At this time of year of seasonal celebrations there are going to be a renewal of old hoaxes with new ones thrown in. Before forwarding on emails that request you to give to a worthy cause, pass on an email to help find a missing child, or open a Christmas card or other card without really being sure who is sending it to you, then it's worthwhile first checking sources like the ones listed below. Many emails, particularly the 'worthy causes' ones play upon the good natures and minds of those … [Read more...]
How important is the?
A long term client recently asked me to set up a new website for him. He showed me examples of what he was looking for, sent me the copy for it, I researched royalty free images and set up the web hosting after registering the domain he requested. But when he started asking me when was I going to get the website up and timing was getting urgent I kept wondering why he couldn't see the site? I'd done the work, uploaded the new site and sent him the link. We went round in circles for a couple … [Read more...]
It pays to be cautious
I recently had a request on my website for some research to be done relating to photographs of people wearing jewellery and to report back to the client. One of my team queried that wondering just what the guy might have been up to - I suggested she investigate him to make sure he was a legitimate jeweller - he is and he just wants to be able to let his clients know who is seen wearing his jewellery. Her cautious approach was correct though and it is always best we check things if something … [Read more...]
Are You Becoming a Hermit?
I don't know about you, but I'm a homebody - I love being home and I am reluctant to go out. Many who know me will probably wonder if I'm speaking about the same 'Kathie Thomas' as I'm known to be sociable, outgoing, happy and good company (so I believe). But I assure you I am - speaking about the same person, that is. When I make the decision to go out and actually push myself to do it, I do enjoy myself and love meeting new people, but it is really easy to feel comfortable in my chair, and … [Read more...]
Start With What You Know
I was speaking to a prospective VA on the phone the other day. She had been researching the Virtual Assistant industry and my name kept popping up everywhere she looked. She is also an avid reader of my blog (hi Helen!). During the course of the conversation she said the same thing I often hear 'newbies' say and that is, they want to learn a number of things before they start their businesses. I decided to explore this further with her. Whilst it is true that VAs need to have a certain … [Read more...]
Planning to start your VA business in the New Year?
At this time of year it's traditional for people to start thinking about their plans for the New Year and the changes they want to make in their lives, and in particular, with the type of work or job they want. If you're one of those thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant, or perhaps you already are but feel there is information you are missing and need/want to get up to speed for the New Year, then my 10 week coaching course may be exactly what you need! I have a Christmas special for … [Read more...]
Getting closer to that 1,000th member!
Remember that post I made a couple of weeks ago? Well, we're getting much closer to the goal! And I promised that some lucky people would win prizes along the way. If the following people would like to get in touch saying they've seen this post, they will be forwarded their choice of book from my VA shop. Debie Brockhoff Sharyn Munro Emina Redzic Jan Bowdery Kerrie Anderson Stay tuned for more lucky prizewinners and that lucky 1,000th member! … [Read more...]
Friday Finds
My favourite RSS feed reader is Google Reader and I have it saved as one of my home pages in my browser. It allows me to read blog updates at times that suit me (like over breakfast for example) although I never fully keep up with them these days. I've subscribed to a lot and some have more than a few updates weekly - some several a day. The RSS feed is also useful for some of the chat forums I belong to as I can see what's been discussed without logging in and then I can choose to respond to … [Read more...]
Being a Virtual Assistant in these economic times
You would have had to have your head underground or off the planet, not to know what's been happening in recent times. And everyone's thoughts are about tightening their belts and wondering about their jobs or their businesses. In the VA forums discussions have turned to whether business is increasing or decreasing? Many have reported the former and it's been good to see this response. Why is this? A recent article at Farifax's SMH site talks about how support staff are usually the first … [Read more...]
