My childhood involved some tough moments, but adversity also carries blessings. For instance, I knew at an early age that I needed to make things happen for myself. No one else would do it for me. 

 

The little girl Anne saw that she must step up and seize the moment when it came. So that's what I love to see in others, too — that self-motivation to succeed. This hope is fundamental to our nonprofit, HireSmart Cares. We want youth to take every action possible to better themselves, so we do what we can through teaching and investment in workforce development initiatives to help the next generation succeed. 

 

A call to action: HireSmart Cares aims to help youth realize their potential   

 

We also live this daily in our business, encouraging our employees to be their best and live their best lives. I teach volunteer leadership classes for my employees. I encourage them to expand their skill set and explore what motivates them. 

 

I bet you feel the same, right? You want your team to thrive. No one wants their employees to feel stuck in the mud. So, how do we help them find a powerful sense of independence while joining together on our team? 

 

Here are some tips on how to do that: 

 

• Connect Work to a Larger Purpose: Help your employees see how their individual work contributes to the organization's larger mission and goals. Understanding their impact makes them more likely to find intrinsic motivation and work independently towards those goals.

 

Why Company Leaders Should Be In The Business Of Giving Back To Their Communities 

 

• Encourage Cross-functional Collaboration: Provide opportunities for your employees to work with people from other teams or departments. Exposure to new perspectives and ways of working can spark creativity and encourage employees to think more independently.

 

• Embrace Failure: Create a culture where it's OK to try something and fail. Employees who feel safe taking risks are more likely to step outside their comfort zones and develop innovative solutions.

 

Can Your Mistakes Be the Catalyst for Strengthening Your Team? 

 

• Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and celebrate progress, not just significant milestones. Employees who feel their efforts are noticed and appreciated are more motivated to keep pushing forward independently.

 

• Provide Resources for Self-Directed Learning: Give your team access to online courses, books, or other learning materials they can explore independently. When empowered to direct their learning, they're more likely to take initiative in their work.

 

• Trust the Process: Building a culture of independence and initiative takes time. Trust that by consistently reinforcing these values and providing these opportunities, you're laying the groundwork for a more autonomous and engaged team in the long run.

 

Want to Shower Your Future Self With Gifts? 

 

At HireSmart, we see these principles in action every day. We find VEs with a natural drive and initiative, which we nurture through our training and support. Then, when they join our clients' teams, they're ready to bring that same spirit of independence and ownership to their work. 

 

We've seen VEs lead projects, streamline processes, and develop game-changing ideas — not because they were told to, but because they were empowered to. They take the ball and run with it, and that entrepreneurial spirit is infectious. It spreads to the rest of the team, creating a culture of independence and innovation. 

 

5 Reasons to be Grateful for Your Virtual Employee 

 

That's the power of building a team of self-starters. They not only get the job done, but they make the whole team better and stronger in the process. 

 

So, if you're ready to inject some of that HireSmart spirit into your team, we're here to help. Our VEs are ready and eager to bring their drive and initiative to your organization. 

 

Click here to schedule a consultation and learn more about how a HireSmart VE can help cultivate a culture of independence on your team. 

 

Your role as a leader isn't to have all the answers or do all the work yourself. It's to create an environment where your team can think, grow, and succeed independently. And with the right strategies and support, you can do just that. 

 

We'd love to discuss how you can make that happen. 

 

Cheers! 

 

Your employees' well-being directly impacts your company's success, but stress and burnout can leave your team feeling drained and disengaged. 

 

While a real-deal getaway might sound like the ultimate R&R, most employees can't just pack up and leave every time they feel overwhelmed. That's where the power of micro-vacations comes in— short, intentional breaks that allow your team to recharge and refocus. 

 

So here are some ideas on how mini "getaways" throughout the workday can lead to happier, more productive employees: 

 

• Take a 'Mindful Minute': Encourage your employees to take 60 seconds every hour to turn away from their computer, close their eyes, and take deep breaths. This simple practice can help reduce stress and improve focus.

 

HireSmart VE: A Role Model in Mental Health Service 

 

• Stretch it Out: Sitting at a desk all day can lead to tension, stiffness, and fatigue. Share some simple desk stretches with your team, and encourage them to take movement breaks throughout the day.

 

• Engage in a Hobby: A creative outlet or passion project can provide a much-needed mental escape from work stress. Encourage your employees to dedicate a few minutes of break each day to something they love, whether sketching, reading, or learning a new skill.

 

• Practice Gratitude: Reflecting on the positive aspects of life can help shift perspective and reduce stress. Suggest that your team start a gratitude journal or simply take a few moments each day to mentally list the things they're thankful for.

