Crantara Office Assistance

October 27, 2011

OUTSOURCE TO OUTPERFORM

Filed under: Business,Office Assistance Vernon,Real Estate Assistant,virtual assistant — Tags: , , — admin @ 2:51 pm

How much of your time is taken up by activities that don’t bring in new business, create a new product or service, or find new customers?

If you’ve answered “a lot”, then it might be time to offload some of your tasks so you can concentrate on doing what you do best.

How do you know what to delegate? To help determine what’s taking up a majority of your time:

• List the tasks you do that do not increase your income.
• List the tasks you absolutely dislike doing.
• List the tasks you don’t know how to do at all.
• List the tasks you don’t do very well.
• List tasks you know you need to do but haven’t even begun yet.
• Are there tasks on your to-do list that never get done?

As a busy entrepreneur, here is a list of the top 7 tasks you might like to outsource:

1. Create your e-newsletters & e-blitz
2. Data-base maintenance
3. Power Point presentations
4. Marketing support
5. Website maintenance
6. Word processing
7. Data entry

Being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean you need to do it all. You may just find that delegating day-to-day tasks will provide you with more flexibility and enable you to focus on what you do best to grow your business and income….and still have a personal life.

March 29, 2011

10 Ways to Spring Clean Your Business

Filed under: Business,Office Assistance Vernon — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 9:11 pm

“March bustles in on windy feet
And sweeps my doorstep and my street.
She washes and cleans with pounding rains,
Scrubbing the earth of winter stains.
She shakes the grime from carpet green
Till naught but fresh new blades are seen.
Then, house in order, all neat as a pin,
She ushers gentle springtime in.”
- Susan Reiner, Spring Cleaning

Spring is here and brings a welcome opportunity to wash away the winter blues and refresh your office and attitude. Spring cleaning is a great way to get motivated. Studies show that the motivational power of clearing up clutter and getting organized is enormous.
When the material rubbish of the house is cleared away, the rubbish of the mind tends to follow and allows new thoughts and energy to come in.
So breathe new life and energy into your office with these 10 ways to Spring Clean Your Business:
1. File the piles of paper cluttering your office
2. Clean/up organize your computer files
3. Freshen up your business card, website and other marketing materials
4. Unsubscribe from anything you no longer read
5. Schedule a meeting with a colleague to explore a collaborative effort
6. Upgrade your software
7. Review and update your list of products and services
8. Update your portfolio
9. Ask for client testimonials
10. Review and update your social networking profiles

January 20, 2011

Now is the time to hire a Virtual Assistant

Filed under: Business,Office Assistance Vernon,Real Estate Assistant,Realtor Office Assistant,virtual assistant — admin @ 5:06 pm

Crantara Office Assistance

‘Tis the planning season for 2011, and time to think about what you can do to better your business this year. It might mean adding new produces or services, or lowering costs and overhead.
In these economically challenging times most businesses are looking for ways to not only decrease costs, but increase productivity and profits without added stress.

One of the easiest ways in which to do this is by hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA). Not only will they work for you and/or with you, but also hiring a VA can help to lower business costs & overhead. A two for one deal! It’s a practical solution to your office overload.
Would you like someone to:
* replace a full time/part time employee but be there whenever you need help?
* maintain your website on a regular basis
* keep you in touch with your clients through regular e-newsletters, e-blasts, or listings stats reports
* create your flyers or brochures
* format documents
* take conference call meeting minutes

Well, you get the picture. A VA can do all that without sick days, no vacation pay or benefits package. And you only pay for the time worked. Just think of how much money, time and effort can be saved!
So by investing in a VA you’re investing in yourself and your business, so you can focus on your highest value activities that will increase your efficiency, productivity and ultimately…your bank account.

Now is the time to hire a virtual assistant and kick start your New Year!

December 30, 2010

Power-Up Your New Year’s Resolutions with 5 Daily Power Questions

Filed under: Business — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin @ 11:10 am

When you think of New Year’s resolutions, you probably think of the usual health, exercise, fitness, and maybe money goals. But it’s also a great time to reflect on how far you’ve come this year and what you’ve accomplished. It’s so easy to be forward focused that sometimes we don’t take enough time to pat ourselves on the back and recognize successes.
Whether or not you’ve made a list of New Years resolutions, take some time each day to chronicle your day. Too often people get sidetracked or bogged down by challenges and keeping a journal is a way of staying on track and maintaining perspective.
Did you learn something new, close a deal, set a new goal, talk to a friend, tell someone you loved them, realize a goal, make someone laugh or have an incredible success today?
These 5 power questions to ask yourself daily will help you recognize tomorrow’s opportunities:
1. What have I given today?
2. What have I done today that’s made a difference?
3. What did I learn today?
4. What could I have done differently today?
5. How can I use today as an investment in my/our future?
When you take the time and effort to work through the questions it creates the attitude of gratitude which greatly improves your chances of achieving the success that you desire.
And in a year from now, as you review your journal of accomplishments, recognize that you are remarkable, resilient and capable of realizing all of your dreams.
We wish you an exciting and successful New Year.
And we are here to help you every step of the way!

