Category: Blog

Corporate concierge services will take over the little details so that you can focus on your business and enjoying yourself. Learn more here.

The average American spends over 700 hours (30 days) each year doing errands. When you think about it in business terms, these wasted hours means money down the drain. That’s where corporate concierge services come in.

If you think a concierge means a butler named James handling your needs, it’s time to get updated with the new role of the concierge. Read on to learn more about corporate concierges and how they may be exactly what your business needs.

What is a Corporate Concierge?

A corporate concierge is a bit like a personal assistant, office secretary, and hotel concierge rolled into one. Their primary purpose is to make your life easier so you can better manage your business and yield better results.

A concierge achieves this by handling tasks and errand to enhance office organization and operations. This can occur on a personal or office-wide scale.

Who Needs a Corporate Concierge?

It’s a common misconception that corporate concierges are reserved for multi-million dollar businesses. In fact, corporate concierges are the perfect addition to a small business looking to expand.

Businesses that are undergoing mergers, relocations, or simply managing multiple teams can all benefit from the use of a corporate concierge. This is especially true for companies that require their employees to travel often and need added assistance for business trips.

What Corporate Concierge Services are Offered?

Depending on the corporate concierge agency, you’ll find a wide variety of services offered. It’s important to utilize the services that are best fitted for the unique needs of your business.

While each concierge agency has its own set of services offered, some common concierge services are:

Run Business Errands

Simple business hours can take a bulk of office hours, interfering with overall productivity. Fortunately, with a corporate concierge, you can delegate tasks like shipping out important documents, making copies, or printing out presentation materials.

Corporate concierges can also help you prepare for expos and conferences by arranging for flyers and booth banners to be printed.

Handle Laundry.

Whether it’s your own laundry before a business trip or a laundry locker reserved for the whole office, your corporate concierge can make sure clothing items are cleaned and ready to go in a timely matter.

Dry Cleaning Pick Up

If you’re an entrepreneur on the go, you may find you have little time to pick up and drop off your dry cleaning. Fortunately, your corporate concierge can handle the arrangements for you.

This is extra useful if you travel often for business and always need a clean suit on hand.

Grocery Shopping

Many offices are now opting to provide in-office groceries for their employees to enjoy. While this can be extra work incentive for your employees it can also take time out of an already busy schedule.

Pass of your grocery list to your corporate concierge who can arrange to have the shopping and putting away handled for you.

Prescriptions

Having to travel or work without your necessary prescription medications is not only inconvenient, but it’s also dangerous. Keep you and your employees safe by having your corporate concierge keep prescriptions filled, in stock and within close reach.

In the event that you forget your prescriptions, some concierges will even locate the closest pharmacy to your hotel and can arrange to have them delivered to you.

Client Gifts

Client and employee gifts should be personal, thought out, and memorable. Unfortunately, most business owners and office leads only to have enough time to find something more generic.

Not only can your corporate concierge find tasteful gifts for your clients, but they can also track down hard to find gifts like rare concert tickets or sporting event seats.

Additional Services

These are just some of the many services that can be tended to by corporate concierges, however, the list goes on.

From flight and driver arrangements to reservations at the newest hot spot in town, your corporate concierge can handle a wide range of tasks and requests.

What are the Benefits of Having a Corporate Concierge

Now that you know what a corporate concierge can do, it’s time to take a closer look at how the extra help can benefit your life and your workplace.

We’re sure you’ll find that once you’ve experienced life with a corporate concierge, you won’t know how you lasted so long without one.

Enhance Product Value

Product and service development was once the center of your attention and the backbone of your business. However, as businesses expand, operations and logistics tend to take more time than focusing on what you’re actually offering.

By designating tasks to your corporate concierge, you’ll have more time to focus on your product and how to improve it.

Unroll New Product or Service

Thinking about growing your line but don’t have the time or resources to focus on it? With the assistance of a corporate concierge not only can you free up more time to devote to product research, but you can easily organize its development.

Corporate concierges can help you book your spaces for focus groups, buy tickets to industry conferences and even schedule business trips to introduce your new products.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

In today’s market, those who aren’t able to keep up with product trends quickly get left behind. Don’t let your hard work go to waste. With the extra time you receive with a corporate concierge, you’ll be able to follow emerging industry trends that can be incorporated into your business.

You can even ask your corporate concierge to gather trend reports on a regular basis to save you the hassle of having to do the research yourself.

Attract Top Tier Talent

Hiring the best talent in the pool means being able to offer more than an impressive paycheck. Having a corporate concierge assist your team brings added value to your workplace, which attracts quality employees.

Benefits for Your Employees

It doesn’t take long for your employees to grow bored with busy work, which leads to lower workplace satisfaction. However, by being able to delegate errands and simple tasks to a corporate concierge, employees are able to focus more on the type of work they were truly hired for.

Enhance Customer Loyalty

How do you keep your customers returning again and again? You take the time to listen to them. With more time freed up with your corporate concierge, you can focus on interacting with your customers again and add a personal touch to your business.

You can also focus on audience research to learn directly from your customers how you can make your product better.

Upgrade Your Business Trips

Business trips can take up a large portion of a companies budget, which is why it’s important that they are well executed and go without a hitch.

From VIP transportation services to find the best spots to wine and dine your clients, a corporate concierge can help you get the most out of each of your business trips.

What to Look for in a Concierge Service

While any extra assistance will bring added value to your business, it’s important to remember that not every concierge service is created equal.

When looking for the right concierge agency, you’ll want to be on the lookout for some important factors.

Services that Match Your Needs

A long list of services can be impressive, however, there’s no reason to pay for services you don’t really need. Be sure to find a concierge service that is equipped to handle the needs of your business.

This means if you travel often for business they will be familiar with travel accommodations. Or, if you’re more focused on the client end you’ll want a concierge that can focus on bringing that extra “wow” factor that can help you win new business.

Extensive Training

Concierge staff needs to be well equipped in customer service, organization, project management and more. Which is why it may be worth inquiring about the agencies hiring and training process.

You’ll be trusting this agency with sensitive information and important tasks, so you’ll want to know ahead of time that they’ve been trained to handle anything.

Global Understanding

If you are looking for a concierge service to handle multiple offices and branches around the world, they’ll need a global understanding to fit the bill.

This means looking for concierge services that offer bilingual or translation services, are familiar with different customs and cultures, and won’t create any major faux pas due to a cultural misunderstanding.

White Label Services

If your concierge service will be interacting with your clients, sending notes, or making calls it’s important to have a “white label” method implemented

This means being sure that, as far as anyone else is concerned, the concierge is an employee of your business and all actions are done on behalf of your business.

Look Into References

Corporate concierges should be able to demonstrate that they are adept to the needs of a business your size and pace. For this reason, it may help to request references that you can reach out to.

Typically, other businesses are happy to share their experience with a concierge service.

