Periodically I feel the need to touch on this subject. I see business coaches talking to other business people about this also. The importance of your mindset when running a business. As with any industry, it's not just about how well you do a particular thing, or how much you know about it, it is also about your ability to run a business, deal with people, and not quit when the going gets tough. Because it does get tough from time to time. I can't say it's ever been easy, but I can … [Read more...]
The Etiquette of Approaches
Recently I've had approaches from a couple of people asking me to participate in a survey. Now, there's nothing really strange about that, except that neither of these people identified who they are, what the survey actually is about, or why they were asking me. Simply, they sent a message asking me (almost demanding) to fill in a survey. Why should I? I know the internet makes people 'bolder' and they feel they can do or say anything they want because of the anonymity they've been given, … [Read more...]
Do they walk their talk?
If you're looking to become a Virtual Assistant, or perhaps you are already one, but looking to advance yourself further in the industry, then there will come a time when you seek further training, or a mentor, or even a network or two or more to join. Who you align yourself with, and learn from, is important. I encourage you to research the networks you choose to join, the training you decide to take, the person or people you wish to have as mentors. Do the leaders, owners, trainers, mentors … [Read more...]
Using a Virtual Assistant
Even though the Virtual Assistant industry is in its teens, there are still many business owner/operators out there who don't know how to use a VA or what a VA might be. Because there has been much written about it both online and in printed material, some of the information has been misconstrued or people get the information third party and it's not always accurate. Often it may be written by someone who doesn't work in the industry, but rather has shared their thoughts and ideas on what they … [Read more...]
Using a database
I was chatting to one of the members of my BNI chapter last week and during that conversation, I came to a realisation that not everyone understands what a database might consist of and how it can be used. In particular we'd been talking about his database and using Send Out Cards. He is interested in using the cards for his business but didn't know how he could use it in relation to the database program he is using. It was a program I'd not come across before. We'd also been talking about … [Read more...]
Be specific
This is probably a post directed more at clients, rather than VAs, but it is important for all to note. When responding to someone via email, make sure you address which parts of the email you are responding to. Just to explain. Someone emailed me asking to change something I was doing for them next Wednesday. So I emailed back asking did they mean Wednesday 15th or the following Wednesday 22nd? And then I added another question. The answer I got was 'yes'. huh? What part were they … [Read more...]
Graduate Sustainability Business Program
I'm delighted to let you know that I recently graduated after doing the Sustainability Business Program that the Yarra Ranges Council puts on for businesses in their region. This is a govt subsidised program so it has the backing of the Australian government. Why would I participate in such a program? Because I saw it as adding value to my business and alerting more people to the VA industry as a whole. While Virtual Assistants already know and understand the benefits of operating virtually … [Read more...]
IVAA Australia
With everything that's been going on in the past few months (AVAC, a holiday, my husband's accident and the list goes on) I've not been as active here as I normally would be and haven't been telling you everything that's been going on. IVAA has set up an Australian division to give Australian VAs a not-for-profit that has their industry at heart. As IVAA has already gone the rounds in the US with managing an NFP identity for our industry, they are well placed to do the same here. I am happy … [Read more...]
My absence
Apologies to my regular readers and others. My absence hasn't been intended and I know it's been an important time for our industry just in the past week with OIVAC and International VA Day. I was supposed to be involved. A couple of posts ago I shared that my husband had had a serious accident and is in hospital. He's not expected to return home for some weeks yet and will have ongoing physiotherapy and other rehab things happening for months to come. This has naturally drained me for the … [Read more...]
