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22 November
Corporate Housing

FEEL LIKE HOME WHEREVER YOU GO

  • Do you have to move and still want to feel at home?
  • Do you want to travel with your family, have guests for a weekend and not worry about the additional costs?
  • Are you looking for a location tailored to your preferences – close to the office, in the centre of the city or close to the international school of your children?
  • Do you need internet access, parking?
  • Do you want to have access to reception services and not be concerned about the cleaning and technical services of the apartment?

If the answer is YES, then corporate housing is the perfect choice.

FIND OUT WHY SERVICED APARTMENTS ARE THE SUPERIOR ACCOMMODATION TYPE

CORPORATE HOUSING VS. HOTELS

Corporate housing

MORE SQUARE FOOTAGE AND SPACE IN APARTMENT:

One-bedroom apartment       40-55 m²
Two-bedroom apartment        55-80 m²

SPACIOUS ARRANGEMENT, FULLY FURNISHED AND FUNCTIONAL:

Fully furnished and functional apartment – separate lounge / living room, dining room, fully-equipped kitchen, own bathroom and separate bedroom(s), depending on your needs. It is not uncommon to have a balcony. Comfortable, ready-to-live-in space.

FEELING AT HOME:

The possibility of a comfortable stay with the family, having guests, organising meetings with friends.
A home away from home.

FULLY FURNISHED AND EQUIPPED KITCHEN FOR SELF-CATERING:

Fully furnished kitchen or kitchenette equipped with everything you’d expect. Cook for yourself in the apartment to suit your own personal taste. Significant saving on food costs.

COMFORTABLE BATHROOM WITH WASHING MACHINE AND ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT:

Private bathroom(s) with your choice of a bath or shower. Washing machine makes it convenient and more cost effective during longer stays.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

A wide range of additional hotel-like services: cleaning and technical service, guest care, breakfast service, parking. Many facilities often offer spa and concierge services. Definitely, a better chance of being pet-friendly.

LOWER COST OF STAY

A stay in a 1-bedroom apartment is typically up to 40% cheaper than a stay in a double room in a 4 * hotel.

Additional cost savings from having your own cooking and cleaning amenities.

The price can be negotiated depending on the length of stay.

As standard, the costs of additional services, such as parking, internet access or additional customer-defined facilities are included in the price.

4* hotel

HOTEL ROOM:

Double room              15-25 sqm
Hotel Apartment      20-35 sqm

BASICALLY FURNISHED:

A hotel room ensuring a comfortable stay during short trips. Typically one space with a double bed and a desk, and not much else.

COMFORTABLE STAY:

Hotel rooms by definition are adapted to short-term stays, satisfying  the basic needs of the traveller.

NO KITCHEN:

Optional tea and coffee set with kettle and minibar. Eating out, in the hotel or outside, the extra costs soon add up.

FUNCTIONAL BATHROOM WITH A BASIC EQUIPMENT:

Bathroom with bathtub or shower and hairdryer. Optional laundry service, which is expensive, inconvenient and provides limited services.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

Cleaning and technical service, guest care, breakfast service, parking. Spa and concierge services. Want to bring your pet? First check if it’s allowed, if yes, then prepare for additional cost.

LOW FLEXIBILITY IN PRICES OF ACCOMMODATION:

Providing a certain level of amenities, hotels must cover high fixed costs, what results in higher accommodation prices.

Short-term stay sales policy limits the possibility of negotiating rates individually.

Prices subject to considerable seasonal fluctuations.

Want to stay during high season – bring your calculator and the company accountant.

CORPORATE HOUSING VS. MID- AND LONG-TERM RENTAL DIRECT FROM A LANDLORD

Corporate housing

FLEXIBLE DURATION OF STAY: Stays lasting from one night up to a few years.
LESS FORMAL REQUIREMENTS: No long and complicated agreements – instant booking confirmation and cancellation policy guaranteeing flexibility of stay.
WIDE RANGE OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Reception, cleaning and technical services, Wi-Fi internet, in some facilities also spa, fitness rooms, swimming pool and concierge services.
GUARANTEED FULLY FURNISHED AND FUNCTIONAL: The price is for a fully-furnished and equipped, ready-to-move-into apartment. The residents only need to bring their personal belongings.
FRIENDLY POLICY AND FINANCIAL BENEFITS: As standard, internet, media, cleaning and technical services without additional fees.

In most cases, no deposit is required. In situations where it is required, the terms of the deposit can be negotiated individually.

Transparent invoicing system, flexible to meet the clients’ needs, as standard.

MID- AND LONG-TERM RENTAL DIRECT FROM A LANDLORD

 

LONG-TERM STAY: Minimum lease duration is 6 months.
MORE FORMAL REQUIREMENTS: Lease agreement concluded directly with the property owner is required. No flexibility in cancellation or duration of stay.
NO ADDITIONAL SERVICES: The tenants often have to organise the required services (for example internet) themselves.
NO GUARANTEE OF FULLY FURNISHED PROPERTY: Rented properties are often unfurnished or partly-furnished. It may be practical for people moving with their own furniture, especially for a stay of several years. Otherwise, the tenant has to sort out the rest, resulting in additional costs, both financial and non-financial.
LIMITED FLEXIBILITY WITH REGARD TO COSTS AND PAYMENT TERMS: In the case of individual rentals, the rent normally does not include any additional costs – maintenance, utilities, administrative fees or fees for additional services.

In most cases a deposit is required. It may add up to more than a few months’ rent.

Usually, you are dealing with a private property owner, not a company. It is rarely possible to receive an invoice for the service.

11 November
Moving Management

3 stages of move management to ensure a seamless workplace transition

In this post, we’ll break down the move management process and show you how to lead your team and organization through a successful move.

If you’re overseeing a workplace move, you’ve got a big job ahead of you. Move management is no small task. Get it wrong and you risk disrupting business, frustrating employees, and not meeting your goals. But, get it right and you can lead your company through a smooth and successful transition. In this post, we’ll show you how to manage each stage of the process so you can avoid common move management pitfalls and ensure a seamless and successful move.

What is move management?

Move management is the process of planning and executing the relocation of employees, equipment, and resources from one workplace to another. This could involve moving to a new building, opening an additional office, consolidating existing spaces, or reconfiguring your workplace layout.

Successful move management requires careful planning, clear communication, and meticulous coordination. This includes setting a detailed timeline, managing logistics efficiently, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations, and addressing employee concerns.

Stage 1: Planning and alignment

The first stage of move management involves creating a detailed plan and gaining buy-in from stakeholders. This is critical to setting you up for success, so let’s break it down in detail.

Goals and metrics
  • Define goals. Start with deciding what you want to achieve. This could include increasing occupancy, boosting meeting room utilization, or having no operational downtime. Gather your team’s feedback to ensure the goals align with their needs and expectations.
  • Set success criteria. Setting measurable benchmarks will help you evaluate progress against each of your goals. Success can look different from person to person, so these criteria should reflect your team’s different perspectives and priorities.
  • Determine metrics for evaluation. Identify metrics that are specific, quantifiable, and relevant to your goals. This will help you track progress and spot areas that need improvement.

Let’s look at an example. If your goal is to increase office occupancy, success criteria could include achieving an average occupancy rate of 85% within three months and improving your employee net promoter score (eNPS) by 10 points. To evaluate your success, you could track your workplace occupancy rate and review eNPS results from an employee survey.

