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Not For Publication…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...]
Where do YOUR lists come from?
I find it remarkable that organisations I look up to, or would otherwise have a respect for, resort to spamming people with their promotions. On many occasions I've asked (whether by email or by phone) how they got my address or number, and they stumble over the answer - usually because the people employed for that reason don't have any idea. But I push the issue as it's important to me. Usually the result is that they bought the list from someone - and that someone never had my permission to … [Read more...]
Are You A Stationery Junkie?
I am! Just can't help myself. Even as a child, I always loved starting each new year off at school with new exercise books to write in, or for my birthday or Christmas, receiving stationery notepads, with pretty images and fresh clean pages. To start a story in a brand new hardcovered book, writing in my best neat handwriting - there is nothing like it! I've always enjoyed writing and so I guess the freshness of a new book or writing pad, just adds to that enjoyment. Although these days my … [Read more...]
Not everything you read….
.... is correct. I use Google Alert to keep me informed of new articles being posted, or if something has been uploaded that might refer to my business. Tonight two separate articles were posted about Virtual Assistants and both had very different charge rates listed. The American Chronicle's 'Virtual Assistants Offer Economic Advantages To Business Owners' outlined the advantages of using a VA and listed one set of suggested expected rates to pay. And on the other hand Paid Surveys Free.com … [Read more...]
