Dear Gritty VA: I understand the need and benefit of having a target market. I totally get that. My problem is I don’t know how to choose one? Do you have any suggestions? –SL There really isn’t a formula or scientific way to choose a target market. Ultimately, it comes down to just deciding: choosing a place to start and moving forward from there. Lots of Virtual Assistants start with a target market they are familiar and/or have experience with. Perhaps you worked in a certain industry before you started your business and therefore know what that industry is…
-
The Gritty Virtual Assistant | THE Virtual Assistant Expert
-
Dear Gritty VA: How Do I Find My Target Market?
1 Jul 2009 | 10:00 am -
Put It on Auto-Pilot
29 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pmHere’s an article published today in “The Portable Business™.” If you’d like to subscribe, go here: So much to do, so little time to do it. That’s business, right? We could work 24 hours a day if we let ourselves. There’s always something else to do. But what if you’re looking to see more of life beyond your computer screen? Then it’s time to automate and streamline a few things… 1. Use your calendar. Schedule all that can be scheduled. Don’t take meetings on the fly. Follow a basic routine and honor the boundaries you’ve set for your time… -
Dear Gritty VA: Virtual Assistant Growing Pains
24 Jun 2009 | 10:00 amDear Gritty VA: I wanted to know your advice on growing. I am just on the verge of maybe needing help. Do I hire another Virtual Assistant with her own company, hire an employee, or bring in a partner? I just don’t know. I feel like hiring is taking me out of the Virtual Assistant industry that I hold so near and dear to my heart. Also, do you have advice on how to select a person to bring into your business. I have had some offers from people, but they are not familiar with the industry. Not sure if this is a good or bad thing. Could be good to teach someone from ground zero,… -
Being Solo Doesn’t Mean Doing It Alone
23 Jun 2009 | 10:00 am(This post was originally published May 21, 2008, but I thought it was a timely subject for those who are confused about the topic.) I read an article today in one of the newsletters I keep up with that talked about the myth of being a successful solopreneur by bootstrapping. This is a topic I have been intending to write on myself so it came at the right time and got me in gear. Virtual Assistance is inherently a solo-based business model due to the close, collaborative relationship the concept is based on. But running a solo business does NOT mean doing everything yourself. By no means at… -
Regularity is Necessary to the Relationship
22 Jun 2009 | 10:55 amHere’s an article published today in “The Portable Business™.” If you’d like to subscribe, go here: One of the great things about working with a Virtual Assistant is that her (or his) interest is in supporting your business as a whole, the idea being that in understanding how your business runs, what your goals and objectives are, she/he can get work done with the bigger picture of your business in mind. Why is that helpful to you? Because ongoing work and projects can then be completed so that they fit just a bit better, make more sense, make workflows more seamless, systems more…
-
ProVirtual Solutions - Mary Motz
-
Save until June 30th on Personalized Tech Coaching Sessions
27 Jun 2009 | 8:25 pmJust a quick reminder that there’s only a few days left to save up to $75 on my new Personalized Technology Coaching service. The special introductory rates expire on June 30th. Personalized Technology Coaching allows you to get the answers you need now to your virtual office, technical support and website-related questions. Schedule a time of your choosing, and fill that time asking as many questions as you want about any tech-related resource question you like… how-tos, demos, training, and if needed, even remote support (where I can directly access your PC) are included. … -
June 25th: The Emergence of the Product Launch Manager with Craig Cannings
20 Jun 2009 | 12:00 pmThe Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants Association (DVVAA) is hosting a special teleseminar event with Craig Cannings, founder of VA Classroom. The topic: The Emergence of the Product Launch Manager: Many virtual professionals are currently working with clients who are launching new web products (ie ebooks, coaching series, software products) on a regular basis. In this important teleseminar, we will uncover the key steps required to successfully launch a product online. This will not only be helpful as you support your client’s product launches, but will also give you the framework… -
Don’t Call Me Liz – A Cautionary Tale About EMail Anger
20 Jun 2009 | 9:27 amAnyone who uses email on a regular basis (or like me, depends on it as I do oxygen & water), has had the experience of being misunderstood in a message. I try to take the time whenever possible to carefully craft my wording so I am not only understood clearly, but also understood in the correct emotional context. In that effort, I’m very guilty of being a profligate user of emoticons (they work) despite the fact that they can be annoying and sometimes, a bit juvenile. ;-P I’m guessing emoticons may not have helped Elizabeth Becton. Elizabeth (and you had better call her… -
June 24th: A Free One-Hour, Two-Part, Lead-Generating Webinar Presentation…
19 Jun 2009 | 6:10 amDon’t miss this complimentary one-hour, two-part, lead-generating webinar presentation! Part I: Turning Contacts into Sales with Carla Wilson: Contacts don’t magically turn into sales – it takes some organization! Learn how to organize your database and marketing to increase your conversion rates and make more sales! Longtime Executive Assistant and business owner, Carla Wilson, will share her 3 Secrets for Turning Contacts into Sales! Part II: Social Media 101 with Mary Motz: Ever wonder what the fuss is about social media – and how it can help your business? Join… -
New Service: Personalized Technology Coaching
16 Jun 2009 | 7:18 pmCoaches, Virtual Assistants and other Solopreneurs often struggle with a variety of technology and resource issues – especially in the startup phase of their businesses. With a multitude of options available for everything from websites to IP phone services… shopping cart systems to domain names, the blizzard of options and choices can be confusing at best.. and costly at worst. You want the best resources for your business, but how do you know what’s good advice and what’s just hype? After 7 years in my business, I’ve answered a multitude of questions from clients simply looking…
-
Partnering With a Virtual Assistant
-
A Legacy By Chance or Choice
2 Jul 2009 | 9:00 amIt’s only been a few days since two entertainment icons from my youth died. Farrah Fawcett known for tv and films and Michael Jackson known for his music and dance. Much talk about their respective legacies has been covered in the media. Analysis of their career choices and their respective impacts can be found in bits of media everywhere. Farrah’s legacy was summed up “as a strong woman who looked fear in the face, who demonstrated great courage, and who always knew what she wanted regardless of whether it was the popular choice or understood by others.” Michael’s legacy was… -