 

Are You in Tune With Your Team? 

 

• Take a Digital Detox: Constant connectivity can be a significant source of stress and distraction. Encourage your team to take regular breaks from their devices, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time. This could mean stepping away from the computer for a quick stretch or putting the phone on silent during lunch.

 

• Schedule Fun: Look for ways to inject some lightheartedness into the workday, whether through team-building games, office celebrations, or just encouraging laughter and casual conversation.

 

• Encourage Continuous Education: Learning something new can be a great way to break up the monotony of the workday and provide a sense of accomplishment. Encourage your team to attend webinars, read industry articles, or even take an online course during their breaks.

 

• Lead by Example: As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Make sure you're modeling the behavior you want to see in your team by taking micro-vacations, prioritizing self-care, and openly communicating about the importance of mental health.

 

Implementing these micro-vacation strategies isn't just about boosting short-term productivity; it's about creating a sustainable, supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being. When your team feels valued, respected, and encouraged to care for themselves, they're likelier to show up as their best selves and stay engaged for the long haul. 

 

Feeling Tension at Work? How Do You Handle It Like a Pro? 

 

Even with these mini-breaks, there will still be times when the workload feels overwhelming, and your in-house team needs extra support. 

 

That's where HireSmart's virtual employees come in. Our skilled, reliable VEs can help lighten the load, tackle time-consuming tasks, and free up your core team to focus on high-level projects while reducing your overhead costs. Our bill rate is $9.50 an hour for a highly vetted, quality employee with a skill set matching your needs. 

 

If you're interested in learning more about how HireSmart's virtual employees can support your team's well-being and productivity, click here to schedule a consultation with us.  

 

Investing in your employees' well-being isn't just being the "nice boss" — it's a necessity. Running a business is a marathon, not a sprint. That goes for working at one, too. Make sure you help everyone keep a reasonable pace. 

 

Cheers! 

   

Anne + The HireSmart Team 

  

The HireSmart Genesis story is actually about a vacation nightmare. We finally managed to get our property management company into a state where we could step away. We booked the flights, packed the bags, said farewells, got to the resort, and then the text hit. 

 

For my husband and me, the short digital message arrived as a meteor strike, like something blazed through the sky to land right on our heads, creating an explosion and leaving chaos. 

 

Karen quit! No! 

 

That's who we left in charge, but now she was suddenly gone. All of our responsibilities crashed back on our shoulders. All of our planning was destroyed. Our vacation was ruined. 

 

But our smashed sandcastle of a vacation was the least of our worries. We felt exposed to our clients. We quickly scrambled to ensure every duty was met and every promise kept. We met our obligations, but the stress was immense. 

 

Never again! That was the vow. We were too reliant on one person. We realized we would never relax on a vacation if someone could do that to us again. We needed a team, not a Karen. 

 

7 Steps to Hiring Quality Staff   

 

But how could we afford a team? How could we stretch responsibilities across a network of people who provided insurance against the sudden absence of any individual? 

 

We realized we do most of the work on a computer or by phone, not onsite. We also saw that the internet links us from LA to Atlanta and from New York to Seattle, but it also ties us to Australia, Europe, Africa, and anywhere on the globe. 

 

The dollar is the strongest currency in the world. So, if we could find quality office employees in a country where the dollar has the most value, we could hire virtual employees with quality wages for their market while paying a lower cost than our local market rate. 

 

We extensively researched the best markets for virtual office employment and determined the Philippines provides the best option. With English as the official business language of the nation, a shared strong work ethic, and where "Bayanihan," the much-cherished Filipino spirit of solidarity, civic unity, and cooperation, is strong, the Philippines is the best option. 

 

Is Fear Holding You Back From Big Gains? 

 

We partnered with a Filipino agency to help us ensure we meet all laws and human resources obligations in the Philippines. We also added Theriza, our first Filipino virtual employee, who was wonderful! She helped our onsite staff immensely. We added more virtual employees. 

 

We wondered: Are there more Therizas? I was determined to find them. That became our new business. I would be the best around at finding each great hire, one by one, for other businesses, and I got really good at that. 

 

That was a decade ago, and we're thriving more than ever. An interesting fact also is Theriza still works with us. We have a very low attrition rate here because we treat our Virtual Employees well. We are the best in the business at locating quality Filipino virtual employees for various industries, with an over 98 percent successful placement rate. 

 

Anne Lackey's Company Offers a Unique Virtual Solution for Staffing Issues 

 

Think about that: 24 of 25 employees work out for our clients. Is that typical in an office? Would you feel good with a 96 percent hiring success rate in your office? Of course, if you're the one in 25, we will work with you on a solution. 

