Solent Creative

30/04/2025

23/04/2025

INTRODUCING TOGGL - A VA'S BEST FRIEND!

This is not an Ad but this little bit of software is vital for Virtual Assistants like myself. In a nutshell, it's a time-tracking programme which allows you to accurately record time spent on projects and clients therefore increasing efficiency and time management. Here's a few reasons as to why I love it:

1. Accurate Time Tracking
VAs often work on multiple tasks for different clients, as shown in the example image - Toggl makes it easy to track time per task or project with just one click.

2. Client Transparency
Detailed time reports can be shared with my clients, showing exactly how time was spent on each project or as a whole - this builds trust and justifies billing.

3. Task Management Integration
It integrates with other tools such as Trello and Asana - I'm yet to use this feature but I know this has proven to be invaluable to other VAs.

4. Helps with Invoicing
I can easily generate accurate invoices based on tracked hours and can customise these to information relevant to my client.

So tell me what software is invaluable to you in your role? Drop it in the comments below. I love learning about new programmes - anything to make the working day easier and more efficient is always a winner!

14/04/2025

Too many people to organise? I can help!

If you have a lot of people that all need to be in one place at the same time it can take a lot of time and brain power to coordinate everything.

Having regularly organised dance competitions where each section is calculated to the minute to ensure we don't run over time, I can schedule rehearsals and call times for all your crew and artists.

By keeping on top of availabilities I can quickly sort out last minute jobs or cast changes ensuring a smooth transition without panic and stress.

If you have a big project coming up talk to me to see how I can help make the process easier for you.

12/04/2025

If you need assistance with any of the below you need a Virtual Assistant!

I can provide you with all-round comprehensive back office support in a remote location. This means that wherever I am I can assist you in whatever capacity you need.

From basic day to day admin tasks, such as answering email enquiries or sending out invoices, to helping with costume and props or sifting and scheduling casting submissions I can help you with almost any part of your business. I can't wave a magic wand and make the workload disappear BUT I can help you significantly reduce it and allow you to focus on the important bits that will help grow your business.

If you just need a little bit of extra support during a busy period or regular ongoing hours I can work around your needs.

Contact me today to discuss where I can help you

09/04/2025

Ay, Ay, Ay - it's time for the letter 'I' - Inventory Management.

When you're preparing for a big event or production it's vital you know exactly where all your costumes and props are, whether they need any repairs and if they're on loan who has them.

By having a comprehensive inventory management system you can keep track of all the vital playing parts ensuring a smooth check in / check out process.

What system do you currently in place to ensure this important task is completed and how would you improve it?

07/04/2025

TAKE A DEEP BREATH, ITS A NEW WEEK

If the thought of Monday morning makes you want to crawl back under the covers ask yourself why?

Is it because you find a particular client tough, are you not enjoying the projects you have at the moment or are you just simply too busy to function?

I may not be able to solve the first two issues but I can certainly take time off your hands giving you the space to breathe and re-evaluate what's important to you.

I can help with any day to day tasks that are weighing you down, whether that's just for a week or on a longer term. Having a VA on board means that you can get on with the important tasks whilst I take care of everything else in the background.

Mondays are about looking forward not backward so reach out today if you need some support to starting the week afresh.

01/04/2025

What a month March was!

I managed to fall down the stairs at the start of the month so have been nursing a badly sprained ankle (I'm pretty sure it's just a sprain 🫤) but still walking, running & dancing on it as I had stuff that needed to be done!

We packed up and moved from our house of 8 years all whilst prepping and putting on another dance festival within the space of a week.

Currently trying to chase the 4G signal around the house as we have no wifi until mid April but the sun has been shining, days are longer and living a 5 minute walk from the beach is a delight! Oh and I LOVE my new Rangmaster cooker, I feel like a proper chef 🤣

Here's to April and making our new house a home 🏡

16/03/2025

As a Virtual Assistant how can I help your business?

Well, I’m here so you don’t need to sweat the small stuff and can focus on the bigger picture. From organising schedules, managing emails and databases, or just assisting with brainstorming, I’m here to make your life easier!

I like to think of myself as an organiser of humans and businesses and together we can ensure that you can shine like the star you want to be. Let’s make your artistic projects run smoother and bring your creative visions to life together!

If you have any tasks that are taking up too much of your time drop me a message so we can discuss how I can help you have a better work day.

12/03/2025

Hospitality is one of the most important parts of an event or business.

In fact, I think its something that can make or break a recommendation. Offering good quality produce to your employees or clients makes them feel valued and taken care of and if a venue provides a poor service it's unlikely the client will return.

I'm getting married later this year and our priority is providing everyone with a good hearty meal as we know this is what people will remember....and the party afterwards! No-one wants to be the couple where people say the wedding was lovely but the food was awful.

My TV comfort show is Masterchef Australia so I love to see beautiful plates of food presented. I want to ensure that every person I work with gets the star treatment, whether that's just in providing a fridge full of snacks and drinks to get you through the day or organising a Michelin star dinner.

I can also organise travel and accommodation for individuals or groups, ensuring that you get a great nights sleep in a central location at an affordable price. From flights to hotels and transfers I can sort out all your travel needs in one place.

Drop me a message to discuss how I can assist you in providing an A* service to your business.

06/03/2025

A virtual assistant's guide to the letter 'G'

Guest liaison and VIP's.

Although the work choreographers, directors, musicians etc. create is because, ultimately, you love what you do, in order to continue producing such work you need an audience to appreciate it.

This is where I come in. I can curate your guest list, liaise with relevant parties and ensure that any VIP requests are handled professionally and discreetly. If you want any giveaways to hand out or have delivered prior to your event to create a buzz I can source these for you.

If you want your guests treated like Kings or Queens let me know! I'd be happy to give them the royal treatment to ensure your event is one they won't forget!

03/03/2025

Need a little motivation today? Kickstart your week the right way by using my 3 top tips.

1. Prioritise and time block! Pick 3 key tasks you need to complete and block time out in your calendar at the start of your day to ensure these get done. Leave your afternoon free to catch up on emails and meetings.

2. Collaborative tools such as Teams, Slack or Asana can boost productivity by reducing the need for unnecessary meetings with instant chat functions. A project board, like Trello or Monday, can provide clear timelines, goals and tasks to all members of a team.

3. Delegate 👏 Delegate 👏 Delegate 👏 You do not need to do everything yourself. By outsourcing non-core tasks to a virtual assistant it allows you to work on the key activities required to keep your business thriving - and in turn allows you to have a much better work/life balance!

Let me know your top tips, I'm always interested to know how others work productively!

27/02/2025

It's A-Z time again!

Facilities management may only form a small part of your business, and on a very ad-hoc basis, but it can play a key role in ensuring that performance venues, rehearsal studios, and creative spaces are well-maintained, safe, and efficiently run.

It is extremely important that any venues hired are fit for purpose, such as sprung floors for dancers or good acoustics for musicians and singers, and that health and safety regulations are followed.

As a Virtual Assistant I can liaise between the venue, client and production ensuring that we create a safe and suitable space for everyone to work in.