Janet Janowiak of Ezone Secretary
1 Jul 2009 | 12:06 pmCongratulations to Janet Janowiak of Ezone Secretary, who is the recipient of this week’s VAccolade Business Entrepreneur Award. Janet is a virtual assistant living in Waterford, WI. She offers services such as bookkeeping, contact management, payroll and human resources. She has been a valued member of VAnetworking since 3/6/2007. -
8 List-Building Tips To Give to Your Virtual Assistant
25 Jun 2009 | 9:00 amThere’s no point in putting out a great newsletter if you don’t have a list of people to send it to. Building your list is an ongoing process, and here are a few ways to get your Virtual Assistant started doing this for your business: 1. Provide a free gift, an e-course, a special report, an e-book, or a tip sheet. Nowadays people aren’t going to hand over their email without getting something else valuable in return. Your virtual assistant can set up your autoresponder (aweber) or shopping cart program (1shoppingcart) to deliver this gift once a visitor has… -
Hire a Virtual Assistant Private Investigator for Twitter Success
23 Jun 2009 | 9:00 amIf you were around in the 80’s you might remember Tom Selleck in Magnum, PI, the cool, calm and collected private investigator who collected all the facts, uncovered the clues and solved the mysteries. Well I like to think of Virtual Assistants as the Magnum PI’s of the internet marketing world delving behind the scenes to find new tools that can enhance the way you market on the web. Does the analogy fit? Read on and find examples of how a Virtual Assistant can enhance your Twitter marketing and more. A Twitter Newbie: So you’ve finally made it to Twitter but you’d… -
Public Service Announcement: Virtual Assistants Really Hate it When …
18 Jun 2009 | 10:35 amI’ve got a peeve with some of you prospective VA clients out there and I need to get it off my chest. Please forgive me in advance if I offend, because truly, it’s not my intention to do so. My only goal here is increased awareness of an issue that, in my mind, hurts all business people in the end. Here goes: For the love of Virtual Assistance, Do your homework before you ask for a quote! What do I mean by “homework?” Well, if you want to avoid royally pissing off the next Virtual Assistant you contact for a quotation, read the following detailed instructions and take…
-
Virtual Regeneration
-
Speaking at the VA Networking Seminar Series
22 Jun 2009 | 5:58 amI am very excited to announce that I will be one of the featured speakers at the first ever VA Networking Seminar Series. Come on over and check us out - VAvirtuosos Seminar Series 2009 -
The Three Ps of Time Management
12 Jan 2009 | 8:31 amAlbert Einstein cleverly explained that “the only reason for time is so that things don’t happen all at once.” You may be thinking, “Clearly he didn’t know how things go at my office.” Actually, Einstein’s genius for creating universal theories does work in that comment as well. While you may think that by multi-tasking you can extend your time, what often happens is that you make careless errors and forget important tasks. The brain can only manage so much, no matter how many minutes pass on the clock. You can use time, plan time and manage time but you can’t stretch time. -
Merry Christmas from Our Family to Yours
24 Dec 2008 | 4:00 am -
Dear Kids....
8 Oct 2008 | 12:04 pmReceived this in an email today, and just had to share..... Dear Kids, Don't be alarmed- the world isn't coming to an end. I am simply taking a bath. It will take about thirty minutes and will involve soap and water. Yes, I know how to swim. Even if I didn't, forcing myself to drown in a half-inch of lukewarm water is more work than I've got energy for. (Which reminds me, I'm all for science projects, but the next time you want to see if Play-Doh floats, use cold water.) Don't panic if I'm not out right on time. I've heard that people don't… -
Abbott & Costello on Computers
30 Sep 2008 | 6:35 amMy Father-in-Law sent this to me today. I hope it makes you laugh as much as it did me. Abbott & Costello on Computers ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den, and I'm thinking about buying a computer.ABBOTT: Mac?COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.ABBOTT: Your computer?COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.ABBOTT: Mac?COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou. ABBOTT: What about Windows? COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here? ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows? COSTELLO: I…
-
Virtual Assistant Forums
-
I have writers block for my website
2 Jul 2009 | 7:25 pmand my poor website has been "under construction" for several months. Seriously, someone push me off the ledge. I become so overwhelmed on content and writing the correct words that nothing happens. I have never had a lack of words from my mouth how come the website is so intimidating? Suggestions? diana -
Question Transcription Software
2 Jul 2009 | 4:23 pmHello! Is Express Scribe easy to use? If I secure a client that wants transcription work done would I be able to figure out how to use the software? Thanks, Beth -
Office Equipment and Great Finds
2 Jul 2009 | 12:52 pmSo as I was browsing Craig's List one day, I came across this ad in the "Free" section. When I looked at it my jaw hit the floor!:yikes: There was a guy in a neighboring city who was giving away a Xerox Document Centre 230ST because it didn't work, and his wife wanted him to get rid of it. Being the computer and electronics geek that I am, I immediately shot him an email. I got the unit, brought it home, and within an hour had it fixed! I am now the proud owner of a very expensive piece of equipment, and I got it for FREE! This thing does everything but kiss me goodnight... copies,… -
Question Looking for an Automatic Payment Processing Solution
2 Jul 2009 | 10:16 amI have one client who has been with me for over 2 years. She's gotten busy lately and has been paying me late....not real late, but a few days but no more than a week. I don't believe it to be intentional but it seems to becoming a problem. We've been using PayPal. As my hours have increased with her, the PP fees have as well so I'm looking for alternate solutions but I'm willing to continue with the fees if getting paid could be made easier. She's asked me for automatic payments. She wants me to bill her and then process the payment myself. She doesn't have a PP account but I send her… -
Hello from Michigan
2 Jul 2009 | 10:14 amHello all, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Kristen Smith. I am married and a mother of 3 wonderful children. I started my VA business in October of 2008. I started my business with Realtors in mind. I have 3+ years as a Real Estate Assistant and 11 years of administrative/office management experience and have always had a passion for Real Estate. I look forward to reading ALL the information this site has to offer as well as posting what I have learned as I grow as a VA. Since I am just starting out this will help me tremendously.