Getting It Together

Whether you are looking for someone to tend to a few travel arrangements or need your whole office life to be tended to, corporate concierge services are the ideal way to upgrade your career life and make your business more proactive.

• Honest
• Integrity
• Knowledgeabl
• Resource
• Service-oriented

In short, you want a concierge real estate agent. You’re either buying or selling your largest asset. It only makes sense that you work with someone who is willing to offer unparalleled service, has the means to provide you with the information and resources you need, and will keep your priorities top of mind. A service-first real estate agent is a one-stop shop for all of your real estate needs, which means their services don’t stop at the transaction. They have the know-how and the network to help you find answers to all of your real estate-related questions.

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer looking for down-payment assistance or selling your home and looking for a contractor to help with upgrades, a concierge real estate agent can offer the help you need.

Benefits of Working with a Concierge Real Estate Agent

Personalized Service:

Access to a Range of Services:

Expertise and Knowledge:

5 Benefits of Hiring a Moving Company

Moving can be stressful and more complicated than you expected. Instead of ending up in a mess, the stressful moving can be successfully done by a trustworthy moving company. Let’s explore 5 benefits of hiring a moving company you probably want to know.

Timer Saver

From cleaning and packing your clothes to decluttering your furniture or household items, the process usually occupies a lot of your time. If you do not have that much time for packing, a professional packing team will save plenty of your time. Rather than spending hours and weeks packing on your own, hiring a professional moving company to help you can release your time to do other crucial things such as taking care of your family or business matters.

Moving can be stressful and more complicated than you expected. Instead of ending up in a mess, the stressful moving can be successfully done by a trustworthy moving company. Let’s explore 5 benefits of hiring a moving company you probably want to know.

Leave the packing to the professionals

If you hire a moving company, you will not have to worry about the packing. The professionals have the expertise and skills to help your move smoothly. They will provide you with the most suitable materials to wrap up your valuables and antiques; some companies offer eco-friendly materials such as a reusable plastic box so that your move can be environmentally friendly. Not only do they help you pack your belongings quickly, but also unpack those items safely and efficiently. Moving companies like Asian Tigers provide professional end-to-end moving and relocation services

Access the necessary equipment

When the household items are transferred unsympathetically, the chance of breakage or personal injury increases. Professional movers have specialized equipment to wrap up and move heavy household items or valuables such as pianos and antiques. If you hire a moving company, you will be able to enjoy a coffee break while the movers take care of your belongings.

Keep your belongings safe in storage

If there is a gap between leases, you may need a warehouse to store your household items for a month or two upon moving into your new home. Moving companies usually offer storage services for short and long-term periods in their well-equipped warehouses with 24/7 CCTV surveillance. You can choose fully air-conditioned or regular climate-controlled options based on your preferences. Therefore, you do not need to search for a storage place.

Take care of customs

When moving to another country, customs clearance is inevitable, and it is a complicated and time-consuming task. Handling customs clearance is part of a moving company’s daily job. They have expertise in customs and duty regulations. They will help you out with the customs clearance at your destination and also assist you in filling out and signing custom forms if necessary. They provide you the flexibility to handle the customs or duty charges, including prepaying duties on your behalf. You can be more focused on your new assignment and new place.

Hiring a moving company can release your stress. If you are frustrated with moving and relocation, you may consider hiring one. If you would like assistance with assistance with moving or relocation support? Contact your Errandables or reach out to us via our online contact us.

The events industry is poised for growth in the coming years with research estimating it to grow up to $1.5 trillion by 2028. The size of the event industry makes it an exciting time to consider a career in event planning. With an increasing demand for events and a growing need for skilled professionals, it’s no surprise, and encouraging, that there is a surge of interest in event planning careers.

Whether you dream of organizing grand corporate galas, curating breathtaking weddings, or managing international trade shows, the possibilities for creativity and fun, and career growth within the events industry are virtually limitless.

If you want to get more information about the different types of event planning to explore and the different types of event planning careers in the industry, then this blog has everything you need to know. 

The Different Types of Event Planning and Examples

Almost all organizations and brands have organized an event. It has become an essential part of their marketing strategy that audiences can trust. Building connections and relationships is the foundation of establishing a good business and events are one good way to achieve brand loyalty from the community.

Events are ubiquitous and can take many forms. Whether it’s a corporate conference, a wedding, a reunion, or a charity fundraiser, events require careful planning and execution. Here is an overview of the various types of event planning and their unique characteristics.

Corporate Event Planning

Corporate event planning is the most common type of event done by brands and organizations. If you’re in the corporate world, you’ve probably attended at least one of these events or have organized one for your audience. Here are some examples of corporate events:

• Conferences and Conventions
• Seminars and Workshops
• Trade Shows and Expos
• Product Launches
• Team Building Activities
• Corporate Retreats
• Awards Ceremonies
• Corporate Galas and Fundraisers
• Training and Development Programs
• Corporate Holiday Parties
• Company retreats

Planning for corporate events involves being clear on the event objectives and smooth coordination with the company’s different stakeholders. To achieve event success, the corporate event planner must oversee all these, from logistics, marketing, finance, sales, and vendor supplier management. The corporate event planner is also responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of the event program, registration and attendee management, and post-event efforts.

Social Event Planning

A social event is a gathering of people to engage, celebrate or socialize. Examples of social events are weddings, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, reunions,

Planning for a social event is just like planning for an event but usually requires extra creativity. Social events are usually personal celebrations that involve custom themes and programs related to the celebrant. A social event planner requires social skills, empathy, and a pleasing personality as they attend to the social experience of guests.

Non-Profit Event Planning

Non-profit event planning encompasses many different activities to raise funds or bring awareness for a certain cause. Some examples are:

• Fundraising Galas: These formal events bring supporters, donors, and influential individuals together to raise funds for a specific cause or organization. Galas often include dinner, entertainment, dances, silent auctions, and guest speakers.
• Garage Sales: Garage sales are a profitable way to raise funds for a specific cause or advocacy. The organization’s committee can pool together and donate their pre-loved items that can be sold together to raise funds.
• Charity Auctions: Auction events are another type of event that aims to raise funds through the selling of items. It involves the sale of unique items, experiences, or services to the highest bidders. Non-profits organize auctions to generate funds and engage participants in a lively bidding competition.
• Community Fundraisers: These events focus on engaging the local community to contribute funds or resources for a particular cause. They can include activities like charity runs, walkathons, bake sales, or benefit concerts.
• Volunteer Drives: Non-profits organize events to recruit and mobilize volunteers for various initiatives, such as community service projects, environmental cleanup campaigns, or mentoring programs.
• Awareness Campaigns: Events aimed at raising awareness about specific issues or causes are crucial in non-profit event planning. They may involve panel discussions, workshops, seminars, or conferences with expert speakers and community members.
• Benefit Concerts: These events combine the power of music and philanthropy, showcasing talented artists while raising funds for charitable organizations or humanitarian causes.
• Donor Appreciation Events: Non-profits recognize and appreciate their donors by organizing exclusive events that celebrate their contributions. These can include receptions, dinners, or special recognition ceremonies.
• Advocacy Events: Non-profit organizations often plan events to advocate for policy changes or raise awareness about social justice issues. These events may involve rallies, protests, or lobbying efforts to create a meaningful impact and drive societal change.

