Remote Administrative Support

Hi everyone,
 
I hope winter is off to a good start for you.  Here in the Midwest, it is off to a cold start.  If you have been with us for a while, you know I am not a cold-weather fan.  But I do like the changing of seasons so I know I have to have both to a degree.   Send me lots of warm weather wishes J
 
As I thought about a topic this month I decided that one thing January often brings is a reflection on how busy and often stretched non-profit leaders are.  We have many clients who use remote, limited-hours administrative services, so I thought I would just do a simple overview of why we might consider this as an option in Calibration Point this month.   
 
A disclaimer, I have no state in any remote admin support companies, but it is so easy when we explore this topic with clients to come up with all the reasons why they don’t want to do this. I thought it might be good to capture some of the reasons you might want to consider it.  So, the focus of the Calibration point in this month's writing is to explore, at a high level, some of the reasons you might want to consider this as an option. 
 
Hiring remote administrative support can offer several benefits, making it a strategic decision for nonprofit leaders.  I have listed some reasons why you might want to consider hiring remote administrative support and examples of platforms where you can find such services – disclaimer – (I have not worked with all of these examples, just putting them out there for you to explore and there are many more than these):
 
1. Cost-Efficiency:

• Reason: Remote administrative support allows you to access skilled professionals without the costs associated with in-house staff, such as office space, equipment, and benefits.

• Where to Hire: Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr connect you with freelancers offering administrative support services at various price points.

2. Flexibility and Scalability:

• Reason: Remote support offers flexibility in terms of hours and workload. You can scale up or down based on your organization's needs.

• Where to Hire: Virtual assistant services like Time Etc. or Belay provide dedicated virtual assistants who can handle various administrative tasks.

3. Access to Diverse Skill Sets:

• Reason: Remote platforms allow you to tap into a global talent pool, giving you access to diverse skills and expertise.

• Where to Hire: Websites like Toptal specialize in connecting organizations with top freelancers and experts in various fields, including administrative support.

4. Focus on Core Activities:

• Reason: Delegating administrative tasks to remote professionals allows nonprofit leaders to focus more on core activities, strategic planning, and mission-driven work.

• Where to Hire: Platforms like TaskBullet or MyOutDesk offer virtual assistants who can handle routine administrative tasks, freeing up your time.

5. Improved Efficiency:

• Reason: Remote administrative support can enhance efficiency through specialized skills and a focus on task management.

• Where to Hire: Services like Worldwide101 provide experienced virtual assistants who are well-versed in administrative tasks and can contribute to increased efficiency.

6. Reduced Overhead:

• Reason: Hiring remote support minimizes overhead costs associated with maintaining physical office spaces and facilities.

• Where to Hire: Remote job boards like Remote OK or Remote.co feature administrative support roles, allowing you to find qualified professionals interested in remote work.

7. 24/7 Availability:

• Reason: Depending on the nature of your nonprofit's work, hiring remote support from different time zones can ensure 24/7 coverage, addressing urgent tasks promptly.

• Where to Hire: Virtual staffing agencies such as 24/7 Virtual Assistant can connect you with assistants available around the clock.

 
When considering hiring remote administrative support, it's essential to define your specific needs and choose a platform or service that aligns with your nonprofit's goals and values. Always check reviews, ratings, and portfolios to ensure you're selecting reliable and skilled professionals.  And of course understand your budgetary capacity.
 
So there you go, just some food for thought.
 
Have a great month,
 
Warmly
Jamie