Laura Elliott - Smartpa Partner

What a wonderfully rewarding and inspiring day with this brilliant group of people, the Climate Change Coaches team of which I am VERY proud to be a part of.

In my world of remote working, days like today are a real treat! And yes the delicious lunch and cake was a serious bonus 😊

Looking forward to our next team day already!

My top 5 tips to becoming more organised and productive...

Tip3️⃣ is diary management

A big part of the support I offer is managing peoples diaries. I often find myself the gatekeeper of a clients diary, ensuring that they are kind to themselves with their schedules! Sometimes it is hard to say 'no' when a potential client or colleague is pushing for a time that works best for them but is not comfortable for you...I think we have all been there!

Even though you think you are being accommodating it often means that the 'you' that shows up to that call that means you haven't had time to eat or take 10 mins to decompress from one call to another, that is not beneficial to you or the person you will be having a call with.

So with that in mind here are a few ideas that can help you avoid a manic diary and a frazzled you!

🧱 Block out chunks of time in your diary at the start of the week/month for 'quiet working time' a day of back to back meetings is not productive and leaves you with an overwhelming work load that you cannot tackle, sadly this often leads to working evenings and missing out on vital rest and family time. Blocking that time out in advance makes it more likely that you will think twice about overbooking yourself.

🍵 Be sure to add a buffer in around appointments, even if this is 10-15 minutes it means you are not distracted on your current call worrying about being on time to the next one. It also gives you time for a comfort break and to tidy up any notes from that call. Tools like Calendly can really help with this.

🏳️‍🌈 Colour coding is a great way to see what you types of calls you have booked in at a glance. I juggle lots of clients so each of my clients has a colour, I also have a colour for any personal/family appointments or my own business appts. You could break your calls down to have a colour for Biz Dev, Clients, suppliers, team meetings etc. This can help you to limit having too many types of calls in one day so that you can spread your energy and impact across your business / work.

🚨Reminders are a great way to ensure you don't miss an important appointment, I often get fully immersed in a task and if my diary didn't flash up that I had a call in 15mins then I would be distracted doing my work, constantly checking the clock to make sure I was not late to a meeting. This also means that the person you are meeting is also getting that reminder and hopefully avoid wasting your valuable time.

Now this all seems pretty common sense, but I am constantly surprised by people I talk to, meet and support that none of this is in place, mainly because they simply haven't had the time to be organised and get their diary set up in a way that works for them.

If you need support with your diary or any other business admin then drop me a line or book a call with me to see if I can help ...

📨 [email protected]
📲 Book a call with me: https://buff.ly/482x0yU

Final day supporting The Retail Bridalwear Association at Harrogate Covention Centre.

They surprised me with some beautiful thank you flowers at the stand. I feel so lucky to work with such fab clients and being part the team!

My top 5 tips to becoming more organised...

Over the next few weeks I will share some of my favourite tips and tools to becoming organised and keeping overwhelm at bay!

Tip 1️⃣ is organising your email inbox.
Now some of these might seem obvious, but I regularly meet new clients where they simply haven't had the time or the inclination to get this set up. If you get some of these rules in place then future you will benefit...I promise!

We all know the saying (or variation of) 'tidy office, tidy mind' right?! Well this applies to your inbox too. Here are my tips to help you keep on top of your inbox and ensuring that all important lead has not been buried under all the promotional newsletters and meeting invites.

✖️Unsubscribe! If you don't read the promotional emails you receive and just delete them then please unsubscribe. Don't let FOMO take over. By doing this you can shrink your incoming mail significantly and make a big dent into taking back the control from your unruly inbox. You can always resubscribe at a later date if it becomes relevant to you.

📂 Create folders and rules. Just as you would with your digital filing system, have a place for everything and create rules to ensure your main inbox stays concise and visibility is only on the important emails that require your attention and action.

🚩 Flag and follow up - you can flag an email so that you know to come back to it as it require action. You can also add a follow up reminder to the flag so that you are promoted to look at it again after a certain period of time.

🏷️ Inbox labels and filters. set up a system so that unread emails are kept together, then starred/flagged emails are kept together etc. This means that at a glance you can see what needs your attention.

⏲️ Regular check in time. Put aside 10-15 mins daily in the morning and the afternoon to check your inbox and keep on top of your emails. Block that time off in your diary so that meetings aren't booked over that time. You might find that you are back to back in meetings so knowing you have that time set aside to deal with emails will help you maintain your focus in your meetings and stop you sending rushed unprofessional emails.