 

We also help our clients through the onboarding process, but before that, we put our virtual employees through a 40-hour certification process where they learn the terminology and basics of the client's industry. 

 

"I can walk away and know that our clients are in excellent hands with Abby at the helm," said one client about her virtual employee. "She even keeps the rest of our team in line making sure they get their jobs done on time and up to standards! She's a joy to work with and truly an incredible virtual employee!" 

 

We get that sort of feedback all the time, and it's such a blast. I love the connections I make between people who are far away geographically but are close in values and spirit. 

 

Our vacation meteor strike was the negative that launched a huge positive — hundreds of quality virtual relationships that wouldn't have otherwise happened. I love telling that lemons-to-lemonade story. 

 

And I want you to love your vacation — without meteor strikes! Enjoy life! Recharge, you absolutely need it! I'm serious. It's healthy to pull away at times. 

 

But when you step away, you need confidence in a quality team to relax. My job is helping other people find that relaxation. 

 

Let me know if you'd like me to help you. Click here to set up a chat at your convenience. 

 

Cheers! 

   

Anne + The HireSmart Team 

Co-Founder – HireSmart Companies 

Direct: 678-389-9929 

Helping Business Owners Find Great Workers – HireSmart Virtual Employees 

www.HireSmartVirtualEmployees.com 

Helping Kids – HireSmart Cares in Action 

Thank you to our clients who are creating an impact 

www.HireSmartCares.org 

Need to talk? Schedule a time – www.MeetHireSmart.com 

 

 

We tend to think of “fun” as the quick dopamine jolt of joy, a side-splitting laugh, or a toe-tapping tune. 

 

But there are more profound types of “fun,” which aren’t so fleeting. It’s “fun” to see incremental progress in learning an instrument, to lose yourself in a long novel, or to restore something old and make it new. 

 

I view our professions as mental craftwork infused with many long-form fun possibilities if we know how to look. 

 

Think about the next level of “fun,” that more profound thing. The challenges you overcome, the skills you acquire, and the milestones you reach provide a sense of achievement that quick-hit pleasures can’t match — the fun of growth and personal development. 

 

A call to action: HireSmart Cares aims to help youth realize their potential   

 

Think of the“fun” in building relationships and contributing to something larger than oneself. This joy takes time and effort to develop and is about the journey, the shared experiences, and the bonds you build. 

 

My world, my business, my passion — it’s about creating this sort of “fun.” How do I help generate it? How do I help spread that joy? 

 

It starts with helping my clients feel empowered. Work can be so hard, right? When we’re overwhelmed, it shows up in our bodies with issues like chronic fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, and stomach problems. We get irritable with others. We’re tense and unable to pull our minds from constant job-related stresses. This is no fun! And it’s not healthy. 

 

Would You Like to Help Your Staff Improve and Succeed?  

 

The whole point of my business is to flip that script for others. I meet daily with business owners and managers on workload management plans. How can we shift time-consuming tasks off their plates at a low cost in a quality way? How can we transform stress into fun? That’s it. That’s my work. 

 

I connect stressed business people with highly vetted, smart, thoughtful Filipino virtual employees, and I watch clients’ pressures ease and their smiles return. 

 

Burnout: Why it Happens and How to Reduce It 

 

And it’s fun! I love hearing from clients who feel a heavy weight lifted and find more free time to pursue what they consider fun. 

 

“I could walk away and go on vacation, and I know our business is in great hands with Brenda and Abby,” said our client Colleen about her two HireSmart virtual employees. “And Abby is communicating with all of our clients; our clients are communicating with Abby. It’s beautiful. It’s wonderful. It’s perfect. And Brenda is just one of those incredible people that’s just amazing. I think we just hit the pot of gold.” 

 

What’s The Cure For the Work-Life Migraine? 

 

I also have a blast working with our virtual employees to improve their lives. We provide our VEs free health and dental care at no cost to the clients. We provide educational scholarships to the children of our VEs. We have their backs in times of need, such as offering financial support to the families of 31 employees affected by Typhoon Rai.  

 

HireSmart Cares Typhoon Assistance — Richan’s story 

 

We provide our VEs with a 40-hour “certification” course before onboarding with our clients. This boosts the employees’ confidence and helps our clients enjoy a smooth onboarding process since our VEs are educated on terminology and industry practices before joining their teams. 

 

Let’s chat if you’re interested in bringing some fun into your office by efficiently allocating tasks at a low cost, which leads to significant stress reduction. This conversation is my version of fun. Truly.  

