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Outsourcing: A Smart Way to Get Ahead

The benefits of outsourcing are huge. The cost effectiveness of outsourcings is around 40-50%. Not only is the outsourcing cost effective but the business also gains from increased productivity from those who do not need to carry out these non core tasks and can now concentrate on the essential task of the business. Finding new business and servicing customers. This then leads to an effective way of working to help increase the businesses productivity, success and profitability.

Outsourcing processes like human resources, payroll, billing, typing, database work, mail shots etc. All the tedious day to day administration tasks can be done by outsourcing to freelance professionals. SME and Individuals benefit from outsourcing this type of work as the money and time that is saved through outsourcing is used for other more important aspects of the business. The back office activities can be easily outsourced as they are not the core activities of the business.

Choosing a company or individual to outsource to can be daunting at first, these few easy steps will help you start outsourcing:


  • You can find an outsourcing company by searching for virtual assistants online.

  • Once you have decided on the company you need to get past references and if possible examples of past work.

  • Agree set rates this may have been done in the selection phase.

  • Never go by price alone, the company may offer the cheapest price but do their references stand up for them!

  • Agree time scales and delivery on tasks, your expectation of the work to be done.

  • Set out any general rules you may wish to work within.

  • Start with afew small jobs to happy with the outsourced companies performance and standards.

  • Get a confidentiality agreement signed with the company of your choice.


Now you are on your way to outsourcing those non core tasks. But always remember check, check and double check all references and do not only go on price alone. Subject your new outsourcing company to the same interview standards as you would a new employee. Remember this company will be coming part of your team.

 

Time Managment - Managing You!

 

Is there such a thing as time management? We all talk about it all the time, its one of the oldest clichés in business. But can we really manage time?

No is the simple answer, time marches on no matter what we do, we do not manage time, but time manages us.

What we can do is manage ourselves. We can create a rhythm to our day to make most of the time given to us and create simple basic principles to start managing yourself better.

You might have already read several books on this, or this may be the first time you have considered managing yourself better. Whatever it may be, I am going to give you a few basic steps to help you start managing ‘You’ better and give ‘You’ more usable time!

 

The Key Reasons for losing time

Interruptions

In our work day interruptions are the number one cause of wasting our time. It is said it takes on average 20 minutes for us to get back into a concentrative state once interrupted.

Minimise Interruptions

1. Only deal with emails at set times of the day, turn off all notifications.

2. Operate a closed door system, or tell colleagues your are busy and will deal with issue after you have finished your set task

3. Turn off your mobile

 

Multi-Tasking

I recently read that multi-tasking lowers your IQ! The amount of concentration and energy it takes to carry out more than one task at time puts a greater strain on the old grey matter, causing us to make mistakes, not carry out our tasks to the fullest, leading to poor quality work and in a lot of cases unhappy customers.

Stop Multi-Tasking NOW!

1. Set out your tasks for the day in order of priority

2. Deal with each task at a time & set a time limit to carryout the task

Disharmony

Frustration, Anger or Despondency caused but a multitude of emotional issues can cause you to be mentally distracted at work.

Find Harmony

1. Take 5 minutes on arriving at work to sit quietly and breath deaply to still your mind

2. Find a way that is good for you to release any tension before beginning work

3. Set your tasks for the day, and work through them step by step

Day Dreaming

Do you often find yourself drifting off to some remote island with white sand, blue sky’s and warm waters? Day Dreaming is another major distraction causing your day to slip by and important tasks not completed at the end of the day.

Stop Day Dreaming

1. Take 5 minutes go for a stroll change what you are doing and recharge

2. Working in time blocks of one or two hours so that you are only concentrating for set periods


By using these few simples steps you can save time in your day and put the time saved into getting a better work life balance.
 
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