Meet Jess!

Meet Jess, who has been with Time etc as a Call Answering Specialist since early December last year!

Tell us about your background…

I have previously worked for a financial mergers and acquisitions publication, and also in various customer service roles. I have also dabbled in online fraud prevention, which was particularly exciting when you caught the fraudsters!

What would you say you’re a whizz at?

Organisation, organisation, organisation. I’ll willingly organise anything presented to me – from paperwork right through to Skittles.

What have been your favourite tasks since working at Time etc?

I was once asked by one of my clients to arrange a fancy dress assault course for a team-building day. It was very random but so fun to organise; I felt quite mean arranging it though as I knew that they would not all be as enthusiastic about attending the day as I was about organising it!

What do you most enjoy about working with your clients?

It’s really satisfying being able to build a trusting relationship with your clients even though you don’t always meet them face to face. It’s also great to receive good feedback, and know that your clients really appreciate the work you’re doing for them.

Why do you love working at Time Etc?

This is the first company I’ve worked for that truly cares for their staff and has their best interests at heart. Everyone here is so friendly and there’s always a nice atmosphere to come to, which is essential at work.

Tell us about your hobbies and interests…

I like/love/obsess about anything pretty. If it doesn’t sparkle and isn’t pink, I’m not interested! I also have a serious baking obsession, cupcakes are my forte. I recently spent a ridiculous amount of money on a pale pink KitchenAid; it’s the most beautiful thing in the world! I also love travelling and planning trips away; I’m happiest when I have a holiday to look forward to.

What about food and drink – what do you love/hate/crave?

I love pizza and chocolate and could happily live on them for the rest of my life. I hate mushrooms. I crave cups of tea with any form of biscuit – malted milks, digestives, hobnobs, rich teas, bourbons, custard creams, Maryland cookies, oh yes! I’m an old lady at heart.

Do you have any party tricks?

This is not pleasant, but I can do the loudest burps ever. I can literally knock people of their seats! It’s not something to be proud of but it is a trick!

Who would play you in the story of your life?

It would have to be Lauren Conrad – not because I’m like her in anyway but I just think she’s AMAZING! I want to be her, and can vouch for the majority of girls here share the same love for her too!

Which film could you watch 50 times in a row?

Anything with Ryan Gosling in it.

Meet Heather!

Find out more about Heather Percival, who has been a PA with Time etc since last October!

Tell us about your background…

I’m a local girl, born and bred in the Midlands, although I studied for my degree in the arts on the south coast and completely fell in love with living by the sea! I’ve had a variety of jobs from working for the government in Asylum and Immigration to teaching children and adults in Spain and Austria, but nothing quite compares to working at Time etc.

What would you say you’re a whizz at?

Having a creative background I’m super experimental when it comes to sprucing up those Word documents and formatting PowerPoint presentations to catch the eye of any sleepy delegate! I like to think outside the box so my clients can count on me if they need a way of swerving around a problem that’s stopping them in their tracks.

What have been your favourite tasks since working at Time etc?

So many of my tasks are intriguing and let me see into a completely alternative world! For example, I have had to book reflexology massages for dogs at Harrods, research varieties of sucker hooks and also look into how much it costs to run a helicopter – which is great should I ever buy one myself (well a girl can dream)!

What do you most enjoy about working with your clients?

I really enjoy learning about my clients’ industries and building the bridges so that I can work as a part of their team and help keep things rolling – like a well-stocked steam train!

Why do you love working at Time Etc?

Working here is like being a part of an extended family; being a part of such a supportive and enthusiastic team is the perfect environment, which challenges me every day. No day is the same and you never know what is waiting round the corner – that’s what gets me out of bed every morning.

Tell us about your hobbies and interests…

Life outside of work for me is all about exploration and relaxation. I love to study languages and am currently teaching myself Spanish. I love to dance – both classical and Latin – and I have a passion for theatre. When I’m not writing a new stage project I like to act and direct with local amateur dramatic societies.

What about food and drink – what do you love/hate/crave?

It took me a few years to get there but I am now a fully committed olive fanatic. I love to experiment with cooking and my favourite Sunday treat is a feta and spinach pie with a freshly baked cake afterwards! Having worked in a cocktail bar I also have a real passion for cocktails and learning about the complexity and history of spirits and wines.

Do you have any party tricks?

Unfortunately I don’t have many magic tricks up my sleeve-though I can make a pair of cat ears from a napkin, and I have the kind of sense of humour that can get a chuckle out of anyone in a frantic frenzy!

Who would play you in the story of your life?

It would have to be Toni Collette, she’s a cool cucumber but isn’t afraid to do some crazy things in life! She also reminds me of ABBA, and who can’t love ABBA?!

Which film could you watch 50 times in a row?

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – I’m convinced I was a cowboy in another life!

Introducing Naomi!

