WinWeb

Small Business Blogging Tips

April 19, 2010

If you own a small business website, one of your main priorities is likely to be driving more traffic towards it. There are various ways of doing this, with the most popular being SEO (search engine optimisation). This involves changing your website so that search engines are better equipped to send the right people to pay you a visit.

SEO is vital if you want to see a big increase in the amount of traffic you receive. However, without regular updates and interesting content you will not receive any repeat visitors to your website. This means you will only get one chance to sell to them, compared to multiple opportunities if they become a frequent reader

If you plan on doing SEO, it is advisable to also start a blog for your business. A blog can help increase your traffic in a number of ways. Not only will people find your website more easily because of the topics that you are talking about, they can also comment on them with their own observations or link to your post using trackbacks. They can subscribe to your blog via RSS (Really Simple Syndication) so that they know when you update it, or they might choose to share a link to your content on social networking websites like Facebook or Twitter.

Despite the attraction of improved search engine visibility, the potential of reaching new customers and the ability to engage with your existing customer base, very few small businesses actually choose to do any blogging. The most common excuse is a reluctance to write content because of a lack of writing experience or insufficient time.

The truth is that maintaining a blog for your small business is not very time consuming. Try to spare an hour or so per week adding content to your website and you will soon start to see results. If you are having trouble writing posts, come up with a title first and build the article around it. Make bullet point lists of what you want to cover in the article so that you don’t lose track. Above all, try to show off the human face of your business.

How we can help…

WinWeb.com knows that driving traffic to your small business website can be difficult. This is why we provide the following services:

SEO Service – WinWeb.com offer an SEO service to help your small business website reach as many potential customers as possible. Let us to help your business reach as many people as possible.

Online PR – Get people online talking about your business. We will release, or even write, press releases specifically targeted to your small business demographic and then submit them across the web. Increase your online visibility and get people talking about your business.

If you need further information about any of our products or services, or would like to find out more about how blogging can help you small business, just contact us today with no obligation.

Leave Your Bookkeeping To The Professionals!

April 13, 2010

Bookkeeping is a vital part of the daily running of every small business. Unfortunately, it is also one of the least enjoyable aspects of running a business. Keep reading to find out how WinWeb.com offer Business Support Services can help make your life easier.

Once small businesses begin to achieve success, the first employee that many are forced to hire usually must have bookkeeping skills. This is because many small business owners lack the time or skills required to carry out this necessary task.

The problem with hiring someone to deal with your books (even if only on a part-time basis) is that you will now have to pay someone a salary and deal with their holidays and sick leave. This creates even more administrative tasks and paperwork – plus you will still have to pay them the same amount even if you have less work than usual for them to do.

Despite this, some small business owners are still reluctant to outsource their bookkeeping requirements because they feel that they would lose control. With our Business Support Services, small businesses can easily see what is happening with their bookkeeping because they have access to the same accounting system that our team are using. This gives them peace of mind and allows more time to get on with the important business of making money!

How we can help…

WinWeb.com doesn’t want small businesses to waste any more time than they have to on bookkeeping. This is why we provide the following services:

Bookkeeping Software – WinWeb.com offers accessible bookkeeping software at affordable prices for small businesses. Get on top of your small business finances, quickly and easily, without the need for an accountant.

Bookkeeping Service – Get someone else to do your bookkeeping for you! Our Business Support Services allow you to choose the services you need, as and when you need them.

To find out more about our bookkeeping software, or to discuss our Business Support Services, just contact us today for a no obligation quote.

Email Marketing for Small Businesses

April 3, 2010

Many small businesses want to take advantage of the numerous benefits provided by email marketing, but very few are actually able to run a campaign that is successful. Email marketing is different to traditional methods of advertising and is often done very poorly by people who have a lack of understanding about how it should be done.

