Eliminating Hidden Costs so you can Bill More! TOP TIP: Hiring a Virtual Assistant to send out brochures, answer calls, update your materials or website, or simply to format your letters and send them, is easy. When you've delegated these tasks (and many professionals find it hard, because they define themselves by 'doing it all and being indispensable'), you'll be free to earn money doing what you're REALLY good at, all the time. All professionals working from home reach a point where they realise they are valuable. This happens when: You've completed a major piece of training Your clients keep telling you of the benefit they are receiving You think you could raise your fees, but you're hesitating You attract a new, more successful client who is highly productive in their lives and/or business. So, it's time to do more, billable work, and less running of the practice - time to let go of some of the work, and give it to someone who enjoys it more - and frankly does it better. The more you increase your productivity, the more billable time you create, and the less stress you have from taking responsibility and time over every part of your home-office. There's a great mind-shift as you begin to get regular reports from you staff/administrators, and can work on rather than in your practice all the time - in fact it can become a business rather than a full-time jack-of-all trades. When you raise your productivity, things start to shift... You'll notice how much better/faster your assistants are than you could ever be - and cheer! You'll realise that having no problems in your working life is a reality, and you'll be more able to become totally problem-free You'll be more productive and notice a higher grade of client who respects that Here is a checklist of some of the areas to consider:  False       True  1----5 All my operations are computerised 1----5 When problems occur, their source is identified and eliminated completely - I have no problems 1----5 I have the equipment and training I need to double my income every year 1----5 I delegate every task that doesn't earn me money 1----5 I have a Virtual Assistant who takes care of all my administration 1----5 My receipts/statements are with my bookkeeper by the end of each month, and are returned within 2 weeks electronically 1----5 All my invoices are paid by pro-forma 1----5 Paperwork is touched only once 1----5 I have up-to-date computer/IT equipment, and am backed-up regularly by remote service 1----5 I have enough specified phone lines and power points fitted 1----5 My client procedures and practice management systems are cost-free and seamless 1----5 Nothing keeps me in the past - all my own and assistants work is completely finished 1----5 I tell callers how long I can give them on the telephone - and reschedule their call if I don't have time       What's the easiest way... ...to increase your score... ...by 5 points this week?       Do It!     What are you doing that is unbillable? Create the system or procedure that you need in order to delegate each task effortlessly, and upgrade it every time a 'mistake' happens - that way you will always have the proceedure in place to upgrade, and you can let go and focus on the bigger stuff! £m businesses are built by responding in this way.... © Baillie and Friends Ltd

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