The lovely Naomi has been a PA with Time etc since October, here’s a little more about her!

Tell us about your background…

I have worked as an Events Coordinator, a Sales & Marketing Administrator for a property developer and even ‘Befriender’ for a charity (and everything in-between!) I’ve always had a job – even while at school I used to be a weekend admin assistant at my Mum’s office – so in the grand scheme of things I’m probably close to retirement by now!

What would you say you’re a whizz at?

MAIL MERGES! From designing the flyer to creating the database – even to licking the envelopes. I love it!

What have been your favourite tasks working at Time etc?

My most random task was to fix an antique mirror. It’s rewarding when someone trusts you to sort something out that has a real emotional attachment for them.

What do you most enjoy about working with your clients?

I love all of my clients because the work I do for them is so varied. They do so many different things in different sectors, and I love being able to help!

Why do you love working at Time Etc?

I love the people! Time etc make you feel like you are truly valued and not just a number on the payroll. Oh and Beer o’clock Fridays, obvs!

Tell us about your hobbies and interests…

I have a lovely little boy who takes up pretty much all of my time – I think I’ve forgotten what hobbies are! However, once he’s asleep – I love spending time with my friends, reading and dancing (I’m not very good at dancing but I give it a good go!)

What about food and drink – what do you love/hate/crave/obsess over?

I LOVE Chinese food! I dream about it and would eat it all day if I could. I hate coconut, food of the devil!

Do you have any party tricks?

The trick that comes out every time I’ve had one too many drinks is the good old Gambol (a forward roll for anyone outside of the Midlands)! Never fails to defeat an opponent in a dance off.

Who would play you in the story of your life?

Drew Barrymore, she seems like such a nice person. Or Zooey Deschanel – she is my girl crush!

Which film could you watch 50 times in a row?

My favourite film changes with my mood, but I could watch 50 First Dates over and over – it’s a bit trashy I know but I have a mahooooosive soft spot for Adam Sandler!

“If you haven’t got an Assistant, you are one”

It’s this belief that underlines my passion for helping entrepreneurs, directors and business owners to understand how much more productive and successful they could be if they got a little help.

In my many conversations with Penni Pike, Sir Richard Branson’s closest assistant for 31 years and now our special advisor, it has become obvious to me just how vital Penni was to the building of the Virgin empire – Richard simply couldn’t have done it without her.   Penni even took the call that started Virgin Atlantic.

You don’t have to be a billionaire to have an assistant – getting some help doesn’t need to be expensive, daunting, difficult or even a long term commitment.   Providing you use a Virtual Assistant service (plug: like ours!), and avoid the pitfalls of trying to recruit, retain and motivate a full time assistant, it’s one of the best value and easiest tools to boost your effectiveness.

So far we’ve helped more than 200 business owners, entrepreneurs and directors to save more than 7,313 working days – that’s 1462 working weeks or about 31 working years!

Could we be helping you too?

Meet James!

Meet James, who has been one of our brilliant Brainy Callers since Nov 2010.

Tell us about your background…
It’s safe to say I have been a bit of a jack-of-all-trades! Before Time etc I dabbled in being security guard, a librarian, a personal shopper, a museum receptionist, a tourist information advisor and a kitchen fitter! Out of all these roles, being at Time has by far been the best experience.

What would you say you’re a whizz at?
I am a total sucker for technology, applications and gadgetry. I believe that if you are finding your work-load too high, calendar too messy or tasks are getting on top of you, it’s time to embrace the world of technology and the Internet and make it work for you! I get such a buzz from finding software that will make a client’s workload easier.

What have been your favourite tasks since working at Time etc?
Once I took a call on behalf of one of my clients who was busy working. The call was from a large housing association looking for an engineer for a very large contract (40+ homes). When I found out my client got the contract I was so pleased I was bouncing around the office – we had not just saved him time but helped him get a really good contract for his firm that could easily have gone elsewhere if the call was missed.

What do you most enjoy about working with your clients?
Everyone wants to feel like their day at work makes an important difference to someone. Working with my clients means that I get to feel that way every hour of my working day!

Why do you love working at Time Etc?
No where else I’ve ever worked has struck the same perfect balance between creating a fun working environment while ensuring that work gets done to the best of everyone’s ability.

Tell us about your hobbies and interests…
Video games, technology and anything that makes less geeky folk roll their eyes! I have also taken part in a few amateur operatic shows and musicals.

What about food and drink – what do you love/hate/crave?
Pretzels! I love pretzels to the point of obsession.

Do you have any party tricks?
I fell on my thumb once and can now pop it out of its socket on request!

Who would play you in the story of your life?
Daniel Craig – because it would be funny as hell to see an action hero having to play a geeky opera-singing, phone-answering specialist!

Which film could you watch 50 times in a row?
Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Mila Kunis could make me watch a far worse movie!