Planning for a non-profit event requires empathy and care for the cause you’re raising. Since it’s a non-profit event, volunteers must be dedicated to organizing it even without pay. Organizing non-profit events like fundraisers for your organization can boost your brand’s image as this can give a personal and human touch because of a cause you’re supporting.

Conference Planning

Conferences are a great avenue to deliver information to an audience. It serves as a powerful platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among professionals, experts, and enthusiasts in various fields. The duration of a conference can run from 1 day up to a week, depending on the topic. Aside from delivering information, conferences are an avenue for networking and gaining new industry insights.

Wedding Event Planning

Planning for weddings is one of the most popular types of event planning. Statistics show that there were 335,785 wedding planning companies in the US in 2022. Weddings are special milestones that usually involve intricate planning. Because it’s a special event, planning for it involves intricate and personalized planning to make the couple’s dream wedding come to life.

Trade Show Planning

Trade shows are one of the ways to get conversions and sales. It’s an event where brands can showcase their products and services to attendees. Trade shows have the potential to generate a good amount of potential leads or build a community. It’s an opportunity to meet your ideal customers face-to-face and make a lasting impression.

Event Marketing Planning

Event marketing enables businesses to engage with their target audience, generate brand awareness, and drive desired outcomes. While the different events mentioned above can be considered event marketing events, there are specific types of events that are specifically made for a brand objective like a sales conversion, lead generation, etc. Because events are the new form of marketing for brands, there are different creative ways to plan for these marketing events.

Some examples are:

• Experiential events
• Art installations
• Pop-up shop events
• Interactive Workshops
• Themed parties or costume events
• Hackathons and Innovation Challenges

Private Event Planning

Events have become an integral part of our lives. It’s used for business purposes and personal events like birthdays, bridal showers, graduations, anniversaries, engagement parties, class reunions, family reunions, and holiday parties. Planning for these types of events is customized depending on the client’s or the organizer’s preference.

Sports Event Planning

Organizing sports events is a fantastic way to bring people together, foster connections, and promote sportsmanship. Successful sports event planning involves careful coordination of logistics, athlete management, venue selection, safety protocols, and spectator engagement. Whether it’s a high-profile marathon or a friendly neighborhood soccer tournament, the thrill of sports events lies in creating an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration. Golf tournaments, sports fest, basketball leagues, and soccer tournaments are just a few examples of sports events you can organize.

The Different Types of Event Planners

Different types of events mean there are different types of event organizers too. According to statistics, the event industry outlook is positive overall as the job market is expected to grow at a rate of 11% and reach 5.9 million jobs as Covid restrictions get lifted and the pandemic slows down.
LinkedIn has groups with hundreds of thousands of event professionals, showing the event industry’s thriving state. You can go for a full-time corporate job or contractual basis.

Here are the different types of event planners and a brief description of their jobs with an estimate of their salary. If you’re interested in having a career in events then this section might be for you.

1. Corporate Event Planners

Corporate event planners plan and execute corporate events, including conferences, product launches, and company parties. They are in charge of developing event budgets, event timelines, and event programs and coordinating with stakeholders and vendors. Another title for this job is a Meeting Planner.

Because corporate events involve a lot of uncertainty, corporate event planners must contain problem-solving abilities, flexibility, and strong organizational skills.

Corporate Event Planners Estimated Salary: Up to $130K per year.

2. Wedding Event Planners

Wedding event planners are the magic makers of making a couple’s dream wedding a reality. Meticulous planning and attention to detail are important skills you must possess to deliver a smooth wedding program for clients. While no wedding day is perfect and glitches are inevitable, a skilled wedding planner can think on her feet and think of a contingency solution on the spot if needed.

The expectations from a wedding event planner include budget management, venue selection, coordination with vendors, event program planning, wedding timeline, guest management, and on-the-day wedding coordination.

Wedding Event Planner Estimated Salary: Up to $60K per year.

3. Event Marketers

Event marketers are responsible for strategizing and executing marketing campaigns through

events for a brand or organization. Another title used for this role is Communications Manager. The scope of responsibility expected from Event Marketers is developing event marketing plans, content creation, audience engagement, coordination with stakeholders both internal and external, budget management, and post-event follow-ups.

The qualifications looked for in an Event Marketer are usually candidates who have experience in marketing, have a clear grasp of event industry trends, have a strong understanding of marketing techniques, especially in social media, and have good communication skills.

Event Marketer Estimated Salary: Up to $80,000 per year, depending on experience

4. Social Event Planners

Events will always be a part of an individual’s life. If you want to manage a variety of events then a career in social event planning might be for you. A social event organizer can take events on a project basis at a fixed or hourly rate. They can handle events like birthday parties, anniversaries, graduation celebrations, and other personal or private events. Social Event Planners Estimated Salary: $45 – $95/ hour, depending on experience

5. Non-Profit Event Planners

Planning for non-profit events like fundraising or charity events are usually handled by volunteers of the organization. Under their scope of responsibilities are fundraising strategies, donor management, volunteer coordination, community engagement, logistical concerns, and post-event evaluation.

Non-profit Event Planner Estimated Salary: N/A, Volunteers usually receive a gift or a monetary love gift for their work.

6. Virtual Event Planners

The rise of virtual events after the pandemic has opened up a new career type for event professionals. Virtual event planning for virtual conferences, virtual roundtable discussions, and webinars require certain skills to keep the audience engaged because audiences attending a virtual event have a shorter attention span.

Virtual Event Planner Estimated Salary: Up to $80,000 per year, depending on experience

The Different Types of Event Planning Services

If you’re planning to start an event planning services business, this section tackles the different types of event planning services you can offer and the description of the scope of the service.

We have also included an estimated amount of how much you can charge per type of service. It’s important to note though that the fees usually vary depending on the event company you wish to establish. It can be a flat fee, percentage basis, hourly rate, or commission basis. The estimated cost of these event planning services depends on the size of the events – ranging from $500 up to $2,000.

Venue Selection and Management

Almost all event planners have venue management and selection under their list of responsibilities. Providing venue selection and venue management services includes understanding client’s requirements, site visits and inspections, permits and requirements processing, contract negotiations, communication liaison, and on-the-day venue management.

Budgeting and Financial Management

Managing finances is a critical activity in event planning. It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of event planning and neglect the financial details that come with the job. Event management companies work closely with their clients to establish a realistic and comprehensive event budget. This service includes cost estimation, budget tracking, financial decision-making, financial risk management, and financial reporting and analysis.