-
Discussion Forum - FindVirtual.com
-
The VIVA Conference 2009
The first ever Australian VA Conference is being organised to be held on the Gold Coast on the 1 & 2 October, 2009. If you are interested in learning more go to their website at: http://www.thevivaconference.com and sign up for their newsletter. -
Screen Recording Software
Could someone suggest a software that's reasonable in price for screen recording. The recording is so I can do online tutorials/webinars. You're welcome to leave a suggestion here. -
Is There A Manual On Life, Love, And Loss??
Who ever comes up with this manual will be a billionaire and a genius in my eyes. Life is so tricky...so many twists, turns, heartaches, vibrant experiences. I would NEVER in a million years give up one experience in my life regardless how tough it was. Yes, terrible things happened to me when I was younger. People were mean, an abusive past, things didn't work out as planned, But, it has made me into the Strong, Loving woman I am. You receive the standard advice from friends, loved ones and even strangers. Each and everyone is like a little Angel on your shoulder. Willing to share their… -
Are Homemaker's Capable Of Working?
Are Homemaker's Capable Of Working? You are venturing out into the work force, researching the available jobs, hitting the pavement, and filling out those applications. The interviews follow with the same tedious questions that make you wonder, 'just how difficult do they think their job is? Have they EVER raised children?' Yes, the interview will contain the same mundane questions that have you laughing inwardly. Are you able to multi-task? How are you under pressure? Are you Bilingual? Do you handle confrontations well? How would you rate your negotiation skills? How would you handle angry… -
VA Specializing in Affiliate Marketing
I'm in search for a virtual assistant who is an active affiliate marketer. If you are one and feel you've been successful please email and I will be in contact with you to find out what training resources you would recommend.
-
blog.looseends.net
-
WordPress 2.8 update only took me 24 hours!
24 Jun 2009 | 5:10 pmThe last time I updated my WP installation, it was quick & easy and smooth sailing… for about a month, when Loosely Speaking magically crashed on the morning of my birthday. It then took a month, much trial and error, help from some great colleagues, one very amazing tech support person at my host company, and ultimate restoring of my original version (2.6) to get back online. I know, WP experts will advise me that it wasn’t magic but rather misbehavior of a dormant plugin or something else I did or misjudged. And I acknowledge that: remember, I blog for the pleasure of… -
11 Halos – part 4
22 Jun 2009 | 8:27 amThe first wave of the 2009 Angels rookie class flew into Orem on Saturday evening. More will be arriving throughout the summer as they agree to terms with the organization. They visited the clubhouse (he’ll wear #39, same number he wore at the University of Arizona), and started filling out information for promotion videos and bio for the Orem Owlz Web site. We discovered that all their games are broadcast free online, so that’s how we’ll spend our summer evenings. Today they’ll meet their host families (Yeah! With only two duffles full of worldly goods, an apartment… -
11 Halos – Part 3 (reporting & fans)
19 Jun 2009 | 4:19 pmToday, he drove to Tempe, to the Angels Tempe Diablo Stadium to report. Received equipment, signed up for his new insurance program (yeah!), had a physical and a workout. Then checked into hotel until tomorrow’s departure to Orem. Making my rounds at Friday garage sales, the first text of the morning included a picture of his batting helmet and locker. I didn’t cry when he left two hours earlier, but when I saw that helmet, I had a mom moment (tears). Then, the fans. Dillon’s niece, Tessa, was on her first-ever trip to Disneyland when her family learned Dillon had signed. -
11 Halos – Part 2 (signing day)
18 Jun 2009 | 8:46 pmJust back from meeting with Angels scout, John Gracio. Contract and rookie league explained. He heads to Tempe in the morning for physical and workout. Then gets his uniform and a plane ticket to head up to Orem, Utah on Sunday. He’ll be playing until the beginning of September, games every day with about four days off over the course of the summer. (No wonder they are called the “boys of summer.”) All our questions were answered. And he signed. And became a professional baseball player. More later… -
More VA Training Options
18 Jun 2009 | 5:44 pmNina Feldman, Nina Feldman Connections, and I have talked often in recent months about the need to identify quality training options for Virtual Assistants at various points in their careers. Having been in the VA industry for many years, Nina and I agree it’s the responsibility of veterans in the field to help others find the professional development options that they require. Certainly, training options abound, and here’s a link to some. Many of these target new VAs rather than experienced professionals looking to expand their skills into new or build their existing competencies…
-
virtual-assistant « WordPress.com Tag Feed
-
7 Fundamentals To Building Sales
