Modern Administrative Solution: Outsourcing

In business, outsourcing is the contracting out of a business process to a third-party (Wikipedia). It is the act of using an outside agency to operate a function previously carried out within a company.

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The main objective of the company is to reduce direct costs based on a subcontracting or outsourcing of services that will not affect the main activities of the company. It is an alternative that achieves high performance in specific areas, thereby obtaining time- and cost- effective results. When companies outsource, the major problem that they may face is finding where to start. Tasks are determined by the type of responsibilities that can be outsourced. In terms of management, we can separate tasks that can be delegated into two categories, divided according to their level of impact on the company and its potential as a key to success.

1 - Basic Tasks. These tasks often revolve around managing documents or files and are low-risk activities for the company. We are talking about activities such as: Writing, design or proofreading documents; Presentations, newsletters and brochures; Online research, data collection, analysis of competition; and, Spreadsheets.

2 - Specialty Tasks. These tasks are most often outsourced by small businesses as they do not have the experience or skills needed to carry them out every day. These may include: Accounting and economic consulting; Marketing; Legal consulting.

Benefits and Risks of Outsourcing

Benefits greatly outnumber the risks when outsourcing administration support. Some of the main advantages include: minimization of investment and cost reduction, greater flexibility within the organization, more efficient operations, better control and greater security and faster development of business objectives. Some risks may include: unsuitable negotiation of a contract, difficult choice of provider, excessive dependence on external companies, plus confidentiality can be threatened.

The need for trust and reliability by the hiring company is clear. Virtual assistants understand this and are open for communication with their clients at any moment. At AMG VA Services we provide valuable assistance in tasks ranging from administration to design and marketing to social media management. The internet and the advancement of all methods of communication and transmission of data is a point in favour for us, outsourcing companies. It allows for a connection and immediate contact with our clients.

In summary, delegation and outsourcing of some assignments will allow businesses to focus on their business goals and most important activities. While the reasons may vary for a company to undertake outsourcing, the success is visible among corporations where outsourcing has become a core component of day to day business procedures and strategies.

Mothers: Work & Family

In our days, women want to become super moms trying to do everything- from being the best mothers to obtaining deserved professional recognition. They have come to realize though, that this situation is unsustainable: work 8 hours away from home and another 8 in it is more than anyone can bear. The stress and nerves can take over for many of them.

Even though all moms are different, following the full integration of women into the business world has made it increasingly difficult to balance work with children. Many of us feel frustrated, guilty and helpless at the lack of time to spend with our babies, about leaving their education in the hands of third parties, and of course not being able to participate and support them in their activities.

Different situations challenge us to choose the best for our children, but there are no rules to the most suitable arrangement. Today, many new mothers prefer to leave work and care for their children before going crazy trying to do everything and to avoid feeling guilty for not being good mothers. However, if you are currently working or considering returning to work, to successfully overcome the tensions between work and family, it is important that you follow some of these guidelines:

• Be less demanding. Recognize that you cannot do everything. Ask for help!• Establish priorities. Cleaning can wait … babies don’t keep!• Give your children your full attention.  Stop and really listen to all the things they have to say.
• Build on weekend and days off activities for them. Participate.• Oversee the education they receive at school. Oversee people who are dedicated to take care of them while you are busy.• Accept your children’s opinions, even if they are different from yours. They need to know that even if their views are different from their parents, they will always have your support.• Cultivate patience and a sense of humour; qualities that will make any type of problem more bearable.

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Remember, it is normal for parents to face conflict between work and family priorities. The way parents address this conflict is what will dictate positive or negative responses of all involved, yourself, your family, and your employer. Our behaviour will be determined based on our sense of control, the flexibility of our jobs and our family, and our willingness to enter a sound commitment to our loved ones. Remember, the essential core of a family is parenthood, and a family forms the core unit of our society. Balance is the key! Do not give up ♥