The Virtual Wire

So you're hoping to gain influence?

Everywhere we look, that "cry" for significance can be felt. Have you seen it, sensed it, felt it?  I imagine it comes from a longing deep within ... well, uh, that's another story for another time and place. 

In the solopreneur and microbusiness world (where I fit), there seems to be an enormous amount of striving to be heard by the masses. Equating real influence because of the number of followers or friends acquired is the acceptable mindset (at least it seems that way for many). This is more than puzzling to me.   

I appreciate hearing straight talk when it comes to the role social media plays in business and beyond. And, I came across this post by Brent Leary, which I thought hit the target spot on! He nails the matter of  "appearance of influence vs. real influence" very nicely, in my opinion.

If you're wondering about this subject, I think you'll be glad you spent a few moments reading his post.

Something more to think about

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him."

     --James D. Miles

I found this to be evident in my own experience, unfortunately.  Perhaps, you have as well. 

To be completely and fully aware of how we view and treat our fellow human beings takes deliberate effort. 

It is effort well spent, I believe, and will certainly reap good and positive results. 

Certainly, more and more of us are becoming increasingly aware of this fact and are committing to act upon it.  That's my hope. 
 

The power of a curious mind

One of my grandson's favorite characters is Curious George.  He loves following the colorful and ongoing adventures of George's world!

We've experienced firsthand, I imagine, the overwhelming strength and beauty that curiosity seems to hold. Amazing, isn't it?  I doubt I'd be a micro-business owner today if I had ignored the questionings and ponderings spurred by my curious mind and soul. I am grateful for its role in my life.

Here's a quote I came across a while back -- it enfolds these sentiments nicely:

Although there may be nothing new under the sun, what is old is new to us and so rich and astonishing that we never tire of it. If we do tire of it, if we lose our curiosity, we have lost something of infinite value, because to a high degree it is curiosity that gives meaning and savour to life.

              - Robertson Davies

May we fully appreciate curiosity and reverence its power in our lives today!

I wonder ...

I'm in the midst of experiencing a wonderfully special time away.  I'm attending a conference, which I've done many times.  This time, something's a bit different. I'm not sure where it will take me, so I'm focusing on the moment.

I imagine you've encountered times when the unexpected appeared in your day.  A pleasant surprise, but a "surprise" nonetheless.

What's the best approach to managing these events?  I could list a few ways, i suppose, but I'd rather just take us to an attitude of wonderment.  I love to wonder and imagine, but often don't let myself go there.  This week is different -- I'm opening up some space in my world for the fresh ground.  Yes, the possibilities are awaiting me now. 

Excuse me, please, while I imagine a bit longer.  I've waited a long while for this, so I'm drinking it in.

I do hope you can find a special place, or time, or space for dabbling in wonderment, too.  Perhaps, you've been there today already? 

Another year, and the learning continues

I came across this poem the other day. It seemed to nicely summarize my thoughts as I ponder another year passing and beginning anew. 

In business and in life ... learning is one of its very best and most critical components.  I find a great deal of encouragement in that -- I trust you do, too. 

You Learn

After awhile you learn
the subtle difference between
holding a hand and chaining a soul
and you learn that love doesn't mean possession
and company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
and presents aren't promises and you begin to accept
your defeats with your head up and your eyes ahead
with the grace of an adult not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build your roads today
because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans
and futures have ways of falling down in mid-flight.
After awhile you learn that even sunshine
burns if you get too much so you plant your
own garden and decorate your own soul
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure
that you really are strong
and you really do have worth
and you learn
and you learn...

by Veronica A. Shoftstall

Group Seasonal Wish!

Dear Readers, as is customary for the Virtual Wire authors we are taking a 2-week seasonal break for the holidays, with our last post of the year being a group seasonal post.  Please come back and visit us on January 4 when we'll resume our regular scheduled postings.

Petra Boucher
A wish for a time filled with love
It has been a pleasure writing for you this year.  I must admit it has been slightly harder to keep the articles coming on time and for 2010 I am committed to doing better.  It is just a matter of better organization – something we all struggle with I think! :-)   So as we break for the holiday season, I would like to follow in our theme for 31 Days of Wishes and wish you a time filled with special people and all the love that you can handle!  Best wishes for the seasonal break!

Gloria Luzier
Blogging throughout the year (yet another year!) as a member of The Virtual Wire has been a wonderful privilege for which I am truly grateful.  Hearing from many of our faithful readers is a significant and delightful part of this experience.  As we enter the 2009 holiday season and look toward beginning a brand new decade, I want to join Petra and Sharon in wishing you a most meaningful holiday season filled with love ... and laughter - lots of it!  See you in 2010!

