We can save your day

Dear Della…

We’re over-stretched

Q: We’re launching a new product to the market, which we have been working on for the past couple of years. Without knowing for sure how quickly it will take off I’m reluctant to take on new staff but I’m concerned that our existing team, who are already working flat out with our existing products and customers, may soon have too much on their plates. How can we look after it all without ‘dropping the ball’?

A: That’s a very valid question and it’s quite understandable that you don’t want to commit to more headcount at this stage. Fridaygirl can increase your capacity, without the need for employing additional staff, either in the short term or for a longer period. In effect we can give you a fully set up and operational customer service team, able to deal with new enquiries and offer advice on your new product or idea. The great thing is that you can expand or contract what you offer with the utmost flexibility, without any of the associated HR issues or long term overheads while you launch your new product.

For more information, see our case study ‘Customer Services’

Payment Chasing

Q: I’m great at delivering an excellent service to my clients and establishing productive relationships with them but I’m worried that when I have to chase payments, I might be damaging my relationship with them. What would you advise?

A: That’s a very common issue people grapple with and a lot of the time it is far more effective for someone to deal with this. A fridaygirl can act as your accounts department issuing and chasing outstanding invoices and making sure that the money is on it’s way and not sitting in a dusty in-tray rather than your bank account.

For more information, see our case study ‘Ready Made Admin Department’

Maximising potential

Q: When I looked at my time management recently, I was surprised to discover that around 40% of my time is spent dealing with paperwork. This mainly consists of correspondence, invoicing, general admin and hours spent trying to use book-keeping software that I don’t really understand (or want to). I am so busy I’m turning away work, which is infuriating because at my hourly rate I could be earning significantly more - if only I freed up some of that non-billing time. Surely there’s some way you can help?

A: There is. Fridaygirl is here for exactly that purpose. You know that you are great at what you do and there is every reason that you should be doing nothing other than that. Delegate your admin to us and we can set about doing what we’re good at - we’ll even tame your wayward book-keeping system. With our efficiency and proactive help, you’ll be able to concentrate on your core work and say ‘yes’ to more lucrative work.

For more information, see our case study ‘Private Practice’

Not enough hours in a day

Q: Sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Most of the time I’ve got things under control but when things are busy I could do with some extra assistance. How can you help?

A: Quite a few of our clients have come to us in the same position, and we help with as little or as much as they require; from making travel arrangements, managing diaries and making appointments, to helping prepare presentations and transcribing reports. All it takes is a call to fridaygirl and we’ll happily come to the rescue.

For more information, see our case study ‘Consultant Support’

I need a holiday!

Q: I run my own small business and would like to take a well deserved holiday. My big worry is that when I put my phone over to voicemail, I might miss out on new enquiries, or one of my customers might have a problem. Last year I diverted my phone to my mobile and spent a week in Spain taking sales calls when I would rather have been in the pool. Isn’t there a better way?

A: There certainly is. At fridaygirl we love looking after calls whilst you take a well-deserved break. With a well thought out handover we can happily take calls and do as much or as little as you like, leaving you with the peace of mind to really enjoy your holiday this year.

For more information, see our case study ‘Holiday Cover’

Phone calls without interruption

Q: We have lean team of technical staff, who instead of being able to get on with their own work, are increasingly being distracted by phone calls. Whilst this would be great if the calls were all from clients and enquirers, it seems that we are dealing with an ever-increasing number of time wasting sales calls – you know the kind of thing trying to upgrade us to new mobiles etc. I must say we could really do with a ‘first line of defence’ but don’t want to go to the trouble and expense of hiring a receptionist. What should we do?

A: It’s incredibly frustrating being interrupted when you need to be concentrating and focused. We offer a call handling service where you simply divert your phones to us when you need to. Your calls come through to our office, where we answer as if we were in your own office, in your company name and we act as a gatekeeper. Our knowledgeable and friendly receptionists can rid you of those pesky sales calls, and effortlessly transfer necessary calls through to you according to your preference. In effect you’ll have a new time-saving staff member without having to provide the desk space.

For more information, see our case study ‘Reception’

Payroll

Q: I’ve recently discovered that I am responsible for our nanny’s PAYE. I have no idea what I should be doing and really don’t need the headache. Is payroll something you can look after for me?

A: Absolutely. Domestic staff do indeed qualify as your employees and as such you need to be registered with HMRC as an employer. You’ll need to have a contract of employment to agree pay and holiday/sick leave allowances and you’ll also need to make the necessary deductions from pay and contributions to HMRC each month. We can look after all of this for you each month and also complete your year end filing and paperwork with the Inland Revenue.

Maternity cover

Q: My fabulous part time PA is about to go on maternity leave for the next six months. I’m a little concerned about the upheaval we’ll have to go through in finding and training a suitably flexible temporary replacement. Is there a way to cover the workload for these six months without the hassle of employing a temporary staff member?

A: There certainly is. We can liaise with your current PA and set everything up ‘virtually’ with all her processes in place ready for when she goes on leave. You and your clients would not be affected in the slightest while she is away. On her return we will hand everything back over to your PA in tip top condition, giving you both the peace of mind that your affairs have been thoroughly looked after. Even better – we work flexibly so on the days you’re not so busy, you only pay for productive work time.

For more information, see our case study ‘Consultant Support’

UK office presence

Q: I’m finding that due to expanding opportunities in overseas markets I am spending a lot of time with clients abroad. How can I maintain normal business operations at home while I’m away for extended periods?

A: It’s quite simple – fridaygirl can take the place of your office while you are away. The post and call handling can be dealt with from our offices and as far as your customers are concerned nothing has changed. You get to take advantage of the opportunities abroad, safe in the knowledge that things are being looked after at home.

For more information, see our case study ‘Virtual Office’