productivity Archives • Virtual A Team | Virtual Business Management Services

Why an Online Business Manager For Coaches is the Secret to a Successful Coaching Business

Nicole Bandes — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 23:44:17 +0000

As a coach, you know how important it is to focus on your clients and their needs. But running a coaching business involves much more than just coaching. You have to manage your website, social media, email marketing, online courses, and much more. This can be overwhelming and take away from your core focus - coaching your clients. That's where an online business manager for coaches comes in. Today, we'll explore what an Online Business Manager (OBM) can do for your coaching business and how it can benefit you in the long run.

What is an Online Business Manager?

An OBM is a professional who can help you manage and streamline your coaching business. They take care of the day-to-day operations of your business, so you can focus on your coaching clients. An OBM can handle a range of tasks, including project management, team management, marketing, customer support, and more. They are experts in managing online businesses and can help you take your coaching business to the next level.

Benefits of Hiring an Online Business Manager for Coaches

1. Time Management

As a coach, your time is precious. You want to spend it coaching your clients, not managing the nitty-gritty details of your business. An OBM can take care of those details, so you can focus on what you do best. They can help you manage your schedule, appointments, and deadlines, so you never miss out on an opportunity.

2. Increased Efficiency

An OBM can help streamline your business processes and make them more efficient. They can automate tasks, delegate responsibilities, and manage projects, so you can get more done in less time. This means you can take on more clients, create more content, and grow your business without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Scalability

As your coaching business grows, so do your responsibilities. An OBM can help you scale your business to meet the increased demand. They can help you hire and manage a team, create and implement systems, and develop a plan for growth. With an OBM by your side, you can confidently take your coaching business to the next level.

4. Expertise

An Online Business Manager for Coaches is an expert in managing online coaching businesses. They have the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you navigate the complex world of online coaching. They can provide guidance, advice, and support, so you can make informed business decisions. With an OBM on your team, you'll have access to the expertise you need to succeed.

5. Cost-Effective

While hiring an OBM may seem like an added expense and is more expensive than hiring a virtual assistant, it can be very cost-effective in the long run. An OBM can help you save time, increase efficiency, and grow your business. This means you can generate more revenue and increase your profits. Additionally, an OBM can help you avoid costly mistakes and make smart business decisions.

Things an OBM Can Do for Your Coaching Business

Let's dig a little deeper into what an online manager for coaches can do for your coaching business. While a virtual assistant is often that go-to person for completing a list of tasks, an online business manager is that go-to person for creating and managing the projects.

1. Project Management

As a coach, you are probably challenged with brilliant ideas on a regular basis. But figuring out how to implement those ideas is another story. That's where an OBM shines over the Virtual Assistant. An OBM can help you manage your projects from start to finish. They can create timelines, assign tasks to the VAs and other experts, and track progress to ensure that everything is completed on time and within budget. This helps you stay organized and on top of your business goals.

2. Team Management

What if you need more than just an admin? What if you want someone to help with content writing? Or a great graphics person? Maybe you are starting a podcast and need an outstanding audio editor. If you have a team, an OBM can help you manage them effectively. They can find great team members, fill them in on all the details, and manage their performance. This helps ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and that your team is productive and efficient.

3. Marketing

Let's be clear, OBM's are not business coaches or strategists. But, an OBM can help you develop and implement a basic marketing strategy for overall consistency. They can help you create content, manage your social media accounts, and run email marketing campaigns. This helps you attract more clients and grow your business.

4. Customer Support

Are you forgetting to follow up with clients? An OBM can help you provide top-notch customer support to your clients. They can answer emails, manage customer inquiries, and resolve issues quickly and efficiently. This helps you build a positive reputation and keep your clients happy.

5. Financial Management

Or maybe you keep forgetting to send out invoices. An OBM can help you manage your finances and keep track of your expenses. They can create budgets, manage invoices, and oversee your bookkeeping. This helps you stay on top of your finances and make informed business decisions.

Should You Hire an Online Business Manager For Coaches?

