What’s better than one Passionate PA? Two!

This blog is written by Jenni Bowman, a seasoned freelancer having been a Passionate PA franchisee for over 6 years. Here she shares how collaboration within our team adds spectacular value to her clients.  


Jenni’s Story

As a business support specialist and strategic partner to my clients, I am used to solving problems. Solving problems for clients is part of why I love what I do so much, but recently I was able to solve a problem in record time… I simply told them they needed another The Passionate PA.

The Problem

I have been engaged with this particular client for many years. In terms of an ideal client, they absolutely fit the bill. They are an ambitious digital media business growing fast. We work brilliantly together and they are an asset to my client bank.

However, they are growing so fast they were needing more and more support with HR and Recruitment. Whilst I love HR and recruitment, my diary is full for the short-term, leaving a resource gap in their business.

But it is simply not a problem when you have a HR expert up your sleeve!

Enter Steph Taylor! 🚀

I discussed the potential solution with my client and within a matter of days, I had onboarded Steph into the business and the results have been nothing short of outstanding.

Together, Steph and I have been able to….

🌟 Refine and hone the recruitment onboarding process to ensure that all new recruits receive a first class experience not only on day 1 of their employment, but all the way through probation. We are working with the senior management team to develop that process even further.

🌟 Successfully onboard 1 new recruit, whilst advertising for a further four posts. Using our skillset to write the ideal job description, create a job advert and sift through applications to generate a shortlist of interview ready candidates.

🌟 We are now working on ensuring that the business offers an employee engagement experience to guarantee staff feel valued, supported and engaged. This benefits not just the people but the business too.

Happy Client

This could have been a trying time for my client. But, they trust me and know that a fellow Passionate PA will have the same ethos, attitude and second-to-none training from our franchise. It was always going to be a winning solution! Huge amounts of momentum are being gained which, of course, means the client is delighted. 

Jen and StephHappy Passionate PAs too!

As the picture shows too, Steph and I LOVE working together. We bounce ideas off each other, delegate tasks between us and ensure that no stone is left unturned for this client. We are learning from each other, collaborating like never before and as a result, we have a happy client and very happy Passionate PAs too!

 

 


Further blogs from The Passionate PA: 

Deciding what to delegate has never been easier…

What are the warning signs that you need to delegate? 

This is such a good question and there are three simple answers: 

  1. You are feeling overwhelmed and/or overworked – and this has become the norm.

  2. You have knowledge and experience gaps that are holding your business back (e.g there are tasks on your To Do List that are outside of your areas of expertise and/or interest and things take you longer than they should) or those knowledge and experience gaps are negatively impacting your people, clients or the world around you (e.g. you don’t have the people management skills to lead your team effectively and as a result, they are not performing).

  3. Your profit margins are healthy enough to do things differently – just because you can do it all, doesn’t mean you should.

If you are in one (or all three) of these camps, it is time to really consider delegating. As a business leader, your time is far better spent on strategic thinking and designing a business that makes the world, and our experience of it, better. You should be delivering work only you can, based on a grounded understanding of what your clients want. When you are doing this, and have the systems, processes and people around you that drive success, you will be operating at a different level… who knows what’s possible then?! 

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Start by taking a look at our free Delegation Tool. This will help you determine the work you should be doing – identifying everything else that can be delegated internally, outsourced to professionals like us, or taken off your plate with a little help from AI.

 

Request your free Delegation Tool today to help you take control of your weaknesses. 

    Why not take a look at the people in our team too, just head on over to our Meet The PAs page to find out more about the skills and experience they could offer you. 

     


    Further blogs from The Passionate PA: 

    Getting to know Steph

    Steph Taylor is a friendly and resourceful person with exceptional experience in people management. Grab a coffee and take a couple of moments to get to know her better.

    Steph joined us in November 2021 after spending over two decades working for Sainsbury’s. Steph’s aim is to create a fulfilling business for herself using the array of skills and experience she has built up over the years. She understands business and the mindset it takes to achieve incredible things, despite all the challenges.