Roles and responsibilities
  • Assign roles. Decide who’s handling what, such as logistics, keeping employees informed, and setting up IT. Make sure everyone knows their specific tasks and deadlines.
  • Define responsibilities for each team member. Break down what each person is in charge of and how their tasks fit into the big picture. Check in regularly to keep things on track and sort out any issues quickly.
Timeline
  • Develop a detailed schedule with milestones. Break it into manageable chunks and set dates for each step to keep things organized. Make sure to build in some buffer time for any unexpected hiccups, such as construction delays, changes in department size, and shifts in workplace design.
  • Include deadlines for key tasks and checkpoints. This will help everyone stay on track and know what needs to be done and by when. To avoid any last-minute scrambles, keep an eye on your progress and adjust the schedule as needed.
Workplace data and layout
  • Understand current employee pain points. This might be a lack of collaboration, too few meeting rooms, or too many underutilized spaces. Gather employee feedback to ensure the new layout addresses their concerns and improves their workplace experience.
  • Use workplace data. Capturing workplace data on your current space will inform adjustments to the new one. You’ll want to look at metrics like employee attendance, visitor patterns, meeting room usage, and desk usage to identify areas for improvement.
  • Try several layouts before you commit. Create mock-ups by digitizing your workplace maps to visualize different layout options and see how they fit your needs. Make sure you get your team’s feedback on these layouts before making a final decision.
  • Plan for growth. Use employee and visitor presence data to understand current usage patterns and spot areas that need more room. Factor in your future growth plans to ensure the new layout can handle more people and adapt to changing needs.

Stage 2: Preparing your team and employees for change

Once you have a plan, the next step is communicating it clearly to everyone. This will help folks understand the changes, know what to expect, and feel prepared for the transition.

  • Communicate move details and updates. This should cover key dates, what to expect during the transition, and any changes to employees’ daily routines. For instance, to prepare for the move, you may ask employees to bring their personal belongings home before professional movers are scheduled or to pack them in moving supplies your company will provide. Plans will likely change, so prepare to update folks regularly so they’re in the know.
  • Address employee concerns and provide support. Be sure someone on your team is responsible for addressing employee concerns. You can also set up a channel where employees can easily share their thoughts and get timely answers about the move.
  • Communicate how this change will improve the onsite experience. Point out any perks, such as better collaboration spaces, more comfortable work areas, or upgraded facilities. Let folks know how these upgrades will make their workday easier and more enjoyable.
  • Offer resources for adapting to the new environment. Provide guides, FAQs, and support contacts to help employees settle in quickly. Also, consider adopting an interactive workplace map—part of your workplace platform— to help employees locate coworkers, meeting spaces, and other points of interest in the new space, all from their mobile devices.

Stage 3: Reporting and optimizing

The final stage of move management includes gathering employee feedback and evaluating how things work in the new space. You’ll use this information to make improvements and document learnings for future moves by your organization.

  • Collect feedback from stakeholders and team members. Informal check-ins and surveys can help understand how everyone is adjusting. These insights can surface unseen issues and areas for improvement.
  • Analyze performance against success metrics. This will help you understand the effectiveness of your strategy and identify areas for further improvement.
  • Document learnings for future moves. Noting what worked well and what didn’t will refine your process, helping you avoid past mistakes and leverage successful strategies.

Move management is a huge undertaking and one you should never go into blindly. With a solid plan, you can lead your organization through a seamless transition, minimizing disruptions and setting the stage for long-term success.

Are you preparing for a workplace move? Check out our website to learn how Errandables can help you get the most out of your new space.

7 November
Wedding Concierge

Planning a Wedding in 2025

Planning a wedding can indeed be overwhelming, but breaking down the process into manageable steps can help make it more enjoyable and stress-free. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you start planning your wedding in 2025. In this guide I will walk through wedding priorities and will include wedding supplier list and I hope you will find this information useful during your 2025 wedding planning journey.

When is the Right Time to Start Preprations for 2025 Wedding?

The year 2024 has finally arrived and decision on planning your 2025 wedding now is a fantastic start! With the upcoming 2024 wedding season, suppliers and venues are in high demand but often taking bookings for the next year. The key is to act now and don’t leave it to the very last minute.

Priorities when planning a wedding.

When planning a wedding it is always good to set up and talk about priorities. Once you have the most important elements in place, you can then start working on the remaining details with confidence. But first create a list and focus on securing those top priorities first.

Budget

Set a realistic budget is often a top priority. This would also include setting up spending limits for different things like venue, photography, catering, attire, and many more.

Venue

Well… this priority is probably the second important. I believe that deciding on the venue could be a top priority for many engaged couples.

Guest list

Planning the guest list is crucial. Sometimes for many couples it might take a longer time but deciding who to invite to your wedding and how many guests in total will impact the choice of venue, catering, and other aspects.

Date

As I mentioned earlier deciding on the wedding date is a priority, especially for couples with meaningful date in mind. In this situation the availability of venue and suppliers is important.

Attire

Finding the perfect wedding attire is a priority for many couples. This includes the bride’s gown, shoes, groom’s suit and shoes, and attire for the whole wedding party.

Photography/Videography

Capturing the most memorable moments of wedding is often a priority. Couples want to ensure they book skilled photographer and videographer to document their special day.

Entertainment

Making a fun, memorable and unforgettable experience for wedding guests is a priority. This is when you will be hiring a live band, DJ, or planning any other entertainment options like wedding games for example.

Ceremony and Officiant

Deciding on the ceremony style and a person who will officiate is a priority.

Decor and Theme

It is good to know an overall wedding theme and decor is important for creating the atmosphere of your vision. This would include flowers, centrepieces, and other decorative details.

Food and Catering

Selecting the menu and catering services is a priority. Couples often want to provide a memorable dining experience for their guests.

Wedding day timeline

Setting up a wedding day timeline is not less important. Detailed and accurate timeline will coordinate all suppliers, and will ensure a smooth flow of wedding.

Personal and Meaningful Touches

For many couples adding some personal details to a wedding is a priority too. This could be customising vows, some cultural elements and traditions, or adding sentimental details.

Honeymoon

Honeymoon panning is usual a post-wedding priority. Couples might choose destinations that are important for them now as a married couple.

SUPPLIERS FOR WEDDING

As a Birmingham wedding photographer, offering photography services around the UK for weddings, I know how importance is to find and establish a great communication with suppliers for your wedding who understand and ready to create your vision of your wedding. The connection between a couple and wedding suppliers should hold a strong bond that’s why choosing a right suppliers for your wedding is very important. But how do you make that decision?

It is essential to securing suppliers that suits your budget, availability in your chosen venue, and of course if they are available on your wedding date. During wedding consultation consider to ask these simple questions to ensure if your suppliers suits with your vision and needs.

  • The number of years of experience and experience at our chosen location.
  • If they can provide some insights into a process, starting from the consultation through the booking and to the wedding day.
  • If supplier require anything specific from you or chosen venue.
  • How much time supplier need for setup on the wedding day.

Wedding supplier list.

For popular months like May through September, securing wedding suppliers might be already challenging. If you have a specific date in mind, especially one with sentimental value, it is important to start contacting suppliers as soon as possible. My experience shows that before reaching out any of supplier, it is good to have your wedding date in mind and most likely every wedding supplier from this list below would want to know more than just a date. Three most important things every wedding supplier will ask are: a date, a venue, and your budget.