Hiring an OBM can be a game-changer for your coaching business. They can help you streamline your operations, save time, increase efficiency, and grow your business. With an online business manager for coaches on your team, you can focus on what you do best - coaching your clients. If you still aren't sure if you need a Virtual Assistant or an OBM, check out this article. If you're ready to take your coaching business to the next level, consider hiring an OBM today.

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Jan. 26, 2024

Online Business Manager Interview Questions You Need to Ask

The post Why an Online Business Manager For Coaches is the Secret to a Successful Coaching Business appeared first on Virtual A Team | Virtual Business Management Services.

5 Actionable Tips to Enhance and Uplevel Your Business Performance Today

Nicole Bandes — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:13 +0000

Are you struggling with a lack of productivity?

June is focused all around productivity - We will be bringing you interesting and actionable topics related to productivity that you can start implementing in your business today.

In today's episode of Coach's Copilot, our host Nicole Bandes shares 5 tips that will help you shake those productivity blues.

Have you found yourself suffering from the productivity blues and are ready to shake it? Get your ticket, fasten those seatbelts, sit back, and relax as Nicole shares with you some unconventional ways to deal with those bouts of time when you are feeling unproductive.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The importance of integrating a Hammock Day
Multi-purposing, what is it, and how is it different from multi-tasking?
Walking the walk and talking the talk - why you should have a When Life Works list.
What does it mean to procrastinate on purpose?
Why you should be scheduling Flex Time.

About Our Pilot:

Nicole Bandes, founder and CEO of Virtual A Team, is intensely committed to guiding entrepreneurs and small business owners to find and OWN THE ZONE so they can overcome overwhelm and have more time for what matters most.

Connect with Nicole

Facebook

Instagram

In-Flight Snacks:

Flight 008: How to Design Your Ideal Day
Flight 092: Why You Should be Incorporating a When Life Works List in Your Success
Flight 105: Productivity 101: Getting More Ideal Days on the Calendar
Schedule a Consultation with Virtual A Team

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

And, if you like what you heard, be sure to Subscribe!

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Encore: Why Your To-Do List Isn’t Working and What to Do Instead

Jocelyn Compton — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 10:00:32 +0000

Is it time for you to ditch your to-do list? Is there a better alternative? From grocery lists to bucket lists, everything is lists these days. In today's episode of Coach's Copilot, Nicole Bandes takes us on a solo flight through 7 tips to make those to-do lists less overwhelming and more enjoyable. Are you ready to kick those lists up a notch? Grab your Passport to Success, fasten those seatbelts, sit back and relax - you will NOT want to miss this flight!

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

To-do lists are not sufficient as your only type of productivity tool.
Gratitude is a game changer
Prioritizing will help you maintain your sanity

About Our Pilot:

Connect with Nicole

Facebook

Instagram

In-Flight Snacks:

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

And, if you like what you heard, be sure to Subscribe!

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Why Productivity Systems and Tools Aren’t Enough

Jocelyn Compton — Sun, 10 Apr 2022 19:00:31 +0000

Are you still looking for just the right system that’s going to help you be more productive and finally let you have all the time in the world? If this is you, get your ticket, fasten those seatbelts, and sit back and relax as we join our host Nicole Bandes on a solo flight over the topic of productivity systems and tools, what they are, and why they may not be working in your business. Nicole will give practical tips and first hand experience from her coaching days on tools and systems, plus some common beliefs that come with the topic.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

What the heck are productivity systems and tools, and what some of their uses would include.
The steps Nicole has learned on her journey to being more productive.
How mindset is connected to productivity tools and systems.

About Our Pilot:

Connect with Nicole

Schedule a chat with Nicole

Transcription:

Are you still looking for just the right system that’s going to help you be more productive and finally let you have all the time in the world? I have a secret to let you in on…

I'm kind of lazy. I admit it. I like to work less and have more free time. I think part of that comes from being a chronic migraine sufferer and needing to reduce the amount of work stress in my life. It has also meant I needed to get more done in less time just in case a migraine would strike.

