Our Process
Contact UsHere’s our step-by-step process in a nutshell.
Step 1 - the learning phase
Book a free consultation
Let’s talk about where you are now and where you’d like to be. We’ll discuss the tasks you need to delegate (if you’re struggling to know, we can help with this), our hourly charges, how we can work together including regular updates and your preferred means of communication.
Step 2 - set the foundations
Sign contracts
We’ll send you our Terms & Conditions for your approval and review all the information we’ve gathered in order to match you with the best Virtual PA on our team. This will be based not only on their skill set and availability but most importantly their fit and capacity to build and grow with you over the long term.
Step 3 - The onboarding stage
Introduction to your nominated Virtual PA
In an ideal world we prefer to introduce our clients to their Virtual PA face-to-face, however, if you prefer to hit the ground running we’re happy to run with that too.
Step 4 - at last, you can delegate
Start handing over tasks
You’ll share your goals and your relationship well and truly kicks off. You agree with your Virtual PA what the priority tasks are and how you will delegate tasks and communicate with them. Don’t forget to take the time to integrate them into your team and ensure they feel part of it!
Step 5 - Time to focus
At last, you have time to focus on your priorities.
You now have someone in your corner to support you, bounce ideas off and perhaps most importantly keep you on track with all things logistical or anything else you chose to involve your Virtual PA in.
Step 6 - Guidance & AdVICE
We are here when you need us.
We remain at your service to offer guidance and/or advice as you continue to build and grow your business.
Liz Morrish
I met Sandy over fifteen years ago! It has been great to see Sandy establish and grow Elite PA Solutions over the last few years. In late 2018, when the CEFLEX initiative started to expand I realised we needed some additional support and turned to Sandy to see if she could help with finding us a Virtual PA to take over some of the administrative tasks which were taking us away from our responsibilities as project managers. The additional support of a Virtual PA has really made a difference to CEFLEX. The approach works well for us and having the additional support when needed has been beneficial.
Sandy quickly understood what additional support we needed in CEFLEX, even though the sector is not one she has worked in previously. She really matched our requirements to Fi’s skills and experience and has helped to provide a key team member for the CEFLEX initiative.
Project Manager, CEFLEX
Sue Mandelbaum
Sandy helped me shape a PowerPoint presentation for a new client. She made a dramatic difference to the quality of the presentation and did so quickly and efficiently. Having worked with Sandy before, at Spencer Stuart, I will have no hesitation in calling on her whenever I need EA help in the future.
I would recommend her without hesitation to anyone needing help in organising meetings or in producing the highest quality documentation.
Founder, Almond Tree Associates
Håkan Erixon
Sandy is my lifeline! The concept of VA – virtual assistant was unknown to me but since we started working together circa 6 years ago, I have not looked back.
I travel regularly and Sandy takes care of all my travel co-ordination, diary management and collating of quarterly expenses. This is the future of collaboration and assistance with the important details of your professional life!
Independent Director, London and Sweden
Francis Wilkin
I worked with Sandy at Spencer Stuart for a number of years. I have since been in touch with her regarding her new VA business.
She is one of the best EAs I have worked with: highly professional and diligent with a collegiate and warm style. She is 100% reliable. I would happily recommend her to anyone requiring the services of a VA, including clients of Stork & May.
Partner, Stork & May
Andrew Tallents
Sandy and I worked at the same firm, Spencer Stuart. When I approached her, I knew I did not want to take on a permanent member of staff as my workload is variable throughout the year, what I needed was a flexible resource that could support me throughout the year. I gained advice from someone who started their own business a few years before me that advice was – you need to focus on what you are good at and outsource everything else. This is hard to do when you first setup your new business, but I would recommend others to try a Virtual PA for one month to see the value that you gain from working with the right person to support you. The cost will be variable as you become busier and you will have the comfort of knowing your clients are in good hands when you eventually take your first holiday!
Sandy listened to what I needed and very quickly introduced me to one of her team. She had worked in a leadership services business before and was used to speaking with senior executives. It was important that I could trust my PA to act on my behalf on a day to day basis once they understood how I liked to work and what my clients needed. We met face-to-face in London before we kicked off our working relationship. As soon as we met, I felt confident that she would be able to look after my clients and more importantly me!
Andrew Tallents, The Tallents Partnership
Jonathan Moulton
Sandy was my Executive Assistant for circa two years between 2014-June 2016. During this time she played a key role in helping to grow my Executive Search practice. Sandy took the lead on scheduling client/candidate calls and face-to-face meetings, this included travel arrangements for numerous candidates flying across continents and between time zones to meet our clients. Her project management skills were fantastic. She was the lynch pin when it came to co-ordinating extensive itineraries for myself and my business partner Ken on business development trips, on a quarterly basis to the US. She truly was invaluable to the business, always cheerful, efficient and totally reliable. Sandy was great at dealing with our clients and was always one step ahead of the game, pre-empting what was required.
Sadly, we agreed to part ways in June this year as we required a full-time resource to manage the ever increasing workload, a role she was unable to commit to given her desire to continue to build her virtual PA business.
Managing Partner Search, Momenta Partners (former client)
Bernard Perry
Elite PA Solutions has been providing a high standard of Virtual PA support to TRANSEARCH for over five years. Sandy fully understands the nature of the business that we are involved in. It was helpful that we were already known to each other and she had some insights into my personality, working style and shared values.
Most importantly, Sandy has a thorough understanding of top-level international executive search and the project/ process-driven nature of what we do – characterised by high levels of professionalism, communication and discretion.
She fully appreciates the type and calibre of individual that is best suited to support a business like ours. Sandy has a knack of perfect people-matching!
Managing Partner, Transearch UK
Sue Hindmarch Erixon
I worked closely with Sandy for 10 years at Spencer Stuart and highly recommend her. She is a professional and efficient Executive Assistant who works with diligence and integrity in whatever she does, whether it’s managing clients, project managing, diary management or document production.
She is thoughtful about what she does, and her open and helpful style make her a joy to work with. Nothing is too much trouble and she always has a smile and can-do attitude. Having experienced Sandy working as an EA I would have no hesitation in recommending her as a VA.
Career & Leadership Coach, Hindmarch Consulting
Catherine Wall
In addition to four board roles, one pro bono role, and some mentoring I have two homes to organise and until recently, my elderly parents to assist.
Sandy helps me with all of this and is unfailingly effective and professional. I was reluctant to have a PA unless they were going to be really top quality, but once I found Sandy, the decision was easy.
Chairman & Non Executive Director
Christina Campbell
I worked with Sandy for around 10 years at Spencer Stuart, up until 2009 when I left. She was a joy to work with, always diligent, professional and good fun. She is very well organised, strong on project management, and people-oriented – she handled clients and candidates at the most senior levels with great care and discretion.
If I had the opportunity, I would hire her, as she is one of the best EAs I have worked with anywhere.
Careers Advisor, Coach and Executive Outplacement Consultant