Lately I have been doing quite a deal of reading about the concept of virtual assistance and outsourcing.
Essentially this involves contracting a person or persons to complete tasks on your behalf, as you lack the skills, time, knowledge or inclination to do them yourself.
It’s a very effective way of working, as you are utilizing people who may be far more efficient and expert in various tasks, and therefore capable of achieving whatever the task is in a time efficient manner.
The concept has been popularized of late through the publication of a book by Tim Ferris titled “The four hour work week”. Ferris leverages his time by utilizing virtual assistants and/or outsourcing to achieve a great deal of work whilst he completes a managerial, delegating role. In essence he sets the strategy or plan and has others effect it.
Whilst not a new concept, it is one that is gaining increasing popularity as people outsource an ever-increasing range of tasks, often to someone living offshore (via the Internet) and who will work for a fraction of the cost it would take the original entrepreneur or to do the tasks themselves.
Like many busy people, (particularly with a young family) I find myself with too much to do and too little time in which to do it.
This results in an ever-expanding list of "to-do" items, eventually resulting in little action and growing frustration.
It seems common that people often find themselves in a situation of having time on their hands but not the money to enjoy it, or conversely having money but without the time to enjoy it.
And so utilizing virtual assistants or outsourcing various tasks on my list is becoming an increasingly attractive proposition…
As part of the information I have been reviewing in regard to virtual assistance, I came across a quotation yesterday from somebody who had an initial hesitancy as to whether he could afford to utilize such methods.
In speaking about his now positive experiences from outsourcing, he revealed that he had changed his initial mindset from “ I can’t afford to do this?” to “How can I find a way to afford this?”
This is often a similar situation with your health and fitness and/or your use of personal trainer, as we explored in "too busy to exercise or too busy not to?". Whilst you appreciate the benefit that could be had, you convince yourself that you can’t afford either the time or money to invest.
It started me thinking about various methods that people could use, should they see value in pursuing their training objectives.
Firstly, take action! Without some positive action on your behalf, nothing will occur.
Research, or simply ask how much these services cost. In speaking to potential clients I’m often amazed at what they perceive it might cost to utilize my services.
One of the most obvious ways to utilize training services would be to budget an amount of money from your existing wage. Discuss what that amount of money would be able to achieve and assess a cost to benefits relationship.
Perhaps look at utilizing a trainer less often if they are charging an hourly rate that is beyond your budget. Often a few sessions may be adequate to assess your needs, limitations of, capabilities and requirements in order to set up a program that you may be able to follow yourself. The less contact time you have with the trainer, the more affordable this service is likely to be over a period of time.
Yet even this may be beyond the scope of some people’s budget.
Yesterday I met with a potential client, who could recognize the potential benefits and was particularly enthusiastic but had a particularly restricted budget (as they were working only very limited hours whilst completing their education). Their paid work time had been reduced and therefore had some time available.
It made me think about how I might help this individual and others in similar situations. Simple solutions such as find more work, work more hours etc were not going to be effective in the short term.
Then I started to think about the concept of virtual assistance, outsourcing and the like. Similarly, I began to think about the numbers of new personal trainers working within the industry who need assistance in developing their business. Additionally I thought about my own clientele, and the sense of community (and network) that exists within them. And so I came up with a number of solutions that might assist this person and others.
The first thing that came to mind was that often within my own network people often require specific assistance for which they may be prepared to employ on a full-time or part-time basis. “Putting the word out” in a network can be very effective in generating opportunities.
I often recommend people within my own network to others or am asked to refer someone with a particular skill to them as a simple courtesy. You may well have a set of skills or knowledge that is highly desirable. Oftentimes people are more comfortable with personal recommendations rather than going through the hassle and uncertainty of advertising positions, interviewing and structured employment processes.
Specific and general skills might be required…a backlog of typing, organizational duties, research, basic accounting and bookkeeping, business writing, marketing, market research, debt collection, gift buying etc…the list is only limited by imagination. Being available to work through an ever expanding “to do list” would be particularly attractive in my circumstance.
You might also be able to utilize your own networks by referring them to a trainer in exchange for their services. You may be able to negotiate free sessions or discounted rates for attending with a friend, for a referral or attending during off-peak times. The important thing to remember is that the person you are approaching, (that is the trainer), may need some education in order to recognize the opportunity that you are presenting.
Naturally, they would need to appreciate whatever service you are offering as of particular value. If this value can be leveraged, it is a much more attractive proposition.
It’s not unusual for people to exchange one service for another. For example hairdressers might exchange a haircut, a masseur a massage, or a mechanic a tune up in exchange for training. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement.
You would need to ensure that both parties are clear on exactly what has been agreed to, what is required and for a period of time the agreement lasts.
Marketing skills could be used to extend business and are particularly applicable in difficult financial times. Why not strike an arrangement to prepare and execute a marketing and promotional program for a trainer in lieu of a training fee?
It’s an area in which many businesses struggle due to lack of expertise. Demonstrating the advantages that such a process might bring would be highly attractive to most businesses.
It’s great practical experience. And remember, a job well done will often lead to further referrals, presenting other opportunities that may interest and advantage you.
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