2 Jul 2009 | 2:07 pmAre you doing these 7 things to build your sales? Building a rapport with your prospects: You can close a sale unless you have taken the time and done the work needed to build a rapport. This is where trust is built and fostered. Find your prospects need: Recognize how your product or service will greatly benefit them and turn it from a “want” to a “NEED”! Build Value: Always show the added value of your service or product to your prospects. Create desire: Overcome Objection: Let’s face it. You know why your prospects are going to say no to you. … -
Wise Entrepreneurs Have A Business Plan
2 Jul 2009 | 1:03 pmStarting on a business plan can seem like a daunting task and then you have to get the motivation to get started. But once you get going you’ll find that writing the plan is not as tough as it seems. For a wise entrepreneur, having a business plan one major step in the right direction. Business planning is usually conducted when starting a new organization or a new major venture, for example, new product, service or program. Essentially, a business plan is a combination of a marketing plan, strategic plan, operational/management plan and a financial plan. The planning process is the… -
Virtual Assistant: Bing Includes Twitter Posts In Search Results
2 Jul 2009 | 6:51 amThere’s a growing fascination with the so called “real-time Web,” with Google, Facebook, and Twitter all reportedly working on major changes to their search tools that leverage status updates and tweets to do a better job of indexing the Web. But Microsoft’s Bing has beaten them all to the punch – at least in being able to say they include Tweets side-by-side with Web search results. The implementation actually isn’t very exciting. Essentially, all Bing is doing is showing recent tweets from well-known people, and only when you search for that person’s name and Twitter in the… -
Virtual Assistants and Clients Must Develop Communication Lines
1 Jul 2009 | 8:08 pmOh come on..that won’t work! At least not here. I meant to get your attention, whether you b -
Stake Your Claim In The Social Media Gold Rush
1 Jul 2009 | 6:39 pmAre you ready for the New Gold Rush? The Social Media chatter has been out there, quietly building, but it’s becoming a roar and getting louder every day. Unless you’ve recently been off of the planet, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, are likely in your stream of consciousness. You’ve probably seen it mentioned on the news, and possibly have even attended a workshop on Social Media, but still you wonder, “What’s the big deal”? The big deal is that 75% of internet users in 2008 were involved in some aspect of Social Networking. Social Media Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are…
-
Virtual Assistant - THE Blog About Our Industry
-
VATrainer Student Interview
2 Jul 2009 | 2:45 pmI thought I would introduce you to some of those who have undertaken my VATrainer course to become Virtual Assistants and run their own businesses. This is an online course that runs over a 10 week period and has been available online for a couple of years now. I have been pleased to see the number of students that have come through and the quality of work they have produced throughout their course. The first is Kellie and in her words, here is what she felt about the course: 1. What made you decide to take the VATrainer.com course and how did you find it? I wanted to work from home so…
-
Virtual Buzz Assistant
-
Virtual Assistant Pricing
24 Jun 2009 | 10:54 amOne of the most difficult things for any business person to do is to price your products and services accurately. You do not want to price your virtual assistant services too low, and miss out on bigger profits. You do not want to price your virtaul assistant services too high, and have trouble finding clients. Here are some [...] -
Guest Post: Anatomy of Social Media Marketing Success
23 Jun 2009 | 12:23 pmThis article is a guest post by Crystal Thies - Visit Her blog Here Many people often ask me exactly how does social media/virtual marketing work? Why is everyone saying it’s so great? It made me realize that I needed to sit down and diagram it out to make it easier to understand. The diagram below [...] -
Internet Marketing - Time is not on your side
1 Jun 2009 | 6:17 amIf you are trying to build an Internet Marketing business, you can spend a year of two doing everything yourself and eventually get to a comfortable place where your income can support you. Or, you can understand that time is very important and you can focus on your highest values, and outsource Internet marketing activities to [...] -
Freelance Web Writer
26 May 2009 | 12:01 pmIs a virtual assistant the same thing as a freelance web writer? Probably no, but maybe. When you decide it is time to hire a web writer, you need to think about what kind of writer you need. The fact that it is on the web may or may not be important. A freelance web writer might be [...] -
Make Money as a Virtual Assistant
18 May 2009 | 1:41 pmIf you want to make money as a virtual assistant, you have to consider a few things. One - what skills do you bring to the table and who needs assistance with those skills? Two - Do enough people need help with that set of tasks? We chose to specialize in helping people become Virtual Marketing Assistants because [...]
