The world is facing the unprecedented challenges brought about COVID-19 pandemic. Suddenly everything is uncertain, affecting every aspect of our lives. Organizations and companies are seeking ways to cope and survive the effects of the outbreak. Fortunately, business owners can consider one business solution to combat the negative impact of Coronavirus pandemic. The answer could be hiring virtual assistants.
It no longer matters what position you hold now. Whether you are CEO or business owner, you will explore approaches to save what is left of your business. The economy that you are part of might collapse, so you have to find solutions now.
How long will your business have to wait?
Experts earlier estimated that the Coronavirus will likely last for two years. However, the impact of the virus is so severe it led to many businesses and companies, big and small, to stop operations, some even shut down, months after it spread.
As a business owner, you have to reexamine and reconsider your actions to get through this crisis and sustain the business in the future. As many thriving business owners and entrepreneurs testify, those who are flexible and willing to adapt to changes survive and can succeed in this challenge.
Shift to remote work
As the world drastically changed in the past months due to COVID-19 pandemic, companies and businesses do whatever they can to stay afloat and continue their operation. The most obvious solution to protect employees from the virus while running the business is the shift to remote work.
However, shifting to remote work is not as easy as it looks. First, employees must have access to applications and softwares they use to get their jobs done. On top of the access, the compatibility and performance of these applications are subject to the employees’ equipment and connectivity to the internet, not to mention, the ability of the employee to navigate these tools without an actual assistance from an IT staff.
Communication also poses a challenge for both the employees and the employer. Many companies suddenly find themselves purchasing communication softwares that can accommodate more people and lasts longer.
However, once all these concerns have been settled, employees can work and business will be up and running in no time. The priority is the business continuity, though some studies proved that remote work has helped employees increase their productivity and helped companies in employee retention.
Challenge for SMBs
A shift of employees to remote work will require money and a team of people who will take care of the migration from office to home setup. Even known companies such as Logitech, find the shift to remote work a bold move for their company.
If you are a small and medium business owner, shifting entirely to remote work might be more of a challenge than a solution. You need resources, time, and people to make that move and keep your business’ operation.
Along with these challenges, you might also wonder how you will continue your business and handle clients 24/7. Whether your business is back to square one or flourishing still despite the pandemic, think about why you started and your goals.
The new normal: virtual assistants
The pandemic created an opportunity amidst the challenges. More employees on work from home, businesses going online, and health as the priority are the normal. The perk of working from home has now become the new office setup. All of a sudden, the virtual assistant industry is now in the spotlight.
For startups and small and medium sized businesses, hiring a virtual assistant can keep your business operation up and running without overthinking and overspending. Virtual assistants are trained and experienced in remote work.
Since virtual assistants are experienced, they have a readily setup virtual office and are knowledgeable of applications and softwares used to carry out operations of your business. You will save time, resources, and most of all, concentrate on what matters most — your business and income generating activities.
Most virtual assistants have established an online presence. They are well rounded so you expect them to handle digital marketing and social media well. Experienced VAs can serve as a link to your clients and customers. Since most of the physical offices and stores are now closed, linking your services to your clients are important.
The COVID-19 outbreak is likely here to stay and your business has to adapt to the changes it brings. Transitioning to remote work will have its struggles. These struggles include the following: access to softwares and applications; communication challenges; and the flexibility to adapt to digital technology in no time.
Readily equipped with the new normal, a virtual assistant possessed years experience in a work from home setup. A virtual assistant can help your business can transition smoothly in the pandemic. Virtual assistants can apply their knowledge in technology and digital so your business continues to deliver services to your clients and customers.
Grow your business in these difficult times!