    Getting to know Steph

    Alarm goes off at:
    I usually wake up at 7:00am naturally but my alarm is set for 7:15am just in case!

    Start the day with:
    I’ve recently started having a matcha latte to give me a morning boost, and having learned to make it properly I actually enjoy it! That’s followed by a mug of peppermint tea and the walk to school. The school run gives me the chance to get some fresh air and exercise so when I get home to my desk I feel energised and ready for the day.

    Where do you do most of your work?
    In my home office at the end of my garden. It’s just been completed and is a beautiful, dedicated and peaceful space filled with light and plants. It’s the perfect place to focus on the task in hand.

    What sectors do your clients operate within?
    My clients are really varied. I enjoy working with heart-centred and people-focused businesses including coaches, HR consultants and wellbeing professionals (to name just a few). With over 20 years of experience in retail and HR, I am used to fast-paced learning and delivery and thrive when I work with businesses where I can add value.

    Best part of your work:
    Partnering with clients to find bespoke solutions that make their businesses more simple and efficient, helping them to maximise their potential. I love seeing that “ahhh” moment when my clients are released from the pressure they’ve been feeling.

    Worst part of your work:
    Knowing when to stop, perfectionism, overthinking. When I am focused, in the flow and enjoying the work that I do, it’s hard to stop and leave it for another day. I love to make things just right for clients and I do tend to think about things….A LOT. As much as these are the worst parts, they also make me good at what I do so I can use them as my super powers as well!

    Clients you add most value to:
    The clients I add most value to are heart-centered entrepreneurs who care deeply about people and their values. I make an effort to embrace their company values and use them to inform my work. This allows us to connect on a deeper level and ensures my services align with what matters most to them. My goal is to support entrepreneurs who want to make a positive difference. By keeping people at the heart of what they do, and what I do, the magic happens.

    After work you’ll be:
    Before 7pm it is all about family time so it’s homework, family meals and, at the moment, building Lego. Once my small person is sleeping I will be relaxing on the sofa and planning our next family project or adventure.

    Why a franchise with The Passionate PA and not go it alone?
    With The Passionate PA, I get the best of both worlds – an established business model and the flexibility to manage my own clients, schedule, and priorities. This allows me to thrive as a business owner, parent, and family member. I can take advantage of Kate and the team’s expertise while maintaining autonomy over my workload in a way that enables work-life flow. I gain so much from this supportive team that empowers me to successfully run my business while never losing sight of my personal priorities and values.

    What did you do before:
    I worked for Sainsbury’s for 21 years, mostly in HR roles including store-based HR Management, HR Project Management and HR Change Management. My time at Sainsbury’s gave me the opportunity to partner with some exceptional business leaders across many disciplines; knowledge sharing, challenging and building an understanding of their motivation throughout. It has also given me a real passion for people and exceptional customer service.

    Favourite drink:
    Coke Zero. I don’t drink coffee, so it’s how I get my caffeine fix…As a parent of a 6-year-old boy I need all the help I can get!

    Favourite location for a business meeting:
    My new office! As well as anywhere that is light and airy with as much natural light as possible.

    What are you reading?
    At the moment, most of my reading is bedtime stories and school reading books. I do love all the books by Gavin Oattes though and plan to revisit some this year.

    Your guilty pleasure:
    Friday morning discos at home in the kitchen. It became a bit of a thing with my son in 2020 and it has carried on… we put a disco light on, turn the music up and have a good dance to some of our favourite songs, always starting with Friday by Riton x Nightcrawlers.

    Favourite hobby/past time:
    Does being outside count? I love being outside, especially with my family, enjoying our surroundings and making memories. So whether it is a walk, a day trip or a day at the beach that’s where I love to be.

    Most inspirational/influential person in your career:
    Alison Musselwhite. Alison has championed me throughout my career, coached me, encouraged me and sometimes just told me as it is. She guided me to take roles and projects that would give me the greatest opportunities to learn and grow as well as stretching me and pushing me outside of my comfort zone. Her approach to coaching, people management and development is inspirational and her ability to manage complex people issues is insightful. Alison’s generosity with her knowledge and experience has made such a difference to so many people and their careers including me.