  • Venue
  • Photographer(s) (Hello, it’s me!)
  • Videographer(s)
  • Wedding planner/ Coordinator
  • Florist
  • Cake designer
  • Hair and Make-Up
  • Catering
  • Officiant
  • Accommodation
  • Live band
  • Wedding transportation

 

4 November
Event Planning

How event management will help your next event

Are you thinking about organising an event? Want to make sure that it is perfect? Have you ever considered booking event management to help? If you haven’t then this is probably because you think that you can organise everything on your own and in the past, this may have worked perfectly well. However, what you may not know is that it could be so much better.Want to know more? Let us explain to you how event management can help you when organising your next event.

They make it less stressful

It goes without saying that organising an event, no matter the type of size, it is going to be stressful. There is so much to think about, to consider and to plan for, so, you may find that over time it all gets a little overwhelming. The idea of hiring an event management company is that they can take on most of the stressful tasks, leaving you with very few worries about your event.

They ensure it runs smoothly

Despite the best planning, there are still things that can go wrong during an event. You may not be aware of the problems that can arise or the issues that can crop up. Which means that mistakes all too often happen, and you may not know how to fix them. Whilst an event management company cannot stop every single problem occurring, they can make sure that this has a minimal impact on the entire event and that it is fixed quickly.

They take care of the legalities

There are lots of legal requirements and guidelines that can go along with holding an event. You may be able to identify some of the things that you need to be aware of, but there is also a chance that you may miss some things. The problem with this is that sometimes this can cause a minor issue and sometimes it can be much bigger. Therefore, it makes sense that you always work with a professional company that deals with events, as they will be able to take proper care of all the legalities.

They have the right contacts

You are likely to not only need to book a venue for your event, but also entertainment, caterers and other suppliers. When you have an event management company working with you, you have all their contacts too. Not only does this mean that you will be getting the best quality, but it also means that you will be able to secure everything that you need, at a great price.This really is just the beginning of the reasons why you should consider booking an event management company for your next event. There are so many great reasons to hire an event management company. It could be to save you time and your money, or perhaps just make things a whole lot less stressful. Whatever the reason, find a professional event management company and let them help you to plan your next event.

Come and Talk to Us

Errandables design, plan, create and stage corporate events with a difference.  Get in touch with our dedicated team who will be able to chat things over with you.

31 October
Destination Services

Discover the Benefits of Destination Services for Stress-Free Moves

Relocating for work can be a stressful experience. Whether you are moving across the country or just a few hours away, the process of packing up your life and starting anew can be daunting. Fortunately, destination services can make the transition much smoother, easing some of the burden of moving and providing assistance in areas such as housing, education, and cultural integration.

The Benefits of Destination Services

One of the biggest advantages of using destination services is the peace of mind they provide. Knowing that you have a team of professionals on your side can greatly reduce the stress of moving and help you focus on settling into your new job and community. Destination services can also save you time and energy by handling many of the logistical details of the move, such as arranging for temporary housing or helping you find a new home that meets your needs.

Another key benefit of destination services is the personalized support they offer. No two moves are alike, and destination service providers understand this. They work closely with you to assess your unique needs and preferences and tailor their services accordingly. This might include helping you navigate the complexities of the local housing market, providing support as you enroll your children in a new school, or connecting you with local resources and services.

Perhaps most importantly, destination services can help you feel more connected to your new community. Moving to a new place can be lonely and isolating, especially if you are far from friends and family. Destination service providers can help you build a network of contacts and introduce you to local clubs, organizations, and other opportunities for socializing and community involvement. This can not only make your work relocation less stressful but also lead to a more fulfilling and enriching experience overall.

The Challenges of Relocating for Work

While destination services can offer many benefits for those relocating for work, it’s important to understand the challenges that come with moving to a new place. One of the biggest challenges is adjusting to a new environment and culture. Even if you are moving within the same country, you may encounter different customs, traditions, and ways of doing things. This can be especially difficult if you are moving to a place with a vastly different language or cultural norms.

Another challenge of relocating for work is maintaining work-life balance. Moving to a new place often means putting in extra hours to get up to speed on your new job and build relationships with colleagues. It can be easy to get caught up in work and neglect other important areas of your life, such as family, friends, and hobbies. Destination services can help by providing support and resources to help you manage your time and responsibilities effectively, but ultimately, it’s up to you to make sure you strike the right balance.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

When it comes to relocating for work, planning ahead is key. This means thinking carefully about your goals and priorities for the move, researching the new location to understand its culture and amenities, and seeking out resources and support to help you make the transition smoothly.

Destination services can be a valuable tool in this process, but it’s important to choose a reputable provider that offers the services you need and has a strong track record of success. Take the time to do your research, ask for referrals from colleagues or friends who have relocated for work, and be prepared to invest in high-quality services that can make a real difference in your move.

In Conclusion

Moving for work can be a daunting prospect, but with the right support and resources, it can also be an exciting opportunity for growth and exploration. Destination services can provide many benefits for those relocating, from reducing stress and saving time to helping you feel more connected to your new community. By planning ahead, researching your options, and investing in high-quality services, you can make your move as stress-free and successful as possible.

28 October
Medical Courier Services

Did you know consumers are less likely to use a business’s services again after receiving a late delivery?

Late deliveries don’t just raise your blood pressure. They lead to costly consequences, too.

And the costs can be much higher for late medical service deliveries, which is why it is time to invest in medical delivery services.

Severe consequences occur when there is an issue with healthcare logistics. Around 90% of nurses cannot perform patient care efficiently when medical delivery delays occur. And late deliveries have a domino effect no matter what part of the healthcare industry you are in.

Do you want a more reliable delivery service? Do you need to transport medical supplies securely with the help of a reputable courier company? Read on to learn what a medical courier service is, and why you should consider hiring medical couriers to handle your sensitive deliveries.

What Is a Medical Courier Service?

A medical courier service allows businesses to deliver medical documents, lab specimens, medications, lab test results, and other records all over the country.

A medical courier company specializes in transporting and delivering medical supplies. Medical supplies include:

  • Healthcare and medical equipment
  • Specimens
  • Medical records
  • Samples

Deliveries can also include urgent medical care supplies, such as organ or blood transport. And with organ transplants continuing to rise, efficient delivery is more critical than ever.

Medical couriers handle the delivery process for a variety of different medical facilities. These include hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and laboratories.

Reasons to Use a Medical Courier Service

The global courier industry is valued at over $340 billion and continues to grow. However, you should consider a specialized courier service for various reasons. Many different businesses and facilities can benefit from using a dedicated service to deliver medical supplies.

Medical Couriers Are Trained Delivery Professionals

You do not have to worry about explaining the importance of your delivery to a courier. You will be working with a certified medical courier who has special training and equipment to handle medical deliveries safely. They know the important role medical couriers play in on-time deliveries and what needs to be done to protect deliveries.

Medical couriers come with a clean driving record, and they know how to handle lab samples and other delicate medical items with care. Their vehicles also have the right equipment to securely transport goods, which allows them to provide services such as temperature-controlled deliveries.

They Offer A Cost-Effective Delivery Solution

Medical courier services help you reduce your supply chain costs. This is because with medically certified couriers, you do not have to worry about hiring and training internal staff for deliveries.