📖 Store your contacts. Add new contacts to your address book as you receive them, it is normally a quick right click over their email address and it is saved for future. No more trawling through old emails to find an email address, saving you valuable time to move onto your next task, or have that well earned coffee break!

There’s something freeing about simplifying and decluttering, so why not put some of these tips into action or even better hire a VA to take care of it for you, giving you back hours of valuable time to focus on your business. What seems like a tedious task to you is seriously satisfying to us admin addicts!

📨 [email protected]
📲 Book a call with me: https://buff.ly/44OsSAI

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Book a call with me today to find out how I can support you with your admin tasks:

➡️ Financial admin
➡️ Website maintenance
➡️ Digital filing
➡️ Event planning and delivery
➡️ Customer service
➡️ Scheduling support
➡️ Inbox management
➡️ Client onboarding
➡️ Online course admin

Book a call📲 https://buff.ly/44OsSAI
📨 [email protected]

👩🏼‍💻❔ What is a Virtual Assistant?

A common question I am asked, be it in a social environment or at a networking event, is "What do you do for work?" and when I answer "I have a VA business" it is often met with fairly blank expressions.

I am going to try and clear this up now and share with you why hiring a VA can be an amazing decision for you and your business.

As a , I work with solo-professionals and small businesses like coaches, associations, production companies and medical practices. I help them with all their administrative work - like updating their websites, financial admin, setting up and running their online courses, project/team management, plus SO much more.

🔀 I can seamlessly integrate into your business, bringing with me a wealth of admin knowledge, experience and all the up to date tech options to streamline your admin processes.

A common misconception is that remote support means that we are not as invested in your business, but this is simply not true. I build close connections with my clients and get a huge BUZZ out of being a part of their business. When they secure a new client or have a big WIN in their business I can be heard literally whooping with delight for them! I have found this is reciprocated and during our catch up calls we often start by sharing our good news with each other. In a remote world this is a wonderful and meaningful way to connect.

🤝A is not just someone to offload tedious admin tasks to, we can also become a valued part of your team and business. Hopefully, you will wonder what you did before you hired a VA.

📨 [email protected]
📲 https://calendly.com/laura-elliott-va/30min-connect

⌛ Do you struggle to switch off and take time out of the business?

I am very fortunate to work alongside clients who lead the way in role modelling self care through the way they choose to conduct their business.

One of the best ways to do this is to show it is OK to take a break, it is OK to prioritise well-being, self care and that elusive work/life balance. This is something I have historically struggled with, but this year I set a goal to be kinder to myself and boy has it been a gamechanger for me! My productivity has been impacted positively and I do not feel consistently burnt out.

With clear boundaries and communication the standard of service that I pride myself in delivering to clients does not suffer, in fact it is enhanced. I factor out an hour on certain days to take a class or go for a walk and this leaves me fresh, energised and ready to take on any business task that comes my way!

If you want to factor in some self care or take a break in the summer to focus on your family and well-being then hiring a VA can help you to achieve that. We can ensure that no lead goes unanswered and your financial admin is under control leaving you to and step back into work feeling revitalised with a fresh mindset, trust me everyone is a winner!

📨 [email protected]
📲 https://calendly.com/laura-elliott-va/30min-connect

SmartPA secures gold standard in training accreditation Edinburgh-based SmartPA's innovative course for virtual administration assistants received the top recognition from the Continuing Professional Development Standards Office (CPDSO). The sought-after certification is widely viewed as the highest standard of award to guarantee course quality.  Read o...

The Benefits of Business Outsourcing Examining the benefits of business process outsourcing (BPO) and showcasing SmartPA solutions designed to increase productivity.

Here at SmartPA, data security is at the forefront of our priorities.

This means all of our services are governed by strict compliance with the relevant security policies, and you can rest knowing your business is in the hands of trusted professionals.

Our team are accredited by SmartPA and understand the importance of client confidentiality, security and GDPR, and where additional confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements are required, SmartPA will always be happy to comply with customer specific needs.

With your mind at ease knowing your data security is under wraps, you can focus on what matters to you most.

Sometimes when you’re having a bad week you get reminded about the good people in the world! My wonderful client sent me these thoughtful gifts with a beautiful card! I am so grateful for my clients and how I get to be a part of their amazing businesses and team! 💕

So amazing to be surrounded by such wonderful women in my work and family.

empowered and supported me to take that leap to business owner and I have not looked back!

