Steph Humphrey

Small Business owners, what advice would you give to new business owners? Do you use a business advisor to give you guidance? How have they helped you over the last 18 months? https://lnkd.in/eSekQDT6

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This week I’ve been talking about the benefits of working with a Virtual Assistant (VA). Another great way to work with a VA is to help you scale your business. When you get so busy that you know you need to expand your team, it’s a tricky balancing act. You need help but you’re not quite ready to take on an employee. You don’t know if you can sustain the level of work yet and you certainly don’t have enough work to keep them occupied full time. Maybe you will consider taking on someone part time, but they might not want to increase their hours to full time when you get enough work in. Working with a VA allows you to scale your business without the added commitment. You give them tasks to complete which takes the pressure off your workload, and you can increase or decrease the number of tasks as needed. And if you reach the point that you’re ready to take a new team member on, just let your VA know your plans and they can help with the handover and training of your new employee. What’s not to like?

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Apparently today is #GetToKnowYourCustomersDay This happens on the third Thursday of every quarter according to t'internet! So here's my opinion. Every day should be a 'get to know your customers day!' Why is the suggestion to limit it to 4 days per year 🤣 Anyway, I have three suggestions for getting to know your customers a bit better today - and every day! 1. Look at your online analytics to see who is engaging with your content and work out who your audience is. 2. If you use listening tools such as #AnswerThePublic you can find commonly asked questions people are asking about the property sector, which you can answer in your content to engage with your audience. 2. Ask for feedback and listen! How often do you reach out to past clients and ask them to review your service? This is a great way of reconnecting with your customers and understanding what they valued about you. Easy peasy! #estateagent #marketing #idealcustomer #listen

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✨ My Boost Your Business Package – Structure and Support - Step 1 ✨ Running a business can feel like you’re juggling a thousand moving parts. But you don’t have to do it all alone. My Boost Your Business package is designed to provide the structure and support you need to stay on top of your operations, meet deadlines, and focus on growth. Here’s how I help: ✅ Creating clarity: I’ll set up project timelines, prioritise tasks, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. ✅ Streamlining processes: From refining workflows to organising your inbox or calendar, I’ll make sure your day-to-day runs like clockwork. ✅ Accountability: Regular check-ins keep your goals on track and reduce the overwhelm of decision fatigue. ✅ Taking tasks off your plate: Whether it’s admin like consolidating data or coordinating projects, I’ll handle the details so you can focus on the big picture. Imagine waking up to an organised plan, knowing that someone is keeping your business running smoothly behind the scenes. Less stress, more focus, and space to grow your business without the mental load or using your precious weekends and free time! 📅 I have just two spaces left for January 2025! Let’s connect for a free Business Insight Call to learn more about what we both do and explore how this package can work for you. 💪 Ready to start the year with clarity and support? Message me or book your call today! #SmallBusinessSupport #BusinessGrowth #ProjectManagement #OnlineBusinessManager

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Motivation can be elusive at times. When you run a business if you don’t have motivation for what you’re doing you should stop! But, when you are that business owner, there is more than just keeping yourself motivated. Anybody you employ has to buy into what you are looking to achieve. That is so important to me. I can train people I bring into my company but I want them to see the bigger picture. Providing an environment to learn and contribute means moving the individual and the business forward together. The earnings potential for any recruiter is down to that particular individual. But empower them with the things I’ve mentioned here and they are likely to not only achieve their individual objectives but also the business objectives. What would you add to the list of important attributes to let staff thrive? #recruitment #recruitmentagency #rec2rec #edmundandevans

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It still baffles me that these “recruitment website platform” providers out there claim to have “the best SEO” But all I see is error after error and next to no “powerful SEO” with no rankings, site traffic or any any leads or even job applications for that matter…. I’m working on the 4th “amazing recruitment” website this month (july 2024) and all I’m seeing is error after error and google just closing the book on these sites - how a 400 aud plus gst per month fee (minimum) is justified for a broken reprisentarion of a brand is reasonable is beyond me. Doesn’t have to be me, but just check to make sure the facts and results are there before drinking the coolaid on these “powerful” platforms 1. Jobs schema means nothing and actually doesn’t have any positive impact on your entire websites SEO - I can prove this on a site by site basis. 2. Content and on page SEO structure requires actual competitor research. 3. “Keywords” aren’t just words, they are frequently search phrases that need to be mentioned correctly in the right places 4. images and Icons, can’t just be “icon1.jpg” they need relevant naming protocols relevant to the SEO research 5. Blog titles need to be search term relevant (client side needs education) 6. Declare sitemap to google (this should have been point 1, but most sites don’t even have this done!!) this is just telling google you exist in the first place and you have something important to say. 7. Google site SEO Scores matter. So many more points and to top it off I’m seeing email reply’s from these providers basically reprimanding business owners for wanting to leave claiming all of these things they will be “missing out on” and how bad their decision is for planning to leave, rather than trying to fix it - these staff members aren’t even sure what they are talking about which sucks for them as their business is poorly educating them too. The longer it goes on for the more expensive and time consuming it is to actually repair it all and build a better strategy. #recruitmentmarketing #recrutmentwebsites #SEO #recruitmenttechnology #hyperautomation #automation #googlesearchconsole #googleanalytics #brandequity #brandarticulation