-
Melodee's Virtual Assistant Blog
-
Vanessa Andruz - Virtual E-book Tour
25 Jun 2009 | 1:57 pmI talked with Vanessa Andruz, a Virtual Assistant colleague of mine, about her e-book series in an earlier post. “The Adventures of Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant” series chronicles Vanessa’s journey from an Executive Assistant at the SafeRight Insurance company to the successful owner of her own Virtual Assistance company. Not only do you get great information on starting your own home-based business and tons of resource links for your own research, you also get to know Vanessa’s family and friends. It’s an amazing “how-to” manual mixed with a… -
Organizing Your Life, Your Way! E-book
17 Jun 2009 | 4:54 pmVirtual Assistant Janet Barclay of Organized Assistant is a qualified Myers-Briggs Type Indicator practitioner. She used her knowledge of Personality Type analysis, statistics from two surveys, as well as data collected from her workshops to compile the information provided in a very interesting e-book: Organizing Your Life, Your Way! What Type are You? In the first part of the e-book, Janet gives an overview of the 4 personality type preference areas which combine to form the 16 Myers-Briggs Type Indicator personality types. I was sure I could pick out my preferences easily. After all,… -
6 Life Lessons I Learned This Week
6 Jun 2009 | 11:00 amIt’s been a busy week, but, as usual, I’ve learned some important life lessons along the way. Here are a few of them: Exercise can help stave off Parkinson’s disease (http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/parkinsons/) Before sending a wire transfer, make sure the receiving bank accepts wire transfers - not all small banks do. Clearing off my desk at the end of the day makes the next morning more enjoyable. If I don’t schedule time to write and post my blog, it won’t happen. To end wrist pain from too much non-ergonomic “mousing”, rest the base of… -
Vanessa Sets Up Her Home Office
19 May 2009 | 10:11 amAre you thinking of becoming a Virtual Assistant? Would you like some help in starting your VA business? If so, go to www.VanessaAndruz.com and check out the first three e-books I’ve written in The Adventures of Vanessa Andruz, Virtual Assistant series. The series takes you step-by-step through the process of starting a home-based business. By the end of the series you’ll have a completed business plan and be well on your way to having a successful VA business. The e-books also chronicle the journey of Vanessa Andruz - an Executive Assistant who became a VA - and all the… -
May is Get Caught Reading Month!
30 Apr 2009 | 8:53 amReading is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Always has been. I tied for first place (darn you Gary Olson!) in a 4th grade contest by reading 101 books during the school year. I especially liked the Little House on the Prairie books that year. It’s great that there’s a month that promotes the idea that you should Get Caught Reading! As you can see from the photo, my nephew and niece (Erik & Elise Staff) “got caught reading” in their PJs These days I read all sorts of things - books, e-books, magazines, e-zines, blog posts, cereal boxes (although…
-
The Virtual Wire
-
Happy 4th of July!
2 Jul 2009 | 7:37 pmI've been away from the office for the last several days (albeit working on the road). It's been great fun to get away and take time to enjoy some of the traditional summertime activities - picnics, family reunions, BBQs, and such. I've enjoyed it immensely, and look forward to more of what the season has to offer. As the 4th of July approaches, however, I wanted to be sure and take time to reflect on the significance of this historical holiday. Thanks to Wikipedia.org we can find a good overview that begins with: "In the United States, Independence Day,… -
What's your main message?
29 Jun 2009 | 7:35 amIn a recent conversation with my friend (and fellow teacher) Cynthia, she told me she had come to realize that she was a "bridge builder". Where she could, she tried to forge bridges and connections between people (who should be connected). I liked that. I'm an ardent--some might say intensely passionate--proponent of communication and personal connections. I thought about what she said, and then was able to tell her what one of my main messages was.I am a barrier breaker.I try to diminish or 'destroy' barriers that are in the way of effective connections or communications. A similar take on… -
If I see the red flags, why do I pick them up?
26 Jun 2009 | 8:00 amAt a recent group coaching session with Stacy Brice one of my team members was talking about the interview process and what she needed to develop in her process to make it stronger. One of the subjects that Stacy was really trying to bring home to us is that if we are clear about the answers we expect from certain questions, then “we can stand for the client and stand for ourselves” by bowing out when it is clear that there is not a match. My VA colleague struggled with some of this because, just like me, she tends to give the person the benefit of the doubt. When I heard my… -
Selling ... do you hate it?
25 Jun 2009 | 5:55 pmThe opening lines of this article written by Tim Berry caught my attention: "You know who you are. You hate selling, but here you are, making your way as entrepreneur, having to sell or sink. Oh yeah, I'm part of that crowd! The "I hate selling" mantra has been heard from my lips many times. In fact, that was the biggest hurdle for me as I prepared to go out on my own and launch a micro-business. I did not want to "lose" my real self, which is what I had witnessed from some. Tim titled his article, "5 Points on Selling without Selling Your Soul." I appreciate each point! It is… -
Does that compute?
