Virtual assistants packages are not just for the big corporate guys anymore. Green industry pros want to increase efficiency, and now more than ever, with increased business opportunities! But many are still unfamiliar with how virtual assistants help the horticulture industry! First off, let’s define the term.
I’m a virtual assistant (solopreneur) that supports various green industry operations from a remote location in Western North Carolina. I do it all electronically through support systems like email, Google Drive, Slack, or WhatsApp. There are several ways to communicate, and these are just a few applications to keep projects organized and moving forward. Increasing efficiency at work just got simpler. Now your virtual assistant for the landscaper is waiting in the wings. I will assist with special one-off projects or a perpetual weekly task that gives more time to the green industry pro, thus adding efficiency!
If you’re stuck in your old ways or feeling kind of ‘root bound’ or getting ‘root rot’ by doing the same thing, the same way, get out of the pot and get a fresh start! Just as root rot impairs a plant to uptake water and other nutrients, so does staying in a rut in your business. So let’s discuss pinching back those shoots to encourage new branching in your business!
Virtual Assistant Packages Are Budget Tolerant
Before deciding to hire a new employee, consider these statistics. Employers can save over 28 percent by hiring a virtual assistant vs. the cost of an employee. How? That 28 percent savings are for payroll taxes, insurance, and benefits, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics under the occupational group’ sales and office’ (September 2019 chart). This percentage doesn’t include the cost of extra space, equipment, internet bandwidth, or managerial oversight costs.
A monthly virtual assistants package can be scheduled into the budget for specific jobs or special projects. A retainer can be arranged on a seasonal or monthly basis. Working on particular niche projects can be flexible with a trained virtual assistant for the landscape pro.
With these savings, you can reallocate the business budget funds to other aspects of the business. For example, purchase more equipment, or increase the profit margin! It lowers business costs without compromising productivity and increases efficiency for the landscape industry executive!
Virtual Assistant Support for Growth Spurts
Virtual assistant packages will accommodate growth spurts within the business as the volume of work increases without sacrificing productivity. Sometimes a full or part-time employee is not necessary during specific times of the year. Or they might not have various skill sets or know the horticulture or green industry business. Finding reliable and knowledgeable employees in this business takes time and training. The cost of oversight, training, and management costs extra money, and how do you know they’ll stick around? Sometimes, there’s not enough time in the heat of the season to interview, train, and manage an assistant in the office. It slows down the process of what is needed, and other important tasks get put to the side. Then, after the assistant is hired, there are no guarantees that the employee will be knowledgeable enough or that the investment will pay off.
With a custom virtual assistant package service for the landscape industry pro comes experience, education in this horticulture field, and a business administration and sales background. Before working with me, I provide references and samples to examine and ensure you of my commitment.
Right Person, Right Place
Flexibility is critical in this industry. With your landscaping virtual assistant package, there is not necessarily a set work schedule. You can hire for a couple of months or long term. I have several clients that I have worked with for 4+ years. Others come and go as they transition into their businesses and employees or for one-off tasks. You get various project-oriented skills, specific horticulture and business administration training, and sales with me. I’m techy-oriented, friendly, and genuinely care about my client’s successes and businesses. I’m the ‘right person, in the right place.’ Or, as I like to say, an ‘offshoot’ of your business as a partner to assist in helping your business thrive!
N-P-K
Proper nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium ratio will help plants survive and thrive. Likewise, a virtual assistant should provide services that will support special projects or keep things balanced and running to the business’s full potential. Project management, file-sharing, timekeeping, and communication skills are necessary for a virtual workplace. These aspects all lessen risks and errors for your landscape industry business.
Delegate Time Sucking Tasks
Everyone has a list of things they hate that take up lots of time for little return on investment. Or sometimes, you get behind on various tasks. You need help when you’re overwhelmed with long, tedious lists. Delegating these tasks can effectively use your professional time more wisely. Efficiency allows for more money-making functions that bring in the big bucks. Such duties may include:
- Returning phone messages from unclear sources
- Creating email templates for canned responses
- Email filtering and filing
- Calendar management
- Appointment setting
- CRM updates
- Data entry
- Internet research
- Letter writing/announcements/Press Releases
Landscape industry-specific responsibilities include:
- Social media management, posting
- Website additions, updates
- Marketing plans
- Blogging
- Website project management
- Estimates/Takeoffs
- Preparing for Speaking Presentations
- Qualifying Leads
- Documenting systems
- E-Newsletter writing and launching
Virtual Assistants Packages Provides Security
Employees come and go at a moment’s notice, just like the sun on a cloudy day. Stay ‘drought tolerant’ by keeping a virtual assistant as a permanent partner in your landscaping business for those fair-weather days when there’s inadequate office help. Cross-training with an outside virtual assistant can maintain a sense of assurance for you and your clients. Operations will continue as business increases or new projects are required. Additionally, some of my services are niche skills the average employee doesn’t necessarily have. Landscaping virtual assistant packages bring extra depth to your business and can offer a complete skill set where there might otherwise be a gap.
Offshoot Virtual Landscape Services provides an array of services for the landscape industry pro while increasing efficiency for your business. All packages are customized to fit your needs and budget. Please contact me today to get started with the ‘right person in the right place’ to keep your business running smoothly this season.