The medical courier services will always have sufficient staff on call too. So even if you need same-day delivery, you know you will be covered.

Couriers also offer detailed reporting and tracking, so you understand your delivery costs and logistics in-depth. You can learn how to reduce overhead costs further this way, using the valuable reporting data you will receive.

You will not lose money and essential time due to late deliveries or spending time tracking deliveries. Sometimes, medical insurances also give discounts or cover costs if it considers the delivery a part of the medical costs.

They Are Equipped With Advanced Technology

Medical courier services utilize technology to improve the efficiency of their deliveries. This means they can use automated processes to streamline delivery and reduce the risk of human error, such as lost delivery.

Examples of medical courier delivery technology include:

  • GPS tracking
  • Online order and track platforms
  • Email notifications
  • Barcode scanning
  • Signature capture

Medical professionals do not want to worry about losing track of packages because they often include sensitive patient data or urgent medical supplies.

Technology such as email notifications and barcode capture increases delivery reliability. It ensures you are aware of where the package is in real-time.

They Enhance Staff Management And Compliance

You can gain peace of mind knowing that your medical supplies are in safe hands with medical courier services. Staff go through screening and training to handle the equipment, and medical courier companies use technology and audits for efficient staff management.

Audits include:

  • Checking deliveries are meeting PHI / OSHA Requirements
  • Secure vehicle and cleanliness
  • Grooming and attire of driver

There is no need to spend time worrying about driver reliability and security. If you want to guarantee your delivery service is compliant, clean, and safe, use a medical courier service. The TSA carries out background checks, and the delivery company audits them regularly.

Staff regularly receive training and gain certifications to guarantee optimum service. Medical courier services also ensure a chain of custody to protect you, patient data, and the items in transport. This reduces liability risks and ensures you meet confidentiality requirements.

They Offer Flexible Delivery For Medical Supplies And More

There is nothing worse than receiving a vague delivery window when you urgently need a delivery. A medical courier service offers effective delivery management, so you feel more in control of deliveries and utilize your time more effectively.

You will be able to track your orders online and review orders to ensure it is all correct. Plus, the GPS tracking feature and email notifications mean you can continue to work while waiting for the delivery to arrive.

Medical courier services also focus on client specifications and work to make delivery times suit you. This means you are seen as more reliable and trustworthy as a healthcare provider. You will be keeping your patients safer and can provide accurate predictions about delivery times.

They Provide Reliable Delivery Service

A medical courier service is the most reliable way to transport your medical goods. Do not worry about having to explain regulations and other critical issues to each driver. They already have the knowledge to deliver your items reliably.

Have peace of mind regulations are followed throughout the supply chain. Medical courier services follow the same regulations, such as HIPAA, to keep your supplies secure. All transactions are confidential, and supplies are transported securely.

Delivery predictions are accurate, and the software can help provide the trust you need when using a new courier service. Couriers are also available 24/7/365.

Same-Day Medical Courier Services

You do not want to worry about inefficient medical deliveries in the fast-paced healthcare sector. Focus your time on providing quality patient care and medical services to clients. A medical service courier will manage your deliveries with confidentiality, efficiency, and respect.

Are you interested in using a medical courier in Virginia? Errandables is here to help healthcare providers by providing reliable same-day delivery solutions for the medical industry. Contact us today to learn more.

24 October
Legal Courier Services

In today’s fast-paced world, legal documents and sensitive materials often need to be delivered quickly and securely. That’s where legal couriers come in. But what exactly is a legal courier, and what can you expect when working with one? In this blog, we’ll explore the role of legal couriers, what you can expect from their services, and who can benefit from hiring a legal courier for their delivery needs.

Understanding the Role of a Legal Courier

A legal courier is a professional who specializes in the delivery of legal documents, court filings, and other sensitive materials. Unlike traditional courier services, which may handle a wide range of packages and parcels, legal couriers focus specifically on delivering legal documents with the utmost care and confidentiality. Whether it’s filing court documents, serving legal papers, or delivering sensitive contracts, legal couriers play a vital role in the legal industry by ensuring that important documents reach their destination safely and on time.

What Can I Expect From Working With a Legal Courier?

When working with a legal courier, you can expect prompt and reliable service, as well as a high level of professionalism and confidentiality. Legal couriers understand the sensitive nature of the documents they handle and take every precaution to ensure their safe and secure delivery. From securely packaging documents to providing real-time tracking and delivery confirmation, legal couriers go above and beyond to meet the unique needs of their clients.

Additionally, legal couriers often offer specialized services tailored to the legal industry, such as court filing and document retrieval services. This means that they can handle all aspects of the delivery process, from picking up documents from your office to filing them with the appropriate court or agency. By working with a legal courier, you can save time and resources while ensuring that your legal documents are delivered accurately and efficiently.

Who Can Benefit From a Legal Courier?

Anyone who needs to send or receive legal documents can benefit from the services of a legal courier. Law firms, corporate legal departments, government agencies, and individuals involved in legal proceedings can all benefit from the expertise and reliability of a legal courier. Whether you need to file court documents, serve legal papers, or deliver contracts to a client, a legal courier can provide the secure and efficient delivery services you need.

Additionally, businesses in other industries may also benefit from working with a legal courier, especially if they regularly deal with sensitive or time-sensitive documents. From financial institutions to healthcare providers, any organization that requires the secure and timely delivery of confidential materials can benefit from the services of a legal courier.

Summary

Legal couriers play a vital role in the legal industry by providing prompt, reliable, and confidential delivery services for legal documents and sensitive materials. When working with a legal courier, you can expect professional service, secure handling of your documents, and peace of mind knowing that your materials will reach their destination safely and on time. Whether you’re a law firm, corporate legal department, government agency, or business in another industry, a legal courier can provide the specialized delivery services you need to keep your operations running smoothly.

Need a Courier in Miami, FL?

In business since 1993, Errandables Messenger Service, Inc. has been dependably delivering for our customers for well over 25 years. We will serve the needs of businesses of all types. We offer a range of affordable delivery options, including same-day and overnight. Simply tell us where the pickup location is, where you want it, and we’ll come to pick it up from you within the hour! Our fleet of radio-dispatched drivers allows us to know where your package is every minute. The trust we’ve built with our customers through our personal, one-on-one customer service is unmatched. Give us a call today!

18 October
Business Errands

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 Clientele

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.

14 October
Personal Errand

The Benefits of Using a Personal Errand Service

What is a Personal Errand Service?

Personal errand services are designed to assist individuals and businesses with everyday tasks that can be time-consuming or cumbersome. Errand Easy Company offers a wide range of services including grocery shopping, delivery, business support, and more. By outsourcing these tasks, you can focus on what truly matters, whether it’s spending more time with family, growing your business, or simply enjoying some well-deserved leisure time.

Why Choose Us?

Key Features of Errand Easy Company

Personalized Service: We tailor our services to meet your specific needs, ensuring a personalized experience every time.

Timely Responses: Our commitment to rapid communication ensures that your requests are handled promptly and efficiently.

Wide Range of Services: From grocery shopping to business support, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to cover all your needs.

Affordables Rates: We provide high-quality services at competitive prices, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy the convenience of a personal errand service.

Customized Solutions: We understand that every client is unique, and we offer customized solutions to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

 

10 October
Virtual Assistance

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.