Attendee Registration and Ticketing

In whatever type of event planning, attendee registration and ticketing is a must-have service. An event registration or ticket purchase page is the first step guests will encounter and sets the tone for the event. Event registration and ticketing service involve managing the entire attendee registration process, ticket sales, and providing necessary support. Event ticketing platforms create customized registration forms that capture essential attendee details such as name, contact information, demographic information, dietary restrictions, special requests, and any additional information necessary for event planning purposes.

Errandables is an online event ticket registration platform that offers a value-for-money service for an event’s ticket-selling needs. Event Smart offers unlimited ticket-selling at a $0 commission fee compared to other platforms. For a simple flat fee per month, event managers or companies can offer event registration and ticketing services with higher margins.

Event Marketing and Promotion

Every event manager aims to sell out their event. This makes the service of event marketing and event promotion a highly sought-after service. The different tasks that fall under event marketing and promotion are: developing a marketing strategy, crafting an event plan, strengthening branding and identity, leveraging digital Marketing, handling content creation, public relations, advertising and media buying, attendee engagement, and doing performance analysis.

Logistics Coordination and Timeline Management

Organizing the event logistics can make or break the flow of your event. A well-organized logistics plan and strict adherence to timelines can significantly impact the experience of all stakeholders involved. Logistics management requires heavy coordination and communication hence communication skills are also required. Timeline and logistic management include  vendor management, venue setup, equipment coordination, transportation, timeline development, and post-event logistics.

Event Design and Production

Events these days are expected to stand out in creativity making a lasting impact for the attendees. With the amount of work that comes with preparing for an event, companies opt to hire experts for event design and production services to get this off their long to-do list. Under event design and production service includes: event concept and development, theme and decor creation, set design and stage production, audio visual and light production, and visual content creation.

On-site Coordination

Good on-the-day event coordination is needed to ensure all the event planning preparations do not go to waste. On-site coordination services include vendor and team coordination, setup and logistics management, registration and check-in, schedule and timeline management, attendee assistance and support, crisis management, and troubleshooting.

Entertainment Booking and Talent Management

Booking speakers, performers, partners, sponsors, influencers, and panels can be a lot of work for event planners. This service offers entertainment and talent, which means sourcing, booking, and managing talent will be done entirely for your client, including talent sourcing and selection and contract negotiation.

Tips for Choosing an Event Planning Niche

Choosing a specific event planning niche can help position yourself as an expert in the industry. Since there are different types of event planning, here are some tips to consider when choosing one:

Look at your previous experience and skill set:

Your previous experience and skill set can give you an edge and advantage in the competitive event management industry. If you have a background in organizing an event from your previous corporate job, you may want to consider specializing in corporate conferences or business networking events. If you have experience helping at your relative or friend’s wedding, focusing on wedding planning could be a natural fit. You can establish yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable event planner in your chosen niche by leveraging your expertise.

Evaluate interests and niche:

In addition to your experience, evaluating your interests and passions is essential when selecting an event planning niche. When you enjoy what you do, thriving will come naturally. Consider the types of events that genuinely excite and inspire you. If you have a passion for charity work, specializing in nonprofit event planning could be fulfilling. If you have a love for fashion and creativity, focusing on fashion shows or themed events might be a great fit. You’ll be more motivated and enthusiastic about your work by aligning your niche with your interests, leading to greater client satisfaction and success.

Explore emerging trends:

The event planning industry constantly evolves, and new trends and niches emerge regularly. Stay updated on the latest industry developments and identify any emerging trends that are relevant to your audience. For example, virtual and hybrid event planning has become increasingly popular. The rise of artificial intelligence has been causing disruptions in different industries too. You can tap into new and expanding markets by positioning yourself as an expert in these emerging areas. Embracing innovative event formats or technology-driven experiences can set you apart from competitors and attract clients seeking unique, cutting-edge event solutions.

Assess resources and support:

Before committing to a specific event planning niche, consider the resources and support available to you and use them to your advantage. Evaluate the local market demand for your chosen niche and assess if your area has enough potential clients. Research any specialized tools, software, or equipment you may need to excel in your niche and ensure you have access to them. Additionally, seek out professional networks, associations, or mentorship programs related to your chosen niche. Connecting with industry peers and mentors can provide valuable guidance, support, and opportunities for collaboration.

Event Ticket Platform for the Different Types of Events

Choosing a good event ticketing platform can reap many benefits as you plan for different events. Errandables is an event ticket-selling platform with a $0 commission fee on unlimited tickets sold. It also accommodates customizing your own event page, asks custom questions in registration forms, and accepts multiple payment options for your attendees’ convenience.

The Pros and Cons of Operating an Errand Service Business

In the fast-paced world we live in, time is a commodity many are willing to pay for. Errand services have emerged as a solution for those too busy to manage daily tasks such as grocery shopping, laundry pick-up, and bill payments. This article delves into the intricacies of running an errand service, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges one might face. With the right approach, an errand service can be a rewarding venture, but it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons before diving in.

The Growing Demand for Errand Services

The modern lifestyle often leaves little room for errands, propelling the demand for errand services to new heights. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global personal services market size was valued at USD 1.2 trillion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.2% from 2021 to 2028. This growth is indicative of the increasing need for services that offer convenience and time-saving solutions.

Starting Your Errand Service: What You Need to Know

Advantages of Running an Errand Service

Flexibility and Autonomy

As the owner of an errand service, you have the freedom to set your schedule and choose the tasks you’re willing to undertake. This autonomy allows you to balance work with personal life effectively.

Low Entry Barrier

Starting an errand service doesn’t require specialized training or certifications, making it accessible to many. However, having experience in customer service or as a personal assistant can be advantageous.

Building Relationships

Providing errand services can lead to forming strong, lasting connections with clients, which can be both personally and professionally rewarding.

Digital Marketing Opportunities

In today’s digital age, establishing an online presence through social media and other digital platforms can significantly enhance your business’s visibility and reach.

Drawbacks of Running an Errand Service

Economic Sensitivity

Errand services can be vulnerable to economic downturns, as clients may cut back on non-essential spending during tough times.

Managing Client Expectations

Some clients may have high or unreasonable demands, and as a service provider, you’ll need to navigate these challenges while maintaining professionalism.

Navigating the Challenges

Economic Fluctuations and Client Retention

During economic downturns, errand services may experience a decline in clientele. It’s crucial to have a financial buffer and a strategy for attracting new customers during such periods.

Dealing with Diverse Clientel

Handling a wide range of personalities and expectations is part of the job. Developing strong communication and conflict-resolution skills is essential to maintain a positive reputation and client relationships.

Conclusion: Is an Errand Service Right for You?

Errand services are more than a convenience; they’ve become an essential aspect of modern life for many. If you’re considering starting an errand service, thorough research and preparation are key. Understand the market, know your strengths, and be ready to adapt to the challenges that come with running a service-based business.