A crucial part of email marketing is following the established etiquette and not offending or irritating people by sending them messages that they do not want. All email marketing is now permission based and it is illegal to send unsolicited messages to people who have not opted in to receive them. Doing this will also give your business a bad reputation for sending out ’spam’.

Permission is not actually too difficult for your business to get, as long as you are prepared to offer something in return. This doesn’t often even have to be anything of significant value – a coupon or discount will usually suffice and make them opt-in. You will then be allowed to to include them in your email marketing database.

Make sure that you have compiled a large list of interested parties before launching your email marketing campaign. Encourage feedback from the people receiving your messages so that you can find out whether or not it is working.

If used effectively, email marketing can open up new revenue streams, and help your small business to retain customers. Be creative, and give it a go!

How we can help…

WinWeb.com knows that it can be difficult to conduct a successful email marketing campaign This is why we provide the following services:

Email Marketing - WinWeb provide a completely white-labelled email marketing system, allowing you company to contact its customers exactly when you need to, keeping your brand in the front of your customers’ minds.

Address Book – Keep a detailed database of all the contacts you have made, making sure that you never lose details or actions associated with a client again.

To find out just how beneficial our Email Marketing system could be for your small business, try our software free for 30 days or contact us for more information.

Plan Your Way To Success

March 20, 2010

Starting a business without a plan is a lot like setting off on a long journey to an unknown place without any sort of guidance to your destination. You will need an awful lot of luck to get there safely. This is why it is crucial for any business to have a plan in place right from the start.

An important part of any plan is conducting thorough research. You should perform an analysis of the market that you plan on entering. This will give you a better understanding of whether or not you should actually be entering it in the first place. Find out whether your product or service will have any chance of succeeding in the marketplace and learn everything you can about the competition.

Try to make a list of everything that sets your product apart from the competition. This is important because it will allow you to develop a strategy for success. Your marketing efforts need to focus on what makes your product or service unique.

You need to estimate your costs as accurately as possible to avoid cash-flow problems. Doing this incorrectly is a common cause of business failure for many start-ups. If you require funding from an investor you will need to be able to show them realistic figures to convince them that investing in you is worthwhile.

Don’t forget to use your business plan to set clear objectives and remember to refer back to them in the future so that you can evaluate your success.

How we can help…

WinWeb’s passion for small business means we have tools and services in place to get your small business to where you want it to be.

Cash-flow Planning – This software enables you to accurately predict your small businesses income and expenditure.

SWOT Analysis Tool – By working out your small businesses Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats you can make sure you’re taking your business in the right direction.

For more information on how WinWeb.com can help you plan your way to small business success contact us today. Or why not sign up for a free trial?

A Home Office With A Business Address

February 24, 2010

As a small home based business working from home has many advantages; you are able to be with your family, spend time with your friends, use local facilities in your lunch hour and work hours that suit you. But how do you maintain a private home address when work correspondence needs to be delivered somewhere?

Having a business address, where all your business contacts can send mail, not only allows your home address to remain private, by using a business address your company can also create a prestigious image to potential clients. We all know that you can successfully run a business from a home office, but some potential clients may see a home address as a disadvantage compared to competitors that have a business address.

Finding a business address that allows mail for your small business to be redirected to your home address needn’t be stressful or expensive. By using the Business Services that WinWeb offers your home business can have a business address from only £30/month.

By choosing a professional business address you not only receive a business address that you can confidently give to your clients, you also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that we will deal with all your mail, and forward it to your home address.

Take a look at this, and other Business Services offered by WinWeb, on our website.

Expand Your Business Horizons With A Website

February 17, 2010

Many successful small businesses reach a point at which expansion is essential in order to progress to the next level. Some businesses are content with staying on a small scale, but unfortunately even those that have a winning formula and want to reach for the stars are often unable to make the next step. Banks can put an end to dreams of expansion before they have even started.

If you are worried that your business has reached a peak and cannot progress any further, there is a way to instantly expand your reach without spending a fortune. The solution for your business is to launch a website offering your products or service to the world at large.

