Need a helper but its complicated.

[anonymous-user]

Hey everyone,

This may be a long one so bear with me.

I have my own (relatively) succesful business. However I also have a moderate form of autism that makes certain aspects of managing said business difficult. For example, deadlines come and go and I have lost a few customers. In short I am appauling at organising things but deliver an awesome product. I even turn up at the wrong customers on the wrong day sometimes :/

I need someone to help with the day to day and social aspects (and managing both inwards and outwards) but if I start employing someone, it becomes a large financial liability as I dont really make enough to support two employees, esp with pension liabilities.

Does anyone know of any government assistance that is available. I believe they have some sort of scheme in Wales, but can't find anything equivilent in England.

Thanks

[anonymous-user]

Would a diary not solve your problem?

[Wacky Racer]

Badda said:

Would a diary not solve your problem?

This. I am a big believer in writing things down, even on post it notes.

[otherman]

You need a bit more than a helper. Someone who will add to the business and so pay their own salary. Sounds quite possible from what you say.

[Sheepshanks]

Move to Wales?

[anonymous-user]

Hey everyone,

Bit more complex than that. I dont do "people". Those i trust, I trust implicitly. Those I don't, I don't trust at all. The thought of planning drives me crazy.

Dealing with uncertainty is horific. I tend to avoid "issues" at all costs because I dont want to deal with them. In short it is a bit more than just planning. I don't do fine details. I have been known to turn in the wrong COUNTRY on occasion!

Somehow I make it work on a fundamental level ( I am really good in my field and producing my stuff ) but I am pretty much incapable of organisation/small picture/exacting details.

[anonymous-user]

Badda said:

Would a diary not solve your problem?

OP has a moderate form of autism. A diary won't be the issue.

[alfie2244]

Where abouts are you OP?

[The Moose]

What is it you do?

[elster]

Have you thought about a virtual PA that can help to manage your time and clients.

They can then set up alerts for deadlines and update your diary directly to your phone so you can see where and when you need to be somewhere.

[anonymous-user]

Hey all.

Last post before bed.

So as to the question of what I do. I dont want to get too much into specifics but I am engaged to opine on future industry directions in a specific technology area as well as current technologies and challenges within the sector (it is what my Aspie brain loves).

Obviously, not face to face but investigate, evaluate and report (with some influencing in social media, depending on client requirements). I do it well and most of my clients love me but I don't think I am being fair to them and secondly, there is massive room to take it to the next level, if I can get all this pulled togher.

It is the face to face, planning and management side I suck at. What seems normal to normal people doesnt work for me.

I am based Liverpool way.

[alfie2244]

ChocyLint1 said:

Hey all.

Last post before bed.

So as to the question of what I do. I dont want to get too much into specifics but I am engaged to opine on future industry directions in a specific technology area as well as current technologies and challenges within the sector (it is what my Aspie brain loves).

Obviously, not face to face but investigate, evaluate and report (with some influencing in social media, depending on client requirements). I do it well and most of my clients love me but I don't think I am being fair to them and secondly, there is massive room to take it to the next level, if I can get all this pulled togher.

It is the face to face, planning and management side I suck at. What seems normal to normal people doesnt work for me.

I am based Liverpool way.

I have an autistic stepson so can identify with you.....unfortunately I am too far away to offer assistance but you have my sincere best wishes and please keep us updated

[elanfan]

Where in the country are you? Maybe there’s someone thats between jobs that would like to lend a hand, maybe it would lead to employment if the role lead to greater turnover/success etc

[BoRED S2upid]

I’m still at a loss as to what you do or need. Sounds like more than just a PA. is it research type stuff? Writing long detailed reports that baffle most people? Is this an actual barrier that has lost you clients and contracts or a perceived obstacle?

[SydneyBridge]

do you have any family members (ie. someone that you know and trust) that could help for a few hours a week, sorting out your diary, travel arrangements etc, to leave you to do what you are good at?

[The Moose]

It sounds like you need a personal assistant directing your life as opposed to someone actually doing the work?

Someone who you rely on to give you directions (i.e. now go to Manchester and meet x, tomorrow you're flying to New York to do y etc).

[s2sol]

ChocyLint1 said:

I am based Liverpool way.

elanfan said:

Where in the country are you?

You're hired, elanfan!

[goingonholiday]

ChocyLint1, my wife provides business support services to small businesses. She does this on a b2b basis, she invoices each month based on hours worked.

She has multiple clients and undertakes a mixture of tasks, diary management, marketing, book keeping etc. She works with a range of clients including a barrister, property developer, restaurant owner etc.

Based in west yorkshire. pm me if you want a conversation with her.

[Gullwings]

Rather than start another thread , I wanted to ask if anyone on here uses virtual assistants, and can recommend a starting place?

I'm looking to outsource searching for new clients to pitch my products to, in the UK and Europe. It would be generating a list of shops/retailers, organised by area

Can anyone help?

[Simpo Two]

ChocyLint1 said:

It is the face to face, planning and management side I suck at. What seems normal to normal people doesnt work for me.

Rather than employing someone (who will simply add cost and probably not understand what you do) or asking the Government for help (if they were good at business they wouldn't be civil servants) how about applying yourself to learn the skills you lack? You're bright; maybe some application in the hard-to-do-areas might be the answer.