That’s probably why I first started learning how to be more productive. Way back in Junior High. I remember being given a class planner when we had our intro to the crazy world that was different teachers and different classrooms. I thought that was so cool. A place where I could track homework assignments and tests? Are you kidding me???

Of course, I’ve also had migraines since JH… Coincidence??? JUST KIDDING!

Once I discovered planners, my journey to become the perfectly productive person (say that 5 times fast) started.

I have spent many years looking for that perfect productivity system and getting it to work just right for me. I had learned so much that I even became a Productivity Coach & Consultant.

But what do I mean by productivity systems and tools?

A quick search on the internet comes up with over 277 MILLION results. That’s a LOT of listings for productivity systems.

A productivity system is a philosophy around how to be more productive. Think Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, a book that just released its 30th anniversary edition a couple of years ago.

The team over at TeamGant lists the following as the four best productivity systems:

Getting Things Done by David Allen is a workflow that allows you to choose how to prioritize your tasks and get everything out of your brain and onto paper.
Pomodoro was started by Francesco Cirrillo and utilizes time as a limiting factor encouraging you to stay focused.
Zen to Done by Leo Babauta builds on the Getting Things Done premise while working to overcome some of it’s limitations.
Don’t Break the Chain was popularized by Jerry Seinfeld in his attempts to write more stand up comedy jokes. It’s a simple premise that works on consistency every single day.

The system I often taught when I coached or presented consisted of 5 key elements: Eliminate, Automate, Delegate, Procrastinate (on purpose), and focus.

Productivity Tools, on the other hand, are programs, calendars, journals, software, etc… that help you to get organized and stay productive.

When looking for a best of related to tools, the search came back with numbers like 66 best, 44 top, 29… That’s a LOT of tools.

As Time Doctor.com explains, Tools can be broken down into categories such as:

Communication and collaboration (think things like Slack or Zoom).
Time Tracking Tools (to help you identify how you are spending your time).
To Do List or Project management tools (like Asana, Trello, Monday, or just your written To-Do List)
Note-Taking Tools (so you don’t forget things that are important)
Focus tools (that help you stay off of social media for too long or get you into the Zone faster).

And that’s just the start!

If systems were clothes and tools were the accessories, my efforts to find the right combination that would nail my productivity challenges ended up looking like the dressing room floor of a prom dress store in April, more discarded cast-offs than jaw-dropping options. I wanted that Come-down-the-stairs-and-make-everyone-stop- in-their-tracks moment when it came to finding the right combination of productivity systems and tools.

But, the overwhelming mix of options makes me realize two things.

These tools and systems are NOT one-size-fits all. New ones keep getting created because the old ones aren’t working.
It’s not the tools or systems that account for most of our productivity.

Here’s some of what I learned on my journey and by coaching 100’s of others to become more productive.

Lesson #1 - Productivity systems and tools aren’t a perfect fit – Have you ever purchased a high ticket item like a brand new car or home? Even if you custom build a home based on your own specifications, you often figure out things that just don’t work for you. It might be where the laundry room is placed or how the garage is on the other side of the kitchen so you have to carry your groceries all through the house.

Systems and tools are no different, there’s always going to be something that just doesn’t quite work for you. And quite often, that one thing will likely cause you to get so frustrated that you stop using it at all. After all, when something isn’t easy, we resort to what IS easy in times of stress.

Lesson #2 -You can get caught up looking at options – With so many systems and tools, you can actually get trapped and waste MORE time trying to find the perfect fit. I test drove so many programs that I knew all the bells and whistles of each. Clients would pay me not to have to do that kind of research themselves knowing that I could find a close match based on their personality and style. But, if you aren’t prepared to pay someone, this can be an incredible waste of time.

By the way, if you are interested saving some time while selecting the best tools for you and your business, be sure to check out episode number 68 . I dive deep into how you can better evaluate all the options and pick the one that will be most beneficial to you. Tap into my years of expertise and save yourself a lot of time! We’ll link that in the show notes.

Lesson #3 - It’s more about mindset than the right tool – Not another mindset topic!!! Let’s be honest, there’s a reason so many coaches focus on mindset. What we think about, comes about. Whenever I worked with a new coaching client to help improve their productivity, I would always share that mindset had to come before tools and systems.

