Are things as crazy for you as they have been for me this year? This particular week used to be fairly quiet but it seems that people are working right up to the Christmas weekend and not taking any time off. I noticed this afternoon high school kids in uniform walking in a group - probably from seeing a movie for their Christmas break-up or something - and heading back to school. There was a time when school was already closed by this time of the year. I've elected to go off duty between … [Read more...]
Keeping Good Company
Whenever you have a plan to do something, it is always good practice to hang around with those who have already succeeded in what you're planning to do. Something is bound to rub off - you will pick up good habits, successful practices, and positive thinking. There are several Proverbs that touch on this and one of my favourites says: "If you are in the company of those who are wise, you will gain wisdom." You will find this principle being taught in many of the direct marketing businesses, … [Read more...]
C’mon, it’s really easy, isn’t it?
Working from home as a VA that is. Periodically I get people coming up to me at an event saying they've been meaning to speak to me. They're looking for options to increase their income, or to replace income that is no longer there. They have a computer at home, used to be a secretary 20 or so years ago, and how hard can it be? They've heard I manage a team of virtual assistants and they want to join my team - can do they so? Quick questioning often reveals that they don't as yet have the … [Read more...]
‘Suitable’ or ‘Eligible’ to be a VA?
I was listening to someone speak recently about recruitment and how people who apply for jobs think they're suitable for a role, but would the employer actually think they're eligible? I had to think about that. 'Suitable', according to the Collins English Dictionary means 'appropriate, proper'. 'Eligible', according to the same dictionary means 'fit, worthy, or qualified'. How often do we hear about someone who has decided to become a VA because they have a computer, internet connection and … [Read more...]
Not For Publication…
... my home address that is. I've just had a phone call on my home number (which is separate from my business number these days) with a guy asking for me by name and asking if I had a business here. I told him yes, but I haven't used that number for about 3 years. He then proceeded to ask if he could check my details for a new business directory website being developed. New - but they have been given old information? No, that wasn't the case. Turned out they had only my personal name, my … [Read more...]
What’s on your Screensaver?
I was having a chat with a client yesterday and mentioned I'd recently won an Executive Portrait Package. I'd been planning to get a new photo done for sometime and now something was going to be done about it! But she was concerned it might be one of those promotions that draw you in to spend lots of money and that the photos might not be exactly what I had intended. I was able to assure her all was well but then related a story of photos I'd had taken for my first anniversary (gift of paper) … [Read more...]
The Business Mom’s Guide Book – New Book Now Out!
I was privileged to be asked to contribute to a new book which was launched recently in the US. The book is called "The Business Mom Guide Book" and it is filled with stories of 'moms' in different locations who have developed successful businesses at home. The book was put together by Terilee Harrison and I received some copies last week - they were long awaited! It's a well put together book, with easy to read snippets so you can read it in small chunks, as time permits, and covers all sorts … [Read more...]
They’re here, they’re there, they’re everywhere!
Articles on becoming a VA that is. I've noticed an explosion of articles on different publications promoting how 'easy' it is to become a VA. Have a computer, have internet connection and voila! You're a VA! If it were that easy, we'd all be doing it! :-) There also seems to be a growing number of courses to do, to learn how to become a VA and I encourage you, if you're planning to take this path, that you do your research and assure yourself that those providing the courses have got the … [Read more...]
Building a Reputation
My previous post about lists prompted a discussion amongst my team and one mentioned how she'd been approached to do a joint venture with a company, which all sounded very good, until she was asked to hand over her list so the other company could contact all those people. She refused and I can't blame her. My response was this: I've had clients ask me the same thing. It's interesting you know - I was in a discussion on another forum yesterday and one of the VAs there had been asked to do … [Read more...]