 

Whether we partner in business or not, I’ll enjoy hearing about your office outlook and talking with you about various efficiency possibilities. We’re a business success management agency. And our success only happens when we help others succeed. That’s goal number one. 

 

Click here to set up a talk at your convenience, and while I can’t promise a toe-tapping tune, let’s share a laugh or two. Let’s have some fun! 

 

 

Tell me a story. Young and old want the same. We're creatures of narrative, entertained by tales of journeys, conflicts, love, despair, and hope. 

 

We each have our own stories. Your business has a narrative, too. What's your company's creation story? How did it grow? What's happening now, and where will the business be in 10 years? Those are powerful narratives involving multiple personal stories, too. 

 

This month, I'm talking about "fun in business," and sharing stories tops my list. 

 

Anne Lackey's Company Offers a Unique Virtual Solution for Staffing Issues 

 

We formed HireSmart after my husband, Mark, and I went on vacation, and the employee we left in charge of our property management company texted her resignation right as we were headed for breakfast on our first morning there. This was a much-needed getaway as we had waited 7 years. Unfortunately, after less than 1 day there, we ended up packing our bags and driving 6 hours to head back home. It was at that moment we determined to set up a more reliable form of staffing for our business. We did that, and then we created a new company to do that for others. 

 

Since then, we've helped hundreds of business owners and managers find greater workload efficiencies through low-cost, reliable office staffing from the Philippines. 

 

Beyond Words: Turning Your Company's Core Values into Daily Actions    

 

But enough about me. I'm interested in you. Seriously. What's your story? It's honestly a joy to hear other people talk about their lives and their challenges. I've learned that engaging in another's mental journey and walking with them as they contemplate decisions is deeply rewarding. 

 

And if you're a business owner, I can empathize with the twists and turns of your story. You never really put it to bed, do you? The story goes on while we sleep because owning a business is 24/7/365. 

 

Even now, I live that, too. HireSmart is our child in a way. We're always thinking about it. We're always considering how to serve our clients because a customer-centric focus is the only way any business truly thrives. You understand this, too. 

 

You also know that any business is only as good as its people. These questions are crucial for your business: who you hire, how they perform, how they improve, and how long they stay. 

 

At HireSmart, we're deep in that narrative for hundreds of companies daily. We're pros at finding the right person to suit our client's specific needs at a low cost. 

 

The Cost Benefits of Hiring Virtually 

 

As you consider your business narrative, remember that every quality story has a beginning and an end. It also includes a character who sees an obstacle and takes action to resolve that problem. 

 

HireSmart has served as a positive plot turn for many business narratives. Staffing was a problem, and owners and managers sought us out for solutions, finding that onsite staff could be freed up to perform crucial duties by shifting other work to online employees. 

 

"We were on the fence for a really long time, for many years," said Abby, director of operations for a U.S. property management company. "And when we got our virtual employee, I thought about how different we could have scaled our company, how we could have improved policies and procedures if we had taken on virtual employees many years ago." 

 

There is No "Box" When Hiring in Today's World 

 

Abby's company has six HireSmart virtual employees. 

 

"Collectively, they're some of the most positive people I've ever been in communication with," she said. "They're very hardworking, very upbeat, and just go, go, go." 

 

It's so fun to link people like Abby with quality employees from afar who aren't so different from us. They love their families, want to provide value to the world, and want to have fun and be happy.  

 

HireSmart VE Is Always Available for His Family and Profession 

 

Our business is a feel-good narrative because it aims to be that for others — a feel-good story. 

 

What's your business story? And can we help you shape it to be even better? 

 

Click here if you'd like to chat about that. 

 

It would be truly fun for me, and I think you'd enjoy it, too — your story taking shape.  

 

 

Wasn't that fun? 

 

Well, that's subjective, right? Some people enjoy a brutal roller coaster ride or two hours of a jump-scare horror flick, while such experiences are torture for others. The extrovert loves a party. The introvert can't wait for a pillow and a good book. 

 

How we laugh, play, and find fun varies greatly. Are you a thrill-seeker, a chill-seeker, or something in between? 

 

Most businesses include a mix of personality types, so bringing fun to the work environment requires thought about the people you want to engage. The best way to jazz things up is with variety, which gives different personality types the opportunity to find something appealing. 

 

The Costs of a High Turnover Rate  

 

But how do you do this in a remote work setting? Well, here are a few ideas for fun in the virtual office: 

 

•  Virtual "Bring Your Pet to Work Day": Have a day where team members are encouraged to introduce their pets during video calls. This can be a fun and relaxing way to get to know each other better and break up the routine of regular meetings.