If you felt guilty about how you spent your time – tools would not work.
If you struggled with “fear of” issues, i.e. fear of success, fear of failure, imposter syndrome – systems would not work.
If you had personal issues that affected your business life – tools and systems wouldn’t work.

Again, this is just a few examples of the mindset challenges that can keep you from being more productive.

The fact is, if you don’t value your time and how you use it, no system, tool or hack will offer you more time.

I’m going to share a favorite poem of mine. Author – Unknown.

To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who failed a grade.

To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who gave birth to a premature baby.

To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask the editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask the person who was born on February 29th.

To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet.

To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who missed the train.

To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who just avoided an accident.

To realize the value of ONE MILLISECOND, ask the person who won a silver medal in the Olympics.

Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. And remember that time waits for no one.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.

Until you are ready to be intentional and deliberate with every moment you have, your productivity will suffer.

Here are some of the most common things I heard when coaching clients and what the negative belief may be.

“But I have to be available in case a client calls.” – If I miss a client call, they won’t do business with me and I’ll be a failure. Here’s the reality, you teach people how to treat you. If you train your clients that you are available 24/7, they’ll expect you to be. If you don’t want to be, let them work with someone else. There are plenty of other clients who will respect your boundaries.

“I should spend more time doing XYZ.” – I think everyone wants me to do something else but I also think I need to be doing what I’m already doing. I really can’t make up my mind. Shoulding is a lack of commitment. You want to please people, including yourself, so you can’t commit to how you truly want to spend your time.

“I don’t have time to do ABC.” – I’m not really that interested in motivated even if I say I am. It’s not a lack of time you have, it’s a lack of priority. If you don’t have time to spend with your family, your priority is on your business. If you don’t have time to take care of your health, it’s not your priority. Change the phrase to accurately reflect what this is and you’ll discover a shift in perspective.

Letting go of these beliefs isn’t always easy but once you are ready to let go, then the systems and tools are no longer as critical.

Stop chasing the perfect system, tool or hack and start reflecting on how you value your time.

Do you know the dollar value of your time? How much is your time actually worth to you? Here, at Virtual A Team, we’ve created a handy calculator to let you determine just that. It also gives you some insight on how much you can afford to pay someone when you choose to start outsourcing. It’ll take just a few minutes and you might be surprised by what you learn. Check it out at CanYouAffordToOutsource.com

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

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What It’s Like to Work with VAT

Jocelyn Compton — Sun, 27 Mar 2022 19:00:16 +0000

Are you on the fence about outsourcing or hiring out? In today's flight of Coach's Copilot, our host Nicole Bandes is joined by Dave Molenda, the founder of Positive Polarity, and current client of Virtual A Team. If you find yourself doing tasks that you don't love, you'll want the First Class ticket to hear Dave's firsthand experience with maintaining his Zone of Genius and Delegating Smarter.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Discover some of the feelings that might come up when considering outsourcing
How to know when is the right time to start outsourcing
Some things you can outsource

About Our Flight Crew:

Dave Molendo is the founder of Positive Polarity and grew his start-up business into a $10 Million company before selling it. He now passes the principles of his success onto his clients so that they too can succeed and grow.

He is also a #1 Amazon Best Seller of the book, Growing On Purpose: The Formula to Strengthen Your Team AND Improve Your Customer Experience. In his book, Dave brings together extensive business experience to show readers how to combine team strength (achieved through intentional communication) and positive, individualized customer experiences to achieve a fully engaged business.

Connect with Dave Molenda

Website

In Flight Snacks:

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

And, if you like what you heard, be sure to Subscribe!

