How We Work - Administrative Services - Desktop Publishing - Websites and eMarketing
How We Work
Our Administrative Consulting and Business Support Services have been designed with the small business in mind. We offer a variety of administrative and support services to allow our clients to focus on their big picture, while we focus on the details. From simplifying your schedule, to reducing your workload, to making sure you can always find that important file, we do it all.
If you've considered hiring an assistant but don't have the office space or the budget for a full-time assistant, consider hiring an on-call administrative professional on an as-needed basis. What you'll get is a professional with years of experience, who loves what she does, and comes equipped with her own desk, chair, laptop, fax, phone, and stapler, and who's ready to leap in and start work as soon as you are.
Through our 12 years in practice we have learned and searched and tested and tried the way we want to do business and why we do things the way that we do. What follows is a manifesto of sorts, the guiding principles by which we work.
Your Administrative Consultant (AC)
All of our team members are friendly, easy going, and extremely hard workers. We want to do everything we can to make our work together a success. At the beginning of your engagement, based on availability, skills and style, you will choose a team member to work with. That team member will be your primary point of contact and your AC. The rest of the team will be available as a backup. Working with an AC is as much a learning experience for your AC (about how your business runs) as it is for you (how to best work with your AC). We don't like working “in emergency” and believe that you don't either. Together you and your AC will develop systems and strategies to plan ahead to minimize those unforeseen needs.
Confidentiality
We hold honesty and integrity as two values pivotal to the success of our relationships. What’s discussed in your work with your AC is completely confidential. We will not share information of any kind, unless you ask us to do so. All team members are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement for everyone’s peace of mind.
Communication
We believe that clear and open communication is necessary for a successful virtual partnership. We encourage frequent communication, particularly early on, to establish rapport and to establish a common dialogue.
If you ever have a concern or question please bring it up. We promise to talk about it with you, and will work to resolve the matter to both parties satisfaction. We believe that our working relationship should work for all parties. If at any point our relationship is no longer serving your needs, we want to know about it.
Decisions
You'll find your AC to be a powerful resource, and an invaluable partner in your success. Your AC may share thoughts and opinions with you but it's up to you to decide which, if any, to act upon.
Timing
We strive to respond to/return all requests within 24 hours (during a normal business week) but many larger projects will require more time. We ask that if you need something in a certain time frame, you let your AC know in advance so she can plan adequate time to meet your requests. We also ask that if you’d like to talk to your AC by phone, that you schedule a time with her for an appointment. NOTE: If you have a last minute request, we may not be able to help you. Please do make the request and we will let you know if it is not possible so other arrangements can be made.
Fees
There are no monthly minimums or retainers. All work is billed at a flat fee in quarter hour increments for the time required to meet your requests or handle any routine tasks/ responsibilities delegated to your AC. You will receive an invoice at the end of the month detailing all activities. Payment is required within 10 days and may be made by check, credit card or Paypal.