Getting to the end of the year, there are many things that a virtual assistant should consider in completing, especially if this is the first year in taking the leap.
Listed are some tasks that are important in closing 2016 out with a clear mind and preparing for 2017 with a breath of fresh air.
"Close out with a CLEAR MIND
to PREPARE for 2017
1. Check Your Goals: Did you accomplish the goals you set out to achieve for this year?
Conduct a Year-in-Review on your goals. Evaluate what you were able to achieve, and what obstacles you faced this year that prevented you from achieving other goals.
2. Tally Up Your Finances: You should have already started preparing to do your taxes. As a small business owner, you are responsible for paying your taxes. If you have any outstanding debts or obligations that need to be paid, this is the perfect time to pay them. If you have a team, prepare to complete their 1099 and if you do EOY bonuses, figure those in with your final expenses.
3. Prepare Your Budget for the New Year: Get a jump in the right direction for 2017. This may have been a rough year, but now you have a jist of what to expect. Begin now to create your proposed budget. Include your overhead costs, networking opportunities, professional photo shoots, MUA/stylist, office supplies, etc. Go in 2017 ready to build your VA business financially. This helps in creating your packages, and knowing what to charge to sustain you and your business.
4. Review Your Biz Systems: What worked for you? What didn't? Take time to reflect on which of your systems provided less stress and established your business relationships. Don't be so quick to throw your system out. Take into account that you may need help in improving your systems. Perhaps you may need your own VA or a coach. Review your pain points, and move accordingly to better structure your systems to help your business flow.
5. Follow-Up with Your Clients: In the midst of sending "thank you" gifts and other customer service tasks, this is the perfect time to send out a survey. Check with them and get their opinion on how well you served them for the year, what problems you didn't completely solve, what systems didn't work well with them, and so on. Remember, you want to keep your clients, but you also want to make their work experience with you better.
COVER STORY: Wrapping Up 2016
BY Tonya Franklin
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