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More Than One Way to Win with Marisa Lonic

Nicole Bandes — Sun, 06 Feb 2022 19:00:16 +0000

Is Hustle and Grind really the best path to success? For this month's "More Than One Way to Win" special episode on Coach's CoPilot, get your passport to success ready as we travel to another redefined meaning of Success and Winning. Join Nicole Bandes as she flies with Marisa Lonic, a successful mom of 4 kids and founder of Mamaworkit.com. Nicole and Marisa talk about reframing the negative belief that "hustle and grind" mindset is a determining factor for success. They also offer tips on how to create and stick to a new belief system.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Marissa's definition of success and winning
How to define your own measure of success
How to reframe your belief system to become more successful
How important time management and habits are to productivity and success

About Our Guest:

Marisa Lonic is the founder of Mama Work It. She’s a working mom of four kids, a native New Yorker and a California resider. A self-proclaimed Time Momager, Marisa helps busy moms juggling mom life, work life, wife life, fill in the blank life via her books, courses, and coaching programs. Her time management and goal achievement strategies have helped the most overwhelmed mamas turn their dreams into reality, even when they thought they had no time to make any of it happen.

Connect with Marisa

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Free Breakthrough Call with Marisa Lonic

The Bob Newhart 5-Min Therapy Approach on SNL

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

And, if you like what you heard, be sure to Subscribe!

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How to Choose the Best Tool for Your Business

Nicole Bandes — Sun, 09 Jan 2022 19:00:40 +0000

Selecting the right productivity tools for your business can be an overwhelming task and may cost you more time and money than necessary. In this episode of Coach’s CoPilot, Nicole Bandes helps you discover an easy-to-follow, systematic approach to choosing the best tools for your personality and business needs

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Get practical, actionable steps to evaluate programs
How to rank your preferences for a more effective comparison.
The tip that will save you tons of time on this entire process.

About Our Pilot:

Connect with Nicole

Schedule a chat with Nicole

Transcription

Have you ever posted something on Facebook or Instagram asking what project management program people used? How about a scheduling tool? This is one of the most common questions I see in Facebook groups and the intent is to get help choosing the best program. There’s only one problem, the most common answer may not be the best program for you. Today is going to be a shorter episode but it will be very actionable. You can take this information and apply it in your business every time you need to purchase a new program or tool or even if it’s time to upgrade your old systems.

There’s a better way to select the best programs than just taking a poll of the most used ones. You are as individual as the set of DNA that makes you up and, unless you are an identical twin, there isn’t another one like you on the planet. That means that the way you think and the way you do business is very different than the next person.

Just because Asana is probably the biggest project management tool out there doesn’t mean it’s the best one for you. And even if everyone seems to be jumping on the Monday bandwagon because a few gurus think it’s AMAZING (and are getting affiliate revenue for recommending it), you may find it confusing and not able to do the things YOU need it to do.

The best way to find the right program for you is to do some research. Ok, OK, I hear you. Researching isn’t fun for most of us. It’s not what you WANT to do. Can’t you just go with what everyone else is using?

Here’s why that’s not a good idea.

Different tools have different features. The one feature you need may not be in the most popular tools.
Different tools have different price points. You may need something that’s free for now but everyone else is recommending programs that are only good if you upgrade to a premium subscription.
Your brain is set up totally different. I am fascinated by people who love Trello. This is a very visual program and, while I always thought of myself as a visual person, it isn’t how my mind works for most project management tools. In this case, my logical brain takes over and I need something more structured and outlined.
And, most importantly, choosing the wrong program could cost you a lot of time and money later one when you’ve realized this one just won’t work for you.

Let’s figure out, then, how to best research software programs so you aren’t just picking something that everyone is using.

First of all, there’s nothing wrong as using recommendations as part of the overall research plan. But lets’ break it up into steps.

Step 1 – Initial research

This is the phase when asking for recommendations can be helpful because it can help you identify some of the biggest programs out there that you may not have heard of before. But here’s what I’d do different. Instead of just saying, “What appointment scheduling tool do you use?”, add one small bit, “and what is your favorite feature and what do you wish it did?” By asking this question, you’ll also begin to discover what features to pay attention to and what features programs have.

Step 2 – Overview

I HIGHLY recommend you get a virtual assistant to help you with this step. You don’t need to be spending time on Google looking at different programs and digging into features.

