Last Updated on November 7, 2024
I love the term “Chief of Stuff.” It’s perfect when you need an assistant to handle administrative tasks and manage your schedule. Also, I use a virtual assistant to help me keep my business running smoothly. But what’s great about this job title is that it has no negative connotations — it’s just fun! And stuff gets done!
What is a Chief of Stuff?
Chief of Stuff is a job title that describes the many roles of virtual or remote assistants for small business clients. The term is a play on the phrase “chief of staff,” which refers to an executive officer in a military organization who acts as a deputy or assistant to the commanding officer.
While you don’t need to wear a uniform or carry an official rank with this job title, your role is similar to that of a chief of staff.
As Chief of Stuff for your small business clients, it’s your job to handle all administrative tasks that keep the place running smoothly: answering phones and emails, scheduling meetings, ordering supplies, looking after finances, taking care of human resources (HR) needs like payroll processing and benefits administration…you get it.
You do everything except make products or provide services (that’s what everyone else does).
Where Did the Term Originate?
“chief of stuff” was coined in a blog post called “The Chief of Stuff” in 2010. It’s an excellent resource if you consider using a virtual assistant to handle administrative tasks and other low-level work, such as email and phone calls.
Suppose you want to learn more about becoming the chief of stuff at your office or read some good writing; head over there now!
A Bit of Endearment and Fun!
The term is meant to be fun and highlight that virtual assistants “do everything.” I could have just as quickly said, “Chief of Everything.”
As the Chief of Stuff, you will be responsible for everything related to your business and the people you assist. This may include:
- Managing your calendar and appointments
- Organizing your email inbox or phone calls
- Creating and maintaining an online presence (website, social media accounts)
- Ordering office supplies
But it’s important to note that as a Chief of Stuff, you’re not just a glorified office manager; that is just one part of this job title.
As the job description states, you’ll also manage personal tasks like paying bills or doing laundry. And if you ever feel overwhelmed by how much is on your plate at any given time, don’t worry!
Your remote assistant will be happy to help with anything else they can think of—from picking up groceries after work to taking care of personal errands during their lunch break.
The Game-Changer!
Today, we have remote assistants, and it blows my mind that no one else talks about them with anywhere close to this kind of enthusiasm. This is because the term highlights that virtual assistants are doing everything—at least, everything you’re not staffed for.
They’re handling more than just your paperwork and basic HR tasks. Also, they help manage projects and ensure things run smoothly within your business. They’re also keeping track of important information, such as passwords, private notes about clients’ preferences, etc.
They often act as personal assistants when you need extra support with administrative work or meetings outside of regular business hours (and sometimes during).
In short, if someone were going to be promoted from an entry-level position into management at your company (or any company), they should probably take on some new responsibilities; if those responsibilities involve non-traditional management roles such as those mentioned above…well, then, by all means, call them “Chiefs of Stuff”!
The Catch-All Term…
A virtual assistant (VA) is a catch-all term for an independent contractor who will take care of your to-do list, appointments, paperwork, etc. They can help you with work or personal matters—whichever needs more help is fine.
A remote assistant is an independent contractor who will handle your to-do list, appointments, and paperwork. They can also help you with work or personal tasks—whichever requires more help is fine.
A virtual worker is like a secretary on steroids. They do everything from scheduling meetings to organizing your desk drawers. If you have any questions about social media marketing (like I did when I started), they will answer them so that you don’t need to worry about it anymore!
Hire a VA and Call Them Your Chief of Stuff!
If you’re looking for someone to handle administrative tasks for your business, consider hiring a virtual superstar and calling them the Chief of Stuff! Virtual assistants, or VAs, are a great way to get extra help with your business.
They’re trained in different skills and can usually be hired based on your needs. For example, if you’re looking for someone to handle administrative tasks for your business, consider hiring a remote assistant and calling them the Chief of Stuff!
Chief of Stuff: To Wrap Things Up
I hope this has helped you better understand the title of Chief of Stuff if you want to learn more about what virtual assistants do.
3 Key Takeaways
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“Chief of Stuff” is a more engaging title for a VA. The term, chief of stuff, is meant to be fun and emphasize the wide range of tasks VAs can handle, from managing schedules and emails to ordering office supplies and even personal errands.
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A Chief of Stuff goes beyond basic admin tasks. While managing calendars and emails is part of the job, Chiefs of Stuff can help with project management, information keeping, and even personal tasks outside work hours.
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“Chief of Stuff” is interchangeable with “virtual assistant” or “remote assistant.” These terms all refer to independent contractors who can help with business or personal tasks.