Meet Sarah!

Meet Sarah, one of our fabulous call-answering specialists!

Tell us about your background…
My work history is predominantly customer service orientated and I’ve worked both on the retail and office side of things, including for some high-end brands. I love a challenge and being rushed off my feet really motivates me – which is definitely why I have ended up at Time etc!

What would you say you’re a whizz at?
I pride myself in being super-organised so diary management is high on my list and I love having a to-do list to work through! My past roles have also taught me to be quite a pro at handling complaints (if I do say so myself) so I’m always happy to investigate and resolve problems; I find it really satisfying!

What have been your favourite tasks working at Time etc?
It’s exciting that every other thing you’re presented with here is different. One minute I’ll be advising about which footwear is best to climb a mountain, the next I’ll be writing a job description or acting stern and chasing invoices!

What do you most enjoy about working with your clients?
I love that every client I have is so different. It’s really interesting to integrate yourself into such a diverse array of businesses and it means there is never a day that’s the same as the last! Plus they are all so friendly, which makes it that much better to be able to help!

Why do you love working at Time Etc?
I’m not ashamed to say I have wanted to work here from YEARS – I admitted that in my interview which probably made me look like a crazed Time etc groupie! I love everything about this company and the people who work here.  The atmosphere is fantastic and it’s a really motivating, inspiring place to be. Plus we’re really tight-knit so we support each other to the max; even when we’re all rushed off our feet!

Tell us about your hobbies and interests…
Weekends away are lovely, so I love escaping away to the countryside every  now and then! I’m also a complete and utter shopping addict; I honestly cannot let myself go into shops for the frenzy it sends me into. So I’ve resorted to online shopping instead (and building a little fort around my desk with all of the cardboard boxes that come from it!)

What about food and drink – what do you love/hate/crave/obsess over?
LOVE: I obsess about Chinese food – to the extent that my local Chinese takeaway knows my order off by heart (I really shouldn’t admit that!). Jalapenos are also something I cannot be without, as is hot food of any kind. I HATE Seafood!

Do you have any party tricks?
I can twist my elbow all the way around which is pretty weird! Although I don’t know how I discovered I could do that, which is probably weirder. I can also dislocate my thumbs – hoorah!

Who would play you in the story of your life?

Sandra Bullock, for the reason that random people always say I look like her. I don’t see the resemblance personally, but when I worked in a restaurant a few years ago I was told it literally every single shift so I have stopped disagreeing!

Which film could you watch 50 times in a row? I’m not a huge film lover. However, I could watch Criminal Minds every day for the rest of my life!

Meet Rachael!

Meet Rachael, who has been with Time etc since July this year.

Tell us about your background…
I graduated with an English degree, then worked as a Marketing Assistant in Sheffield before pursuing a career in the media. After an internship at my local BBC radio station, I worked as a Production Assistant for a variety of BBC TV and radio shows. I joined Time etc due to my ultimate ambition of running my own business; becoming an integrated part of many different companies here has been a great way for me to develop skills in all aspects of business management.

What would you say you’re a whizz at?
I enjoy project management tasks, particularly co-ordinating groups of people and events. I’m also a bit of a whizz when it comes to arranging holidays, especially on a budget!

What have been the most random and/or exciting tasks you’ve been given by a client?
I have recently been asked to arrange a lap around Silverstone with ex Formula One World Champion, Damon Hill. Although I did have to explain to one of my colleagues that he wasn’t the lead singer from Blur!

What do you most enjoy about working with your clients?
Working with a variety of clients in an array of industries means that no day is ever the same. I feel like an integral part of their team and because of this I really enjoy working alongside them to help make their business a success.

Why do you love working at Time Etc?
It’s a fun, creative, ambitious environment where hard work is rewarded with great benefits.

Tell us about your hobbies and interests…
I surprise quite a lot of people when I tell them I am an Aston Villa season ticket holder and I love football! I also try to travel as much as possible and am constantly keeping an eye out for travel deals on cheap city breaks in Europe!

What about food and drink – what do you love/hate/crave/obsess about?
I have a real obsession for savoury snack food and I could not possibly live without Doritos and Salsa Dip! Pair this up with an ice cold beer (and preferably some sunshine) and I’m happy as the day is long!

Do you have any party tricks?
I can play the entire Star Wars theme tune on the keyboard – pretty sad I know!

Who would play you in the story of your life?
If I had to choose someone it would be Reese Witherspoon. She’s young, fun, blonde and doesn’t take herself too seriously.

Which film could you watch 50 times in a row?
Home Alone 2, it’s possibly the greatest film of all time.

Meet Vicky!

Introducing Vicky Moore, Pod 4 PA who has been with us since early July.

Tell us about your background…
I have a very varied work history, which includes managing a bar, running a photography studio, being team secretary at a car dealership and PA to a director in Canada!