30 September
Realtor Assistance Services

Real Estate / Realtors & Brokers

  • Full service virtual assistants – Who will execute, the way you want it
  • Get more sales & beat your competition in this tough economy
  • Get a trained part or full-time virtual assistant(s) to support your realty business

Our services include

  • Collection of sales or rental property information from various online portals and upload them to your website
  • Maintenance of realtor’s websites such as adding, updating, deleting the properties
  • Email management & database assistance
  • Craig’s list posting of sales or property information
  • Online marketing of your real estate website
  • Search engine optimization (SEO)
  • Posting properties in postlet, backpage, Kijiji.com which would increase the number of visits to the your real estate website
  • Perform promotional activities – rental or sales process back page, post let
  • After hours call handling
  • Web design, graphic & banner designs
  • Back-office maintenance & expertise to handle all your real estate software and process
  • Bookkeeping & Accounting
  • Many more depending on your need

Why should you choose us

  • Expertise in handling realtor specific tasks
  • Years of experience & knowledge to help you and offer trusted consultation advice & support to out-smart your competition
28 September
Corporate Housing Concierge

These days, temporary lodging for jet-setting employees is in high demand. Each year, Arizona welcomes thousands of business travelers working in industries like health care, government, technology, tourism, and more. As these business sectors continue to grow in places like Avondale, Peoria, and other West Valley cities, so does the need for comfortable, cost-efficient corporate housing for its various business travelers.

But what are the benefits of corporate housing as opposed to, say, a nice hotel room? The answer lies in the amenities, services, and next-level comfort that is catered specifically for business travel.

1. First Rate Corporate Housing Options

Perhaps the biggest perk of corporate housing is the multitude of options available. Corporate housing options are as versatile and diverse as the business travelers they accommodate. You’ll find everything from corporate apartments in the city to single-family homes in the suburbs and everything in between.  Business travelers can narrow down their choices even further based on amenities and services.

Need a one-bedroom place with easy parking, recreational facilities, and housekeeping service?  Check out some of the valley’s fully furnished apartments.

Temporarily relocating with the family?  Discover spacious condos within close proximity to local parks. Whether you’re traveling solo or relocating with a group, the diversity of corporate housing makes it easy to find the right place to stay.

2. Customer Service from Corporate Housing Providers

If you’re searching for the perfect temporary accommodation, corporate housing providers can point you in the right direction. The term “corporate housing” refers to both a product and a service. Companies that specialize in corporate housing not only help you find the right product, ( ie, corporate apartment, house, etc.) but also provide services as part of the housing package.

This includes amenities like 24/7 customer service, handling maintenance issues, and more. Corporate housing providers like PrimeNest Arizona work with companies as well as individual employees to find the best corporate housing at reasonable prices. We’ll match any business traveler with the perfect housing package based on their preferred location, property type, amenities, and more!

3. Cost-Efficiency

Corporate housing is a more cost-efficient solution than hotels and can yield substantial savings for business travelers planning an extended stay. With competitive monthly rates for fully furnished properties, corporate housing companies are able to provide the housing package that suits your needs as well as your budget.

Things like utilities and all-inclusive amenities mean you only pay one flat fee, unlike hotels, which have the potential for additional, unforeseen costs. Some of those hotel costs include eating out and laundry service – all of which a traveler can do at home with no additional money spent.

4. More than a Traditional Hotel

As a sunny vacation destination, Arizona has no shortage of resort and hotel room options. Business travelers on short business trips will be perfectly comfortable in a typical hotel room that comes with amenities like room service and a business center.  However, employees traveling for long periods of time or temporarily relocating for work need lodging that offers the comforts of home as well as superior business services.

Corporate housing does just that. Guaranteed high-speed internet access, on-site laundry facilities, and overall more space are just some of the convenient amenities that help business travelers not only feel at home for an extended period of time but also enhance their ability to get the job done.

5. Fully Furnished Accommodations

Corporate housing properties are fully furnished and equipped to anticipate the business traveler’s every need. Even the simplest type of housing, such as a corporate apartment or condo, will be fully stocked and ready the moment guests arrive. Newer furniture, a fully equipped kitchen, as well as interior design, and business-friendly staging are all standard corporate housing perks designed to make any extended stay more comfortable.

Business travelers can expect to find kitchen utensils and cookware, towels and linens, televisions with cable, high-quality furniture, and more. The idea is to give business travelers their own space with all the necessities they need to feel at home.

 6. Valuable Perks for Potential Talent

When pursuing new talent for your company, corporate housing can be a powerful bargaining chip, especially if the job includes travel. Potential employees take into account the type of housing an employer is willing to pay for and it can be a huge factor in their decision. Young executives today are interested in corporate housing not just for their own comfort, but also because they know it can be a huge factor in the overall morale of the company.

7. Enhanced Company Morale

If you’re a company looking for corporate housing providers, you’ve taken the first step towards developing a positive company environment. If employees are required to be away from home during lengthy business trips, hotel stays can make them feel like they are living out of a suitcase. The comfort, convenience, and privacy corporate housing provides can do wonders when it comes to keeping your best talent happy and willing to go the extra mile.

18 September
Moving Management

6 Steps to Optimize the Move Management Process

If a constant shuffling of desks in your workplace seems like it’s become the new norm, you’re not alone.

Managing office moves and tracking the supply and demand of space is critical for reacting to business demands quickly and efficiently. Reporting on multiple dimensions of the workplace—vacancy, occupancy ratios, space efficiency, etc. is impacted by maintaining accurate data within a space management system.

With data as a driving force for decision making in today’s workplace, corporate real estate and facilities professionals are expected to be able to add data-driven insights to questions such as:

  • What is the current supply and demand of space?
  • How can we use space more efficiently?
  • How can we improve departmental collaboration?
  • Which spaces are most sought after by employees?

A byproduct of desk churn is its impact on data integrity within space and move management systems. Office seating plans and occupancy data can quickly become out of date.

Data is stale in a week, that’s how it goes in space planning: It needs to be immediate.”

— Vice President of Corporate Real Estate, Banking and Financial Services Firm

Understanding desk churn in the workplace

Desk churn measures the number of times somebody is reassigned from one seat to another—also known as box moves. Box moves are often in response to a business need such as reorganizations, growth or reduction in staff, and transfers.

For many organizations, desk churn may simply be a result of necessary departmental and desk moves to accommodate changing headcounts and occupancy needs, but there is a growing trend of strategic desk churn in which high desk churn isn’t necessarily a negative thing.

Some organizations intentionally have upwards of 400% desk churn or more by scheduling quarterly all-employee desk moves. Some benefits of this include:

  • Encouraging new connections by changing the proximity between different departments and employees.
  • Infusing creativity with a change of scenery or association with new collaborators.
  • Instilling fairness in the seating assignments, such as rotating who gets coveted window seating.
  • Aligning teams differently based on project assignments.

Another culprit of desk churn is the “midnight move,” when occupants move into a new station without telling anyone. If you’ve ever been a victim of this, you’ve experienced how quickly seating plans become obsolete and data integrity within a space management software becomes dated.

The value of maintaining accurate occupancy data

“When accurate data is available, invitations to the decision-making table increase. This proactive approach can move a business into strategy and action more quickly.”

