8 Random things I've been asked to do by clients this week!
I wouldn't say that I am a jack-of-all-trades type of VA, but people don't realise what my capabilities are and how I can help their business grow and flourish until they get to know me.
Over the past week my clients have delegated some seriously random tasks to me, and given my upbeat and can-do-anything-you-throw-at-me attitude, I was confident in accepting the work. That, and I'm usually up for a challenge!
1. Cold Calling
This is something that not a lot of people are prepared to do. My background in Real Estate and Recruitment has given me the confidence to pick up the phone and just go with the flow. The worst that can happen is someone tells me to f*&k off - which has happened waaaay too many times than I care to keep count. Next!
2. Searching for a Dressmaker
This was an interesting one because the dressmaker wasn't making a dress. I needed to find someone who could make a very special cami. And apparently you need a particular piece of equipment which not all dressmakers have access to. But I have to say that I am like a bloodhound when it comes to finding something. Even if it's something that's hard to find. Where there's a will, there's a way. That's my attitude!
3. Listing items to sell
I know what you're thinking. This was an easy one. If you're thinking I was listing second hand furniture, household items and white-goods you can think again. The items I needed to list are all high-tech gadgets which I have zero knowledge about. So, it meant a whole lotta Google searching or sitting down with my client to go through each and every piece of equipment together. Timely, but worth it in the end.
4. Liaising with outstanding debtors
Some people actually hate picking up the phone and talking to someone about money that they owe you. This is money that they owe you for your hard work and efforts mind you! People often take the easy way out and punch out an email - but unfortunately people read them and aim to respond later, and then later becomes never. I have found that a lot of my clients can feel a little awkward chasing up outstanding invoices and arranging someone else to do it can be a little more effective. It also means your relationship directly with your client hasn't been hindered by the conversation that I would have with them. It's a win-win for everyone really!
5. Document formatting
This is one thing that everyone I know absolutely hates doing even though it's incredibly important. Making sure your correspondence is all pretty and perfect in every way possible is a timely job, but my god once it's done it looks freaking amazing! And I have a keen eye for detail + i'm kiiiiind of a perfectionist. In everything.
6. Searching for a Social Media Marketing Manager
This was such a tough gig, but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I needed to find a Social Media Marketing Manager for a client of mine AND myself, so this was a case of hitting two birds with one stone. Time saving indeed! Keep an eye out on my insta feed to reveal who this amazing creative human is!
7 . Preparing an IM
This was literally a sales brochure for a Real Estate client of mine (IM = Information Memorandum). My client had NEVER put one together so we needed to work together on the content and the look they were going for.
8. Qualifying Candidates
This can be quite a time consuming thing to complete, especially if you're a busy Recruitment Consultant and you're out with clients or interviewing. I have been assisting a client of mine by narrowing down their shortlist and then also conducting reference checks as well. It has definitely helped pick up the pace in their office!
So as you can see there are a few random things listed above, but nothing is too weird for me to try and take off your hands. And if it is, I will probably tell you.