Whether you’ve just starting out, or you have an established database already, there are several things a Virtual Assistant can do to help keep you running smoothly. Plus, keeping your databases up-to-date and tidy is one of the easiest things to outsource as well as having a the greatest impact on your business.
I’ve already covered some of the ways your Virtual Assistant can help with databases in earlier posts on Email Marketing, Newsletters and Mailing Lists.
Some of the other ways a Virtual Assistant can help keep your databases up to date, correct and under control are:
Getting started
- Tidy up data in a downloaded CSV file
- Merge contact lists downloaded Outlook, Google etc
- Link your CRM to MailChimp and any other software you use that allows external access.
- Prepare files for import into a CRM
- Upload files in CSV or other appropriate format into your database
Maintenance
- Enter data from business cards of people you meet at networking events
- Add notes about interactions with customers and their personal details into your CRM
- Research postal addresses, website details and other generic details not already included in your records
- Contact clients to confirm email addresses, telephone numbers or any other direct contact details not already recorded in your CRM or where there have been issues such as email bouncebacks
- Record details of
issues with client accounts such as payment issues, communication preferences etc - Produce reports from your database
- Organise the linking of your databases together for ease of use
- Organising and managing software upgrades for more users or greater access
- Routine maintenance of database records – ensuring that all details are entered correctly in a standard format
- Help evaluate and report on software solutions to take your databases to a higher level
- Developing standards for data entry into your database to ensure consistency and to allow for better results to be obtained.
The better organised and up-to-date your database is and the better data you can retrieve, the better it serves your business. So go ahead, give your Virtual Assistant a call and get your database sorted.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user mandiberg