A website will allow you to sell your products 24-hours a day to anyone on the planet. You will no longer be restrained by the old rules of selling that held your business back. Small businesses are now able to compete with big multi-national companies on a level playing field.

Your website will also allow you to connect with your customers in a way you have never managed to do before. It will allow you to easily process orders, send quotes to customers and deal with requests for information. You will be able to get feedback from your customer base so that you can constantly improve your customer service.

If your small business still does not have its own website, you are being left behind and allowing the ‘Digital Age’ to pass you buy. Don’t miss out on a potential revenue stream any longer. WinWeb offers inexpensive online software that makes website construction simple and delivers spectacular results, visit the WinWeb website for more details.

You Can Have Your Own Online Shop!

February 13, 2010

Many people dream of starting a small business, but a significant number of would be entrepreneurs are put-off by the initial start-up. For small business owners who are looking to sell goods from an online shop, the work involved can be quite daunting; which is why WinWeb has created an easy to use facility to enable you to create your own online shop.

The WinWeb interface allows its users to build a website quickly, and simply. When choosing to set up an online shop the WinWeb service makes the whole process run smoothly- from creating the initial website to processing your customers orders.

Once you have set up your WinWeb account and created your online shop, any orders that are placed appear in the WinWeb interface, allowing you to process and invoice these quickly and efficiently. This enables you to save time, and offer outstanding customer service to your clients.

As all of this information is stored remotely, it makes it possible for you to access your invoices, orders and accounts from any computer, anywhere in the world. No more panicking if your hard drive crashes, you can be certain that WinWeb safely and securely stores all your important information so that it’s available to you whenever you need it.

Try WinWeb’s services free for 30 days, and start the business you’ve always dreamed of.

Spread The Word About Your Small Business With A Press Release

February 3, 2010

Sometimes small businesses have important information to announce, such as a partnership or new product launch. They can easily inform their existing customer base about the news but will often have difficulty spreading their message to a wider audience. This is an ideal situation for a small business to use a press release.

Press releases are often overlooked by small businesses as an effective form of advertising. They are considered by many to be a promotional tool used only by large corporations communicating with the media. The truth is that today’s mass media (especially on a local level) is constantly looking for interesting content that can be reported as news. It is highly likely that a well written press release will lead to some form of press coverage, either on the web or in the local papers.

There are some important things to remember when writing a press release. The first paragraph should grab the attention of the reader and impress them enough to keep reading. If you are launching a new product then the press release should aim to convince consumers that it would be useful and improve their life in some way. Remember to be subtle – press releases are not sales pitches and coming on too strong could result in less interest for the reader.

Be careful about the language you use in the press release and avoid words that exaggerate or mislead. Try not to make the press release too short or too long – 450 to 500 words is ideal. Include the date and time of the event or product launch, as well as full contact details for your business.

If you want to generate a buzz online for your small business without the hassle of writing your own press release, you might want to consider an Online PR campaign from WinWeb BusinessServices.

Find out more about WinWeb BusinessServices by visiting the WinWeb website.

Every Small Business Needs A Website!

February 2, 2010

Many small business owners now understand the powerful benefits of having a good corporate image. However, they often overlook this completely when it comes to their online presence. A poor website can reflect extremely badly on the professionalism of your company, yet many small businesses have websites that are visually unappealing and often do not even function correctly. This is probably worse for the business than having no website at all.

A website should not be something that you are embarrassed to direct your customers towards. It should be a showcase of the best aspects of your business and the address should be proudly displayed on all your business cards and stationery. A great website allows you to compete with much larger businesses.

Take a look at your competitors’ websites and see what they are doing. Until recently, it has always been very expensive for small business owners to get a professional quality website that they can be proud of. OnlineOffice customers are now able to choose from hundreds of great looking templates and build a fully functional website in just a few minutes, all included as part of their subscription.

