We know it's difficult to escape on holiday when you're the boss - I think I've worked 4 out of the last 5 Christmases (and I only got a reprieve on that one because I had flu!). If there is only you in the business then even if you do escape, the likelihood is you'll be packing your iPhone and carrying on as normal in a different location, albeit with slightly inferior office facilities. Erm, that's not really a holiday, is it?

We have a client who recruited us after spending a week's holiday at the end of the pier - which was the only place he could get mobile phone reception on holiday! He decided enough was enough, and that next year he needed to have proper cover sorted out. We also have the client who hired us to cover a business trip and simply decided to continue with the service when she got back.

With the festive period fast approaching, make sure you have a proper break this year.

So, where to start?

Month Before Escape:
Your escape kit starts at least a month before you go - start documenting what you do and how you do it.

Fortnight Before Escape:
Call us to book in your holiday. We'll take a full brief of everything you need us to do whilst you are away including setting up phone diverts, checking emails and processing orders.

Day Before Escape:
Transfer your calls over to us, we'll take care of it from there. You pack suitcase and look forward to some nice wine!

Catch Up:
When you get back, we'll send you an update of everything that has happened in one easy document. Caroline's Top Tip: Add an extra day to your holiday and spend it catching up once you return, to ease yourself back into working life!

To book your escape, download our SVA Guide: "Start Delegating Now" for DIY tips.

Or visit www.virtuallysorted.com/holiday
And we'll sort it for you!

 

We're all very bored of those two words: "credit crunch". Out of every recession there are inevitably the losers - those whose businesses were not streamlined enough to survive. But there are a small percentage of businesses who really benefit from recession - they are the ones who can react fast and run a tight ship - and who, crucially, don't stop marketing!

When I say marketing I'm talking about a whole concept. My definition of marketing is:
"Every communication you have with your customer or target market."

This encompasses how you answer the phone, your marketing materials, your website, where you promote yourself, how you follow up with new leads, the accuracy of your invoices - in fact, everything which leaves a lasting impression with your customer.

I'm not advocating blindly putting adverts in the paper or spending a fortune on your new business card design - I always advise clients to look at the return they are getting from their marketing spend. Something as simple as asking leads where they heard about you can be an effective way of tracking where your leads come from.

For each £1 you spend you should be getting more business back - so looking at a piece of direct mail:

• £0.27 postage + £0.50 printing A6 postcard + £0.20 mailing list = £0.97 per lead
• Sent to 500 contacts = £485
• Need £485 in business from those 500 contacts to make it worthwhile.

(Top tip: For direct mail savings visit: http://www.cfhdocmail.com/)

This sort of return on investment calculation can be applied to lots of marketing activities - including websites. Our good friends at Contact Multimedia have put together a little calculator to figure out how you can increase your returns:
http://www.cmmc.co.uk/services/roi-calculator.aspx