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Are you still spending hours each week managing client details, sending follow-up emails, and scheduling sessions manually? Imagine how many new clients you could bring on if you automated these processes. Admin tasks shouldn’t hold your business back. It’s time to cut the time-wasters and focus on what you do best—coaching. What’s the most time-consuming task in your business right now? #timemanagement #businessautomation #operationalefficiency #virtualassistant

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The biggest mistake people make when hiring a VA? Assuming it's a magic bullet. Here are some tips for success from Brad White He's been very candid: it might take a hot minute, but the time investment is well worth it. A Virtual Assistant is a GAME CHANGER! #virtualassistant myVA Rocks

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How do you find new clients when you are a freelance VA? You can’t approach recruitment consultants because they can only offer you fixed hours and either full time or nearly full time work. The reality is all my work comes through word of mouth or networking. It’s hard!! What I want to know is…. Can LinkedIn help me? Is there anyone out there who is willing to offer ad hoc/regular work to a highly experienced virtual assistant? I doubt it but let’s see… PS. I’m not cheap because I’m good and have about 30 years of experience so don’t be offering me silly money! #canlinkedinhelp #virtualassistant #virtualpa #youneedme

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Why hire a VA over an Employee? 👀 I'm not against employees in the slightest I've been one all of my working life in fact. However not all business owners need an employee. As an owner have you ever thought 🤔 I could really do with some support but don't have enough work for an employee? This is where a VA outweighs because you can hire a VA for 2 hours a month up to whatever suited your business needs and that's not including all the benefits listed below...... #virtualassistant #employee #benefits #support #businessowners

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I've been in the "online business" space for 6 years. As a VA for 2. And I've experienced countless business owners burn out. It usually goes like this: - They try to do everything themselves. - Juggle client work, LinkedIn, admin tasks etc – all without help. - Think more hours will solve the overwhelm. They ignore streamlining their processes or delegating effectively. Instead, they cling to the "hustle harder" advice we've all heard… Then they start missing out on key opportunities because they're too busy juggling tasks. This leads to burnout and frustration. Sound familiar? Don’t burn out—change your approach. Here’s what works: Delegation tips: - Prioritize the high-impact tasks only you can do. - Hand off repetitive, time-consuming tasks to a VA (for example; LinkedIn management). - Watch how freeing up just one/ two hours a day gives you a boost. Workflow tips: - Set up simple systems to streamline your day. - Automate what you can, delegate what you can’t. - Build processes that allow you to focus on the big stuff – not just surviving. Focus on what drives growth and let a VA handle the rest. You’ll not only reclaim your time, but you’ll also sharpen your focus on what matters most You've got this.

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📢 Calling all recruitment business owners! Do you have a high-profit, low-stress business? If not, join us for the Placement to Profits Accelerator - Monday 19th - Friday 23rd August (1pm - 2pm BST each day) Here are three reasons why: Networking opportunities: Connect with other like-minded recruitment business owners and grow your network Valuable insights: Learn new strategies and approaches to help you take your business to the next level Free resources: Get access to free resources and tools that can help you overcome the challenges you're facing in your business Get your free ticket now and get ready to discover the secrets that can double your profits in half the time. Register now via the link in the comments below! #PlacementToProfits #ProfitAccelerator #BizGrowthChallenge #RecruitmentSuccess #CentredExcellence