    Favourite animal and why:
    I love all animals so it is hard to choose one favourite but I’d say giraffes because they are such beautiful and graceful creatures. They almost always appear calm and those big, beautiful lashes are just gorgeous! I was lucky enough to see some on a game reserve in South Africa – by lucky, I mean I planned and added a stop onto our Honeymoon just to see them – and it solidified their place as a firm favourite. I also love penguins, which was another stop I researched and planned so I could see them on the beach!

    Greatest contact/supplier that deserves a plug:
    Nathan Andrews of Okana Limited. What Nathan has and continues to achieve is inspirational. Nathan is exceptional in his field, constantly seeking new insights and professional development. He goes above and beyond to ensure that his work is of the highest standard. Not only all of that but he is an all round amazing person, generous with his time, care and enthusiasm.

    Your business plan for the coming year:
    Embed, Build and Grow – Embed the knowledge I have gained through my start up journey giving strong foundations for all future growth; Continue to build a strong local network to share insight, knowledge and experience; Grow my business by partnering with great clients demonstrating the exceptional value I can add.

    You can find out more about Steph by clicking here! Or, give her a call – she does love a natter!


    Further blogs from The Passionate PA: 

    Dictation is a dying art! Or is it?

    Dictation is a dying art, right? 

    WRONG. There is so much efficiency to be had in the work place if you, the business leader, can harness this skill. Whether you have a traditional PA, need to send a voice note to your strategic freelance partner (your Passionate PA 😉) or you actually just don’t fancy typing and want Microsoft Word to do the hard work for you, this skill is an efficiency game changer. 

    In today’s fast-paced business world, time is money so they say. Effective communication and efficient workflows are essential for success and everyone’s happiness.

    One valuable tool that often goes overlooked is dictation. By using dictation effectively, you and your teams can save time, increase productivity and streamline operations.

    In this blog, we’ll explore the top ten tips for mastering dictation and reaping the benefits it offers.

    Top 10 Tips for Effective Dictation: Boost Your Business Efficiency

    1. Choose the Right Tools: Invest in high-quality dictation tools and software. A good quality microphone and dictation software can make a world of difference in the accuracy and efficiency of your dictation. However, a modern smartphone can work just as well, as can a computer’s mic if you are dictating straight into Word or an app on there. 

    2. Set the Right Environment: Create a quiet and distraction-free environment for dictation. Noise-cancelling headphones can help eliminate background noise and improve the clarity of your dictation for the human or the machine that will be listening to it.

    3. Practice Regularly: Like any skill, dictation improves with practice. Spend time regularly dictating texts, emails or documents to build your confidence and accuracy. 

    4. Use Proper Pronunciation: Speak clearly and enunciate words properly. Avoid mumbling or speaking too fast, as this can lead to errors in transcription.

    5. Organise Your Thoughts: Before you start dictating, if it’s a long memo, organise your thoughts and plan what you want to say. This will make your dictation smoother and more coherent.

    6. Train Your Software/Human: Many dictation software programs allow you to train them to recognise your voice better. Take advantage of this feature to enhance accuracy. If you are working with a person, take time to discuss abbreviations and terminology you’ll be using. 

    7. Use Commands and Punctuation: Learn the commands and punctuation marks that work with your dictation software. This will allow you to control formatting and structure more effectively e.g. when a comma is needed, say so. When you need a new paragraph, make this clear. When you need a numbered list, start with “point 1 colon” (1:). 

    8. Keep a Backup: Always have a backup plan. If your dictation software fails or you lose the voice note you sent to your PA, how will you recover your thoughts? You can create automatic back ups for your voice notes using cloud storage like OneDrive and Dropbox.

    9. Edit and Proofread: While dictation can save time, it’s essential to edit and proofread your transcribed content. 
    1. Stay Updated: Keep your dictation software and hardware up to date. Manufacturers often release updates and improvements that can enhance your dictation experience.