 

•  "Show and Tell" Sessions: Just like in school, have team members bring something interesting to show and talk about during a dedicated session. It could be a favorite book, a hobby, or even a family heirloom.

 

•  Language Exchange or Learning Groups: If your team is multicultural, organize a language exchange or offer virtual language learning sessions. This not only promotes personal growth but also celebrates cultural diversity within the team.

 

•  Shared Playlist Creation: Create a team playlist where everyone can add their favorite songs. This activity not only builds a sense of community but also provides a shared resource for everyone to enjoy during work or breaks.

 

Want to Thrive, Not Just Survive, in the Face of Inflation? 

 

• Rotating Virtual Lunch Dates: Randomly pair team members to have a virtual lunch together. This helps build new connections within the team, especially for larger organizations where employees may not interact regularly.

 

• Personal Development Webinars: Host webinars or talks on topics of personal development, such as time management, personal branding, or even hobby-related skills like photography or creative writing.

 

• DIY Home Office Show-and-Tell: Have a show-and-tell session where team members present their home office setups, offering tips and ideas for workspace optimization and personalization.

 

• Interactive Webinars with Guest Speakers: Invite guest speakers from various fields to give interactive webinars. Topics can range from industry-specific discussions to general interest subjects like astronomy or history.

 

• 'Life Hacks' Sharing Session: Have a session where each team member shares a life hack or a useful tip they use in their daily life.

 

Ready for Fun? Here's How to Prepare Your Business 

 

• Remote Movie Nights: Use a platform where you can watch movies or shows together online. Follow it up with a discussion or review session for a virtual movie-night experience.

 

• Virtual Photography Contest: Organize a photography contest where team members submit photos they've taken; the themes can vary from nature to daily life. It's a great way to share hobbies and interests.

 

• 'Guess Who' Game with Personal Facts: Have team members submit interesting or unusual personal facts, and then hold a 'Guess Who' game session where everyone tries to match the fact with the right colleague.

 

In business, we're involved in a shared commercial purpose, but each of us brings something unique to the table, and employees need opportunities to express that and feel valued. Your team's curiosity, purpose, and fun matter. When employees feel personally engaged with others, they are much more likely to thrive. 

 

I love talking to business owners about their staffing situations and how to be efficient, but I also want our clients to live their best lives, which involves spreading the "live-your-best-life" attitude to others. A big part of that is having fun in whatever you do. 

 

5 Reasons to Be Grateful for Your Virtual Employee 

 

If you're interested in discussing how to bring cost savings, greater efficiencies, and more fun to your office, I'd love to chat. Click here to set up a time that works best for you. 

 

 

 

Every child deserves fun. We want kids to laugh and play because a growing mind without delight is like a garden without flowers and bright colors. “Fun” is where kids bloom. 

 

I think of my grandchildren and their eyes of wonder. I hope they never lose the thrill of new things or the desire to explore. 

 

My hope for our employees is similar. I want them to be thrilled by new experiences and driven to explore and grow.  

 

So, how do we make work fun? Here are some tips: 

 

• Build a Positive Environment: There’s not much fun in a negative environment. However, an atmosphere where employees feel valued and respected leads to connection, which brings fun. Encourage open communication and ensure that everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and feedback. There are no “dumb” questions — only the ones that don’t get asked. We’re all at different places in our mental journey, so make sure everyone understands that their input is valuable.

 

How Do Your Employees Know They’re Valued? 

 

•  Celebrate Personal Milestones: Everyone needs moments to feel special. Make sure to acknowledge significant events in employees’ personal lives, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, the birth of a child, or other notable occasions. This shows employees that they are valued not just as workers but as individuals, which boosts morale and job satisfaction.

 

• Always Seek Feedback: Talk regularly with employees about their duties. What aspects have grown stale? What tasks are enjoyable? Look for ways to maximize their time in the preferable responsibilities and minimize the time in rote work. Every employee needs to feel challenged in a good way. You can’t know how your employees feel about their roles unless you get regular feedback. 

 

Improving Your Team Takes Some Self-Evaluation 

 

• Build Recognition into Processes: Make sure “little wins” get their mini-victory parties. First, identify what constitutes a “little win” in your organization. This could range from meeting short-term goals, improving a small process, helping a colleague, or even maintaining consistent performance. Train and encourage supervisors to recognize and verbally acknowledge little wins as they occur. Share wins with the team and create a system where peers can easily recognize each other’s accomplishments.