To learn about effective digital marketing strategies for your errand service, explore resources provided by the Digital Marketing Institute here.

Remember, while the errand service industry offers numerous opportunities, success hinges on your ability to balance the advantages with the potential drawbacks.

Errand services are flattering more and more in demand in today fast-paced environment when competence is vital and time is of the spirit. There is a growing market for companies that give to people and administrations searching for aid with errands, whether it be because of busy lifestyles, inadequate mobility, or just a wish to outsource work. You have come to the perfect location if you have been thinking about starting your own errand service company. We will lead you finished everything you need to know to get started and succeed in this fulfilling endeavor in this inclusive blog.

Understanding the Market

Carefully researching your target market is indispensable before starting your errand service company. Determine who your target market is busy professionals, the elderly, families, or businesses, and assess what their specific wants and pain points are. Your business strategy will be based on taking into account the services that your potential clients need and the demand that exists in your location.

Crafting Your Business Plan

A carefully considered business plan serves as your success road map. Explain your target market, pricing strategy, and offerings. Control your start-up costs and any necessary marketing, insurance, transportation, and equipment costs. Provide a brief summary of your active approach for handling day-to-day activities professionally, as well as you’re marketing and sales tactics. A concise and well-written business plan will not only direct your initial actions but also act as a point of reference as your company expands.

Legal Considerations and Licensing

Take care of the legalities before you formally open for business as an errand service provider. Obtain any necessary licenses or permits, register your company name and structure, and make sure it complies with local laws.

Building Your Brand

A distinctive brand identity helps you stand out from the competition and builds credibility with your target market. Create a memorable brand name, logo, and visual identity that accurately reflects your company goals and values. Create a professional online presence on social media and a website where you may display your offerings, client endorsements, and contact details. Having consistent branding throughout all of your touchpoints helps prospective customers identify and recall your company and reinforces your dependability.

Setting Up Operations

Processes and services morals are unconditionally important for achieving excellence in service provision, whereas meeting and exceeding stakeholder’s expectations. As an alternative, generate an effective and sustainable transportation system, whether it is a car or a bike, suitable for completing frequent errands easily. Implement key actions for an effective flow of work as well as scheduling, and keeping it in order using mobile apps and scheduling software which will speed up the processes. Make communication a priority and being responsive to them becomes a major factor in the smooth coordination with clients and punctuality on errand completion.

Marketing and Promotion

Marketing being the key to draw clients and to garner a business, is not enough. Go on promoting your brand through all digital and physical channels in order to reach your required audience. Exploit social media, web directories, and social network portals for awareness creation on your services. Provide promotional offerings and price discounts for the novice customers so as to motivate them to make your business their first choice on repeat occasions. A second influential element is the word-of-mouth referral and this makes it crucial to deliver impeccable service and establish favorable bonds with your audience.

Providing Exceptional Service

Finally, a crucial aspect of the service of the errand business of yours is the high service level. Pursue so as to be excellent and go beyond customer expectations through being quick, reliable, and personal service. Adapt yourself based on each one’s specifics and taste. Don’t forget to exceed the expectations and give more than what is expected. Be an active listener and see to it that you use the kind of client feedbacks to come up with better and innovative services. Professionally delivering the buyer’s needs within the specified time frame will favor your business not only as a popular choice for coming clients but also as a business with a large number of loyal repeat clients.

Conclusion

Launching an errand service company presents a special chance to satisfy the busy society’s increasing need for assistance and convenience. You may set yourself up for success by knowing your target market, creating a strong business plan, and highlighting first-rate customer service. Your entrepreneurial vision can become a successful errand service firm that significantly improves your clients’ lives with meticulous planning, perseverance, and a dedication to quality.

A personal concierge is a professional service provider who assists individuals with various chores and errands, helping them manage their personal and professional lives more efficiently.

What tasks does a personal concierge do?

What is a virtual assistant?

So what does a virtual assistant do? A virtual assistant is an independent contractor that offers administrative services to a company remotely. The term “virtual assistant” emerged in the 90s to describe the burgeoning trend of virtual work— thanks to major technological innovations, workers could begin sharing documents and taking important business calls from outside their offices.

Virtual assistants have surged in popularity over the last few decades due to the evolving nature of business. Many companies are opting to save money on large office spaces and bloated teams, and instead are investing in flexible work arrangements and schedules. The result is a more agile and modern approach to team organization and project management.

Types of Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants come with different skills and specializations. Each one can help you with a specific function or department of your business. Below are just a few examples of the different types of virtual assistants available:

1. Bookkeeper – Great with accounting and tracking budgets for various projects.
2. Administrative Assistant – Schedules meetings, completes routine reporting, and handles communication between executives and outside entities.
3. Scribe – Types notes during meetings or presentations.
4. Social media manager – Handles the company’s various social accounts.
6. Designer – Designs presentations, infographics, logos, flyers, and other visual collateral.
7. Research Analyst – Conducts research tasks or interviews and analyzes business data.

The role of a virtual assistant can also change depending on the business. Some companies may even hire virtual assistants that handle multiple responsibilities at once.

4 Benefits Of Having A Virtual Assistant

Reduce operating costs

Virtual assistants can provide inexpensive yet invaluable services to your company, allowing your operations to reduce cost. They may also allow you to hire a freelance assistant on an as-needed, rather than full or part-time basis.

Save time on initiatives and projects

Many of the tasks undertaken by virtual assistants tend to be somewhat tactical or repetitive, such as taking notes or submitting weekly or monthly expense reports. These tasks can take away from more pressing issues, such as client meetings or lead generation. When leaders delegate time-consuming tasks to virtual assistants, they can focus on the more important tasks on their agenda.

Greater work efficiency

Leaders aren’t the only ones that benefit— other team members may also have a lot on their plate and need either temporary or more regular assistance. Social media managers, for instance, are most effective when they can assign writing, research, or graphic design to assistants, allowing them to focus on editing and delivery.

A healthier, more flexible work environment

Remote work has the potential to transform the culture of your company. Letting your team members work from wherever they are can have a tremendous impact on employee wellness. Consider a pregnant mother needing some time away from the office or a digital native that prefers working on the go. Both of these employees can accomplish their work like anyone else, but the ability to work remotely may give them greater satisfaction as they more easily balance other demands or desires.

5 Ways A Virtual Assistant Can Help Grow Your Business

Data entry

Finance, accounting, and data firms rely on carefully organized information, whether it’s a balance sheet or the results of a large-scale study. While the act of data entry is relatively simple, it can be monotonous, particularly if your skills are better applied elsewhere. Having a dedicated virtual assistant to focus on data entry can free up your schedule while developing a more accurate means of data collection.

Customer service

According to Microsoft, 96% of consumers say customer service is an important factor in their choice of loyalty to a brand. Customer service, despite its necessity in modern business, continues to be a secondary priority for many organizations. As a result, potential leads and loyal customers risk having negative experiences that can significantly impact their brand loyalty and satisfaction. Having someone, even if a virtual assistant, facilitate these customer inquiries can have real impact on a company’s reputation.