October 29, 2010

My Thoughts on Changin’ Times for Realtors

Filed under: Real Estate Assistant,Realtor Office Assistant,virtual assistant — Tags: , , , , — admin @ 12:18 pm

The other night I was watching the news regarding the ‘new’ CREA ruling. In the news report, it sounded as if the public was going to be able to list their own homes on the MLS system without the help of professional real estate agents. You and I know this is not true but the general public doesn’t and I believe there will be requests from those wishing to sell their homes and to have them put on MLS but want to basically sell their home without having to pay the big commission. In my mind, this offers an opportunity. It gives that edge into the FSBO market.
It makes me wonder, when I hear that realtors only want to offer a full service to their clients, what is full service? So many caring realtors operate under a very high level of honesty and integrity. To whom the well-being of their client is paramount. They want to walk their clients through the maze of real estate transfer without a glitch so their clients can feel comfortable in dealing with a professional in this sometimes danger-ridden transaction. There are those clients who will always want the ‘full meal deal’. However, the reality is, there are also those clients who feel perfectly comfortable doing it themselves. As a real estate professional, isn’t it your place to help this type of seller as well? This is where I think the ‘full service menu’ can come into play.
How many listings have you had that haven’t sold no matter how much advertising money you threw at it? The listing lapsed and your investment went down the drain. Here is a chance to list on an upfront flat fee basis. For one flat fee, you will put a listing on MLS and provide one sign. For a different flat fee, you will upload the listing, provide a sign and negotiate and for another you will provide the full service as you always have. In whatever format you decide, think in terms of pinpointing the specific needs of your client. Be flexible.
For one thing it provides you with an opportunity to list, and as we all know, that’s how you make a lot of your connections with buyers, and, if they will provide a decent selling commission, you can make the commission at the other end. If it doesn’t sell, your investment is covered.
This could be the perfect alternative to those clients who insist on listing their homes at a higher than recommended price. In the past, the realtor footed the bill for the bad judgement or rose coloured glasses of the client. Today, this can be offered as a flat fee and if after the initial trial period, they want to change, a listing amendment can change the commission structure, taking the flat fee into consideration, along with the price. In the meantime, your initial costs for the listing have been covered. What a concept! Actually getting paid for a listing!
What are your thoughts?
Joni Anderson
Crantara Office Assistance

September 21, 2010

Teamwork Works!

Filed under: Office Assistance Vernon,Real Estate Assistant,Realtor Office Assistant,virtual assistant — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 2:25 pm

I recently competed in the Ironman Triathlon.

Consisting of a 4K swim , 180k bike and 42k run, it is the ultimate triathlon and test of planning, training and endurance. Propelling my body a total of 216km in less than the allotted 17 hrs was a roller-coaster of highs and not-so-highs, but running across the finish line was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life.

Unlike the serious but fun days of training, race day is a solitary experience, and while I was sweating it out on the course I had a lot of time by myself to think. As I was reviewing my training plan up to that point, it was obvious to me that my success in completing this competition was largely due to the support of the people around me. And it occurred to me that it’s the same way in business. Business success depends on the team of people who help and support you along the way – no matter what the weather.

When I first signed up for Ironman there were those that said “ya gotta be nuts to do that”. And the same thing happened when my business partner & I decided to go into business for ourselves – “what? in this economy? ya gotta be nuts!”
In each case, I did the research to find and surround myself with a team who could help to create the elements of a training plan and streamline the process to a happy outcome.
Hiring a coach relieved me of the mystery and stress of creating a training plan, therefore making it easy to flow from one day/week/month into the next. She created the training workouts and coached me through a year of swimming, biking and running, plus gave me guidance on nutrition and made sure I stuck to a healthy eating regime. The local bike store provided me with a professional bike set-up and fitting as well as regular maintenance. And then there were all those wonderful friends and acquaintances who’s words and acts of kindness went a long way in keeping the spirit motivated.
This team provided me with the support and freedom to accomplish my goal of crossing the finish line without injury and in control of my destiny.

Being in business is an endurance sport, and as a business owner having the support of a team is critical. Who are the members of your team? Who feeds your mental & business nutrition? Who assists you with your administrative & marketing tasks so you’re free to concentrate on the big picture? Who keeps your wheels turning? Who’s in your cheering squad?
By creating your own team you will:
 Have more time and energy for the work you love
 Have more focus without being distracted or overwhelmed by work you don’t care for
 Be more productive and effective in accomplishing your goals
 Have less stress. When you are getting things done your creativity, happiness and energy levels will increase.
 Gain more control over your business. By delegating and relieving yourself of work you shouldn’t or don’t want to be doing, you will be more in control to focus on your vision.
 Create a strong foundation for continued business growth.
 Increase profits. All these benefits together are key ingredients for generating more income.

Take some time today to think about your team. Go from struggling by yourself to the enjoyment of getting things done and having more success.

