July Edition: Keeping You in the Loop

As we near the end of what we hoped would be a sunny July, we're excited to brighten things up with the latest updates, insights, and tips in our July newsletter!

Keep reading for updates on:

• Pink Spaghetti Blog: Are you working IN or ON your business. Take a peak at our latest blog to identify this crucial difference and how to best protect your most valuable asset: your time!
• "Vampire Tasks": What are they, how many are you currently juggling and how can Pink Spaghetti help!
• Small Business Shout-Out: A small segment of appreciation for a local business.
• July Networking Top Tips: Where have I been this month, and where will next month take me?

Pink Spaghetti, we’re committed to adding value & delivering every time.

This month we’re sharing a little reminder about why it’s important to find time to work ON, not just IN your business.

As a small business owner, your time is one of your most valuable assets. Yet, too often, the daily grind of operational tasks can consume your schedule, leaving little room for strategic planning and growth.  

Are you currently trying to combat a "Vampire Task" ?

Tackling Vampire Tasks: The Virtual Assistant Solution

According to the Cambridge University Press & Assessment , a "vampire task" is a routine yet essential administrative duty that consumes a significant amount of time, diverting your attention from more critical work. Examples of these tasks include filing documents, clearing emails, and scheduling meetings. If your days often feel long, stressful, and unproductive, you might be bogged down by these 'vampire tasks'.

So, what's the solution? Outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, of course! This month, the Pink Spaghetti blog discusses how "wearing too many hats" can hinder rather than help your small business. Outsourcing routine tasks to a Virtual Assistant can be a game-changer—just ask our clients! VAs are skilled professionals capable of handling a wide range of administrative and operational duties. By taking over these never-ending "vampire tasks," VAs free up your time, allowing you to focus on more strategic activities and the bigger jobs at hand.

Embrace the power of delegation and watch your productivity soar!

July: A Busy Networking Month

This month, I was delighted to have been the guest speaker at the The Ribbons Network Berkshire Meeting on the 16th of July at the beautiful "The Wheelwrights Arms" in Wokingham!

July is an busy month for networking, and it's no different here at Pink Spaghetti. Professionals across various industries are seizing the summer's vibrant event calendar to connect, share ideas, and build valuable partnerships. July is the perfect time to expand your professional network, gain fresh insights, and lay the groundwork for future success. By participating in these networking events, you can open doors to new collaborations, enhance your visibility, and drive your business forward!

I love networking now, but can absolutely remember how nerve wracking it can initially feel to put both yourself and your small business out there.

Over the past year of networking, I have compiled some top-tips to make the most out of my networking!

Pink Spag Reading's Top Tips for Networking Success!

1. Be Prepared: Have a clear goal in mind for what you want to achieve from the networking event. Whether it's meeting potential clients or simply learning more about other local small businesses, knowing your objectives can help you stay focused.
2. Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in others by listening more than you speak. Ask questions and engage with what others are saying to build meaningful connections.
3. Follow Up: After meeting someone, send a follow-up email or message to express your appreciation and keep the conversation going. This helps to solidify the connection and opens the door for future opportunities.
4. Be Authentic: People respond best to genuine interactions. Be yourself and focus on building real relationships rather than just collecting business cards.
5. Leverage Social Media: Connect with people on LinkedIn or other relevant social media platforms after meeting them. Share valuable content and engage with their posts to stay on their radar.
6. Offer Help: Networking is a two-way street. Offer your assistance or resources to others without expecting anything in return. This generosity can lead to lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.
7. Attend Regularly: Consistency is key. Attend networking events regularly to build familiarity and trust within your network.
8. Have Fun: Networking doesn't have to be a chore. Enjoy the process of meeting new people and learning new things, and your enthusiasm will naturally attract others to you.

I am looking forward to connecting with other local businesses even more this August. I will be attending the The Ribbons Network Berkshire Breakfast Networking event! I may even be in with a chance to win the prize raffle, which helps support a local charity chosen by members.

Are you in the Berkshire area and would like to network with other small business professionals? Why not sign up and come along to the next event?

Ribbons Network Berkshire: Breakfast Networking - Bryant Hall Todd Wealth Management – The Wheelwright's Arms

Tue 20 Aug 2024

8:45 AM - 11:00 AM

You can click here to sign up.

As a small business owner, I understand how uplifting it can be to receive appreciation or recommendations from clients and fellow businesses. That's why I wanted to create a space to show my gratitude for the wonderful businesses I am in contact with.

This month, I want to give a small business shout-out to the wonderful:

✨ Gabriele Kreutzlucken-Swift ✨

If you are looking for high quality, professional brand photographs, I would highly recommend Gaby. She is everything you could want in a photographer, incredibly personable, makes you feel comfortable and I would definitely suggest checking out her page for her high quality work!

I recently met with Gaby at Wellington Farm Shop started at 1 pm and we didn't leave until nearly 4 pm! 😂 She is so easy to get along with, which is crucial if you are like me and usually hate having your photo taken! I truly felt so relaxed and in good hands.

If you're looking for a brand shoot, I wholeheartedly recommend Gabriele Kreutzlucken-Swift!

On the 6th of July, I also took a moment to celebrate "Virtually Hug a Virtual Assistant" Day.

So this is a small note to my fellow VA'S at Pink Spaghetti PA Services , many I also call my friends, you are the unsung heroes behind the scenes, handling countless tasks that allow businesses to focus on what they do best.

Whether they're managing our emails, scheduling meetings, handling customer service, or organising projects, VAs bring efficiency, professionalism, and a touch of magic to daily operations. I feel very lucky to do what I do and to have the opportunity to assist a variety of small businesses!

Ruth Eastwood Luci McCallum, Virtual Assistant

Need help?

If you’d like some help with your time management or need someone to take some of those tasks off your desk, contact me and I’ll be happy to help you.

As we wrap up this busy July, we hope you found our updates and insights valuable. We're excited about the upcoming month and the opportunities (and warmer weather!) it will bring. Stay connected, stay inspired, and continue striving for success.

See you in August!