    Effective dictation is a valuable skill for business owners looking to boost productivity and streamline their operations. By choosing the right tools, setting up a conducive environment, practicing regularly and following these ten tips, you can master dictation and enjoy the timesaving benefits it offers. Embrace dictation as a powerful tool and watch your business efficiency soar.

    Our Favourite Tools

    1. Apple Dictation
    2. Microsoft Word
    3. Voice Memos on iPhone
    4. Otter.AI
    5. Google Docs Voice Typing
    6. Nuance Dragon Anywhere

    Meet The Team

    Each of our Passionate PAs has an extensive skill set and varied business background. We are all business owners and come together as #TeamPassionatePA with a shared ethos; to make a difference to our clients’ lives through our unwavering motivation, striking efficiency and remarkable ability to simply ‘make things happen’.


    Further blogs from The Passionate PA: 

    Outsourcing is the effective management of weaknesses

    Successful leaders understand the importance of focusing on their strengths. But what about those tasks that fall outside your areas of expertise or interest? You know, the ones that drain your energy and detract from your core objectives?

    This is where outsourcing steps in as a strategic solution, allowing businesses (or more specifically, their owners) to effectively manage their weaknesses while maximising their strengths.

    At The Passionate PA, we believe that outsourcing is not merely a transactional process but a powerful tool for business growth and success. With over 15 years of experience in providing top-tier freelance executive-level support to entrepreneurs and ambitious business owners throughout the UK, we’ve seen first-hand the transformative impact that outsourcing can have on a company’s productivity, profitability and overall development.

    The Benefits of Outsourcing

    One of the key benefits of outsourcing lies in its ability to enable business leaders to focus on what they do best. By identifying and acknowledging areas of weakness, whether it be in administrative tasks, business development, marketing, event planning etc, leaders can free up valuable time and mental bandwidth to concentrate on strategic initiatives and core competencies. This not only enhances productivity and efficiency but also nurtures innovation and growth within the organisation.

    Outsourcing to experienced freelancers offers a level of expertise and flexibility that may not be available with in-house staff too. Our team of dedicated and commercially savvy people bring a wealth of business experience to the table, from strategic planning to project management, tender writing to preparing a business for sale. Unlike traditional employees, freelancers can be engaged on a project basis, providing businesses with the agility and scalability required to adapt to changing demands and market conditions.

    Another advantage of outsourcing is its cost-effectiveness. Instead of bearing the overhead costs associated with hiring full-time employees, businesses can leverage the services of freelance professionals and only pay for productive time. Whether it’s billing by the hour, day, or project, outsourcing allows for greater control over expenditure and resource allocation, ultimately leading to improved financial performance and profitability.

    But wait, there’s more…

    Perhaps the most compelling argument for outsourcing though lies in its ability to drive business growth and innovation. By entrusting tasks to experienced professionals, business leaders can tap into specialised skills and resources. This enables them to access new markets, pursue strategic partnerships and capitalise on emerging opportunities – all while maintaining a lean and agile organisational structure.

    At The Passionate PA, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing today’s business leaders. When our team members are working 121 with clients, they are committed to delivering exceptional work and being part of your success story. We partner with you every step of the way to help you achieve your goals and unlock your full potential.

    Think Strategically

    Outsourcing is not just about delegating tasks – it’s about strategically managing your weaknesses to drive business growth and success. By embracing outsourcing as a strategic tool, businesses can focus on their strengths, leverage specialised expertise and drive innovation, all while maximising efficiency and profitability.

    Ready to take your business to the next level? Start by taking a look at our free Delegation Tool. This will help you determine the work only you should be doing – allowing everything else to be delegated internally or outsourced to professionals like us.

    Together, we can turn your weaknesses into strengths and make your business goals a reality.

     

    Request your free Delegation Tool today to help you take control of your weaknesses. 

      Why not take a look at the people in our team too, just head on over to our Meet The PAs page to find out more about the skills and experience they could offer you. 

