Chilly toes, waking up early to defrost the windscreen, and leaving work to the already dark skies—these are just a few of the frustrations that come with winter. While it may not be the end of the world, it's all the little things. And despite the festivity and Christmas songs playing on the radio, staying motivated at this time of year can be challenging. I'm sure many of you can relate to me when I say this. At Miss MPS, we understand how important it is to maintain well-being, especially during the busy winter months. As virtual assistants, we support our clients by alleviating stress from overwhelming workloads and tight deadlines. We also help them take well-deserved breaks and spend time with loved ones. However, looking after ourselves while caring for others is just as essential. Here are my top tips for staying healthy and motivated this winter:
When most people think of administrative roles, they often assume it’s all about answering calls, scheduling meetings, and managing email correspondence—the so-called "big three." It’s no surprise that this has led to a widespread perception that administrative work is monotonous, repetitive, and predictable. Well, at Miss MPS, we’re here to set the record straight: nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, our days are filled with exciting, unpredictable tasks that keep us on our toes—and we LOVE it. For those of you who have read our previous blog post , where we detailed the thrilling experience of organizing the charter of a private yacht for one of our clients (yes, that actually happened!) you might already have a sense of just how closely we work with our clients to ensure their lives run smoothly outside of just their business. A Tail-Wagging Adventure: Helping Our Client Move to Ibiza with Her Fluffy Companion Speaking of management, let’s dive into one of our more recent tasks, which illustrates the kind of unique and varied requests we handle at Miss MPS. One of our clients, a busy entrepreneur, recently decided to make a big move to Ibiza. Along with her, she was bringing her adorable, four-legged friend—a fluffy bundle of joy who plays an important part in her life just like her business endeavours. Therefore our job was to ensure that the move was as seamless as possible for both her and her dog. Now, moving abroad can be stressful enough, but when you throw a pet into the mix, there are a ton of logistics to consider. We dove into researching pet-friendly airlines and travel rules to make sure her beloved dog could join her on the journey. We checked out different travel policies and found the best options, so her furry friend can travel comfortably and safely! All our client will have to do is to pack her bags—and maybe throw in a pair of extra sunglasses for her dog to wear on the sunny beaches of Ibiza! We’re Problem Solvers, Not Just Assistants At Miss MPS, we’re more than assistants—we’re the ultimate problem solvers. Whether it’s planning events, handling the difficult part of travelling such as logistics, or managing surprise tasks (like pet relocations!), we tackle everything with creativity and a smile. No two days are ever the same, and that’s what makes our work so fun. Why We Love What We Do We get to know our clients, help them live their best lives, and handle everything from the big stuff to the small details. It’s a mix of personal and professional, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Plus, who wouldn’t enjoy a job where one day, you’re organising a business meeting, and the next, you’re figuring out how to fly a dog to Ibiza in style? So, the next time someone tells you admin work is boring, send them our contact form . We’ll show them just how exciting and diverse our world is at Miss MPS!
Starting a small business can be very daunting, especially when other businesses in the same field are already established and continuing to grow with their current customer base, who clearly really like what they do. How do I compete and attract clients when they are the clear choice for new clients to go to? Well, believe it or not, the fact that they do stand out is what will aid you in developing a vital strategy that will differentiate your services and attract clients. Think of it as the student growing stronger than the master—except it’s a one-sided mentorship, as your competitors did not take you personally under their wing. We use a process called Competitor Analysis to research your competitors and, quite frankly, see what has worked for them and what hasn’t. Concerning our recent work, we conducted a competitor analysis on SUP board sellers for our client, comparing a wide range of companies and their insights to see what our client could add to their strategy. You can fill out our form to test your business today! So, what can I learn from my competitors? Strengths and Weaknesses: There is no better way to identify your own strengths and weaknesses than by examining your competitors and how they are perceived. Finding out things such as your competitor’s huge brand awareness or low prices isn’t supposed to deter you. By learning this, you can see what to include in your business strategy because, clearly, customers like this! Furthermore, the identified weaknesses can serve to help you understand where you might have an advantage, filling the gaps your competitors have left. These insights provide you with the opportunity to offer a more complete or improved solution to your audience. The Market You Operate In: Your competitors are a reflection of your market. By studying them, you gain a deeper understanding of who your target customers are, what motivates their decisions, and which trends are driving the industry. Do your competitors focus on premium pricing? Or do they win over customers with affordable rates and fast service? This kind of knowledge helps you position your own offering in a way that resonates with the current market demand. Spot Industry Trends: By researching competitors over time, you can spot emerging trends and shifts in consumer preferences. Do your competitors emphasise sustainable practices? Are they focusing more on digital platforms or offering unique payment options? These trends can serve as valuable opportunities to align your business with the direction the market is moving, ensuring you remain relevant and ahead of the curve. Future Business Strategies: Competitor analysis doesn’t just offer a snapshot of the current landscape; it helps predict future moves. Observing how businesses evolve their products, customer service approaches, or marketing strategies can offer hints about where the market is headed. This foresight allows you to stay agile and plan proactively instead of reactively. Conclusion: Using Research to Drive Your Success By including a well-structured research process, such as competitor analysis, in your business strategy, you stay informed and gain an advantage over your competition. Analysing what works and what doesn't in your industry helps you improve your offering and establish your own unique position. Research empowers you to innovate, improve, and, ultimately, outperform your competition. Whether capitalising on their weaknesses or adopting industry trends before they become mainstream, staying competitive is all about staying informed. Want to give your business a competitive edge? See our page on Competitor Research or contact us directly on our email and we’ll help you use the power of research today!