22 Jun 2009 | 8:25 amOne sunny, Saturday afternoon--when I should have been out enjoying the weather, but wasn't--E showed me a very dated article from Canadian Living. The title, "Make sure you compute", said it all ... well, it did at the time. I think I can update things a bit, as the article was dated October, 1991! "Computer skills are now a workplace necessity." Imagine that. The heady 1980's, ushering in the era of personal computers, had just passed. In the early 1990's workplaces were in the throes of furnishing themselves with computers, or upgrading what they had, and investing in the latest and…
-
Halo Secretarial Blog
-
New Business Cards
24 Jun 2009 | 9:18 amI recently decided to order some personal calling cards for my mom blog, as I’m traveling to BlogHer in July and have heard that having cards there really helps keep track of who you are meeting in the huge crowd. While making my selections for cards I decided I should maybe update my business cards for Halo Secretarial as well. My first set of cards, while not out of date, are fairly bland looking and a bit too pink! They mostly matched my original website, but since I had my logo and colors updated this winter I realize that I needed a classier looking card to go with it. My first… -
Canadian Bar Association Article on Virtual Legal Assistance
19 Jun 2009 | 9:06 amI was interviewed some time back for an article in the Canadian Bar Association Practice Link and today I’ve seen it for the first time, thanks to a tweet from Kate Kerans, another Alberta-based virtual legal assistant. The article title is Invisible Assistants and while I’m not sure I like that (somehow it seems a little cold) it is a nice informative article about virtual legal assistants and the value they can provide to a solo lawyer or a lawfirm. For example, a quote from the article: A VLA’s tasks could include preparing a rough draft of affidavits or agreements,… -
Searching for Inspiration
17 Jun 2009 | 9:22 pmI’ve been perusing my google reader tonight searching for inspiration for blog posts. I’ve been (happily!) so involved in the actual “doing” of my virtual legal assistant work, I’ve spent little time blogging about it or even reading about it. Whenever I need inspiration I turn to my lovely google reader and the many, many legal blogs I subcribe to. I almost always see something within the feeds that inspires me or motivates me. Reading someone else’s exciting blog post can definitely be a great way to get the creativity flowing! Tonight I came across so… -
Teleseminar: How To Locate and Work with A Virtual Legal Assistant
5 Jun 2009 | 4:32 pmPreviously I’d mentioned hosting a teleseminar session with Andrea Cannavina (Legal Typist) about locating and working with a Virtual Legal Assistant. I’m thrilled to announce that a new date has been chosen for the seminar and even better, the seminar is now to free to attend!! If you are a lawyer in need of some expert assistance, but you aren’t sure how to go about working with a virtual legal assistant you definitely should consider joining us on June 9 at 1pm EST, 10am PST. This session will specifically cover: * What a virtual legal assistant is and. more importantly,… -
Vacationing Virtual Legal Assistant Returns
5 Jun 2009 | 8:21 amMy poor neglected blog. I was away for a week and while I fully intended to try and get a post or two up while on vacation it totally didn’t happen! We got in later each day than I had expected and there just wasn’t time for much at all, let alone blogging about virtual legal assistance! Disneyland was great though and we got in a couple of trips to the beach, although the weather wasn’t so hot! I learned a couple of lessons about attempting to work while on vacation with three small kids and two other adults. It doesn’t work so well. I definitely was able to check my…
-
Clerical Advantage Virtual Assistance Services
-
A Mile in Client’s Shoes
1 Jul 2009 | 1:28 pmDuring my recent trip to Maine to attend a family member’s wedding, I discovered something. I’ve never had problems coming up with blog posts, twitter tweets and other social media interactions.But this past week as I juggled working on the road with family obligations and events I found myself not only pressed for time, but [...] -
Why I Don’t Use MySpace for My Business
9 Jun 2009 | 7:43 amOne of the most popular services I provide is assistance with social media marketing. Would it shock you to know that I don’t have a business presence on MySpace? Well I don’t. Social Media Marketing is the latest installment of online marketing. With the hype surrounding Twitter, businesses are now flocking to social media sites to [...] -
Are Your Services Worth More than a Pizza?
3 Jun 2009 | 11:50 am[Special thanks to The Gritty VA for making me aware of this great video that I think all business owners should watch.] Did you watch the video on the right? If not, this post will make a lot more sense if you do. If you’re like me, after watching, you sat back and thought, “Wow.” Wow what? Wow, [...] -
Grow Your Business; Show, Don’t Tell
27 May 2009 | 1:54 pmLiving in a new place, introductions take place on an almost daily basis, so after the initial sharing of my name, the conversation always progresses to the ‘what do you do?’ portion of the program. For most people they can just state their job title and the conversation moves on. For me, that question opens [...] -
For Aspiring Virtual Assistants!
19 May 2009 | 4:11 pmI’ve just finished writing my latest e-guide, and this time it’s for Virtual Assistants! If you’re wondering how to start a virtual assistant business, you can get a complimentary copy of my guide “The 10 Step Guide to Starting a Virtual Assistant Business” to help. You’ll also be signed up to receive the latest breaking [...]
-
VirtuAllin Virtual Assistant Blog
-
Win a Free 10 hour block of VA Services Twitter Giveaway
22 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amMaybe you've considered working with a Virtual Assistant but you just weren't sure how to use one or what to have one do for you. A savvy Virtual Assistant can take on any and all of those tasks that keep you from your core competency - those tasks that drive you crazy and often get neglected or rushed.Starting this Tuesday, just a simple tweet on Twit [...] -
5 Rotten Things Your Clients Will Say
10 Jun 2009 | 12:00 amSometimes I'll run across a blog post that makes me laugh out loud and today is no exception... Now, not all clients will be this rotten, but if you've ever had just one bad egg then this post over at Web Designer Depot will surely make you LOL. 5 Rotten Things No One Else Has Told You About the Clients You&rsq [...] -
Virtual Assistant's Take on Mashable's Thought Capital
26 Apr 2009 | 12:00 amToday, Mashable had a stunning 'how to' post on building your thought capital with Twitter. After soaking up the juicy knowledge shared in this post, I thought it might be nice to share how I think Virtual Assistants specifically can utilize Twitter more effectively to build their own thought capital. Twitt [...] -
What is a Virtual Assistant? Do I need one? Work with a VA FREE
16 Mar 2009 | 12:00 amJust what is a Virtual Assistant and how can a Virtual Assistant save you time and money? Virtual Assistants are independent contractors who partner with you to take all that busy work off your plate and get you back out doing what you love - your core competency isn't dealing with adminitrative headaches! That's our core competency!A Virtual Assistan [...] -
We Hit the 2000 Mark on Twitter!
