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When to Use AI vs When to Hire Human Help

As technology advances, business owners are facing a big decision: when to use AI-powered tools and automation, and when to rely on human expertise. While AI can streamline many processes, there are certain areas where a human touch is still irreplaceable. Finding the perfect balance between AI and human help can boost your efficiency, improve your customer experience, and—most importantly—help your business grow. In this blog, we’ll break down the strengths and limitations of bo...

How Can a Virtual Assistant Scale With My Business Needs?

Navigating the ebbs and flows of business and looking for a reliable resource to help you share the load?A virtual assistant is exactly that - a flexible partner who adapts to the unique demands of your business, all without the fixed costs and complexities of traditional employment.Whether you're swamped with seasonal demands, managing a special project, or looking to trim down during quieter times, a virtual assistant can adjust their hours to your exact needs. This means you have the power to...

The Hidden Costs of DIY Bookkeeping

Many small business owners try to save money by handling their bookkeeping themselves. It might seem like a practical way to cut costs, but the reality is that DIY bookkeeping often comes with hidden expenses that can hurt your business in the long run. Let's break down the real cost of DIY bookkeeping and show you why outsourcing could be the best financial decision you make for your business. ...

How Productive a VA is in a Day

If you’ve ever wondered what a virtual assistant (VA) gets done in a typical workday, prepare to be amazed. The productivity of a VA often surpasses that of the average employee, and we want to show you exactly why that matters for your business.We randomly picked a timesheet from one of our VAs, Gabby, who primarily handles bookkeeping and admin tasks for multiple clients. On the day we reviewed, Gabby worked five productive hours for clients, while also managing some internal tasks. Let’s ...

These 4 Strategies Aren't Helping You Grow Your Small Business

However, some of these tactics might be hindering your progress. These four strategies might be keeping your business from reaching its full potential. ...

Pros and Cons for Each Type of Business Support

From managing client relationships to overseeing operations, the workload can be overwhelming. And that’s where external support comes in—whether it's through hiring employees, virtual assistants (VAs), or integrating AI into your processes. But which option is right for you? We touched on the key differences between hiring an employee, working with a VA, or implementing AI in our last episode (listen to that below), and today we're diving even deeper into the pros and cons of each opti...

Employee, VA or AI: How to Pick the Perfect Support System for Your Biz

The reality is you don’t need to do it all yourself.  In fact, no successful business owner has made it on their own without support.  The key? Finding the right type of support to meet your business needs. Let's look at four of the most common support options available: hiring an employee, working with a local virtual assistant, working with an international virtual assistant, or implementing AI and automation.  By the end, you'll have the insights you need ...

Debunking 6 Myths About AI

In episode 34 of the Get Savvy podcast, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common myths about AI. There’s a lot of misinformation out there - some of it fueled by sci-fi movies and dramatic headlines - and it’s time to separate fact from fiction! ...

How To Stay Updated With The Latest AI Trends

Here’s a breakdown of practical tips from episode 33 of the Get Savvy Podcast, to help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. ...

Transform Your Business With A Virtual Assistant

Running a business is tough, especially when the day-to-day operations start to drown out the passion that set you on this path.  That’s why you're considering a virtual assistant: to lift the burden off your shoulders, making your business operations smoother and your days more fulfilling. Here are some of the key transformations you can expect from working with a VA: ...

What Do I Get When I Work With Strictly Savvy

We have a proven track record and have worked with over 500 clients since 2012 (check out our reviews page to hear about their experience first-hand). You could say we know our stuff!  As you consider working with us, you might be curious about what we bring to the table. We're here with answers to some of our most common questions: ...

The AI Takeover Series: #4 Marketing

AI is transforming the way we create and distribute content. Here’s a closer look at how AI is not just simplifying marketing tasks but also boosting creativity and productivity: ...

The AI Takeover Series: #3 Data and Reporting

In part three, we're looking at how artificial intelligence can change how data and reporting is managed in your business.  If you're tangled in spreadsheets or dedicating too much time to compiling reports, AI is your new best friend. Integrating AI into your data management processes can free up your team to focus on what truly drives your business forward: strategic decision-making and growth. ...