Create a spreadsheet. Along the side, you’ll list each of the different programs you find. Do a web search to see if you can find more than what was initially recommended. The more detailed you go, the better your overall results.

Along the top, you’ll list price and features.

Now research each of the program options once over. This is a quick review to find out any additional features you may not have highlighted. You can also use this quick review to eliminate any programs that are not an option due to price or if it doesn’t have an important feature you need.

Let’s stick with appointment scheduling tools for our example.

Along the side, you may list programs like:

Acuity
Calendly
SimplyBook.me
TimeTrade
Zoho

The list goes on.

And that’s why it’s important to do your homework.

Along the top, in addition to pricing, you might include things like:

Google Calendar integration
Website integration
Email integration
Email responders
Mobile app
Booking questions
Book multiple meeting types/locations

Again, this list can go on. There may be certain features that don’t matter to you right now. For example, you may not care if it doesn’t allow you to integrate it into your website. But make note of the feature anyway. Also make note if a feature is only available at a certain price point.

As you start looking up different programs, put an X in any box where a program has that specific feature. Add a Y if that feature is available but at a higher price point.

What you’ll find is that, as you go through your initial overview, you’ll uncover some features that you didn’t think to list upon your first go through. So that leads us to the next step.

Step 3 – Deep Dive

Now go back through and fill in any gaps. If you aren’t sure if a tool has a certain feature, jump on the support or chat to ask that question. Again, you can save yourself a lot of time by letting a virtual assistant do this for you.

Once you’ve done your deep dive, you should have a spreadsheet that outlines between 5 and 10 programs and ALL of the available features.

Step 4 – Initial evaluation

Now, highlight the features that are a MUST have. Those features that, if a tool or system does not do this, it’s not even an option for you. For me, any tool I use has to have the option to have multiple calendars, one for clients and team meetings, one for prospect strategy sessions, one for my podcast records, etc… And, preferably, not have these raise the price significantly. So, if it only allows you to have one calendar option at a reasonable price, it’s a no go for me.

You can remove any programs that don’t meet your MUST haves. I usually move these to a separate sheet so I still have the info in case I need it later.

Step 5 – Rate and Score

In this step, you will review the remaining features and rate them on a scale of 1 to 5. This is usually a bit arbitrary and just a gut instinct. Add one more column right below the Features. This is where you will note how important each feature is to you, independent of the programs.

How important is it to you to have website integration? A 5 means you would really prefer to have that feature but it’s not a deal breaker. Remember, we are only rating the ones that are NOT must haves. You don’t care if it doesn’t have a mobile app because you prefer not to do business on your phone? Rate that a 1. Something that may not be important now but that you could see it being important later might get a 3.

Now, for each program, you’ll convert your X’s and Y’s to numbers. If you rated website integration as a 5, put 5s in all the programs that have that option. If it has a Y instead of an X, deduct 2 points since it’s only available at a higher price.

Add up the numbers. You should have a few programs that come pretty close together. It’s time to evaluate.

Step 6 – Evaluate

Once you’ve scored your options and reduce the potential programs to 2 or 3, it’s time to do a hands on evaluation.

Hopefully, the programs you are looking at have a free trial version or you can subscribe for just one month.

Evaluation will be the most time consuming part of your selection process but should NOT be overlooked. Just because a program scores well, doesn’t mean it’s the right fit.

Run the program through a few tests. See if there’s anyone you know that is using it that will let you test out theirs.

While we recommend having your virtual team do the set up and integration for any programs, you’ll at least need to look around the back end now and then.

At the end of your spreadsheet, add the following questions or come up with a few that are relevant to the programs you are reviewing.

Does it feel confusing or intuitive?
How easy is it for your customers to use?
How helpful is customer service (you may need to test this with a question or two)?
How good is the knowledge base or support system?
What is my overall gut feeling about this tool? Now rate and score these additional questions and add them in to your overall numbers.

Step 7 – Implement

Well, of course you are going to get your virtual team to help you with the implementation. There is no reason you need to know HOW to set something up that you’ll only do once.

Be patient though, they may have a lot of seemingly random questions for you that are needed for the tool you selected.