Visit WinWeb’s website and sample this, and the other fantastic features of OnlineOffice, free for 30 days.

An Online Address Book For Your Small Business

February 1, 2010

In our home lives misplaced address books are inconvenient, but very rarely would they cause significant disruption to our daily lives, let alone cause a quantifiable financial loss. When it comes to our businesses, however, losing contact details for our all important client base can be devastating.

By storing all our important contacts details in an address book, or even on a hard drive, our small businesses are at risk of losing the details of potentially thousands of clients should the address book become lost or the hard drive crashes. How is it possible to avoid this, though? The answer lies in storing all your contacts remotely, by using what is known as “cloud storage”. This facility enables you to store your contacts, and all their details, remotely; not only protecting them from potential loss or damage but also meaning you can retrieve the appropriate data from anywhere, at any time.

By using the “Contacts” element of WinWeb’s OnlineOffice you are able to quickly and easily transfer all of your Outlook contacts in to your WinWeb address book, where they are securely and safely stored for you to access with ease and convenience wherever you are. Details of clients’ transactions can also be stored in conjunction with the details you would expect, adding an extra element of versatility and ease therefore giving your business the edge over your competitors.

The nature of OnlineOffice also means that the contacts stored in your remote address book can easily be shared with colleagues. So, why not give it a try today; it’s free for 30 days! Just go to www.winweb.com.

Small Business and Climate Change

January 29, 2010

Climate change is probably the most important issue of our time and it affects the entire population of the planet. Despite this, small business owners often have very little time to consider ways in which to reduce their carbon output or to help the environment, even though the majority of them would like to be participating in some way.

At WinWeb, we believe that small business owners can do their part by making an effort to purchase products and services that are environmentally friendly. We constantly invest in and deploy technology that helps to reduce our carbon footprint. Therefore, our subscribers can already consider their business more environmentally friendly than the majority of their competitors.

Another way in which we keep OnlineOffice carbon neutral is our practice of planting trees every time we have to deploy another server to deal with increased demand. Our software also now allows thousands of small business start-ups to run their business directly from the kitchen table – no need for them to travel to an office and cause more pollution. Our software has no packaging or physical manuals and doesn’t require shipping. Because it runs inside a browser, you don’t need to purchase a brand new computer to run it. We try to appeal to small business owners that want to save the environment as well as saving their money and time.

See how easy it is to save your business time whilst doing your bit to help the planet, by trying WinWeb’s OnlineOffice free for 30 days!

A Secure Online Software Suite from WinWeb

January 27, 2010

Some small business owners are still reluctant to embrace Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) because of fears over the security of their data. At WinWeb we understand that our clients need to know how we keep their data safe, but we can only reveal a certain amount of what steps we take to protect them before it becomes a security risk.

No security system is ever perfect, but there are a set of data protection standards required by law which we believe that we surpass by a huge margin. Our servers are located at the major internet nodes worldwide to ensure the fastest possible connection.

For 15 years, the global backbone of WinWeb physical security has been provided by Telehouse Europe (http://www.telehouse.net/). The servers are housed in a fully air-conditioned and cleaned environment, coupled with an automatic fire prevention, detection and extinguishing system. We also have servers in a completely separate second secure location that continuously back up all your data, ensuring that even in the very worst case scenario any potential data loss would only last for a matter of hours. Servers are monitored around the clock for any abnormal activity by our trained staff.

Our customers also have the option of exporting their own data as a backup if they wish. Even the most cautious business owner can see that security should not be a barrier to using our online software suite.

Try a range of WinWeb’s services free for 30 days, just by visiting the website.

A Not-So-Private Small Business Diary

January 26, 2010

One of the most important things when running a small business, especially as your business begins to expand and your number of employees grows, is being organised and co-ordinated with your co-workers. But, how is this possible when you and your colleagues work in separate areas or even in separate countries?

