Christmas is just around the corner. For many people, that’s a joy-filled prospect - but, if you’re a business owner, it might make you break a sweat.
How can you possibly get everything done before the new year? Is it acceptable to check your emails on Christmas day? Does the human brain have an airplane mode?
With a shorter working month and trying to organise work parties - plus showing your clients some appreciation - there’s no doubt that Christmas is a super busy time. But it doesn’t have to be stressful.
In this article, we’ll share 10 virtual assistant services that could help save you time, energy and a good few headaches this Christmas. So, you can enjoy the festive season with family, friends, and a glass of mulled wine (or three) - with complete reassurance that your business will carry on, like clockwork, behind-the-scenes.
1. Social media scheduling
Your followers want to see consistently great content from your brand. However, social media can easily get sidelined when business gets busier.
During the Christmas season, 80% of shoppers are influenced by the internet before making a purchase. And 23% of Christmas shoppers actively use social media to make purchase decisions.
That’s where post scheduling comes in. Virtual assistants can take the reins of your social media accounts, creating compelling content and publishing them at intervals throughout the month. This will keep your presence active and your audience engaged - without you having to worry about it.
2. All things admin
Those niggly admin bits that keep being pushed further down your to-do list? It’s time to tick them off, so that you can have a fresh start in 2023.
Start the year off on the right foot, by passing your admin over to someone who genuinely loves all things organisation. Virtual assistants can chase up unpaid invoices, manage your diary, handle customer service support, upload blogs, book appointments for you - annnnnd the list goes on.
By handing your admin tasks to a virtual assistant, you’ll get to spend more time planning ahead for the new year, instead. Strategic thinking time is a rarity for business owners, but virtual assistants give you the space to do just that.
Your admin, sorted.
3. Inbox (0)
Imagine: you don’t have a red badge next to your email app. The ‘Inbox’ tab on your browser isn’t followed by (302). You’re not sifting through your inbox, trying to find that email.
That’s the reality of having a virtual assistant as your right hand.
Because virtual assistants love to stay on top of emails. We love to label, organise, prioritise, sort and schedule. We’ll make your inbox make sense, and a virtual assistant can also let your clients and team know that you’re out of the office.
4. Source Christmas cards
It might sound simple, but choosing and buying Christmas cards could actually be a full-time job in itself. Especially because you need to list the people you want to send them to, find a nice design, and write (something meaningful) in them.
Even if you’ve left it a little later than you’d hoped - we’ve all been there -, a virtual assistant can source your Christmas cards on time for you.
5. Handwrite and arrange delivery of Christmas cards
And we don’t just source them. Virtual assistants will even handwrite the Christmas cards on your behalf - making sure each one is personalised to the family member, colleague, friend or client who’ll appreciate the sentiment. You give us the names and addresses, and we’ll pop them in the post in time for Christmas.
6. Get Christmas gifts
For those who celebrate Christmas in the UK, the most anxiety-inducing activity is thinking about what presents to buy loved ones. In fact, 46% of people say they find buying Christmas gifts stressful.
The good news is: virtual assistants are practical in finding and arranging delivery of special gifts. We know, we’re practically Santa’s elves at this point.
For clients, we can look into their interests and organise a suitable Christmas surprise. You can also give us a list for your team members - and even your family - and we’ll tick each item off, one by one.
Psst. Forgot about your secret Santa? Don’t worry, we’ve already got it covered.
7. Send out e-greetings
E-greetings are cost-effective, efficient, and eco-friendly. If you’d like to send out greetings via email, but don’t have the time, then that’s another task you can pass onto a virtual assistant.
Virtual assistants can create and send out lovely e-greetings on your behalf. This is a great option for clients, especially; you can create a memorable experience and show them your appreciation. All while promoting your brand - and without having to lift a finger.
8. Make reservations for Christmas events
Whether you’re hosting an office party, or going for a fancy team meal. A lot goes into planning Christmas events - most of it behind-the-scenes, where virtual assistants operate.
From booking the right venue, to planning activities. From sending invitations, to organising last-minute preparations. A virtual assistant will take care of it, so that you and your team can simply turn up and have a good time.
9. Travel arrangements
If you’re getting a taxi or a flight this Christmas, virtual assistants are there to sort all of your travel arrangements. We’re experts at taking away frustration - and we know that, with travel, there can be a lot of that.
We’ll do all the research, planning and booking for you, so that you can rest easy knowing your travel plans are settled. Your virtual assistant will make sure the travel arrangements are cost-efficient, and that they coordinate with your diary. Likewise, you’ll be kept in the loop with an itinerary that’ll make the whole ordeal stress-free.
10. Send thank you cards
After the holiday season comes to a close, you'll probably be swamped with a list of thank you notes to send. But don't worry— that’s another thing you can leave to a virtual assistant, who’ll sort them all on your behalf. They’ll be handwritten, personalised and delivered in good time.
Don't be afraid to ask for help
A virtual assistant will handle all of those services with ease, to leave you with more time for quality family time and actual holiday fun.
And, unlike dogs, virtual assistants can just be for Christmas. With our flexible packages and ad hoc services, we can provide support exclusively over the festive period. Or, we can stay by your side and support your business as you venture on into the new year and beyond.
Call on us when things get busy, and pop us on standby if things slow down.
Get in touch with Ashwood VA today, if you’d like a stress-free Christmas this year. (You deserve it!)
