As the economy slowly recovers from one of the country’s worst recessions,

special attention is being placed on the "self-employed" American. This was

prevalent when the President of the United States addressed a joint session of Congress

this past September and unveiled plans that would make it "easier" for

entrepreneurs to hire people. However, are the self-employed ready to take on

the challenge of fixing our jobless rate? Those small companies that made it

through the recession learned to run leaner businesses and hire smarter. Many small

businesses today consist of a one-man show. They learned how to use technology to

transform the role of the personal assistant & receptionist.

By the end of 2009, employer businesses generated 1.2 million fewer positions

when compared to a previous peak in small-business job creation in 2005. About

56% of the entrepreneurs who incorporate their businesses for tax and liability

purposes had paid staff in 2005; 44% of them had between one and four

workers, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics survey. Today, small

business owners have the opportunity to hire the same call centers that answer

for Fortune 500 companies for about one-third the cost of having a full time

receptionist in their office. And the good call centers; offer 24 hours, 7 days a

week coverage, even on weekend and holidays. Unlike paid staff, a virtual

receptionist will not call out sick, take vacation or personal days. A small

business with only two employees cannot afford to lose someone for 7 days

while they take a vacation.

Small companies employ about half the private-sector labor force, according to

studies at Case Western Reserve University. Efficient business owners have

learned the hard way not to take employees for granted. If they can afford to hire

staff for their office, the last thing they want is for him/her to sit around waiting for

the phone to ring while surfing the web most of the day. A small business can

now have a virtual receptionist who can screen and route their calls. And instead

of having to call the office and listen to voicemail messages, their messages are

instantly sent by text to cell phone or emailed. A small business owner who

does decide to hire staff is now free to hire someone who will help his/her

business develop and grow. Rather than hire someone to sit and screen their

calls from telemarketers.

It appears the self-employed are ready to help the jobless rate, but not by

returning to the norm. Although, a small business cannot afford to look too small,

especially if they are going after big business, they are definitely going to make

wiser decisions. They understand the perception and value of having a

courteous and warm voice greet their clients, instead of an automated recording.

However, a virtual receptionist answering, screening and routing their calls from

Virginia or Florida assures them of achieving that perception. Allowing them the

time to manage their in-house staff efficiently and using them to properly help in

the operation, development and growth of their company.