As a small business owner outsourcing work plays an integral part in reducing your personal workload and increasing productivity. However, communication and liaising is just as important to keep your business running smoothly and making sure all of the people within your business are on the same page. In order to schedule conference calls or meetings between your team an online calendar is absolutely vital.

By using WinWeb’s online calendar you, and the colleagues within your small business, can all synchronise diaries and schedules in order to allow more flexible working thus enabling you to use your time efficiently and effectively. Planning meetings has never been easier as you can automatically send out invitations for attendance to your colleagues that, when accepted, instantly updates their WinWeb online calendar.

Public events allow everyone within the small business to see what their colleagues are doing; which is particularly useful when trying to plan holidays and work out how your company can best plan its time effectively.

Your small business can try WinWeb’s Online Calendar, along with OnlineOffice’s other fantastic features, absolutely free for 30 days.

Focus on Your Small Business Goals

January 25, 2010

The ‘Goals’ page is a useful place to store a written record of what you are trying to achieve. Here you can write a Mission Statement and 5 of your most important business goals. Reading this page occasionally will provide a ‘reality check’ for you or your employees and force you to evaluate your recent business performance.

There is also a page with a ‘SWOT Analysis’. This colourful diagram is a commonly used tool in business theory that helps to clarify the internal strengths and weaknesses of your small business. It also allows you to identify the external opportunities and threats that could have an impact on your company in the near future.

The most significant element of the Planning module is the Cashflow Tool. This will help you plan your business finances based on the banking payments and receipts that you have already entered into the Accounting module – another great benefit of having a fully integrated office software suite.

Try WinWeb’s vast range of business services free for 30 days at www.winweb.com

Business Process Outsourcing WinWeb Style A World First.

October 18, 2009

Focusing on what is important in your business is easier said than done. WinWeb OnlineOffice helps you to achieve the perfect balance of business process outsourcing for your small business needs.

When you start your business you have less need for this type of service. You can save money by doing most of the admin work yourself. Not only do you save money, but you gain valuable insight into your business processes, knowledge that will be important once your business starts growing.

Once that happens you will have to make the important decision when your time is too valuable to spend on mundane business tasks like bookkeeping, doing your website, and many other tasks. This is where our OnlineOffice will help you in two ways:

1. Working with outside service providers, like your accountant, bookkeeper or a virtual assistant, using OnlineOffice makes it easy to ’share’ your work around. Helping you to save time and concentrate on the important things in your business, while still maintaining the necessary level of control and flexibility.
2. WinWeb Pay-As-You-Go Business Services – many routine services are ‘built in’ to your OnlineOffice. You can use them whenever you need them, no contracts, cancel anytime, providing you with the most flexible business service offering from any software vendor in the world. These services include bookkeeping, web-site design, payroll service, and many other virtual assistant services.

Succeeding in business is as much about good products and services, as it is about focusing on what is important in your business, not losing control of the really important issues and not getting side-tracked by easily delegated tasks. Our OnlineOffice will help you to achieve both goals with maximum flexibility, great products/services and business focus.

Find out more @ WinWeb Business Services inside OnlineOffice

WinWeb OnlineOffice Pro Now With Bookkeeping Service.

September 19, 2009

Small business owners need more than software, online or off-line, they need real business services to get things done. That is how WinWeb has seen the SME market for a decade now.

WinWeb’s OnlineOffice Suite is the most comprehensive office online and includes, online small business accounting software, invoicing, business planning, web & online shop builder and hosting, online data vault and backup, to name but a few.

WinWeb’s OnlineOffice Pro has always been about added real business services, delivered online. Now WinWeb has upgraded OnlineOffice Pro to include bookkeeping services, to help small business owners to focus more on business and less on business admin. Receipts are simply uploaded with a scanner or fax machine and then booked inside OnlineOffice small business accounting module for you.

Any client sales have already been booked automatically inside OnlineOffice, with this additional service the bookkeeping loop is now closed. The bookkeeping services are performed by WinWeb Accredited Bookkeepers & Accountants.