— Christi Van Maanen, Senior Associate, Errandables

It all starts with a thoughtful move management process and occupancy tracking. By maintaining accurate data, you’ll be able to:

  • Provide hard, irrefutable data to support a workplace strategy and/or test a hypothesis about occupancy.
  • Verify current standards/benchmarks and space allocation metrics in the early stages of programming.
  • Optimize a space to better suit the needs of the users.
  • Determine departments for mobile readiness and consider the implementation of seat sharing as part of a mobility strategy.
  • Identify opportunities to save space by consolidating leases.
  • Publish accurate wayfinding maps of your workplace.

6 Simple Steps to Optimize Your Move Management Process and Increase Data Integrity In Your Space Management Software.

Improving office seating plans and occupancy data begins and ends with streamlined move, add, change management. Our tried and true steps will help you implement a streamlined MAC process that will add value to organizations of any size.

These are the same steps that we work through with our clients on when implementing Errandables, and now you can apply them to your organization. Whether a workplace portfolio is 30,000 or 30 million square-feet, these industry best practices can be right-sized for any organization, resulting in accurate and insightful data.

Move, Add, Change (MAC) Definition

Also know as MAC or move management, these general terms are used when an occupant is reassigned from one workspace to another to another, or when a new hire is onboarded and assigned.

1. Understand the current move management process

Start this process as an investigation. Find out as much as you can about how the process is taking place today. Grab a pen and paper and physically map this out with your team.

  • Map out who the key people are, how they are involved, and what information is being transferred.
  • Identify what is working well and what isn’t.
  • Don’t fix something that isn’t broken.

2. Define the ideal move management process

This is all about working smarter, not harder. In this step you’ll outline the entire ideal move management process and identify ways to eliminate redundancies, such as duplicate data entry, and establish consistency.

  • Are there redundant activities that multiple people are doing?
  • Is there a standard process for communication?
  • Is there documentation or a move management form?
  • Is there a clear communication hierarchy and path?

3. Assign key roles to the move, add, change process

Once you’ve explored the current process, identified areas for improvement and mapped out the ideal future state, it’s time to assign key roles and responsibilities. There are three roles that we recommend for keeping data current, although in some organizations only the Requester and Completer may be needed.

Requester
These are people closest to the need for a move request to occur. They may be a department coordinator, department admin, or supervisor.

    • The requester starts the process by identifying a need.
    • Documentation, such as an office move request form, should be completed.
    • There should be one requester within each line of business.

Approver
Depending on the process, there may be someone reviewing the move, add, change request form prior to it moving forward. This role is typically a supervisor or manager.

    • This is an optional role.
    • They have the ability to deny the request.

Completer
Typically, this role oversees all governance of the process and helps enforce that it is carried out correctly. There could be one completer per building, or one per several buildings, depending on size. This role is typically filled by facilities or a site coordinator who is responsible for:

    • Ensuring that the space is available and ready for someone to move into.
    • Typically they are the ones that help coordinate the physical move.
    • Recording the change accurately in the move management software.

Tip: Some organizations find it works best for them to have only two roles:

Requester and Completer

4. Automate with move management software

There are many tools available to automate tedious manual tasks and move forms, such as, space management software and office move management software. In Errandables, the change request system automates communication between teams as requests move through the workflow.

When your process has been outlined, consider automating these tasks:

  • Data exchanges, including an automated daily occupant data import or location information. This keeps data current in your system.
  • E-mail notifications can be triggered to streamline communications.
  • Move sheets can be generated outlining the details of each occupant that is moving.

“With more and more millennials entering the workforce, this is perfect time to roll out automation. If there is a chance to remove paper forms and automate, they are all for it.”

– Shawn Biven, Senior Property Manager at ADP

5. Train participants and prepare to manage the change

When introducing new roles in the move, add, change process, there is sometimes fear of information getting “messed up” by opening the system to more users.

On the contrary, we’ve found that opening the system to others helps keep data more accurate. By empowering people on the ground to make requests, data remains updated as churn occurs.

As you begin to train others on the new process, keep in mind these change management tips to encourage adherence to the new process:

  • Recognize and reward success.
  • Enforce positive incentives, not penalties.
  • Provide praise and spotlighting from leaders.
  • Stay positive and hold the line.

6. Rollout the new move management process

When the process is finalized, it’s time to test it and create a rollout plan to streamline it across all locations with these recommended steps:

  1. Start with a pilot.
  2. Fine tune.
  3. Use a phased rollout approach.
  4. Conduct post-launch follow-up.

Ongoing: Track and improve over time

With the new process rolled out and the right tools implemented, you’ll have access to the data and information you need at all phases of the real estate life cycle. But the work doesn’t stop. The process needs ongoing ownership, attention, enforcement, and nurturing.

In organizations with multiple locations, it is especially important to determine a cadence for ongoing communication between the teams on the ground.

For one client, consistency and accountability is achieved through monthly standing calls that keep key contributors in close communication to discuss challenges and solutions.

Client Story: An improved process leads to data integrity

One Errandables client was experiencing a 62% churn desk rate. With a global portfolio of approximately 160 buildings, over seven million square feet, and 40,000+ occupants, it was a struggle to maintain accurate occupancy data. All of the internal movement totaled 25,000 opportunities for data to become outdated as occupants moved desks within the company.

Midnight moves were a frequent occurrence and manual move forms couldn’t keep up. Walk audits were frequently needed to verify seating assignments. Each site was operating independently, resulting in inconsistent processes and unreliable data in the space management software.

To improve the process, we worked with the real estate and facilities team to first understand the current workflow. Roles were then identified to support their portfolio structure—this included an admin as the “requester” and the site coordinator as the “completer”.

With the new process outlined, tools for automation were then introduced. Using the Space Request Utility, admins submit requests, and the site coordinators review and approve the requests. With moves in the queue, a move sheet can simply be exported and provided to the move team.

After a move is complete, the site coordinator completes the request within Errandables, thus maintaining a current inventory of people and space data.

The improved process and interactive tools have ensured that the appropriate roles have the ability to submit requests. It has eliminated the need for dual entry of move requests, and communications have been streamlined with automatic e-mail notifications and move sheets—saving significant time.

Most importantly, it is a proactive approach to keeping the data accurate.

Streamlining the office move management process is an opportunity to bring awareness to the importance of occupancy data and create transparency into the processes which can support data governance, strengthen communication and add value through accurate real estate metrics.

If you’re challenged with the following questions, it may be time to makeover your move management process.

  • What is the current supply and demand of space?
  • How can we use space more efficiently?
  • How can we improve departmental collaboration?
  • Which spaces are most sought after by employees?
  • How do we align communication across departments?
  • How do we streamline our processes in all offices?
  • How can I keep up as our portfolio grows?

Our team can help consult on this process, and it’s part of our standard implementation process. Schedule a demo to learn more about how Errandables can support your space and move management goals.

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13 September
Event Planning & Management

Introduction  

Ever wonder what event management means? Well, it’s simpler than you think. At its core, event management involves planning in-person, virtual, or a mix of both events. It’s about coordinating every detail to ensure the event runs smoothly – just like ensuring all the pieces fit perfectly together in a puzzle.   

Now, what is the importance of event management? Imagine throwing a party without any planning – it’d be chaos! From planning schedules to overseeing budgets, event management ensures everything runs well. There are event management institutes dedicated to teaching all about this exciting field. These institutes offer courses and programs to help aspiring event planners refine their skills and make their mark in the industry. 

What is Event Management? 