Today is the 1st day of February, have you reflected and have created ambitious plans for the month ahead?

“The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are.” J.P. Morgan

courtesy of yet another happy SmartPA client. Do you have a SmartPA? If not, why not?! 🤔

If your current admin set-up is holding you back, speak to us to today and we’ll show you what a ‘truly transformational’ impact SmartPA could have on your business 💥

Wouldn’t be where I am today with out the support of all the amazing people at SmartPA 🙏🏻

As today is Entrepreneur’s Day, we’re saluting and celebrating entrepreneurs everywhere 👏

It takes guts to start a business. And it takes the right support to help it grow 🌱

We’re proud to have supported thousands of businesses through our range of admin services, freeing up their time and enabling them to concentrate on bringing their entrepreneurial vision to life 👩‍💻

Very proud of my client Tadworth Foot Clinic for their fantastic fundraiser!

Thank you so much to all of you who came along to support our fundraiser for MacMillan Cancer Support!

It was a fantastic morning and lots of yummy cakes were enjoyed and prizes won. If you were a lucky winner in the raffle then you will be contacted by reception and there is a list of winners displayed in reception.
​
We are DELIGHTED to announce that we raised a whopping £620.10!!

We will match that amount as promised and that gives us a grand total of £1240.20. A fantastic donation for such a worthy cause.

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

I spent this afternoon setting up the stand for my fabulous Client Retail Bridalwear Association! Exhibiting for them in Harrogate Convention centre for the next 3 days!

SmartPA do not just offer remote working support but are also happy to help on-site when required.

[email protected]

If you need any extra support then please get in touch to hear more on how I can help you gain some valuable time back!

[email protected]

How SmartPA can help you achieve your potential...

Do you often find yourself juggling your personal admin workload while also trying to fit in the projects you want to do? It doesn't have to be like this. Delegate your admin tasks to our virtual assistants and free up valuable time to focus on what you do best.

Learn more about SmartPA: https://hubs.li/H0WKJ5g0

Staying on top of important emails and client appointments can be a huge time drain, with workers spending 14 hours a week managing their inbox.

As providers of professional and reliable administration support, SmartPA can help your business stay on track.

Our services include:
• Call handling
• Document production
• Transcription and typing
• Travel Management
• Data analysis
• CRM management

Contact us to talk through your requirements: https://hubs.li/H0P942n0

Digital communication is central to what we do, offering virtual PA and admin support to over 5,000 clients globally. The challenges presented by the pandemic have only highlighted the requirement for this type of support and we are delighted to be at the forefront of this transformation.

Very proud to be supporting this valuable organisation!

Today's Salisbury Journal has more details about our discussions with John Glen MP and Councillor candidate Cllr Pauline Church - Working for Wilton, Quidhampton & Netherhampton about the latest developments at Entrain Space - we will post a link to the online article when it's released!

5 Tips For Working From Home If you’re working from home, we’ve put 5 tips together to keep you motivated and positive.

Meet Scott Moore, SmartPA's new Junior Graphic Designer.

We're delighted to be investing in such a vital and thriving aspect of our business. Scott will be driving our global brand forward and will be an essential part of our future growth.

We're thrilled to have Scott onboard, watch this space!

Interesting read...

Innovation and Adaptation | COVID-19 Report This report will offer an overview of several industries & sectors, and the innovations to have emerged from each one as a result of COVID-19.

Some great tips...

10 Quick Tips for The Time Poor Are your impending deadlines giving you a feeling of dread? Read our quick tips for the time poor and start making sure you and your team hit those deadlines.

Is your diary for the week all over the place? Wasted time ahead or no time to breathe?

SmartPA can help with your calendar management. Here's our tips on how to make your schedule work better for you.

https://hubs.li/H0GB4K90

7 Diary Management Skills for Busy Entrepreneurs We have collected 7 of the best diary management skills to help busy entrepreneurs.

5 Ways to Boost Your Business in 2021 Make 2021 your company’s best year yet – find out how to transform your business efforts with SmartPA.

Businesses must adapt or die to the post-Covid possibilities When choosing an Outsourcing partner, it’s important that their values match yours to be truly integrated and work effectively.

51 Essentials for Small Businesses Managing a small business can be hard but there are a plethora of support solutions available. Read our definitive list of 51 essentials.

Business Trends You Can’t Afford to Ignore in 2021 Remote working, changes to organisational culture, and e-commerce and social media evolution are among the key business and marketing trends for 2021.