I'm always amazed at the amount of people that don't have an e-mail signature.  Imagine the scenario; you've written an amazing e-mail and sent it to a prospective client. Suitably impressed, the client wants to find out more, but rather than going backwards and forwards via e-mail they just want to pick up the phone and give you a quick call. Simple enough you may think.  But what if your contact details aren’t on the e-mail?

How good are you at keeping in touch? No doubt you have a contacts list as long as your arm - but how many times a year do those hard won contacts actually hear from you? Now we are not suggesting you immediately pick up the phone and call each and every one of them, but how about sending out an e-newsletter?

You've written your newsletter content, and you have all the articles perfectly laid out. Then you're faced with the task of writing a subject line so irresistible that readers can't help but open and read your email.

The good news is that we are here to help you create powerful subject lines and article headlines that will attract readers. Here are six steps to making it happen.

Who would have predicted a volcano in Iceland would affect most of the world? Do you have a contingency plan in place should the unexpected happen?
As small business owners, it pays to be prepared for those events that you just don't see coming. Who would manage phone calls? Would e-mails be answered? Would clients know that you couldn't meet with them?

No filing. Now there’s a thought. Unfortunately it is an essential part of business and there isn’t a well-run office that functions without a bit of ‘neat and tidy’. If you file as you go, it’s purely an extension of your everyday back-office process. So what’s the secret? Here are some Pickle tips to help you minimise your filing for good.  Really, it’s so simple – you’ll wonder why you hadn’t thought of it before now.

Learning the shortcuts on your computer can save you time and make your life just that little bit easier! 

Here are some of my favourite Microsoft Outlook tips!

Come on hands up, I am sure we are all guilty of it sometimes. Putting off those big tasks that you just can't face as all the while they get more and more urgent!
 
So how do you get back on track when those little time-wasting habits get in your way?

Reading based virtual assistant service In a Pickle has just won a major UK award.
After taking part in a national campaign run by internet marketing company, The Best Of, In a Pickle has been voted the UK’s Best Loved Virtual Assistants. 
Companies throughout the UK who advertise with The Best Of were invited to take part in a national “14 Days of Love” campaign in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day. The nationwide campaign involved thousands of businesses who asked their clients to “share the love” by providing testimonials over a two week period.

In a Pickle, which provides five-star admin support to small businesses, won their UK category as the nation’s Best Loved Virtual Assistant against some tough competition.  The company was also voted the 5th best loved business in Henley-on-Thames.

View the Award Winners Ball photo's!

There are businesses that have never tried hiring virtual assistants who ask us – “why should I hire a virtual assistant over an office temp?”  So here is a brief comparison of temporary workers and virtual assistants:

Virtual assistants charge for 100% Productive Time - Temps are usually paid on a per day basis. Hire a temp for a week and you will need to pay them for that whole week.  With a VA, if you only need our services for 1 hour per day then that’s all you will pay us for!