What would you say you’re a whizz at?
I think I’m pretty good at staying organised, diary management and keeping to-do’s under control. I have post-it notes everywhere – both at the office and at home!

What have been the most random and/or exciting tasks you’ve been given by a client?
I was once asked to research the purchase of a big chopper. I got very excited, thinking I was about to help my client buy a helicopter, but when I read further into the e-mail I realised my client actually wanted a card-slicing device. Not quite the Black Hawk I had in mind, but fun for a moment!

What do you most enjoy about working with your clients?
My clients are all completely different to one-another; keeping me on my toes and presenting me with a complete variety of tasks and jobs to complete for them. I get on really well with my clients and really do enjoy working with such different personalities.

Why do you love working at Time etc?
It’s like no other company I’ve worked for, they really do care about their team and clients and work really hard to match PA to client. Plus they supply muffins for breakfast!

Tell us about your hobbies and interests…
I love reading and spending time with my friends and family. I also love movies and having a good catch up with people over good food and a large glass of Rioja!

What about food and drink – what do you love/hate/crave/obsess over?
I love blue cheese: put it on a burger or steak and it’s a winner. Also spice, I love my Mum’s curries! I hate mushrooms (that’s about all I have to say on that). I crave Calippos; strange I know but I do! I obsess about the post-work glass of wine on a Friday evening!

Do you have any party tricks?
I can make a tequila disappear…!

Who would play you in the story of your life?
Angelina Jolie – for no other reason than I LOVE HER!

Which film could you watch 50 times in a row?
I love films like 500, Troy and Gladiator. X-Men is another favourite, but if I was going to watch a film 50 times over it would probably be something like The Hangover or The Inbetweeners.

Because there are now few barriers (such as needing a publisher) to get in the way of publishing  advice there is a huge volume of it out there. A whole load of it suffers from these problems:

a) It’s written purely to promote the author or their business. Almost any small business marketing guide recommends throwing large volumes of advice out there to “position yourself as an expert” which results in a huge volume of pseudo advice, often written with a commercial motive (bad)

b) It’s written by someone who either doesn’t know what they’re talking about or have written it on a whim to fill a page, rather than being qualified, solid and time tested advice (worse)

With this in mind I’d thought I’d take the opportunity to link to a blog that feels full of decent advice, real views and solid experienced based business observations:

http://www.saynototheoffice.com/

Working with over 200 time-poor business owners daily, we’re well aware that running a business can be an infinitely challenging job where the common phrase ‘there just aren’t enough hours in the day’ makes a regular appearance. The key to good time management is to go back to basics and apply some key time management principles, so you’re being as productive as possible. Here are just a few of our time management tips:

1. SET YOURSELF DAILY GOALS.

People are often so focused on the ‘bigger picture’ (e.g. making lots of money, hitting that yearly target) that they lose sight of what their day-to-day goals should be. While long-term goals are certainly important, it can be counter-productive to obsess over them.

Try making a list of mini-goals at the start of each day. Keep it realistic, listing only what you feel comfortable achieving. Each of these mini-goals gets you one step closer to your overall target, but will feel far more achievable.

2. BREAK DOWN YOUR TO-DO LIST.

It’s likely you’ll have a mammoth weekly to-do list. Trying to work your way through an ever-increasing list can be a little soul destroying, not to mention unproductive. So, the trick is to break it down; take each large project or task and compartmentalise into smaller tasks that are much more manageable. In turn, you’ll find this list much easier to prioritise.

Often your to-do’s can be scattered all over the place, from a post-it note on your PC screen, to hidden within an e-mail, to written in your diary. To get started, try a project management tool, such as www.basecamphq.com – you can enter projects and break them down into manageable tasks while setting yourself realistic deadlines.

3. TAKE REGULAR BREAKS.

At Time etc, we believe it’s essential that no matter how busy your day is, you give yourself some time out. Whether that’s for a walk away from your desk, having a stretch or, best of all, getting some fresh air, a break will leave you feeling refreshed and you’ll have heaps more energy and focus to get on with the rest of your day.

4. AVOID PROCRASTINATION.

Everyone does it from time to time, but procrastinating is very counter-productive.

Cut out all possible temptations that may be preventing you from getting on with what you need to do and simply get on with the task in hand – it will only become more daunting the more you put it off. Once you start, you’ll often find that it’s a lot less difficult or daunting than you expected. The sense of achievement you’ll get from completing a task is much better than the sense of impending doom you get from procrastinating over it!

5. MASTER THE ART OF DELEGATION.

Our business runs on effective delegation and we cannot stress the importance of this enough. It’s simple: look at your to-do list and select the tasks that take up your time but don’t necessarily help grow your business. Remember that handing over tasks you do every week or even every day is a great idea, because you only have to hand them over once, but you’ll continue to get the benefits.