 

• Surprise Treats: Occasionally surprise employees with treats like snacks, lunches, or an early finish on a Friday. Be creative in imagining a “random good thing” you can give to employees. We all love feeling surprised in nice ways. These surprises can create a buzz of excitement in the workplace. The key is to keep these gestures unexpected and varied to maintain a sense of novelty.

 

Want to Become a Better Virtual Team Leader? 

 

We work with adults, not children. But it’s important to see the power of fun in the office. That’s where employees want to stay, and that’s where newcomers want to be. Every workplace develops a reputation, whether good or bad. And a “fun place to work” holds distinct value. 

 

At HireSmart, we work with business owners to reduce office stress and create a fun, fulfilling workplace. Our virtual employees bring skill and positivity to your team, allowing for a happier environment.  

 

“Fun” is where business blooms. And we want your staff to have an abundant garden in that way.  

 

Click here to chat more about this at your convenience. 

 

 

 

Think of a 180-degree dial, like a speedometer. On one extreme is a person performing a repetitive, mindless task while on autopilot, completely disengaged day after day. They desperately need a new challenge. 

 

On the other extreme, a person can hardly sleep because their mind won't shut off. They're engaged in complex, strategic thought on a myriad of issues. They need help managing their impossible workload. 

 

Where are you on this dial? Where are your employees? 

 

Nobody has fun at either extreme — whether "checked out" or "stressed out." Each person needs to be at a challenging yet manageable engagement speed. Nothing gets done at 0 mph. Crashes are common at 180 mph. 

 

It's necessary to assess your entire team in this way. Are they appropriately engaged? What can you do to rev up those who aren't at the right pace and bring your potential stressed-out burnouts down to a safer speed? 

 

When Tom Quits, Consider a VE Team Instead 

 

Employees are all different, so they can't be managed identically. Here are some tips on moving the dial toward the right for those not appropriately engaged, followed by tips on relieving your workhorses of some stress. 

 

For the disengaged: 

 

• Reassess Their Potential: Is this person worth investing your time and energy? Are they prepared to up their game and don't know precisely how, or are they content to flounder for a paycheck? Don't throw your limited energies into people who demonstrate they want to ride along and not contribute. It's not worth it. Let them find somewhere else to ride. Instead, invest efforts in guiding those who are motivated but lacking direction.

 

• Have You Properly Communicated Expectations? Have employees tell you what they believe they should do, how they perform the functions, and why the role is essential. Can the employee articulate each of these things? If not, they don't fully understand their job. Make sure you contemplate an employee's headspace and what you want them to understand and prioritize. Articulate that, put it in writing, and verify that they can recite it back to you. 

 

The Web is the Great Equalizer 

 

• Create a Cross-Functional Strategy: Consider allocating a percentage of employee hours to cross-training. Sharing different perspectives leads to more innovative strategies. It also helps you build redundancy in case of sudden absences, offers employees a greater perspective on company functions, gives them more variety in their shifts, and puts fresh eyes on potentially stagnant processes.

 

• Set Performance-Based Incentives: Employees who go above and beyond expectations need rewards. Otherwise, you create an environment where performance doesn't matter. Set expectations for each position and establish a "next level" reward. If you meet this clear "bonus" benchmark, here's what you'll get. The more quality incentives you implement in your pay structure, the more motivation your employees will have to rise beyond acceptable to exceptional performance.

 

For the stressed workhorses: 

 

• Begin with Gratitude: It's easy to ride along with workhorses carrying the load and forget that they're sweating to get everything done. Make sure they understand your thankfulness for their efforts. Don't take them for granted. They can always leave. Show them gratitude verbally and financially.

 

Don't Let the Good Ones Get Away  

 

• Inquire How They're Doing: Plan regular check-ins regarding their personal well-being. Do they need anything? What can you do to help them feel better in general? They may not let you know if they're struggling unless you ask. Be empathetic and let them understand that you want to be helpful if they need it.

 

• Bring More Efficiency to their Workload: What tasks are weighing them down that can be offloaded onto other employees? What can you do to let them breathe easier while maintaining high productivity? Do you have current staffers who can take on some additional roles?

 

That last point is where HireSmart Virtual Employees steps in. Most business owners are hyper-focused on efficiency, and their employees are generally stretched thin and unable to take on many new tasks. It's hard to shift duties from one person to another because many offices are maxed out, and hiring new employees locally may be too costly. 

 

We provide another option. What if you can hire dedicated, thoughtful, and skilled office employees from abroad at a fraction of the cost of a local hire? Our bill rate is $9.50 per hour per employee. 

 

For that, you get someone with a skillset specifically matched to your office needs. We don't have employees already lined up in some queue. No, we talk with you about what you need. We then search for the specific person in the Philippines with the appropriate capabilities and personality to fit into your office culture and workflow. 

