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Case Study - Consultant - Jules Harrison-Annear

Jules, Founder of JHA Consulting and Humans at Work was looking for a way to bring increased efficiency to her business operations. Struggling with managing administrative tasks and wanting to focus on her strengths, Jules hired a Strictly Savvy virtual assistant.  Jules recognised her strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging the need for assistance in areas where she lacked expertise or found tasks mundane. By engaging a virtual assistant, Jules handed over tasks that weren't her forte...

5 Reasons You Should Be Tracking Your Time at Work

Are you tracking your time at work to make sure you're getting the most out of your day? If not, then you should really start doing it!Time tracking at work can be incredibly beneficial to your career, as well as your overall life....

Embracing Your Uniqueness At Work with Jules Harrison-Annear

On episode 20 of the Get Savvy podcast we're very lucky to be joined by Jules, owner of both JHA Consulting and Humans at Work.Jules shares insights into the world of JHA Consulting, a boutique management consulting company. She shares her unique approach of using nature-based models to support organisations in becoming more sustainable and impactful.Jules also discusses Humans at Work, a globally focused platform that features a podcast, blogs, and online learning courses. The Humans at Work po...

How Do I Use a Virtual Assistant To Scale My Business?

Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) is a no-brainer for many businesses. They're flexible and can easily adapt to your business needs, whether that means working more or less hours each week.More and more companies are turning to VAs as a low-risk way to handle tasks like admin, bookkeeping and creative work. One of the key reasons being is that you can scale their service up or down as needed. Unlike hiring an employee, you don't have to worry about the headache of HR regulations when hours need to...

Why Should I Include Testimonials On My Website?

Adding testimonials to your website is a small change that can make a big impact. Not only do they add credibility to your business, but they can also help you rank higher in search results and convert more visitors into paying customers. ...

The Power of Time Blocking: How to Schedule Your Time for Maximum Productivity

As our lives get busier, finding ways to optimise our time and increase productivity has become more and more important.  One really effective and easy method for making the most of your day is time blocking. By allocating specific time slots for different tasks, you can streamline your workday and improve focus.  In episode 19 of the Get Savvy podcast, Teesha and Jo explore time blocking, its benefits, and how it can transform the way you manage your time. Whether you c...

What If I Don't Get Along With My Virtual Assistant?

What happens if you hire a VA, start working with them, and then find that you don’t get along, or things aren’t working out?  As with any new member of your team, this is always a possibility. There’s a few things you can do during the hiring process to avoid this, like:   ...

How Long Will It Take a Virtual Assistant To Get To Know My Business?

Virtual assistants have become a popular choice for businesses to delegate tasks, manage projects, and streamline operations. They're cost-effective, efficient, and provide businesses with flexibility in hiring skilled professionals.  However, a common question that arises when businesses consider hiring virtual assistants is, "How long will it take a virtual assistant to get to know my business?" The answer to this question isn't straightforward, because it can vary depending on ...

Who is a Virtual Assistant Not a Good Fit For?

But, we get it - a VA isn't for everyone. Let's check out some reasons why a VA might not be the right fit for you. ...

Micromanager: Who, Me? Yes, You!

Have you noticed a decline in team motivation?It's time for a closer look at your management style and a little exploration into the world of micromanagement.Micromanagement has a way of sneaking into our lives without us even realising it. When stress hits, we might unintentionally take control of every detail in our business.We want things to run smoothly, but unknowingly, we end up stifling our team's autonomy and decision-making abilities.When we micromanage, we unintentionally erode the tru...

Why Do I Need A Bookkeeper?

That being said, these tasks can often eat up an unbelievable amount of time that could be better spent growing and managing your business....

How a Business Coach Would Use a Virtual Assistant

As a busy business coach, you likely have clients booked out months in advance. It's time consuming to manage this process with contacting clients, juggling calendars and aligning times and dates. There's much better ways that you could be spending your time, and this is where a VA comes in to take diary management off your plate. You still get the benefit of a human touch managing your calendar, without the hassle of dealing with it yourself. ...

What is a virtual assistant?

To put it simply, a virtual assistant is somebody who completes tasks for you remotely. Think of them as your side kick, executive assistant, personal assistant, accounts person or office assistant that carries out all the tasks required in their role, without being physically based in your office. They’re your go-to person to free up your time by taking things off your to-do list. ...

Two Painfully Easy Issues To Fix Forever

In episode 16 of the Get Savvy podcast, Teesha and Jo discuss two major pain points that drive many business owners insane: password storage and contact storage. If you're guilty of mishandling these, you need to hear this!...

What Are The Risks Of Hiring A Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant is an external team member, essentially a type of contractor, that is being given access to important information within your business. Things like email logins, Xero access, payroll information, and maybe even contracts and confidential documents. So how do you make sure that your data stays safe? We cover the 5 key questions you should be asking your virtual assistant in this blog. ...

Balancing Automation With The Human Touch

On episode 15 of the Get Savvy podcast we're talking about finding the perfect balance between human touch and automation in business. With AI tools and automation technologies growing rapidly, it's crucial to figure out how to blend them seamlessly into your business.What's the Deal with Automation?Automation is all about using technology to perform tasks without needing human intervention. This includes AI tools like ChatGPT, and apps or websites like Zapier that automate processes or integrat...

Our Top Tips For Using a Virtual Assistant

A VA can be a game-changer for busy business owners who need help getting things off their to-do lists.  But how do you ensure a smooth and successful working relationship with your virtual assistant?  Here are six tips to keep in mind:  ...

Equality vs Equity in the Workplace with Cathy Sheppard

On Episode 14 of the Get Savvy Podcast, we're joined by a very special guest, Cathy from BSI People Skills. Cathy is the CEO and Founder of BSI People Skills, a leadership coaching organisation that helps businesses understand their people through the power of tools such as Everything DiSC personality profiles. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, both nationally and internationally, Cathy's expertise transcends cultural bounds, making her an expert in people and their relationships. ...

Optimise Your Time By Learning To Delegate On The Run

That's where our easy delegation tip comes in.  Picture this: you're rushing between meetings, phone in hand, trying to remember everything you need to delegate to your virtual assistant. Sounds stressful, right?  But with a messaging app like WhatsApp, you can delegate tasks with just a few taps of your finger and get them out of your head, fast! No more scrambling for a pen and paper, or frantically typing out an email.  Just hit the voice record button, and ...

The Anatomy of a Perfect Website with Anesha Ralston

They can help identify issues with your website's functionality, user journey, and design, allowing you to make the necessary changes to improve its performance. During website audits, common mistakes that businesses make can impact the effectiveness of their website. In this blog post and podcast episode, we'll discuss some of the most common mistakes found during website audits and offer tips on how to fix them, leaving you with a perfect website! ...

Avoid embarrassing email mistakes with these 8 tips

Whether you're writing to a colleague, a hiring manager, or a client, it's important to strike the right tone and use appropriate language and greetings that fit your audience.  Keep these tips in mind before you hit send to avoid awkward email misunderstandings: ...

5 Tips For a Successful Work-Life Blend

The term "work-life balance" has become a buzzword, but we prefer to use the term "work-life blend."  As a business owner, your work and life are not entirely separate entities, but rather, your work is just one aspect of your life.  The concept of work-life blend is all about finding a way to integrate your work and personal life in a way that reflects your love for your work and your business, while still having a life outside of work that fulfills you. Next we’ll outline five...

Forget Using A Virtual Assistant, Do This Instead!

If so, we have some advice that might surprise you! First things first: make a list of all the tasks you do regularly. We're talking daily, weekly, monthly, and beyond. Seeing everything laid out in front of you can help you identify what takes up the most time and what can be delegated to a VA. But here's the twist: before you hand everything over to your VA, ask yourself if any of these tasks can be automated. There's some pretty clever tools and apps out there that can take care of certain t...

From Office to Online: Navigating the Pros and Cons of Remote Teams

Remote work has become a more accessible option than ever before, thanks in large part to the pandemic. This has led many businesses to consider whether to adopt a remote team or invest in leasing an office. While remote work offers businesses the opportunity to reduce overhead costs and provides employees with flexibility, it also comes with challenges such as communication, employee well-being, and monitoring employee progress. One of the major benefits of remote work is that it allows busine...

Is this the business gamechanger you've been searching for?

And how many fewer questions would you receive? You might think an operations manual could solve this problem, but unfortunately, they quickly become outdated. So, what's the solution?Consider creating an internal website - an intranet - using Google Sites. ...