Other OnlineOffice Pro functionality includes:

• 100GB Online Secure File Sharing & Backup
• Unlimited One2One tuition & training with screen sharing
• Full OnlineOffice Technical Setup & Admin
• Search Engine Optimization
• Comprehensive Online Marketing – via newsletter, PR online, blog and social media.

This will allow any home & small business owner to focus on making money and on spending time on unproductive admin like bookkeeping and other time-consuming business tasks.

Find out more @ WinWeb OnlineOffice Pro.

75 Virtual Assistant Tips For Small & Home Businesses.

September 10, 2009

How often are you doing business admin work and you wish you had someone to do it for you? Rings a bell? Well you are not alone, we all have moments like this.

Using virtual assistants to outsource many of your business chores is one way of dealing with this dilemma, virtual assistants love the work you hate and honestly are probably better at it too.

But what can virtual assistants (VAs) actually do for your business apart from the obvious business task. Here is a list of 75 reasons why you should consider using virtual assistants in your business partner mix:

1. Using a Virtual Assistant can increase manpower without the expense of a full time employee.
2. A Virtual Assistant means the need for temporary employees is eliminated.
3. A Virtual Assistant means the need for outsourcing is eliminated.
4. A Virtual Assistant is there when you need them.
5. A Virtual Assistant provides services you need at a reasonable cost.
6. Virtual Assistants can assist with basic office support.
7. Virtual Assistants can assist with specialised tasks.
8. A Virtual Assistant is hard working and reliable.
9. A Virtual Assistant is not paid an hourly wage or salary.
10. You only pay a Virtual Assistant for the hours you need them.
11. There are no extra expenses with a Virtual Assistant such as benefits or holiday pay.
12. There is no requirement for office space with a Virtual Assistant.
13. Virtual Assistants use their own equipment saving your costs.
14. Virtual Assistants can save you time as well as money.
15. There is no need to train a Virtual Assistant like you would an employee.
16. A Virtual Assistant can be good when there are times of large work loads.
17. A Virtual Assistant is orientated to meet your personal and business needs.
18. A Virtual Assistant can become very involved in your business.  
19. Using Virtual Assistants can ease pressure on other employees.
20. Virtual Assistants can free up your personal time.
21. A Virtual Assistant can do tasks you are not skilled enough to do.
22. A Virtual Assistant comes already computer trained.
23. Virtual Assistants continuously upgrade their skills at no cost to you.
24. Virtual Assistants come well connected with networks all of whom can help you.
25. Virtual Assistants are business owners themselves so know your risks.
26. There is no need to worry about legal aspects of hiring an employee when using a Virtual Assistant.
27. Using a Virtual Assistant saves time and resources on the lengthy recruitment process.
28. Virtual Assistants often have business experience so can help you with more than just admin.
29. You are free to hire as many or as little Virtual Assistants as you want depending on your work load.
30. Virtual Assistants are often willing to work outside normal office hours.
31. There are no agency fees when hiring a Virtual Assistant.
32. The time you save using a Virtual Assistant can increase sales and productivity.
33. A Virtual Assistant can give you a higher level of support than an employee.
34. Virtual Assistants can do anything from checking mail to proof reading.  
35. Virtual Assistants can provide support when your employees are ill or on holiday.
36. A Virtual Assistant can concentrate on a more significant aspect of your business.
37. Using a Virtual Assistant means you can deliver to your clients faster.
38. Both you and your employees can meet deadlines easier using a Virtual Assistant.
39. Using a Virtual Assistant gives you time to provide clients with better customer service.
40. Virtual Assistants can give you the flexibility you need.
41. Virtual Assistants do not need checking on every minute like your other employees might.
42. Having a Virtual Assistant can take your concentration away from mundane business tasks.
43. Virtual Assistants could give you some creative ideas for your business.
44. Virtual Assistants are always accessible.
45. Using a Virtual Assistant uses their strengths as your strengths.
46. Use a Virtual Assistant and specify what they do and how they do it.
47. Tapping into a Virtual Assistant’s resources doubles your own.
48. Use a Virtual Assistant to ensure you have no onsite employs you are liable for.
49. There is no obligation to keep a Virtual Assistant if you don’t want to.
50. If you work from home, having a Virtual Assistant means no strangers in you house.
51. You do not have to be fully committed to your Virtual Assistant.
52. A Virtual Assistant can work for an hourly rate or by project.
53. Ensure you look into your Virtual Assistant before you hire them.
54. Those using Virtual Assistants can often think of them as a partner in the business.
55. Virtual Assistants can often be more efficient than your own employees.
56. Hiring a Virtual Assistant from a different country and background provides you with a wide range of skills.
57. Having a Virtual Assistant saves costs on office utility and phone bills.
58. To maximise the use of your Virtual Assistant prepare a list of tasks for them before they start.
59. If you are unsure about your Virtual Assistant assign them one project to begin with.
60. Protect your business and ensure you Virtual Assistant signs a confidentiality agreement.
61. If using a Virtual Assistant from another country ensure there are no language or time zone issues.
62. Virtual Assistants are professions who have corporate experience.
63. Virtual Assistants are now almost a necessity for most online marketers.
64. Virtual Assistants only bill for the time they work so you don;t pay if they are late or take a break.
65. Often Virtual Assistants can come up with solutions to your problems.
66. Virtual Assistants have their own network of resources saving you money.
67. If traditional staffing solutions aren’t working try a Virtual Assistant.
68. Most tasks done by employees can be done by a Virtual Assistant.
69. A Virtual Assistant will take care of their own overheads and taxes so you don’t have to.
70. Keep your business flexible by using a Virtual Assistant.
71. Relocating your business is not a problem when you have a Virtual Assistant.
72. The location of your business will never affect a Virtual Assistant’s ability to work.
73. There is no need to pay your Virtual Assistant overtime.
74. Hire a Virtual Assistant to stretch your budget.
75. Hire a Virtual Assistant if you feel short on time.