       


      Further blogs from The Passionate PA: 

      Getting to know Kara

      Kara Birrell is a commercially savvy problem solver with a true passion for profit. In all previous roles, she has been responsible for business operations and driving income and results. Grab a coffee and take a couple of moments to get to know her better. Kara joined The Passionate PA in August 2022 and is based in Southampton.

      Getting to know Kara

      Alarm goes off at:
      7am in the winter, 6am in the summer, all depends on the daylight available. I don’t really like walking my dogs in the dark, I can’t see the rabbits and deer that they could end up chasing!

      Start the day with:
      Cup of tea whilst catching up on emails and social media, then horsey chores and out for a dog walk.

      Where do you do most of your work?
      An ideal week comprises of 3 days in my clients’ offices or out and about with them, and the other 2 days working from home.  I like to work face to face with clients on ‘the shop floor’ to get a full picture of how their business works so I have a full understanding when I head back to work from home of what is needed to help them achieve their goals.

      What sectors do your clients operate within?
      A selection of creative and highly skilled sectors, as well as consultancy services too.

      Best part of your work:
      I treat all businesses that I work with as if they were my own.  I am passionate about helping turn clients’ passion into profit and I get a real buzz from assisting with a business’s growth, both in terms of turnover, but more importantly, their bottom line.

      Worst part of your work:
      Not being able to stop. I can be like a dog with a bone when I take on a new challenge, I won’t stop until I find a solution!

      Clients you add most value to:
      Sole traders whose passion turned into their growing business. Often these business owners are uber talented in what they do, but lack the time, or skills, to focus on the essentials in the background of their business. That’s where I come in to create really valuable partnerships.

      After work you’ll be:
      Walking my dogs or horse riding out in the New Forest with friends, which may include a stop at the ice cream van, pub, or both on a summer’s evening!

      Why a franchise with The Passionate PA and not go it alone?
      I have done similar work alone in the past, but I missed the camaraderie of working in a team. I have always been a people person and enjoy being able to share the highs and lows with understanding colleagues. It is also great to be part of a growing business and having the chance to learn all the time. When you work on your own, you can be guilty of becoming somewhat stagnant without having the drive to move with the times, which is essential in business.

      The Passionate PA really struck a cord with me with their similar ethos of wanting to go above and beyond expectations when it comes to helping businesses… but of course always with that commercial eye on our own operations too.

      What did you do before:
      I had a long career in hospitality, reaching the pinnacle at Head of Operations for a hotel chain. This career gave me a wide range of skills that are easily transferrable to all sectors. With hotels struggling to reach a mere 4% net profit, it has given me a real figure focused view on business, finding the fine line between making a healthy profit without losing the quality.

      Favourite drink:
      Bubbles, ideally a chilled bottle of Veuve Cliquot, but any Champagne or Prosecco is still good with me.

      Favourite location for a business meeting:
      Probably on the terrace at The Balmer Lawn Hotel. This is a hotel that I used to manage and one that I am still very fond of, plus it’s great to have the chance to catch up with some of my ex-colleagues whilst I am there.

      What are you reading?
      I struggle to read unless I have unlimited time to finish the book from the moment that I started it. This means that books are usually only a holiday treat for me, I almost read a full library during lockdown!

      Your guilty pleasure:
      Rock music. I have always had a very eclectic taste in music, anything from opera to hard rock. As I’ve got older, I seem to have become more of a rock chick, I love going to live music gigs, surrounded by fans that are more than half my age, with a fellow rock chick friend (not my partner, he really doesn’t share this guilty pleasure!).

      Favourite hobby/past time:
      Dog walking and horse riding, getting out in the beautiful New Forest. As much as house prices in the New Forest are somewhat out of my reach, this beautiful National Park is only a very short car drive away (I could actually walk there if I felt inclined!). I feel blessed to live where I do and take every opportunity that I can to be out there to enjoy it, rain or shine.