Let Crantara Office Assistance be part of your team so you can experience the thrill of success. Do what you do best, and let us do the rest.

August 17, 2010

Top 10 signs you might need a Virtual Assistant

Filed under: Business — Tags: , , — admin @ 3:53 pm

Are you a business owner who is trying to do it all yourself?
Like most business owner’s you’re probably trying to do everything possible to make the most $$money, AND be available to your clients when they need you, AND still have time to enjoy with your family and friends.
We know you are working hard to balance your personal and business life without burning out, so how can you spend the time growing your business, generating revenue and still maintain quality service to your clients? In order for that to happen you probably have a never-ending list of things to get done, but find there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish it all.
Here are the top 10 signs you might need a Virtual Assistant
1. You haven’t sent out your “monthly” newsletter in several months
2. You often work evenings and/or weekends to stay on top of things.
3. You haven’t updated your website in ages.
4. You’ve missed out on opportunities because you haven’t had time to follow up.
5. You have lots of great ideas, but don’t have the skills, software or time to carry
them out.
6. You have unfinished projects
7. Your desk looks like a bomb went off
8. You waste a lot of time multi-tasking
9. You’re too tired to spend quality time with friends and family
10. You think you can’t afford an assistant

But hiring a virtual assistant might be the best thing you could do for you and your business. After all you pay ONLY for the time a Virtual Assistant works for YOU. A Virtual Assistant is also a small business owner who is 100% responsible in assuming all tax obligations for their income. You do not have to pay for vacation, sick days, holidays and provide other benefits. In addition, when you hire a VA, they provide their own computer, software and office equipment, so you do not need to be burdened with these expenses. The only thing you pay is for their hourly charge or retainer.

Give us a call to see how we can help you with your business goals.

March 11, 2010

If you have an extra 15 minutes…….

Filed under: Business — admin @ 4:24 pm

In the course of your workday have you ever found yourself with an extra 15 minutes to spare?

Someone postpones a meeting, something gets put on the back burner, you’re waiting for someone to show up, or you simply can’t leave work early and need to fill in some time?

Instead of frittering it away, why not use the time to do a few simple things that may not only benefit yourself, but benefit those around you – your team, your clients, your friends, your family, your business.

Here’s my list.  Feel free to steal from it, share it or add to it:

  •  Make a referral
  • Send a quick “Hi!  How are you?” email to an old client
  • Give someone a compliment
  • Empty the wastebasket
  • Make a healthier choice at the vending machine or coffee shop
  • Make the next pot of coffee in the office
  • Order a new business book for your library
  • Register for a fitness class
  • Register for that workshop you wanted to take
  • Twitter something
  • Learn something new about one of your computer programs
  • Make an appointment for a haircut, spa treatment, or massage
  • Make an appointment for a car service
  • Write a list of blog topics to write about
  • Start a new blog post
  • Investigate a new website or technology that might or might not impact your work
  • Volunteer to help with a community fundraiser
  • Reply to the 3 oldest emails in your inbox
  • Ask someone’s advice
  • Share something you’ve learned with a co-worker
  • Take off your shoes and enjoy the carpet under your feet
  • Mail someone a thank you note

 These are just a few things that popped into my head. What can you do in 15 minutes that might improve your day, or that of someone you know?

February 9, 2010

Delegate. Change your business, change your life.

Filed under: Business — Tags: , — admin @ 11:57 am

Are you a business owner who is trying to do it all yourself?

Like most business owner’s you’re probably trying to do everything possible to make the most $$money, AND be available to your clients when they need you, AND still have time to enjoy with your family and friends.

We know you are working hard to balance your personal and business life without burning out, so how can you spend the time growing your business, generating revenue and still maintain quality service to your clients?  In order for that to happen you probably have a never-ending list of things to get done, but find there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish it all.

By outsourcing part of your to do list to Crantara Office Assistance, the benefits can greatly outweigh the cost.

For instance, if your time is worth $75.00 / hr, and you spend 4 hours a week on non-revenue-generating tasks, you’re potentially giving up $300.00 per week in potential income… or $1,200.00 a month…..or $14,400 a year.  

 $75.00 / hr

X 4 hrs/ wk

 $300.00 / wk

$1,200,00 / month

$14,400.00 / year

So by trying to do all those small administrative tasks yourself, you could potentially be leaving thousands of dollars on the table each month.  Wouldn’t you rather have that money in your pocket?

Now, imagine you have an assistant for $30.00 an hour to tackle those 4 hours of non-revenue-generating tasks every week, or month, or whenever you need it.   Your cost would be:

 $30.00/hour

X 4 hrs

$120.00 / week or month, or whenever you need it

Just think of how much you’ll actually be saving! 

At Crantara Office Assistance we can help you maintain your client contacts with e-blitz’s and e-newsletters, send out follow-up mail, update your website, or handle other system-based tasks.

By investing in a partnership with Crantara Office Assistance you are investing in yourself and the growth of your business.

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