Administrative tasks

Scheduling meetings, following up on email communications, maintaining records… these are tasks simple enough that they can be done by just about anyone. But to do them well, it’s worth hiring someone that specializes in this type of work. With fewer administrative tasks to keep up with, your team will have more time to focus on areas where they can add real value based on their distinctive skillsets.

Sales outreach

Sales are vital to the lifeblood of a business, but outreach and activity tracking processes are often major time investments. Many virtual assistants are trained to handle cold calling, email campaigns, and other logistical efforts. Since many of these tasks can be done over the phone or on a laptop, it can be the perfect job for a virtual assistant.

Social media management

Despite the widespread use of social media in today’s society, many business leaders still fail to see its value – often this is because it takes so much time to deliver truly engaging content, consistently. A virtual assistant dedicated to social media can make all the difference—ensuring your company maintains an online presence while creating a two-way channel for loyal customers.

How Much Does A Virtual Assistant Cost?

Virtual assistant fees can vary greatly depending on several factors, including type and frequency of work, level of professional experience, country of origin, and technical expertise needed. Below are sample rates for different types of virtual assistants.

Administrative Professional, Data Entry

Description: Proofreading, data entry, clerical work, research, Excel, etc.
Average Hourly Rate: $12 – 20
Average Monthly Fee (20 hrs/wk): $960 – 1,600
Average Monthly Fee (40 hrs/wk): $1,920 – 3,200

Marketing VA, Customer Service, Accounting Support

Description: Copywriting, budgets/accounting, marketing support, customer support, CRM software experience, email marketing, social media marketing; software like PowerPoint, Quickbooks, Salesforce, WordPress, etc.
Average Hourly Rate: $20 – 35+
Average Monthly Fee (20 hrs/wk): $1,600 – 2,800
Average Monthly Fee (40 hrs/wk): $3,200 – 5,600

Advanced VA, Consultant, Executive Assistant

Description: Business consulting, content management, project management, advanced IT/site management, web development, and server management
Average Hourly Rate: $38 – 50
Average Monthly Fee (20 hrs/wk): $3,040 – 4,000
Average Monthly Fee (40 hrs/wk): $6,080 – 8,000

Source: Upwork, freelancers in North America with over 1,000 hours and 90% success rate.

Where Can You Find A Virtual Assistant?

Now that you know why to get a virtual assistant and how much it might cost, it’s time to find one. Just like searching for any other new hire, you have to look in several places.

Upwork

With over 12 million freelancers around the world, Upwork has built a reputation as the largest freelance marketplace in the world. With that status, however, comes a few challenges. For one, Upwork has a notorious support system that fails to assist both freelancers and companies in the event of a contract breach. Companies on Upwork will also have to deal with a tricky algorithm that prioritizes high-paying jobs. Nevertheless, you won’t find a more substantial pool of talent to source your next virtual assistant. We recommend carefully reviewing their profile and work history before contracting a VA to work.

Fiverr

Based in Tel-Aviv, Fiverr is another freelance platform that has become a household name. Fiverr freelancers offer a host of services, including website design, translation, copywriting, SEO, data entry, and much more. The platform is frequently used by companies like Facebook, Google, MIT, Netflix, and PayPal. Unlike Upwork, Fiverr services are charged as flat fees, starting at $5 up to several thousand.

Social Media

You’d be surprised how many assistants you can find on LinkedIn. LinkedIn’s Profinder works similarly to Upwork or Fiverr: list the service that you want, hash out the details (one-time project or ongoing, deadlines), and receive up to five free offers from on-demand professionals. Social media groups on Facebook and LinkedIn are also effective ways to find virtual assistants with specific talents.

Virtual Assistant Agency

Working with an agency is one of the quickest, most efficient, and reliable means of connecting with a virtual assistant. Places like Zirtual and VA Networking offer easy access to countless skilled assistants and have even been featured on Entrepreneur, StartupNation, Inc., and Reader’s Digest. Many VA agencies also provide additional resources, training, and coaching for these freelancers, so they will likely be more prepared and better fits for the job than someone you may find elsewhere.

How To Hire & Manage A Virtual Assistant

Set expectations from the start

Always start with the scope of the project and the responsibilities expected of the virtual assistant. How much time should the project take? How will the VA be paid? What is considered in-scope, and what is a stretch goal? These are the types of questions you want to be asking yourself because it is very likely your virtual assistant will ask once hired. That’s why it’s crucial to provide clear guidelines and process documents such as an SOW (Scope of Work) to set the scope and responsibilities; this prevents any confusion and enhances the likelihood of success.

Define a daily schedule

Once all the contracts are signed, the next step is to define a consistent schedule for work or checking in. Because virtual assistants are not physically present in the office, it can be challenging to ensure they stay on task or communicate clearly. Speak with the virtual assistant about their availability, and find overlaps between your company schedule and their schedule. If they live overseas, you’ll also have to take the time difference into account.

Define a budget

One of the most compelling reasons to hire a virtual assistant is cost—virtual assistants are by far more affordable than full-time hires. But without a budget, you can easily spend more than you intend to. In setting up a project for a VA, create estimates for how long each task should take, and accordingly, how much each task will cost based on the VA’s rate. Be as upfront as possible about your budget, and you can avoid potential fallouts or disagreements regarding compensation.

Track time and tasks

Accountability is key when it comes to remote work. Nothing stops a virtual assistant from claiming to have worked on something when they haven’t, or conversely, spending hours on a project but not having it tracked. While self-tracking is based on a code of honor, it’s still an effective way to keep tabs on project completion and overall workload. Use project management apps like Mavenlink, Asana, or Basecamp to evaluate the overall progress and efficiency of your virtual assistants.

Provide useful performance feedback

To truly support and push your virtual assistants to improve, provide them with monthly or even quarterly reports; this can be as simple as a quick one-on-one conversation, but it is most important to address the greatest strengths and opportunities for improvement. Your virtual assistant will appreciate the honesty and repay the gesture through their efforts.

Virtual assistants are more than just remote workers. They can form the backbone of your business even as you work on other tasks. Their work may not always impact the bottom line directly. Still, their presence can be felt by everyone on the team, particularly when they can shift their focus from more repetitive tasks (such as social media or data entry) to other priorities. Give them the proper goals and guidance, and virtual assistants can genuinely transform the way your team operates.

7 Reasons Why Outsourcing Procurement Services is Exactly What Your Business Needs

If you’re in a product-based business, procurement is key to your success. It’d be tough to manufacture all your own parts and materials. In some cases, it might even be impossible. Either way, things run much more smoothly if you can work with other reliable companies to supply the parts and materials needed in your business. Finding those suppliers and working with them is the job of the procurement department.

