your social media effectiveness.

#3 … CRM Maintenance

Transform that pile of business cards by adding them to a centralised electronic Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) where you can track communications and potential earnings from clients. Awesome CRMs include Capsule, Insightly, 17Hats or the big gun, Infusionsoft. Most, if not all, integrate with email marketing programs and accounting packages, again streamlining and automating processes.

Release the admin, regain your time and focus on your core business activity. Share on X

 

What will you outsource to a Virtual Assistant to make your business more efficient? Would love to hear your suggestions – post them below … Ax