Ready to dive in? Give the tool your best efforts for at least 3 months. Tools take time to get used to and the more time you take up front, the more likely you are to stick with it. Create scenarios that require you to practice so you don’t forget it’s there.

And remember, the best research in the world can’t uncover certain issues or changes. There will be times when you’ve done all your homework to pick a program and you still need to change after a few months. Don’t beat yourself up and continue to pay for something that isn’t working. It’s a balance between staying with something you don’t like and tool hopping looking for the perfect solution (that doesn’t exist by the way).

Need help researching the best tools for your business (and you)? Our team is ready to jump in and help with this and ALL of your outsourcing needs. You can check out our scheduling tool while you book a consultation with our team at virtualateam.com/contact-us

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The Seven Minute Productivity Solution

Nicole Bandes — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 19:00:12 +0000

Do you know the brain science behind productivity? In todays flight of Coach's Copilot host Nicole Bandes is joined by John Brandon, a productivity science expert. They'll discuss how to have productivity with purpose and accomplish those goals that may seem out of reach.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

The productivity routine
Start with the easiest thing
Being productive without thinking about it

About Our Guest:

John Brandon is a respected journalist and book author. He currently writes a column for Forbes.com about innovation and business. Before that, he wrote a daily column for Inc.com that ran for 10 years, amassing an audience of about 60 million readers in print and online. He’s written columns for Popular Mechanics, Wired, Entrepreneur, and many others. His new book called The 7-Minute Productivity Solution debuts in January of 2022.

Connect with J0hn Brandon

Website

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

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Why ROI Matters and How to Show it in Your Coaching Business

Nicole Bandes — Sun, 11 Jul 2021 19:00:42 +0000

As a coach do you need a coach? Today host Nicole Bandes is joined by Kim Ades of Frame of Mind Coaching. Kim is passionate about leaving a lasting change in her coaching clients and has tips on how to make that happen. They'll cover overcoming the top coaching challenges; specifically how to demonstrate the ROI of your coaching!

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

Investing in your own growth is essential
Leaving an imprint as a coach
The power of journaling

About Our Guest:

Kim Ades (pronounced add-iss) is the President and Founder of Frame of Mind Coaching. Recognized as an expert in the area of thought mastery and mental toughness, Kim uses her unique philosophy and quirky coaching style to help leaders shift their thinking in order to yield extraordinary results. Author, speaker, entrepreneur, coach, and mom of five, Kim's claim to fame is teaching her powerful Frame of Mind Coaching process to influencers worldwide.

Connect with Kim

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Book a complimentary call with Kim

Inflight tip: Delegate and ditch the frog!

Virtual A Team delegating calculator

Journal your response to these prompts and email them to Kim (kim@frameofmindcoaching.com) for her feedback. Here they are:

1) What do I really, really want more than anything?

2) What is preventing me from having it right now?

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

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Why your to-do list isn’t working, and what to do instead

Nicole Bandes — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 19:00:32 +0000

Is it time for you to ditch your to-do list? Is there a better alternative? From grocery lists to bucket lists everything is lists these days and our host Nicole Bandes is going to take you through 7 tips to make those to-do lists less overwhelming and more enjoyable. Those 7 tips at a glance are; rename it, break it up, make it meaningful, make it focused, make it easy to find, make it accessible, and make it clear.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

To-Do lists are not sufficient as your only type of productivity tool.
How to make a better to-do list
Gratitude is a game changer
Prioritizing will help you maintain your sanity

Links & Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Apps: remember the milk, asana, trello, evernote, toodledo.

Email Nicole for her project management app review post.

Still have questions about this topic?

Join us in our free private group - Coach's Copilot Hanger - to dive deeper into the topics we share on every episode.

Would you like to be a guest?

We are looking for guests for our shows. If you would like to be coached in a hot seat or have a topic you think would benefit our audience, apply to be on the show here.

And, if you like what you heard, be sure to Subscribe!

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The post Why your to-do list isn’t working, and what to do instead appeared first on Virtual A Team | Virtual Business Management Services.