Support North Devon Employment and Skills Board's campaign to create 101 Apprenticeships by attending its Apprenticeship event on Tuesday, 8 February 2011 at The Barnstaple Hotel from 9am to 12pm.
The event is supported by the National Apprenticeship Service, North Devon+ and the North Devon Journal.
Meet employers, apprentices, support organisations and network with exhibitors and attendees.
To register call 01237 426426
Stacey Pledge of B My Office in Barnstaple untangles the spaghetti of this alternative to employment
As the government's announcements of cutbacks keep coming thick and fast in a bid to manage the country's financial deficit, people running businesses are preparing for leaner times ahead. Many are looking to find ways of improving efficiency to help them weather the impending storm.
If someone in business is disorganised and not getting good value from their staff or suppliers, it can feel like an uphill struggle. Outsourcing tasks to a virtual business coordinator can offer many small businesses a suitable alternative to employing staff.
But what is a virtual business coordinator? What can they do for you? And what can't they do that an employee can?
What is a VBC?
A VBC is an experienced and qualified business owner who does the same work as a secretary, personal assistant, office administrator and project coordinator combined. VBCs utilise technology, their skills and their network of professional contacts to meet the needs of their clients.
Most VBCs offer a variety of services including:
> general administration
> database and web site development
> graphic design
> presentation preparation
> telephone answering
> credit control
> bookkeeping
> transcriptions
> and more
The Good
> No need to spend time and money on training new staff.
> No need to purchase extra office equipment (computers, software, office space).
> Business only pays for the work a VBC actually does.
> No need to worry about paying a member of staff sitting idle on a quiet day.
> No need to worry about sickness, payroll, holiday, lost days and related paperwork/red tape.
> VBCs keep themselves up to date with the latest technologies and cost-saving services so they can pass on any savings to the businesses with which they work.
The Bad and the Ugly
> VBCs often charge a higher hourly rate compared with the cost of an employee.
> They may not know the business as well as a trained employee. An employee is dedicated solely to the business and can work in-house.
> Some VBCs may not work the same hours your business operates.
> Many VBCs work from their own office and cannot provide a daily face-to-face presence.
> Possible personality clashes between current employees and VBCs.
> The virtual business coordinator may be unable to undertake all the tasks required if they don't have the skills relevant to your business needs.
The Showdown
What is most important above everything else is that a business is actively reviewing its business processes and plans, and looking to reduce costs and increase productivity.
The benefits of focusing on these areas and making positive decisions strengthen a business and make it more likely to succeed than one that remains static.
"When I start out to find somebody . . . I find him. That's why they pay me."
A line from the film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, a statement that represents a good virtual business coordinator.
However, I would alter it to:
"When we start out to support a growing business . . . we get things done. That's why they pay us."
BUSINESS ACTION
> List what you want to outsource and clear reasons for doing it.
> Research potential virtual business coordinators, get referrals, talk to their clients, request work samples.
> Ask for a free consultation – most will offer this option.
> Consider both options of employing staff and hiring a virtual business coordinator, choosing what is right for you.
Stacey Pledge
t: 01271 344545
e: stacey@bmyoffice.com
w: bmyoffice.com
Social media is the latest buzz word, but many businesses are using it as an effective communications and marketing tool.
This interactive North Devon Business Alliance taster session demonstrates how to get started on twitter and facebook to:
The session will be run by Kevin Woodward (@llamakevin) and Robert Zarywacz (@robertz), two of the most experienced online networkers and social media users in North Devon.
To get the best value, you will be invited to register twitter and facebook accounts in advance. You are welcome to bring your wireless laptop along to participate live in online discussion (although not essential).
Participant numbers will be limited to 12. Cost is £5 for NDBA members, £10 for non-members.
Please call 0333 044 2038 or email info@ndba.org.uk
Download Introduction to Social Media flyer.
The session will be hosted by Graham Lofthouse (@glofthouse) at Devonshire Asset Management, 16 Silver Street, Barnstaple, EX32 8HR.
Visit ndba.org.uk
Follow northdevon on twitter and NDevonbusiness on facebook
A TweetUp is an impromptu gathering of twitter users in a public place.
There's no meeting, no agenda, just the opportunity to meet people.
You don't have to stay the whole time, but can pop in when you want.
It's not limited to business people, but any twitter user or, in fact, anyone is welcome.
All businesses operate in the community so perhaps, as well as enjoying ourselves, we'll meet prospective clients, suppliers, employees or associates.
It's social networking and a chance to put a face to an email or avatar.
A number of North Devon Business Alliance Business members will be there to talk business, leisure or whatever.
Hope to see you there . . .
Follow the #tweetupnd hashtag on twitter for news of this and other events and follow @northdevon.