 

Sheryl Shares How Insurance Through HireSmart Made a Difference 

 

Your virtual employee gets free health and dental insurance through HireSmart at no cost to you. Meanwhile, you get more quality hours at a low to help your workhorses focus on what they do best while reducing the chances they'll get burnt out and bolt somewhere else. 

 

If you want to get your office in a better place on the workflow speedometer, we're here for you. 

 

Click here to meet with us at a time that suits your schedule. 

 

 

Play teaches young children cause and effect. Hey, if I squeeze this rubber duck, it squeaks. Isn't that funny? If I stack these blocks high, they'll probably fall. But if I place them carefully, they might not. 

 

A child's curiosity fuels their mental growth through imaginative play. 

 

But people often seem stripped of this instinct over time. Play gives way to pure utility. Gotta eat. Gotta have a roof over me and a vehicle to get places. The idea of play seems relegated to a past life as if the young one was a completely different person than the adult we've become. 

 

But the instinct remains. We seek novelty, entertainment, and fun. We are creatures of play, all of us, even if the pressures of life overwhelm that sensibility at times. 

 

Ready for Fun? Here's How to Prepare Your Business 

 

Business owners need to be mindful of this simple fact. Everyone in your organization was a kid and still holds some of that old playfulness in their heart, though their body has aged. 

 

How can you engage the curiosity within each of them? 

 

Here are some thoughts: 

 

• First, Hire That Way: Seek out the playful at heart. When looking for new employees, prioritize the inquisitive — those interested in learning rather than those trying to impress you by being interesting. Ultimately, the truly interesting people are outward-facing and not ego-driven.

 

• Second, Encourage a Playful Environment: Create a workspace that encourages creativity and experimentation. This could mean having open spaces for brainstorming, offering flexible working hours, or even something as simple as having a variety of puzzles or brain games available in the break room. The key is to create an atmosphere where employees feel comfortable expressing their ideas and exploring new possibilities.

 

• Third, Promote Continuous Learning: Encourage your team to pursue new skills and knowledge through workshops, seminars, or even allowing time for self-guided learning during work hours. Continuous learning keeps the mind engaged and playful.

 

Want to Challenge Your Comfort Zone? Here's How 

 

• Fourth, Don't Linger on Failures: Treat failure as just another step towards success. Encourage a culture where mistakes are learning opportunities rather than setbacks. This approach will allow your team to take risks and innovate without fear of criticism.

 

• Fifth, incorporate play into work processes: Sometimes, the best way to solve a problem is by not thinking about it directly. Encourage your team to take breaks and talk about hobbies, books, television shows, or anything not work-related. These activities pull thoughts in a new direction and lead to unexpected insights and solutions.

 

• Finally, lead by example: Let your employees see your curiosity at play. Share your learning experiences, participate in fun activities, and show enthusiasm for new ideas. Your attitude influences the overall culture of your organization.

 

Recognize that play is a powerful tool in the business world. It can lead to a more engaged, creative, and productive team. A place that values play and curiosity is somewhere people want to be. It helps in recruitment and retention. Such a work environment ties us to a basic childlike instinct: We want fun. We want to play! 

 

Help your team feel that way. 

 

That's where we can help you. It's hard for employees to be playful if they're overwhelmed with tasks. Often, we're too swamped with mundane duties to engage with the fun parts of our jobs. 

 

Do You Need a Way Out Of Conflict? 

 

But what if you can shift your best employees' hours in a positive direction, giving them more freedom to engage their creative sides? 

 

HireSmart is a business success management service, not just a virtual employee agency. We help business owners improve their workflow at a low cost, which means onsite employees have a better overall experience. When employees produce, have fun, and engage in creative thought, businesses thrive, which makes any owner happy. 

 

Our Filipino virtual employees (VEs) are at the top of the industry because we have the most extensive vetting process of any outsourcing agency. I've spent a decade developing my "Anne-alytics" process, and I oversee every hire, meaning that if I wouldn't hire the person to work directly for me, I won't let that person ever meet you. 

 

Want To Turn 'I'm Leaving' Texts Into 'I'm On It' Replies? 

 

Only one percent of our VE applicants pass through our rigorous process, but the ones who do are special. 

 

Here's what one of our property management clients said about her virtual employee, Lucky. 

 

"She learns quickly and can share what she has learned with others," said the client. "She has become a master of the banking portal and can assist with a variety of complicated questions. She is friendly and popular with our residents, to the point that sometimes when I answer the phone, they sound disappointed and say they were hoping for Lucky again…Thank you for finding her for us." 

