December is one of the busiest times of the year for small business owners. You can end up completely stressed out by your never ending to-do list. Here are 24 ways your Virtual Assistant can help bring harmony in the run up to the holiday season.

Virtual Assistant help for your business

1. Plan ahead for the holidays

Let your Virtual Assistant know ahead of time when you are planning to be absent during the festive period, so you don’t end up with unwanted appointments when you are supposed to be watching ‘Elf’ with the kids.

2. Christmas festivities

If you have staff and you can thank them for their efforts, ask your VA to arrange an evening out to spend some fun time with your team. Remember you can spend up to £150 per person per tax year on staff entertaining as a tax-deductible expense.

3. Gifts for staff

For small teams, consider getting them a gift to show your appreciation. Your VA can do the research to find, order and pay for the items.

4. Gifts for customers/suppliers

Promotional gifts for customers/suppliers are also tax deductible so you can send them merchandise with your company logo on it. If you buy gifts of food and wine though, these are not tax deductible. Your Virtual Assistant can help organise this to keep your company top of mind.

5. Write and send business Christmas cards

When you are strapped for time, this task can easily fall off the bottom of the list but it’s another easier marketing win for your brand. Your Virtual Assistant can help ensure all your important customers and suppliers are remembered this December.

6. Office maintenance

If you are closing your premises during Christmas and New Year, this is a great time to do some deep cleaning and other maintenance jobs. Arrange for contractors to get access over the festive shutdown.

7. Holiday cover

With many staff hoping to take time off in the run up to Christmas, you might find your business needs extra holiday cover. This is another additional task that your VA can manage.

8. Managing increased seasonal sales

If you are a small producer, you may need an additional pair of hands to fulfil orders over the holiday season. Your VA can help ensure you don’t disappoint any customers.

9. Manage customer returns and refunds

Christmas sales can lead to an increase in your returns and refunds rate than at other times of the year. Use your VA to keep on top of this so you are providing the best customer service and clients come back again after the holiday season.

10. Keep marketing

Even if you are downing tools for a well-earned break, it’s a good idea to keep your social media channels active over the festive period. Ask your VA to schedule posts in advance.

11. Inbox and filing

The slower pace between Christmas and New Year is a great time to get on top of your filing. If you can’t face it yourself, this is another job for your Virtual Assistant.

12. Preparation for the new year

Have your VA ensure that any filing systems that are date based are refreshed and ready to use in January. They can also start to gather paperwork that is needed for your tax return.

13. Stock take

The end of the year is a good time to do a thorough stock check in preparation for the coming year. Get your VA to manage this process and involve other staff members if necessary.

Personal tasks you can give your VA

14. Present sourcing

Finding the right gifts can be time-consuming, so give your Virtual Assistant some ideas as to the sort of things your family and friends like and let them take the strain of sourcing the perfect presents.

15. Gift wrapping

The last thing you need is to be wrapping gifts at 11pm on Christmas Eve. If you’ve had your VA source presents, why not ask them to do the wrapping as well. Chances are they’ll do a neater job than you too!

16. Order your turkey or other Christmas meats

Your Virtual Assistant can sort out your poultry and meat orders for Christmas Day. That just leaves you to put the bird in the oven at the right time.

17. Book your online shopping slot

Supermarket shopping slots are often released early in December, and you’ll need to stay up late or get up early and be prepared to wait in a queue to grab one. If you ask your VA very nicely, they may even help you out with this job.

18. Arrange a Santa letter for your kids

If you have small people in your house, why not have your VA arrange a letter or even video message from Father Christmas.

19. Book theatre or other tickets

Going to the panto, going ice-skating or to the ballet is a great festive activity but it can be time-consuming to book tickets, so pass this job over as well.

20. Book train or airline tickets

Make sure you’ve made any festive travel arrangements ahead of time so there’s availability and you aren’t paying a premium because you’ve left it very late to book.

21. Book accommodation

If you are going away over the holiday season, make sure you book your hotel or other accommodation in advance. Rooms can get booked out early so get your VA on the case.

22. Source costumes and props for the kids’ school plays

An easily overlooked job is finding costumes and props for your child’s school play and if your kids’ school communications are late, this can cause a last-minute headache. Your VA is likely a great source of potential suppliers or can do the research for you.

23. Arrange boarding for dogs/cats over Christmas

If you are heading off to stay with your family, you may need care for your pet. Another job you can hand off to help you cope at this busy time of year.

24. Gifts for your kids’ teachers

Rather than another box of chocolates why not have your VA find a more unusual, helpful or indulgent treat for your child’s teacher?

One job you don’t want to pass to your Virtual Assistant

It’s not cool to have your VA source, purchase and wrap their own festive gift. Don’t do it.

If you’ve found this list of quick admin tips useful, why not check out my 26 Productivity Tips and Tricks to help you achieve more.

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