🤜 Ditch the Blind Recruitment! Monday starting with the client onboarding process with a twist: my way! Lead Talent Solutions www.leadtalent.co.uk Here's why it benefits everyone: 👩‍🚀 For The Worker: * Recruit the right people: Understand location, company culture, & the full manufacturing process. * Identify hidden gems: Find the best skills, even beyond the job description. * Match personality: See the people, not just resumes. * Save time & money: Less interviewing, lower turnover, happier staff. 👨‍💻 For You Clients: * Clear, smooth onboarding: Defined process for a better start. * Reduced turnover, higher retention: Get the right people who stay. * Faster recruitment: Less interview time, more success. * Save money: Less wasted time & resources on short-term hires. * Improved attendance: Engaged staff means better results. **What's in it for you (the client)? ** 30 minutes with a good recruiter can save you tons of time & money. Let's build a successful recruitment strategy together! #recruitment #onboarding #retention #clienthappiness

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Do we email too much 📧 As we become busier an email is quicker than a call? 📞 More and more businesses not having a telephone number and are only contactable by email. Ever tried to call someone get no answer so you ask the person on an email to call you back when they are free but you get a reply with sorry I’m busy all day can you send what you wanted to discuss over by email. That’s the point. With a quick phone call you can talk it through, agree and move on. We are in the people business and it makes such a difference when you can hear the tone of voice and feel that an effort was made to make a personal connection. Email is confirmation not communication, is always a place for it but often they can create a lot of unnecessary back and forth. We read emails with emotion and in business emotions are usually the enemy in communication so why do we do it so much. The building of any relationship in B2B is all started by a phone call and it takes time to nurture relationships but this can quickly and easily be undone by email. What are the main factors to have caused this 🤔 👉Since Pandemic & WFH? 👉A generational shift, prefer to email? 👉Introduction of A.I and new tech ? Be interested to hear any thoughts on this Drop me an email 😉 #observations #tech #recruiter #relations

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Are you spending more time on admin than with clients? I specialise in helping therapists and small business owners streamline their day-to-day tasks so they can focus on what truly matters – their clients and growth! Let’s make your work-life balance a priority. For a quick chat on how I can support you in your business drop me a message. #VirtualAssistant #Therapists #CBTTherapy #WorkLifeBalance #SmallBusinessSupport #DiaryManagement #InboxZero

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Starting Monday off right with some positivity... ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I cannot speak highly enough of Dean. He was so professional and helpful. He treated me as a person, not a sales target like some recruiters.' Reviews like this make me love what I do even more! If I have helped you, as a candidate or clients, and you would like to leave feedback on your experience, please do so here - 🙂 https://lnkd.in/edd4xnkM #feedback #reviews #happymonday #freshnewweek #spreadpositivity

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Recruiters do you genuinely still strive to bill more, or are you in a fur-lined rut? If you've been in your market for 2 years plus these 4 are really the only things that'll get you billing more More activity Better return on that activity - so better ratios, call to vacancy, vacancy to placement etc. Better strategy Increased average fee Apart from activity, all the rest will come from better strategy and/ or improved skills. So ask yourself how much time do you invest in being trained, coached, or personal development from videos, podcasts, books etc ? How much time do you spend re-assessing your strategy? If you expect to bill more but aren't addressing increasing your skills, working on a better strategy, or just upping your activity levels, you're kidding yourself. Coasting in a fur line rut is fine for some, but it does raise the question where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years time. Still coasting at the same desk?

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The best way to stand out in a crowded market - get out of the market. 💪🏽 Remember when you planned to be niche but started trying to appeal to more customers? Being super niche isn't just a marketing gimmick (though it certainly helps), it's a strategy that sets you apart from the competition. At NRG Resourcing, we're not financial services recruiters – we're dedicated mortgage recruiters. This narrows our competition from thousands to less than ten. 🔥 And means that we're even better at knowing what our partners want and how to get it for them. In this clip with Dan Reddish, a lead gen expert for financial services companies, he nails it. From a marketing standpoint, niching down has no downside. It means delivering better service because you're more efficient at what you do. 🙌🏽 So, are you really as niche as you say you are? And at what point can you become 'too niche'? #niche #business #recruitment #mortgagerecruiters #marketing #financialservices #question

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Endless emails? Social media overwhelming? Admin piling up? Meet Lisa Fawcett VA Services: the key to unlocking more freedom in your business! Want more time for what matters? Let’s make it happen! 10% off your first month’s invoice! #VirtualAssistantLife #BusinessGrowthTips #DelegateToElevate #WomenInBusiness #WorkSmarterNotHarder #EntrepreneurLife #SmallBusinessSupport #TimeManagementHacks #ProductivityBoost #VAforBusiness #BusinessSolutions #EssexBusiness #SocialMediaHelp #AdminSupport #LisaFawcettVAServices #WomensBusinessNetwork

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