 

If you're interested in adding highly vetted, skilled employees to your workforce at a bill rate of $9.50 an hour, click here to schedule a chat.  

 

Creativity is fun, right? That's true in childhood and far beyond. We'd love to work with you on creative solutions for your office needs. Let's have some fun! 

 

Spring is rolling in slowly but surely, and the season brings a few tasks on every agenda. Whether you're clearing out closet space, decluttering cabinets and drawers, or shuffling furniture about, spring cleaning time is here. 

 

For a management company, spring cleaning means tossing the old saying of "not sweating the small stuff" out the window. Those tiny details will be critical right now, and ensuring they're properly sorted will give you a much cleaner customer experience. 

 

'Small' Doesn't Mean 'Unimportant' 

 

There's an assumption that quick, simple, or infrequent tasks are less important than the big ones we face daily. However, efficient management of lesser tasks can contribute to a greater sense of ease for your staff and clients. 

 

All of the major tasks management company executives handle are important, but breaking free from the misconception that small tasks are less important will help you and your team better serve your clients, present and future. 

 

Your board members expect unfettered access to whatever they want, whenever they want it. Setting up a portal with payment access, document storage, and general community information is a very large task that can make you feel as if you've satisfied that need forever. But the reality is that maintaining all of the portal's small pieces is critical and can be the difference between satisfaction and frustration in your boards. 

 

Your staff have similar needs — they want to be able to do their daily tasks with minimal friction. Purchasing or building high-quality tools or creating data storage systems and access processes can help and are great large-scale successes. However, much like the finer details of your customer portal, maintaining internal information and the methods developed to help your team leverage it is just as crucial to the customer experience. 

 

Tiny Tasks to Tackle Today 

 

The good news is that the small stuff can be done pretty much in any order and by anyone. This is the equivalent of dusting behind the fridge or on the bookshelf. Things that we should have done once or twice a season already, but it's small stuff, so we didn't sweat it, right? But like dust, those small things can build up. Now is the time to handle it. 

 

Ensure Homeowner Portal Functionality 

 

If you have received complaints about links in your portal not working or missing altogether, now is an excellent time to resolve them. That might mean going into a website backend yourself or reaching out to your marketing or technology provider, but whatever the task entails, it will be a big contributor to a less agitated membership. 

 

Update Document Repositories As Needed 

 

Management company spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to take inventory of what documents are missing. Your audit should include the portals for every association you manage as well as your own management company's information stores. Updating financial packages or insurance certificates for your clients is just as valuable to your team as keeping internal client information organized and up to date. 

 

Maintain Homeowner Contact Information 

 

Connecting with homeowners is essential for board members and managers alike. Unfortunately, you might not be aware when those details change over time. Reaching out to homeowners to verify that contact information is still accurate and maintaining the contact lists can streamline important communication between managers, board members, and homeowners. 

 

Refresh Business Continuity Plans 

 

This should apply to your plans as well as your clients. For some management companies, these plans were only exercised in the winter storms. For others, you can expect to rely on them in the months ahead. Wherever you are in your local "natural disaster" calendar, updating contact information, local safety and shelter details, and making necessary changes if the original plans fail in some way will keep everyone ready and prepared should the worst-case scenario play out. 

 

Other Duties As Assigned 

 

At the end of every big cleaning session, it's wise to take stock of things that might not have made your list of tasks but are necessary nonetheless. Whether updating inventory sheets for in-office goods or setting reminders for upcoming activities like maintenance or renewals, looking at your current checklist and filling in any gaps will add more work but will keep you on track longer. 

 

Small But Mighty 

 

Remember that all of these tasks will help you do everything better. They are small and may feel tedious and taxing, but they have a lot of value. If your team is bogged down with spring cleaning, bringing in help is always an option. 

 

Let a virtual employee shoulder any tasks you worry about falling through the cracks to ensure they get handled. You improve your customer service and optimize your staff so your managers can focus on what they do best. 

 

Click here for your free 30-minute consultation to learn how a Hire Smart Virtual Employee can make this spring cleaning more effective for your management company and your portfolio of clients.  

 

Cheers! 

   

Anne + The HireSmart Team 

  

Co-Founder – HireSmart Companies 

Direct: 678-389-9929 

  

Helping Business Owners Find Great Workers – HireSmart Virtual Employees 

www.HireSmartVirtualEmployees.com 

  

Helping Kids – HireSmart Cares in Action 

Thank you to our clients who are creating an impact 

www.HireSmartCares.org 

  

Need to talk? Schedule a time – www.MeetHireSmart.com