Event management is the process of planning and executing various types of events to achieve specific goals. These events can include personal celebrations like weddings and birthdays. It also includes larger gatherings such as corporate conferences, trade shows, sporting events, and cultural festivals.  

In event management, everything is organised and coordinated to ensure that every aspect of the event runs smoothly. This involves selecting the venue, arranging catering, managing logistics, and overseeing the event’s timeline. The importance of event management lies in creating meaningful experiences while achieving desired objectives. Effective event management is crucial for uniting people in celebrations or fostering valuable professional discussions and connections. This ensures the success of any event.

Importance of Event Management 

The importance of event management must be considered in today’s world. It’s vital to many industries and occasions, ensuring that events run smoothly and leave a lasting impression. Let’s break down why event management matters:  

  • Meeting Clear Objectives  

Events are often set up with specific aims like advertising a product, raising funds, or spreading information. Effective event management plays a crucial role in ensuring that the goals of an event are achieved efficiently. 

  • Mitigating risks 

Events can face various risks, from technical issues to security concerns. Event management involves identifying and planning for these risks to keep the event running smoothly.  

  • Networking opportunities  

Many events enable participants to network with other professionals in their chosen field. Event management makes these linkages possible in large part.  

  • Community engagement  

Festivals and community events unite people and promote a sense of community. Event planning ensures these get-togethers are well-planned and fosters a sense of community.  

  • Enhancing reputation  

A successful event may boost the reputation of an individual, a business, or a brand. Event management helps protect and enhance this reputation by ensuring everything goes well. 

How Does Event Management Work? 

Event management requires teamwork between the management team and the hosting company. Here’s how it typically operates:  

  • Planning the Event: The event planner creates an event management plan (EMP) with the hosting company. This plan outlines all the event details and meets the company’s requirements. 
  • Following a Timeline: The EMP includes a timeline that guides the planning process from start to finish. This ensures tasks from pre-planning arrangements to post-event evaluations are completed on schedule. 
  • Learning from Experience: The EMP isn’t just for one-time use. It serves as a valuable reference for future events, helping to prevent the same mistakes from happening again.  
  • Empowering Employees: With a well-documented EMP in place, even employees who are new to event planning can easily organise events such as annual launches. 

Benefits of Event Management 

Event management offers many advantages that benefit individuals, organisations, and communities alike. Let’s explore these benefits in detail:  

  • Professionalism: Event managers manage every event they oversee with high professionalism. Their expertise and experience ensure that everything runs smoothly, enhancing the credibility and reputation of the host or organisation.  
  • Efficiency: Planning an event can be chaotic, but event managers are excellent at keeping things orderly. Their logistics, resource management, and time allocation skills result in more efficient resource use, which saves clients and organisers time and money.  
  • Measurable Success: Event management continues after the event itself. Post-event evaluation and analysis are integral parts of the process. Event managers gather valuable data on the event’s success, including attendee feedback, to measure its impact and identify areas for improvement in future events.  
  • Creativity: Event managers bring their imagination to events, transforming concepts into life-changing experiences. Their innovative ideas and attention to detail ensure that events stand out and leave a lasting impression on attendees.  
  • Economic Impact: Events significantly affect the local economy in the cities and surrounding areas. They support local companies, attract tourists, and bring in funds, all of which help the economy expand and flourish. 

Reasons to Select Errandables for Event Management 

Individuals can receive comprehensive training and professional development in event management through event management institutes. Here are several reasons why selecting errandables for event management education stands as a wise choice: 

  • Various Workshops and Guest Lectures  

Errandables offers diverse workshops and guest lectures, providing students with practical insights and networking opportunities. 

  • Exposure in the Industry  

Students get a lot of experience in event management, preparing them for actual challenges. 

  • Varied Curriculum  

At errandables, the event management institute, the curriculum covers everything students need to know and learn valuable skills.

  • Certification  

Graduates receive certifications that boost their job prospects in event management.

  • Real-world-based Learning  

Real-world learning emphasises applying theory to practical scenarios. This approach deepens students’ understanding of event management.

  • Flexible Learning  

errandables offers flexible learning to fit student schedules and preferences for the best experience. 

Conclusion 

Understanding the importance of event management is fundamental for individuals aspiring to thrive in this dynamic field. Choosing the right institute for event management is crucial, and Errandables VA is a top choice. Its curriculum and hands-on experiences prepare students well for event planning and execution. Errandables strongly emphasises practical skills and creativity when preparing its graduates. Offering flexible learning options equips them to organise successful events and make a meaningful impact in the industry.  

3 September
Legal Courier Services

Virginia, the Bayou City, is a dynamic metropolis that thrives on commerce and industry. But behind the scenes, another crucial sector keeps the wheels of justice turning: the legal system. At the heart of this system lies a network of professionals ensuring the seamless flow of documents – legal Virginia couriers services.

The Importance of Legal Courier Services

In the fast-paced world of litigation, timely delivery of legal documents is essential. Meeting deadlines for filings, court appearances, and critical exchanges of information is paramount to the success of any legal case. This is where legal courier services specializing in same day delivery and couriers step in, acting as a reliable and efficient bridge between attorneys, courts, and other legal entities.

  • Legal Industry in Virginia: Virginia is one of the largest cities in the United States with a significant concentration of law firms, corporate legal departments, and courts, including federal, state, and local jurisdictions. This high density of legal services increases the demand for specialized courier services that can handle legal documents efficiently and confidentially.
  • Reliance on Timely Document Delivery: Legal proceedings often depend on strict deadlines. The timely and secure delivery of documents like court filings, contracts, and sensitive legal correspondence through same day delivery and couriers is crucial. Legal couriers specialize in these requirements, offering services that typical mail and delivery services might not provide, such as same-day delivery, rush services, and real-time tracking.
  • Confidentiality and Security: Legal documents frequently contain sensitive information. Legal couriers in Virginia are expected to adhere to high standards of confidentiality and security to protect client information. This specialization helps in maintaining the integrity of the legal process.
  • Technological Integration: Modern legal couriers integrate technology to enhance service delivery. This includes the use of advanced tracking systems, electronic delivery confirmations, and secure handling procedures. These technological advancements improve the efficiency and reliability of courier services, making them an integral part of the legal infrastructure.
  • COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic has led to increased utilization of digital solutions for document management and virtual court proceedings. However, the need for physical document delivery remains significant, especially for executing official documents and where digital signatures are not permissible.

What Do Legal Courier Services Do?

Legal courier services specialize in the secure and time-sensitive transportation of legal documents. Their services encompass a wide range of tasks, including:

  • Court Filings: Ensuring timely delivery of legal documents to courthouses, clerks’ offices, and judges.
  • Document Retrieval: Retrieving vital documents from courts, government agencies, and other locations.
  • Service of Process: Serving legal documents, such as subpoenas and summonses, to designated individuals.
  • Rushed Delivery: Providing same day delivery and courier services for urgent legal documents that require immediate attention.
  • Intra-City and Nationwide Delivery: Facilitating the secure transport of documents within Virginia and across the country.