23 Feb 2009 | 11:00 pmJust this week, VirtuAllin hit the 2000 follower mark on Twitter! If you're not yet using Twitter as part of your marketing plan, you're missing out. Twitter will not only help alleviate your feelings of isolation, but is an excellent means to publicize your business, offer assistance, establish your authority and gain new clients. We've had three new prospects referred to us this week alone, all through relationships we've built by Twittering. Sign up for twitter and follow some of our follo [...]
-
Merrick Virtual Assistant Blog
-
Photographers And Designers Need Virtual Assistance too!
18 Jun 2009 | 10:16 amPost from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Photographers And Designers Need Virtual Assistance too! Post from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Photographers And Designers Need Virtual Assistance too! As a former executive assistant at a major design center, I worked with many interior designers. Two things often stood out to me. Their need for assistance and help with the “side work”, i.e.: customer service calls, mailings, marketing, and project management scheduling. [...] -
RV’s Motivated Me To Become A Virtual Assistant
8 Jun 2009 | 5:00 amPost from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant RV’s Motivated Me To Become A Virtual Assistant Post from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant RV’s Motivated Me To Become A Virtual Assistant Back in 2004 I watched a special on HGTV about the luxury motor coach and RV trade. At the time I was working a 9 to 5 day job and was not getting career satisfaction. After I saw that show on HGTV [...] -
Twitter Wish List
20 Apr 2009 | 11:26 amPost from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Twitter Wish List Post from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Twitter Wish List As a Virtual Assistant, I like to do things quickly, yet efficiently and without sacrificing quality. Since I have been so busy lately I seldom have time to go through my own followers lists on Twitter. I do this for my clients though. What I wish is that [...] -
Survey Results on Working With a Virtual Assistant
9 Apr 2009 | 9:10 amPost from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Survey Results on Working With a Virtual Assistant Post from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Survey Results on Working With a Virtual Assistant As promised, here are the results of our Virtual Assistant survey that we put together last month Wow!!! 55% of those surveyed are gun shy because they don’t think they can afford high level administrative and virtual assistance. My guess is that those 55% [...] -
Common Virtual Assistant Misconceptions
24 Mar 2009 | 9:15 amPost from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Common Virtual Assistant Misconceptions Post from: Taryn Merrick, Mac/Eco Virtual Assistant Common Virtual Assistant Misconceptions Please don’t get the wrong impression about Virtual Assistants. My fear is, if you are on Twitter, you may. There are many newbie Virtual Assistants who are so anxious to get experience and get clients that they do nothing to eradicate some people’s opinions of Virtual Assistants [...]
-
Second Self Virtual Assistance
-
B-I-N-G-O in R-I-V-ERSIDE!
1 Jul 2009 | 11:12 amIn my household, I am affectionately referred to as the “Bingo Whore”. Don’t laugh, my mother is the “Slot Slut” (she is addicted to those little one-armed bandits). I have always had fun playing Bingo thanks to the array of colorful characters that frequent these places. The games may change from bingo hall to bingo hall, but the players remain colorful no matter where you live. So, when I heard about this fabulous event going on at the University Village in Riverside, CA, I just had to go. From 6-7:30pm, the public is welcome to come and play Bingo… -
Riverside’s Heritage House: A Study in Victorian Splendor
28 Jun 2009 | 5:08 pmLast weekend, my son and I were able to go our very own historical landmark: the Heritage House in Riverside, CA. Even though I have lived in this area for over 20+ years, I have never actually set foot inside of it until last weekend. It’s absolutely beautiful. Built in 1891 by Mrs. Catharine Bettner, the Heritage House was chosen to be an example of what was typical Victorian architecture in Riverside’s burgeoning youth. Since there is no air conditioning to the upper floor of the home, it is closed in July and August (the hottest months of the year). In fact, this weekend is… -
Blood Isn’t Thicker Than Water!
21 Jun 2009 | 9:51 pmSince it is Father’s Day, I wanted to brag about the greatest man I have ever known: my stepfather, Tony. In reality, he really is more of a father than the man who’s blood coarses through my veins. When I was 10 years old, my parents went through a bitter divorce. It’s repercussions are still being felt even to this day and I am now 38. At the time we met him, he was 29 years old, had never had children of his own and had known my mother’s family for years. He went to school with two of my aunts. But, by the time he started high school, my mom was already… -
NASCAR Nation: Yes He Kahne – Recap of Sonoma Spring Cup Race 2009
21 Jun 2009 | 9:33 pmHoly smokes, folks! Another great race. Lots of spinning, lots of rubbin’ and lots of smoke. After a couple of last minute caution flags and shoot-out style restarts, Washington State’s very own Kasey Kahne ended a year long winless streak to edge out Tony Stewart for the checkered flag at Sonoma’s Infineon Raceway this afternoon. The Tasmanian Devil himself, Marcos Ambrose, ran a fantastic race and ended up 3rd. This is why I love the road race format. You never know what you’re going to end up with. A spinout on a road race doesn’t necessarily… -
NASCAR’s Lifelock 400 at Michigan International Speedway
14 Jun 2009 | 9:23 pmHoly cow! What a way to race to the finish, folks! When Kid Rock is the grand marshal and gives the (”Gentlemen, start…your…engines” cue at the beginning of the race, you know it’s gotta be good! After running away with the lead for most of the 200 laps, Jimmie Johnson appeared to have the checkered flag all but in his little hands when, at one lap to go, he ran out of fuel. Heartbreakingly, Jimmie went from 1st place at the white flag (1 lap to go) to finish 22nd, after coasting into pit road, getting a splash and dash of fuel and crossing the…
-
The Virtual Fast Lane
-
Virtual book tour stops by this week – prepare your questions for VA Vanessa Andruz!
