Dedicated to continuous improvement - creating the ulitmate career

 
Upon completion of the NZ Legal Executive Diploma in 2004, Natalie enrolled as an extramural student in Massey University’s Bachelor of Business programme, however, juggling full time work, part time study and a love of travelling, meant that the degree took forever.
 
Quitting routine work life to become a full time student to complete a business degree was not an easy decision to make.  Reduced to her husband’s income, no holidays and no shopping expeditions is a rough deal for any woman.
 
Fast forward to 2014, with a business major in small business and entrepreneurship, Assistme is a start up that offers virtual and onsite administrative solutions to businesses.  Natalie Pasco is the founder and administration consultant, behind the brand. Assistme was born from a combination of work experience, theoretical knowledge and desire to become a business owner. 
 
Market research showed that small and medium businesses in particular, needed flexible, on-demand, administration support.  “I noticed in my own situation when I wanted to go to Europe, my employer either had to get a temp in or seek voluntary resignation, which was a hassle.” 
 
Every business experiences market fluctuations throughout the year and it can be a huge expense taking on extra staff or a permanent part time employee, when you only need someone for a day, week or month.
 
Combining administration skills, a love of travel and knowledge from a business degree delivers an ultimate administration support package. Research carried out provided the information around the role of an administration consultant.  There are two functions of an administration consultant.  The first is providing expert administration support to businesses.  The second is as a consultant, looking for ways to make improvements to administrative procedures in place already (or perhaps not in place), with the ultimate goal of saving the client time and money.  The relationship established is that of business to business.  “You are not hiring an employee, assistant or secretary – you are hiring a professional”.
 
Natalie states that the business “suits me to a T, working with various businesses means that I get flexibility, creativity and variety.   Legal administration skills are transferrable to other businesses.  The legal field teaches you working to deadlines, and other tasks such as billing, general correspondence, documentation and CRM”. 
 
There were plenty of times she could have given up.  However experience has shown, if you work on what you want and are dedicated - you can do anything. 
 
 
 
5 tips for success
 
Plan, plan, plan! – also don’t forget to find a backup, for when you need time off or get sick.
 
Write a schedule and stick to it.  Make sure you schedule in time for yourself.  It helps your mind to do vary activities rather than working on your business 24/7.
 
Educate yourself.  Read as much as possible from websites, books, courses and then give back and pass on your knowledge to others.
 
Make use of your ‘secret’ agents.  Tell everyone you know and come into contact with about your business.  You never know whom they know and will recommend you to.
 
All theory and no action is just that.  You can have the perfect plan but if you never execute it - nothing will eventuate.
 
 
www.assistme.co.nz