Benefits of Using Legal Courier Services

Lawyers and legal professionals in Virginia benefit greatly from using legal courier services. Here’s how:

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Legal couriers free up valuable time for attorneys and legal staff, allowing them to focus on core legal strategies and client service.
  • Guaranteed Timeliness: Reliable couriers specializing in same day delivery and couriers ensure documents reach their destinations on time, eliminating the risk of missed deadlines and potential penalties.
  • Improved Cost-Effectiveness: By outsourcing document delivery, law firms can save money on staff time and resources associated with in-house delivery efforts.
  • Peace of Mind: Legal courier services provide peace of mind with secure document handling and chain-of-custody protocols, ensuring the integrity of sensitive legal materials.
  • Specialized Expertise: Experienced legal couriers understand the intricacies of the legal system and court procedures, ensuring documents are delivered to the correct destination and individuals.

Choosing the Right Legal Courier Service in Virginia

With a multitude of legal courier services operating in Virginia, selecting the right partner is crucial. Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Reputation and Reliability: Look for a company with a proven track record of dependability and positive client reviews.
  • Experience: Choose a courier service with extensive experience in navigating the Virginia legal system and courthouse procedures.
  • Security Measures: Ensure the company prioritizes document security with measures like background checks for couriers, encrypted tracking systems, and insurance coverage.
  • Range of Services: Opt for a service that offers a comprehensive range of services to accommodate your diverse legal delivery needs.
  • Competitive Pricing: Compare pricing structures to find a courier service that provides excellent value for your investment.

Legal courier services play an indispensable role in Virginia’s legal system. By ensuring the swift and secure delivery of legal documents, they contribute significantly to the efficient functioning of the courts and the success of legal proceedings. So next time you require the timely and reliable delivery of critical legal documents in Virginia, consider partnering with a reputable legal courier service for a smoother and more successful legal experience.

Streamline Your Operations and Boost Efficiency with Same Day Delivery and Couriers! Outsource Deliveries to Deliver Virginia Today!

At Deliver Virginia, we get that time isn’t just money—it’s everything, especially in Virginia’s bustling legal scene. That’s why our same day delivery and courier services are a game-changer. We ensure your legal documents zip across town with speed and precision, giving you one less thing to worry about. Our trained couriers handle every document with the utmost care and confidentiality, and our real-time tracking means you’re always in the loop. Ready to streamline your operations? Reach out today for a free quote and see how we can boost your efficiency and keep your legal work flowing smoothly!

19 August
Event Planning & Management

Transforming Your Business Event With An Event Planner

Employing professional event planners can provide businesses with various advantages, such as specialized knowledge, time efficiency, resource availability, innovation, risk mitigation, professionalism, and stress alleviation for their corporate functions. Let’s start with stress reduction.

1. Less Stressful

Professional event planners love what they do, but planning and project managing a business event can be stressful, especially when unexpected issues arise.

Let’s face it: If you had staff capable of planning and running a large business event, they’re probably in the wrong job—unless your business runs a lot of events and your staff has really good project management skills.

Outsourcing your business events to professional event planners will relieve you and your staff of the burden of tasks like finding a suitable venue. However, this task is not as easy as it may appear. You need to know how to negotiate with venue vendors and manage the logistics. Your stress levels can go up dramatically before you’ve started on the event’s program and other tasks like designing the room.

Additionally, your staff will thank you for not overloading them with extracurricular duties. You can delegate tasks to the event planner while letting your staff focus on their jobs without distraction.

Your event management company will also devise an event plan tailored to your preferences, prioritizing smooth and transparent execution.

2. Saves Time and Time is Money

Planning an event by yourself (DIY) can be alluring initially, but it’s not wise. Time is money; without experience and expertise, doing it yourself with your staff will take longer.

Inexperience and a lack of event planning skills can contribute to confusion and disorganization. Additionally, limited access to necessary tools, a network, and manpower can hinder your efforts.

Professional event planners possess the skills to predict problems before they occur and prevent costly mistakes. Your event may experience logistical challenges, technical issues, and unforeseen emergencies. Event planners are trained to identify the difficulties and mitigate the risks so the event can proceed smoothly and without interruptions.
You can also delegate all the event details to them, which saves you time and effort. This way, you can focus on your core business activities while they oversee the event planning, ensuring that everything runs smoothly.

3. Planning And Management

Organizing an event can be challenging, even when you outsource the planning and management.

To ensure the success of your event’s success, clearly communicating your goals for the event is essential. Make sure the planner understands the purpose and desired outcomes for the event. Setting expectations with the event planner is crucial and should include:

  • Budget – how much and how it can be allocated
  • Theme – brand guidelines, entertainment, catering
  • Timeline – planning meetings, logistical arrangements
  • Audience – demographic
  • Presentation tools – OVP, Internet

Organizing your event correctly is a skill that an event planner possesses. Hiring an event planner is the best way to handle all the details, such as venue, food, drinks, decoration, and entertainment.

Knowing all the details involved in planning a significant event is essential. You can’t afford to ignore a small detail, as it can easily break everything apart. All your efforts and budget could go down the drain in just one mistake.

Working with pro event planners will prevent those disastrous possibilities. They can pull together the pieces and create a production schedule. They also handle every aspect of the event, including the legalities and lawful requirements. You can rest easy knowing that the event is planned well.

Final Thoughts

Event planners often have a vast network of vendors, suppliers, and venues. They can leverage these connections to secure better deals, negotiate contracts, and access resources that may not be readily available. This can result in cost savings and higher-quality services for your event.

Professional event planners are skilled in creating unique and memorable experiences for attendees. They can bring fresh ideas, creative concepts, and innovative approaches to your business event, making it more engaging, impactful, and enjoyable for participants.

A well-executed business event reflects positively on your company’s professionalism and reputation. Hiring professional event planners demonstrates your commitment to delivering high-quality experiences for your clients, partners, and employees, enhancing your brand image and credibility.

 

15 August
Destination Service

When you partner with Errandables, you have so much more than access to trusted relocation services. You gain a team of experts who can help you demonstrate the value of mobility to your overall business, keep you up to date on industry trends, and in front of innovative approaches and the disruptive forces reshaping the way we do business.

From rapidly changing immigration rules and complex tax legislation, to global employment and demographic shifts, there is no shortage of information required to stay current and compliant. With Errandables by your side, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll manage that – we take care of it for you, keeping you and your team in the know and ahead of the curve.

Errandables provides comprehensive relocation services throughout Europe inclusive of:

  • Pre-decision services
  • Destination services
  • Assignment management
  • Visa & immigration services
  • Move management
  • Lump sum management
  • Consulting and advisory services

Consulting Services

We provide clients with ongoing process and programme improvement recommendations based on our analysis of global benchmarking survey data and trends. Our team of experts averages more than twenty years of experience working in the fields of HR consulting, client services, tax, legal and payroll. This group will work with you in reviewing your current policies and making recommendations for any needed changes or enhancements based on specific company goals and objectives for your relocation programme or to assist in assessment or creation of new services, policies or programmes.

Advisory services include:

  • Policy benchmarking and development
  • Customised policy consulting and production
  • Financial assessment of deployment programs
  • Group move management services
  • Industry updates and trends

Get Local Expertise with our Supply Chain Management Team

Our global relocation team spans more than 180 countries, offering localised end-to-end relocation.

With Errandables, you and your employees benefit from your own team of leading moving companies, destination service providers, language trainers, immigration lawyers and other relocation service experts.

Errandables utilizes an open network of third-party suppliers and sources established experts in their respective fields. The members are qualified, selected and recertified through one of the most rigorous processes in the industry. We pride ourselves on having close, collaborative relationship with suppliers and their feedback reflects the confidence they have in our partnership.