Though procurement is vital for companies, coming up with an effective procurement solution can be a hassle. As your business grows and procurement becomes more complex, it can quickly turn into more work than you and your existing employees can manage in the time you have. One solution is to hire more people. However, that’s going to cost your company money as well as time to train new employees. It’s not necessarily going to solve all your problems, either. Procurement outsourcing services are an alternative solution that might be a great fit for your company.

Why Outsourcing Can Be Better Than Hiring

If you’re noticing issues in your procurement process, just having more people working there won’t automatically simplify the process or solve the problems you’re facing. If there are issues in your procurement process, then you’d need to overhaul your system as well as hire additional help.

One solution to problems in procurement is to automate the procurement process through a Software as a Service company. This can be a great choice if you want to keep your procurement in-house but outsource the process automation. However, that solution still means you’ll need people working in the procurement department. If you’d rather focus on doing something else instead of worrying about whether or not your procurement system is working, there’s another solution that might work better for you.

To avoid difficulties associated with in-house procurement, you can outsource your procurement solutions. Letting another company handle your procurement system might seem odd at first. You know what your company needs, and it isn’t unusual to want to stay in control of procuring the supplies essential to your business. But using procurement outsourcing companies to outsource procurement doesn’t necessarily mean you’re losing control. It also comes with quite a few benefits. Keep reading to discover seven reasons why outsourcing can be better than do-it-yourself procurement.

1) Choose Your Level of Control

When you’re looking at the possibility of outsourcing procurement, there are a couple of things to consider. The first option is that you can outsource all your procurement so that a third-party outsourcing company handles the purchases for you. With this option, you also get to decide whether to outsource all your purchases or to only outsource your non-core spend and keep more sensitive procurement in-house.

Another option is to outsource your procurement management system to an online Software as a Service program that is easy for your in-house staff to handle. Using online procurement software lets you retain more direct control over everyday purchasing. There are some great advantages to automating, but choosing this option means you miss out on some other advantages of outsourcing your procurement. With more direct control comes more time spent on procurement and more responsibility that falls on your employees.

If procurement is something you’d rather not have to worry about, then outsourcing is the way you’ll want to go. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the advantages of outsourcing your procurement. You can learn more about the benefits of procurement automation by clicking here.

2) Gain Procurement Expertise

The people working in your company are experts on the products you create and the services you provide. They might not be experts in procurement, though, especially if you’re trying to keep your expenses low. Maintaining a department that’s exclusively devoted to managing procurement just isn’t practical for every business. This is why outsourcing is an excellent idea.

Instead of trusting your procurement solutions to someone who’d be better suited for another job, you can turn them over to a real expert. Procurement outsourcing companies have the experience needed to give you the best possible procurement solutions. They also have the skills, resources, and knowledge to strategize more efficiently. All of this comes together to make your company’s procurements as successful as possible.

3) Lower Your Costs

You probably already know that managing procurement from within your organization can be expensive. In contrast, companies that specialize in creating procurement solutions face much smaller expenses. Instead of wasting money in-house, you could save by relying on a procurement outsourcing service provider with lower overhead costs. That lets you cut your own overhead.

In addition, you’ll also be saving money in more ways than just processing costs. Outsourcing procurement lowers costs because you won’t be devoting office space or IT resources to maintaining an in-house procurement system. You’re also cutting back in terms of headcount and training. You won’t have to hire anyone new to run procurement. You’ll also free up the employees already working on procurement so they can focus on other tasks.

Taken together, all these cutbacks lower your transaction cost per procurement. Even if the amount saved per procurement is small, it’s going to quickly add up to significant savings.

4) Return To Your Core Focus

Outsourcing means your procurement system will be handled by purchasing experts. By shifting those responsibilities, you’ll also enable the experts at your company to focus on their own specialties. They’ll no longer be distracted by tracking down the best suppliers, comparing costs, and generating purchase orders. They get to focus on value-added areas where they use their unique skills to the best advantage.

As a result of outsourcing, you’ll have more time to spend on providing better products and services to your customers. The procurement outsourcing company will take care of purchasing tasks essential to your business while freeing up your people to focus on delivering the best possible customer experience. Since you’re cutting back on costs, you’ll also get to enjoy increased profits while supplying better service.

5) Enjoy Greater Access

Procurement experts have access to supplier databases both international and local. This means that they can help you choose from among a far greater number of suppliers than you might find working on your own. They also have the contacts and market leverage necessary to make sure you always get the best deal on products you need for your business.

With this increased access, you will be able to ensure better quality and prices on all your procurements. You’ll have a whole team of procurement experts working for you, giving your company access to the best possible opportunities. And you’ll get all that without having to set up a separate procurement department inside your own company or hire additional employees.

6) Adapt To Change More Quickly

Being able to adapt to change quickly is a definite advantage in today’s business world. This is particularly true in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing supply chain issues. However, adapting is hard to do in procurement if you’re using a manual, in-house system. Setting up an agile procurement system using an automated software solution is one option. But this would still require your employees to spend quite a bit of time keeping on top of things.

Outsourcing will give you the advantages of agile procurement without the extra in-house work. Agile procurement responds quickly to supply chain disruptions and changing prices. It’s one of the big advantages you should be looking for when implementing a new procurement solution.

When you outsource procurement, you’re hiring a team to keep track of all these procurement concerns for your business. They’ll be on top of catching price reductions and doing their best to make sure you aren’t stuck without needed supplies if one of your suppliers runs out.

7) Streamline Productivity

When you outsource your procurement solution, all the advantages that we just talked about are going to help streamline your company’s productivity. Outsourcing lets your employees focus on using their strengths by skipping over dealing with purchasing. That helps streamline their workflow as well as company operations.

In addition, the expertise and adaptability of the procurement outsourcing company you hire allow for increased productivity and efficiency. Procurement experts can move things along more smoothly than most in-house departments could. They have a decided advantage in terms of access to information and expertise. In short, things are simply going to run more smoothly when you don’t have to worry about managing procurement.

Pros and Cons of Procurement Outsourcing Services

Though there are many great things about outsourcing procurement, there are also a few risks. For example, there may be legal or security risks if you accidentally partner with an unreliable supplier. You can avoid most potential downsides by choosing a reliable provider for procurement outsourcing.

It’s important to thoroughly vet the company you’re going to work with. Make sure you retain a reliable outsourcer that stands behind their procurement solutions and offers responsive customer service. You want someone who’s going to help you make sure your new procurement solution improves things for your company.

This is where errandables can help. We have a history of providing reliable business process outsourcing solutions. By outsourcing with us or using our procurement and purchase orders software, you’ll keep your data secure and streamline the procurement process. Our customer’s satisfaction and security are our highest concerns. We aim to make sure that when you choose to outsource your procurement solutions with us, it will mean increased success for your company. We’re with you every step of the way, making sure your procurement solution delivers all the benefits you’re looking for. Contact us today for more information on outsourcing your procurement!