      Most inspirational/influential person in your career:
      I think this has to be a previous boss and hotel owner, Chris Wilson. He always seemed to have more faith in my capabilities than I had at the time. He always filled me with the confidence I needed to take on the many daily challenges I faced whilst managing his hotel.

      Although, I think that I may have now found a new ‘most inspirational person’ in Kate with her endless positivity.  I thought that this was a trait of mine, my glass is always half full (unless it’s a Champagne glass, then there is always room for a top up), but I think Kate may well challenge me on this!

      Favourite animal and why:
      It’s a close one between horses and dogs for me, but I think dogs win for the supply of the endless unconditional love that they offer. They are always so pleased to see you! Horses, on the other hand, are only really pleased to see you when you have a bucket of feed in your hand. I currently have 3 rescue dogs, 2 from Italy. I found one of them whilst on holiday and after a Prosecco or two, I made the crazy decision to bring her back to the UK, bearing in mind she was heavily pregnant at the time! That was a logistical challenge to say the least, but 3 months later she arrived on my doorstep, 4 of her puppies arrived a month later and now all have fabulous homes with my friends across the UK.

      Greatest contact/supplier that deserves a plug:
      Peter Holding, All Parties and Events. I have worked with Peter over the past 10+ years at different venues that I have managed. I have watched his business evolve into more than being just a DJ as he took on supplying photobooths, event AV and much more. He is always great to speak to for advice on all things music and lighting in all areas of events and properties. He has always been very generous in supplying his services free of charge for charity events, along with my birthday parties too!

      Your business plan for the coming year:
      To find a base of clients who have a real passion for their business, who would benefit from the addition of my ‘passion for profit’ to help their business thrive.

      You can find out more about Kara by clicking here! Or, give her a call – she does love a natter!


      Further blogs from The Passionate PA: 

      Boost Your Business with Strategic Freelance Support

      Strategic Freelance Business Support is more than you might expect. Far from being ‘just’ epic email management and diary organisation, the services we offer transform clients’ businesses.

      In this blog, Steph Taylor does some straight talking about the strategic business support she delivers to her clients after a 20+ year career in Human Resources and Change Management.

      FIND OUT ABOUT STEPH

      Boost Your Business with Strategic Freelance Support

      As an entrepreneur or executive, you need more than task completion from your freelance team members. You need strategic partners offering valuable expertise to accelerate your business growth. With over 20 years of HR leadership experience, I provide strategic skills along with hands-on operational support.

      My extensive HR background has refined my ability to understand people, processes and operations. I now use these skills to collaborate with clients, optimising their businesses and driving results. My experience helps me identify their most valuable assets – engaged employees and satisfied customers – to boost retention and loyalty of both. I also have proven change management expertise to guide teams through change (big or small) smoothly.

      In addition to strategic insights, I offer tactical support using project management, communication and organisational skills developed through a variety of HR leadership roles. I streamline processes to increase efficiency, I have strong analytical skills in gathering and interpreting data, and identifying actionable insights. My detail orientated mindset ensures clear, consistent policies, documents and procedures too.

      My analytical thinking and critical evaluation allow me to objectively assess current processes and initiatives, revealing performance gaps and opportunities. I then help design tailored interventions aligned with my clients’ organisations and target markets. My project management skills ensure initiatives stay on track and on budget.

      While I don’t offer formal HR services (there are plenty of companies that do that), I bring well-rounded expertise for value-driven support. My blend of people skills, analytical thinking, project management and passion for operational excellence is what my clients most value.

      I can advise on workforce strategies, evaluate candidates, design onboarding programs, and more. I can assist with leadership training and coaching to build management capabilities. I can provide guidance on strengthening culture and engagement.

      Operationally, I manage activities ranging from event coordination to streamlining everyday processes efficiently. I oversee special projects, gather and analyse data, manage communications between teams and customers, and keep initiatives progressing smoothly.

      Strategic freelance business support is the rocket fuel you need to take your business to the next level. Let’s discuss your plans. 

      You can find out more about Steph by clicking here!


      Further blogs from The Passionate PA: