I’m often asked about the standard $10-an-hour pay offering by those advertising for assistants on Craigslist. I must assume that these entrepreneurs get responses because otherwise, they would stop asking.

For my part, I usually respond to this inquiry by saying—they probably got what they paid for.

There probably is a reason that the ad answers are willing to settle for this wage. The bottom line is, they accept $10 an hour because (for whatever reason) they are not able to get someone to pay them more than that.

Even if there are extenuating circumstances, I feel that the small business runner would be taking a big risk. Once a good assistant begins to realize that he/she is being underpaid and is able to command a higher price elsewhere, then the entrepreneur will either have to step up and match the demand or be willing to start all over with someone new and of perhaps a lower quality.

When you own a business, I know that business is you. And you deserve an administrative professional who is capable, experienced, and trustworthy. Not someone purchased at a bargain basement rate.

This collection consisted of hundreds of photos, and my client wanted to get them organized, researched, and eventually donated to a place where they would be used and appreciated.

Luckily, there was writing on the backs of a fair number of the photos. As for the rest, I researched the patches and insignia on the sleeves of the pictured soldiers to get an idea of the timelines and locations.

After some pretty intensive effort from all parties, the collection is now ordered and in an album. A donation point has been identified with everything ready to go.

Do you have what seems like an overwhelming task sitting in a box somewhere? Why not give me a call and get that weight off of your mind?

Conventions are rich networking opportunities but no one wants to leave a booth unmanned for fear of losing sales. An assistant gives an entrepreneur just that much more flexibility.

It doesn’t matter if there’s a meeting to take or a lunch run to complete, a trade show assistant provides options and opportunities.

If you are looking for a trustworthy and hard working assistant for your 2009 conferences, why not give us a call to figure out the details?

Unnecessary expenditures, such as late fees, can really hurt a business’s bottom line these days. A healthy cash flow is even more important since credit remains tough to come by.

For those who keep letting money seep away from them despite the best of intentions, there are a number of ways that a personal assistant or business assistant can help.

Perhaps all you need is one email reminder each week about what’s due and what’s coming up. For the truly sidetracked, outsourcing all accounts payable functions may actually prove cost-effective.

Of course, tasking someone else to stay on hold with the cable or credit card company is an easy one to make. Let your assistant get you a changed rate or another tier of service. Paying a monthly fee for something you don’t use is like paying a full-time employee to surf the internet.

Times are tough. Make sure each cent you spend is out there working hard for you.

Are you ready to face the next twelve months? Detour Services is ready to help. Just let us know if you need to get your finances in order. Or perhaps you want a filing system that actually works. Are you tired of losing your items?

Drop me a note today!

As you relax into the weekend, don’t forget to contact Detour Services to reserve your December help. We’re moving into everyone’s busy season so if you could use some assistance getting your business or household needs under control during the holiday season, calling early is going to be so much better than calling late.

But sometimes, the task is harder than it seems like it should be. Where are those brand new gloves from last year? Perhaps a young one has outgrown those sweaters?

A personal concierge service like Detour Services can help you prepare and get organized. Because of our versatility, we’re able to help in ways that are more complete than other professionals. We can do any or all of the following:

1. Rearrange and organize your closets. Detour Services is a proud member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.
2. Transport the items you wish to donate and return with a receipt.
3. Arrange for the sale of other items online, in a garage sale, or through resale shops.
4. Search online for the best new purchase bargains.
5. Do the buying for you. Wouldn’t it be great to try out clothing in the comfort of your own home?
6. Return unwanted merchandise.

Save yourself the headaches and hassles of this busy time of year. Call Detour Services to see how we can make your life so much easier.

The theme is about opportunity cost, but the analogy makes it easy to understand. Give up the tasks that others can do for you so you can focus on the things that only you can accomplish.

How does a restaurant club work?

On a designated night, you and your friends gather at a chosen restaurant. Your table has been reserved. All your special requests have been communicated and taken care of. There’s nothing left to do except talk, enjoy each other’s company, and figure out if you have a new favorite place to eat.

Restaurant clubs are a great way to stay connected with your social circles. It’s all too easy to lose track of friends and back out on invitations because work is too hectic and you’re just too tired. A regular social event like a restaurant club helps you recharge and keeps you connected.

The problem is—someone has to plan all this. Someone has to pick a restaurant and propose it, keep track of who is coming, make the reservation, and send out the final details.

That’s where a personal assistant can come in. Why not let your assistant keep track of restaurant openings and reviews? Let him or her call ahead with questions. Is there parking? Is it BYOB? Are there vegetarian options?

Once a place is decided, your assistant can handle the rest—from invitations to reservations. You and your friends can just show up and enjoy.

For seven days, every time you think about something you need to do but …

1. don’t want to,
2. don’t know how,
3. or don’t have the time,

write it in the log. At the end of the week, take a look and see how many of those tasks you would have eventually completed yourself. How many caused you to miss opportunities or waste valuable time?

Keeping track of your needs for a week will show you truthfully whether or not to look for a personal assistant.