For small business owners the run up to Christmas can be the most stressful.
Whether it’s your busiest period, or you’re just trying to fit everything into a short month, there’s a lot to do before New Year’s Eve.
Here are 6 ways a Virtual Admin Assistant can help over the festive period, so you can be ready to start the New Year with an orderly to-do list.
1. Send a Newsletter
Need to tell your customer about your last minute offers, latest news, or regular top tips? Your Virtual Assistant can send out a seasonal newsletter to your mailing list for you. Wish your clients a Happy Christmas and let them know your plans for next year.
2. Customer Service
The festive period can be hectic with increased customer enquiries when keeping up with service levels is at it’s most needed. A VA can reply to new enquiries, follow up on after-sales service, answer questions or help to manage sales.
Have you updated your Google My Business page or website with your Christmas and New Year opening hours? If you’re closing early or planning reduced hours, then make sure you tell your clients in advance.
2. Holiday research
Are you already thinking of next year’s holiday? Taking some downtime is critical to your wellness as a business owner. A VA can research and book flights, hotels, car hire, holiday childcare or plan your diary so you can fit in that short New Year break.
4. Debt Chasing
Still have a few outstanding payments due from earlier in the year? It can be a difficult conversation for some when invoices are going unpaid. Now’s the time to chase them, so all loose ends are tied up before the year-end. Your VA can help with sending out reminders or follow up with your clients further to avoid bad debts.
4. Office Management
How is your office at the end of the year? If it’s overflowing on your desk or your Inbox, maybe your office systems just aren’t working for you. We can help with organising, filing, scanning and archiving paperwork.
Do your digital systems talk to each other, or is it time to audit what apps and software you use to maximise their functionality for better use of your time?
A VA can review your processes, help streamline procedures and set up automations ready for
5. Planning for 2026
Are you ready to start planning your strategy for next year? 
Consistency is the key with marketing and having a strategy is what brings it all together. Your VA can help review your leads from last year, create a marketing calendar and assist with implementing your action plan.
Looking at reviewing your database, or ready to launch that new service or product. A Virtual Assistant can help you put those projects into action.
6. Get ahead!
Make a start getting next year’s calendar filled up. Setting reminders for meetings, seasonal marketing, trade fairs, expo’s, order deadlines so they can be scheduled into your online calendar.
A Virtual Assistant can help you start 2026 feeling supported, organised and ready to make it your best year yet!
Read more on our Stress-free Christmas Planning blog and contact us if you’d like to chat through how Cotswold Colleague can help this season.