The AI Takeover Series: #2 Customer Service

Welcome to the second episode of our AI Takeover Series, where we dive into how AI is revolutionising customer service. If you missed it, check out our first episode where we discussed using AI for administrative tasks, here. ...

The AI Takeover Series: #1 Administration

In Part 1 we're looking at administrative automation and how AI tools, specifically ChatGPT 4o, can take your tasks from time-consuming to highly efficient. The newest version of ChatGPT (4o) is now available for free - making it accessible to more users and bringing with it many of the capabilities that used to only be available to paid accounts. Free platforms like this are inevitably going to lead to more innovation and competition among AI platforms, so it's worth keeping a close eye on...

8 Tragic Mistakes You're Making When Using a Virtual Assistant

Bringing a virtual assistant on board is like pressing the fast-forward button on your productivity and reclaiming your time.But let’s be real—it’s not a magical solution.It's about building a relationship that grows stronger over time.Here’s a rundown of common slip-ups we've seen and how you can steer clear of them.Skimping on CommunicationChatting with your VA should be part of your daily routine, especially if they're a big part of your operations. Regular check-ins keep everyone on ...

Are Virtual Assistants Only for Small Businesses?

We often talk about virtual assistants being a game-changer for small businesses, but their advantages extend well beyond that. Whether you're the leader of a small business or part of a larger company, virtual assistants can aid in scalability, managing overflow, and providing specialised support without the need for hiring additional full-time staff. Let's look at how virtual assistants can benefit businesses of all sizes: ...

How Can I Use AI In My Business?

It's about setting your business apart, making daily operations smoother, and unlocking potential for efficiency in ways you might not have previously imagined or had access to.  Here are our top tips for integrating AI into your business, to streamline your tasks and automate the mundane, ensuring you have the time to focus on what really matters—growing your business and making progress towards your goals. Begin your AI journey with accessible tools like ChatGPT or Meta AI. Th...

4 Ways to Avoid Being the Bottleneck in Your Business

As a busy business owner, you're no stranger to the overwhelming feeling of being inundated with tasks and responsibilities, often leading to bottlenecks that hinder your business's progress. It doesn't have to be this way. There are simple strategies you can implement to streamline your operations and ensure your business runs smoothly. Let's dive into these tips and tricks tailored specifically for business owners like yourself. ...

What Happens If My Virtual Assistant Is On Leave?

So, you finally found that amazing virtual assistant who's been taking care of your tasks. They've been an absolute lifesaver, right?  But what happens when they decide to take a well-deserved holiday, or if they need to take time off because they're sick?  Panic may start to creep in, but don't worry! Whether you're working with a VA agency or a freelancer, there's likely a backup plan in place. Let's dive in and discover how to handle this situation. ...

AI Overwhelm: What You Need To Know

AI isn't just a passing trend. It's here to stay and evolving at breakneck speed. Businesses of all sizes are tapping into AI to streamline operations and enhance customer interactions, with tools like ChatGPT now able to handle tasks ranging from customer service inquiries to complex data analysis and content creation....

Episode 25 - Is Your Workload Unsustainable?

But, there’s a thin line between managing a full plate and tipping into burnout territory.  Today, we’re discussing how to recognise when your workload might be pushing you towards burnout—because recognising the signs early can make all the difference for getting back on track. ...

Are Your Employees Worried About You Hiring A Virtual Assistant?

So, you're thinking about bringing on a virtual assistant, but your team members are feeling a little worried about the change? We’ve got some great insights to help you ease their concerns and show them the benefits of having a virtual assistant on their team. We totally understand why they might be feeling a bit uneasy. Change can be intimidating, and the thought of someone coming in and taking over their work can cause anxiety. But here's the key – a virtual assistant is not here to ...

How Much Time Do I Have To Commit To Training My Virtual Assistant?

As a busy entrepreneur or business owner, you might be considering hiring a virtual assistant to help with tasks that take up too much of your time. Before you make the decision to bring on a VA, it's important to understand the amount of time and effort required to get them up and running. ...

Our Top 2 Tips For Succeeding With Your Virtual Assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) can be transformative for business owners, offering much more than just administrative support—they can truly change the way your business operates. However, not every VA relationship is destined for success without the right groundwork. Here’s how to make sure your VA not only fits into your business but helps it thrive....