photo courtesy of unsplash.com / taner ardalı

Time is a precious commodity, and with the lazy days of summer past and school in session again, there are days when it really does seem like time is flying.  Between sports practices, music lessons, sleepovers, playdates, and birthday parties (not to mention those small minor details like grocery shopping and mowing the lawn), the life – and schedule! – of a parent is not for the faint of heart.  There are days when a little help could definitely go a long way.

A virtual assistant is the perfect solution for small businesses who need administrative help with lower overhead costs than full-time employees would incur, but did you know that a virtual assistant could revolutionize your home life, too?

Here are eight tasks you could easily pass off to a virtual assistant in no time at all that could save you a ton of time:

1. Managing your (many!) calendars

Football practices, scout meetings, dance classes, music lessons, after-school clubs, school schedules, homework assignments – every activity comes with its own calendar of events, and these days, almost everything has a website to keep track of, too.  Pass all of that off to a virtual assistant, who can put everything on one glorious, color-coded calendar for you – along with every single piece of information you need for each event, including travel times, and what to pack for the day.

2. Scheduling appointments

Need to take the dog to the vet or get a haircut, but just can’t seem to find time to call for an appointment?  With access to your calendar(s) and knowledge of your preferences, a virtual assistant can make those appointments for you!  Your VA can even keep track of your annual appointments, and help make sure that next year’s appointments make it onto your calendar.

3.  Sending Reminders

A VA can help you keep track of your schedule (and everyone else’s) by sending timely reminders, using a system that works best for you – emails, texts, calendar alerts on your mobile device – whichever you prefer.

4. Vacation Planning

Dreaming of that perfect vacation, but don’t have time to figure out a cost-effective way to make it happen?  Put your assistant on the hunt for great deals, last-minute specials, and the best prices on flights, hotels, car rentals, and restaurants – and then delegate all those travel arrangements and reservations!

5. Grocery Shopping

No joke.  Think about how much time you could save just by sending your VA a shopping list!  Having your groceries delivered to your front door is incredibly convenient – and depending on where you live, you may even be able to support your local economy by shopping with local dairies and organic farms.  (Your VA is a whiz at researching these things!)

6. Gift-Shopping

Looking for the perfect gift for your daughter or a co-worker?  Give your virtual assistant a general idea of the sort of gift you’re looking for and what you want to spend, and have them create an Amazon Wishlist or a Google Shortlist of ideas for you.  Just choose the gift you want, and they can order & ship it for you.

7. Finding the best ________________ 

Whether you need a plumber, an electrician, or a laundry service, delegating the search for a reliable company to your VA could save you a ton of time.  Your VA can look for reviews, find pricing, and recommend the best options – and even schedule a time for repairmen to come to your house at your convenience.

8. Event Planning

Looking for the perfect place for 20 kids to celebrate a birthday?  Delegate the research – and the planning! – to your virtual assistant.  Hosting a fundraiser for a neighborhood cause?  Your VA can help you plan the event from start to finish.

And these are just a few of the ways a virtual assistant could help streamline your life.  Get creative and think outside the box – what would you delegate today if you could?  And how could a virtual assistant help with that?  (If you’re not sure, just ask!)

Inspired?  Virtual Felicity would love to help.  Monthly plans start at just $125/month – and task-by-task contracts are available as well.  To learn more, contact Virtual Felicity today!