30 Jun 2009 | 2:42 pmOn July 3rd I’ll be hosting Vanessa Andruz as she travels through cyberspace on her Virtual E-book Tour. Vanessa Andruz is the owner of Andruz Business Solutions LLC. She was an Executive Assistant for many years, but after turning 50, she became tired of corporate politics and decided it was time for a change. After researching [...] -
5 ways virtual assistants can save your world
25 Jun 2009 | 6:26 amAwhile back I dove into a research project for one of my clients, digging up articles, blogs, white papers and studies relating to marketing in our economic climate. It was a great project. I read dozens of articles, blog posts and white papers, and they all had a common theme. Businesses should not – I [...] -
Weight loss and business building
11 May 2009 | 12:00 pmLike most people, there are days when I find myself loafing on the couch, sucked into a day-long marathon of cop-show reruns I’ve already seen a hundred times. I get up about every other commercial break to rummage through the cupboards for … well … something. Half the time I’m not sure what I’m in [...] -
What my mom has taught me about business
7 May 2009 | 8:35 amIn the spirit of Mother’s Day this weekend, I want to take this opportunity to share a little bit about my mom. If it weren’t for her, not only would I not be where I am today, but my business wouldn’t be the success that it is. My mom is a newspaper editor, appreciates a quick [...] -
Leaning forward
21 Apr 2009 | 8:45 amIn recent weeks, I’ve once again found myself leaning uncomfortably forward. As a small-business owner, though, I’m getting used to the feeling. That feeling that comes with knowing I’m doing something a little bit risky, a little bit unpredictable, a little bit exciting, and a little bit uncomfortable. The feeling I might … just might … [...]
-
Second Self Virtual Assistance
-
B-I-N-G-O in R-I-V-ERSIDE!
1 Jul 2009 | 11:12 amIn my household, I am affectionately referred to as the “Bingo Whore”. Don’t laugh, my mother is the “Slot Slut” (she is addicted to those little one-armed bandits). I have always had fun playing Bingo thanks to the array of colorful characters that frequent these places. The games may change from bingo hall to bingo hall, but the players remain colorful no matter where you live. So, when I heard about this fabulous event going on at the University Village in Riverside, CA, I just had to go. From 6-7:30pm, the public is welcome to come and play Bingo… -
Riverside’s Heritage House: A Study in Victorian Splendor
28 Jun 2009 | 5:08 pmLast weekend, my son and I were able to go our very own historical landmark: the Heritage House in Riverside, CA. Even though I have lived in this area for over 20+ years, I have never actually set foot inside of it until last weekend. It’s absolutely beautiful. Built in 1891 by Mrs. Catharine Bettner, the Heritage House was chosen to be an example of what was typical Victorian architecture in Riverside’s burgeoning youth. Since there is no air conditioning to the upper floor of the home, it is closed in July and August (the hottest months of the year). In fact, this weekend is… -
Blood Isn’t Thicker Than Water!
21 Jun 2009 | 9:51 pmSince it is Father’s Day, I wanted to brag about the greatest man I have ever known: my stepfather, Tony. In reality, he really is more of a father than the man who’s blood coarses through my veins. When I was 10 years old, my parents went through a bitter divorce. It’s repercussions are still being felt even to this day and I am now 38. At the time we met him, he was 29 years old, had never had children of his own and had known my mother’s family for years. He went to school with two of my aunts. But, by the time he started high school, my mom was already… -
NASCAR Nation: Yes He Kahne – Recap of Sonoma Spring Cup Race 2009
21 Jun 2009 | 9:33 pmHoly smokes, folks! Another great race. Lots of spinning, lots of rubbin’ and lots of smoke. After a couple of last minute caution flags and shoot-out style restarts, Washington State’s very own Kasey Kahne ended a year long winless streak to edge out Tony Stewart for the checkered flag at Sonoma’s Infineon Raceway this afternoon. The Tasmanian Devil himself, Marcos Ambrose, ran a fantastic race and ended up 3rd. This is why I love the road race format. You never know what you’re going to end up with. A spinout on a road race doesn’t necessarily… -
NASCAR’s Lifelock 400 at Michigan International Speedway
14 Jun 2009 | 9:23 pmHoly cow! What a way to race to the finish, folks! When Kid Rock is the grand marshal and gives the (”Gentlemen, start…your…engines” cue at the beginning of the race, you know it’s gotta be good! After running away with the lead for most of the 200 laps, Jimmie Johnson appeared to have the checkered flag all but in his little hands when, at one lap to go, he ran out of fuel. Heartbreakingly, Jimmie went from 1st place at the white flag (1 lap to go) to finish 22nd, after coasting into pit road, getting a splash and dash of fuel and crossing the…