Today’s busy professionals can rarely find enough time to do all their errands, and that’s where you come in, with a business able to check a few boxes off their to-do list. You could be a virtual assistant, start a courier or delivery service, remove junk, prepare meals or do personal shopping.

In this era of convenience, more and more people like to delegate their minor tasks, which means greater demand and real opportunity for the capable entrepreneur. Start down the road to success by checking out our list of excellent errand business ideas below.

1. Virtual Assistant

The job didn’t even exist 20 years ago, but now, thanks to new technologies and the sharp increase in remote work during the pandemic, the virtual assistant industry is booming. After years of strong growth, the market is expected to be worth more than $4 billion by 2025. That means now is a fantastic time to start your own virtual assistant business.

To be clear, we’re talking about a human, not a digital or AI-powered, assistant, who provides administrative, technical, and creative services to clients remotely, via the internet. If you have a strong business skillset, you can get started with a minimal investment and run the company out of your own home while serving clients anywhere in the world. You could also add more skills over time, increasing your revenue streams and the rates you’re able to charge.

With hard work and a bit of luck, you’ll soon be helping businesses run more smoothly and efficiently while making good money for yourself.

2. Cargo Van Delivery

Thanks to the increasing popularity of online shopping and the corresponding need for last-mile services, cargo van delivery offers great potential. The US retail e-commerce market is set to continue growing rapidly and exceed $1.3 trillion in value by 2025. If you have a cargo van, you can take advantage of this stellar market performance by starting your own cargo delivery business.

There are many ways to get going. Aside from a van, it would be wise to invest in the tools and equipment needed to secure your cargo as well as load or unload this safely. You’ll also need to comply with applicable laws as well as licensing and insurance requirements. Since you’ll be competing with established brands, it is important to differentiate your business. For example, you can offer several options like door-to-door delivery or same-day delivery services. With a lot of hard work and a good marketing strategy, you can deliver serious success!

3. Errand Running

Busy executives and older adults who find it hard to move about will likely be your top clients if you start an errand running business. Just focusing on the older population provides the errand services industry a huge potential customer base. More than 50 million Americans are age 65 and older, and that number is rising fast.

So what does an errand runner do? You take or pick up clothes from the cleaners, fill the car with gas, pick up a prescription, and get groceries. You might want to focus on a few services and develop your own niche, or do whatever your client asks you to do. It will be a matter of time management and you will have the flexibility to set your own schedule. You will need to research the market, though, and find out the prevailing rates. Most errand runners charge by the hour instead of by task.

4. Senior Transportation

Virtual Assistance services in USA

Virtual specialists help your organization grow and excel without the added stress of having to do everything on your own. For your overall well-being, it is important that you strive to strike an almost perfect balance between work and personal life. This is not an unattainable goal even if your work seems to take most of your time. There are many people who just prefer to defend why they prioritize their work instead of also prioritizing personal wants and needs.

Our Virtual Assistance & Concierge Service combines the ease of online order placement with the personalized touch of a dedicated and capable concierge team that serves you remotely.

Get started by having your VA set up meetings, manage your busy schedule and streamline all the information that pours into your inbox. They can help remind you of that important call, deal with the phone company, track your packages and plan your weekend getaway.

• Calendar & Schedule Management
• eMail Management
• Personal and Family Calendar Management
• Meeting and Appointment Booking
• Preparing the Client Presentation
• Time Consuming Research
• Restaurant Reservations
• Search for Event Tickets
• Content Writing and Business Proposals
• Market research for new business ideas
• Act as a Recruitment consultant
• Set up meetings
• Research schools, daycare, nanny services, etc.
• Research best flights
• Research hotel accommodations
• Archive all your emails
• Assist with marketing
• Research vendors; lawn care, plumbers, electricians, etc.
• Update your contacts
• Follow up on business leads
• Diary Management
• Tele Calling

What Is a Virtual Assistant?

A virtual assistant is an independent contractor who provides administrative services to clients while operating outside of the client’s office. A virtual assistant typically operates from a home office but can access the necessary planning documents, such as shared calendars, remotely.

People employed as virtual assistants often have several years of experience as an administrative assistant or office manager. New opportunities are opening up for virtual assistants who are skilled in social media, content management, blog post writing, graphic design, and internet marketing. As working from home has become more accepted for both workers and employers, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for skilled virtual assistants is expected to grow.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

We help organizations reduce costs, improve internal processes and upskill their procurement teams so that they can realize cost savings faster. We aim to ensure savings are measurable and sustainable – delivering greater value for your business over the longer term.
Procurement is the method of discovering and agreeing to terms and purchasing goods, services, or other works from an external source, often with the use of a tendering or competitive bidding process.
Procurement involves every activity involved in obtaining the goods and services a company needs to support its daily operations, including sourcing, negotiating terms, purchasing items, receiving and inspecting goods as necessary and keeping records of all the steps in the process.
At Errandables, we understand the critical role that effective procurement plays in the success of your business. Our comprehensive procurement services are designed to streamline your purchasing process, optimize your supply chain, and drive cost savings. With our expertise and industry experience, we can help you achieve your procurement goals and enhance your overall operational efficiency.

Our Range of Procurement Services:

Sourcing Strategic: Our strategic sourcing experts will work closely with you to identify the best suppliers, negotiate favorable contracts, and establish long-term relationships that meet your specific business needs. We conduct thorough market research, analyze supplier capabilities, and implement robust supplier evaluation processes to ensure the highest quality standards and competitive pricing.

Supplier Management: We provide end-to-end supplier management solutions, including supplier qualification, performance monitoring, and relationship management. Our team employs advanced tools and methodologies to assess supplier performance, track key metrics, and mitigate risks. We work collaboratively with your suppliers to drive continuous improvement, resolve issues, and maintain a strong supplier base.

Purchase Order Processing: Streamline your purchasing process with our efficient purchase order processing services. We handle the end-to-end procurement workflow, from purchase requisition to order placement, order tracking, and receipt confirmation. Our team leverages technology and automation to enhance accuracy, reduce cycle time, and improve overall procurement efficiency.

Contract Management: Our contract management services ensure that your procurement contracts are well-structured, compliant, and optimized for maximum value. We assist in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts, while ensuring alignment with your business objectives and legal requirements. Our team will actively manage contract renewals, amendments, and terminations, minimizing potential risks and optimizing contract terms.

Spend Analysis: Gain valuable insights into your procurement spend with our comprehensive spend analysis services. We utilize advanced analytics tools to evaluate your spending patterns, identify cost-saving opportunities, and optimize your procurement strategies. Our detailed reports and dashboards provide you with actionable intelligence to make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Supplier Diversity Program: If supplier diversity is a priority for your organization, we can help you develop and implement a robust supplier diversity program. Our experts will assist in identifying diverse suppliers, establishing diversity goals, and implementing supplier diversity reporting and tracking mechanisms. We believe in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the procurement ecosystem.

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