Our business have never earned money doing bookkeeping, only when we serve our customers and focus on sales will we make more money, it is true – time is money. We only have some much of it, so we need to economize with our time.

Outsourcing to VAs will do that very well, find out more ….

Virtual Assistant Should Have Head In The Cloud.

June 18, 2009

When WinWeb CEO Stefan Töpfer puts a service request for a virtual assistant (VA) to help with a professional Microsoft PowerPoint presentation on Twitter, things start to unravel for one busy VA.

She contacted him back over twitter within minutes to offer her service, very professional, fast and to the point. When Stefan asked for some sample work, again she replied within in minutes that she would send a sample presentation as soon as she would be back home.

Now, Stefan was even more impressed, she was obviously ‘out & about’ and still kept in contact with her customers. This looked very promising indeed, she is obviously a pro.

This morning however, he received the following email:

Hi Stefan,

Thanks for waiting. Unfortunately my laptop had to go in for repairs today (that’s where I was all day) and they need to send it out. All my work is on my laptop so I am unable to send you an example. Sorry again for keeping you waiting.

Thanks,

This little example shows why virtual assistants need to use Web 2.0 applications, like WinWeb’s OnlineOffice, to keep their data not only safe, but also accessible at all times. This episode has resulted in loss of income, but more importantly may result in loss of data, maybe even customer data.

You may respond and say, well yes she should have a back-up, and maybe she has. The point here is, virtual assistants are busy people, and having to think about data-backup and other mundane IT functions is simply a waste of time, when easy technology exists to automate the tasks.

This is one of the reasons, why we insist that all our virtual assistant partners, who provide you with our business services, use our software and work online, not only so they can use our OnlineOffice, but they keep customers data and their own safe at all time and focus on running their professional business, your admin work.

Learn more about OnlineOffice Data Store.