Sharon Broughton
I have been so blessed to be a TVW blogger this year. It has been truly magical sharing my thoughts with all of our faithful readers! For 2010, my wish is for all of us to have prosperous businesses and abundant lives--whatever that means to you. I am working on my 2010 goals next week while I look at how 2009 went and I know I have some fun stuff cooked up. So, stay tuned as I keep you  updated on my trials and tribulations as I make my way through major shifts in my VA business. Have a wonderful holiday and come back refreshed and ready for an amazing 2010!

I wish I had the survey results

In September, I blogged here about the VACOC's annual survey, and encouraged those with VA businesses to take a few moments and complete the online survey.

Before releasing results to those who participate by completing the survey, it was decided that 1,000 participants would be needed for the endeavor to best represent the industry.  So, if you did take the survey and have wondered about the results, this may help:  according to last reports, there have been 771 respondents, which leaves 229 more needed to make its goal of 1,000 participants.  Once that goal is reached, results will be compiled and a free copy sent to all respondents. 

There's a great deal of good news impacting our industry these days, however, there's much misinformation about virtual assistance, too, as I'm sure you're aware.  That's part of the reason I'm curious about the results, and wish I could read them now (I'll certainly be pleased when they are compiled). 

If you haven't taken the time to participate and thought you may have missed your window of opportunity, I wanted to let you know you can still participate.  Simply follow the link and share with those you know who'd like to see the results, too.  

A wish for the microbusiness and small business worlds

My wish today:  I wish for microbusinesses and small businesses to experience greater growth and an ever-increasing level of strength and success.

In an economic and political climate that seems to offer little encouragement for such enterprises, and with many in decline as a result, it is my wish to see that change in 2010.

As a microbusiness owner serving clients who are themselves small business owners, this theme touches very close to home. At times, it can feel a bit like a lone star in the vast universe.

I don't intend to evaluate, analyze or debate the "whys, hows, and what ifs" here in this post.  There are a host of credible experts working diligently to make the voice of the small business world heard.  I do hope (another wish?) their work succeeds so constructive solutions can be found and quickly implemented. Anyone listening? Anyone at all?

I wish for more laughter!

In keeping with the theme of 31 Days of Wishes, I'm adding my wish here:  I wish for more laughter in my everyday life!

Oh, yes, the positive energy and power that a good, hearty laugh holds for us is enormous. I imagine we could all recount numerous moments when we've been stressed, or tense, or focused on difficult circumstances, when suddenly we encountered a "moment of laughter" and our energy level and focus immediately brigthtened as a result. It's a definite stress-buster for me!

A former post of mine contained a list of the benefits of laughter.  Revisiting that list today was a great exercise for me.  I'm reviewing it again, and choosing at least one action each day throughout this month. 

1. Practice laughing 5 min per day – fake it til you make it.
2. Look for humor around you – on signs, in people’s behavior, on TV, in the newspaper, the things others say, the crazy things that happen to you.
3. Keep a journal.
4. Share your embarrassing moments with other people.
5. Learn to play with things that are serious like work, social issues, money, etc. For example use word play, silly songs, or develop a comical view of the issue to help you laugh and cope.
6. Laugh with other people when they laugh.
7. Wear a smile. It puts you closer to laughing.
8. Seek out entertainment which makes you laugh.
9. Amuse yourself with your own sense of humor.
10. Buy and listen daily to a tape of laughter, a laugh box, or a laughing toy.
11. Buy mindless toys that make you laugh.
12. Wear hats that make you laugh.
13. Cultivate your innate playfulness.
14. Be creative with fun.
15. Make sure you have fun.
16. Give yourself permission to laugh at anything you need to.
17. Do at least one silly, non-conforming thing a day.

I've chosen #7 today, and will be on the lookout for moments when I can participate in #6.  Here's to more and more laughter in our lives, especially during the holiday season! 

National Family Caregiver's Month

Last November was the first time I recognized "National Family Caregiver's Month" and it nearly slipped by me this year.  You may recall, I posted about my findings here. 

Perhaps, you'll enjoy revisiting last year's post as I highlighted a few Web sites and organizations that those in the role of caregiving for aging parents might find useful.  This year's theme is "Safe and Sound: How to Prevent Medication Mishaps." 

With the holiday season nearly upon us, the memories of my former caregiving years are quite vivid.  Mom and Dad around the Thanksgiving table and so many visual reminders of the moments shared together. 

I'm continually meeting people who share the responsibility of serving in a caregiver's role, the numbers are growing.  As a microbusiness owner, the role adds another dimension to the already extremely full schedule of operating a business.  The good news ... well, I imagine each caregiver has her/his own perspective on that.  For me, the flexibility of schedule and routine afforded to me was invaluable.

To all those who find themselves in that role this season, I wish you the gift of fully enjoyng the "good moments" as they arrive -- planned and unplanned -- and cherishing each one.