Are you using your time as effectively as you could? If you are handling routine tasks instead of marketing or providing services to customers, you are leaving profits on the table. A Virtual Assistant (VA) may be just what you need.

According to Marla Regan, a certified Virtual Assistant, you can benefit from using a VA for administrative tasks (such as billing), customer contact (follow up or reminder calls), project work (building or maintaining a client data base), or even personal tasks (such as sending holiday cards).

You can find a VA through personal referrals–you might be surprised how many of your colleagues are using VA services– or by searching online. Remember that your VA doesn’t have to be local. Most services can be provided remotely. Do talk to VA candidates to make sure you are comfortable and can work well together.

How much will a VA cost? VAs may charge a monthly retainer, or they may charge an hourly rate or project fee. Ultimately, the question is how having a VA will impact your bottom line. If you are freed from routine tasks and can devote that time to marketing, product development or billable hours, you will see your profits increase.

For more information, visit Marla Regan’s Web site at http://www.OrganizedTime.com/

I have said for years that I need to clone myself in order to get everything done. Well, I have finally taken some steps in that direction.

No, I haven’t hooked up with some mad scientist who will make an exact copy of me. Instead, I am finding ways to outsource more tasks. For example, I recently hired a fulfillment service to handle many of the book orders I receive.

In addition to finding others to take care of things I have been doing, I am also clearing away some tasks and responsibilities. For the past few years, I have been president of a professional organization. My duties there were taking more time than I could spare, especially as the demands of my business continue to increase, so I have resigned from the board. I am still a member and will continue to be involved, but with a lesser time commitment than previously.

I am continuing to make changes to use the time I have in the most effective ways. As I take on new challenges, I am leaving behind old activities that have run their course or that I simply can no longer accommodate.

And, I am learning to say “no.” That simple, two-letter word will make a huge difference in your life, too. Learn when to say it, and don’t be afraid to do so.

You may know that I offer consulting services. It is a way for me to share expertise with others. You might be surprised to learn that I also use consulting services from others.

It is not unusual for consultants and other experts to seek advice from others who have expertise that is different from theirs. No matter how knowledgeable and successful anyone is, we all can learn from others.

I tend to be task-oriented, so I look for assistance in learning how to do things. Yes, I could probably learn on my own, through a process of trial and error, but why not cut to the chase and skip many of the mistakes?

When seeking advice, look for someone who has “been there, done that.” Someone who can show you the right path, and warn you about what is less likely to work. Someone who can answer the questions you have, and the ones you don’t yet know enough to ask.

Even if you are an expert in some areas, there are others who know more than you about some aspects of your business. For example, you may be great at helping others set and achieve goals, but not so good at marketing or web design. The secret to growing your business successfully is to find the people who can help you fill in the gaps in your knowledge and skills.

Learning more about my consulting services.