The Virtual Wire

Numbers: 1701

“To boldly go where no one has gone before.” When Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered, a very different captain was in charge of the Enterprise, and the gender-neutral “one” replaced “man” in the introduction. Interestingly, the Enterprise had always been referred to as “Her” or "She" …

But I need to leave the subject of gender neutrality or preference to some other post! This post is about boldly going—even shaping—new frontiers.

Everyone has favourite quotes, or stories, or entire movies that influence or inspire them. As you’ve just seen, one of mine is Star Trek. Star Trek has always been about brave, bold, iconoclastic individuals who are unafraid to tackle the difficult issues in life, especially when confronting something new. I think that anyone who leaves the comfort of being dry-docked in a cubicle to flying solo in their own business qualifies as brave and bold. Such people are brave because they oftentimes leave a sure thing for something that may initially seem to them fraught with uncertainties. They are bold people because they made a decision and a commitment. They are individuals because they not only couch-surfed new frontiers, from a position of relative safety, but actually plunged into or helped forge new frontiers. These people are the sole proprietors or new business owners who are creating and supporting many wonderful adventures.

My decision to become a virtual assistant was based on several key things: I was inspired by one who had ‘gone before’, I was confident, I felt I could make a difference, I had something to share, I wanted to help people (and selfishly, be recognized for that), I was bold enough to make the leap, and perhaps most important of all, I wanted to be the one person who was responsible for my career. These factors, and more, should sound familiar to readers who similarly headed to their own new frontiers.

Being inspired doesn’t have to be a one-off: I know this from talking to many of my colleagues, my clients, and even to those who are thinking about progressing to the next liberating stage of their lives. Inspired is a state of mind. It is an idea. In those two things alone (and much more) it is indefatigable and unstoppable. It can be a constant force. And when it is, it further inspires.

Years ago I signed onto my own “1701”. I’ve been rewarded countless times, and I know that I’ve both earned the rewards and been praised by others who genuinely appreciate my work. There’s no end to new frontiers; if you haven’t already, it’s never too late to sign-on and to inspire others in the doing!

First Friday pep!!!

It is the beginning of the month again, and it is my duty to share something inspirational to o help you start off your July with a stronger stride in your step.  Also, of course, for my American friends and colleagues it is a highly celebrated holiday weekend - Your Independence Day.  I was reminded in a conversation this week about the desire and need for individuality, and it reminded me that I have always been one to encourage others to walk their own path, as well as tried for forge my own.  So in that vein I looked for inspirational items on independence and individuality, and this is what I found that I liked:

“Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change.”  Stephen R Covey.

I love this quote as it reminds me that I make the choices in my life, and if there is something I don’t like, I, and only I, have the power to change it.  And change is not only negative, it could also mean that if I like something and would like more of it, then I still need to make the change to get more.  I looooovvvveee having the power to change things!  What will you change in your practice this month?   

So for me I was thinking about doing more and getting more from the client relationships I really like, and I came across this quote:

“No employer today is independent of those about him. He cannot succeed alone, no matter how great his ability or capital. Business today is more than ever a question of cooperation.”  Orisen Swett Marden

Although this quote refers to employees/employers, I believe it speaks directly to the VA industry, and the possibilities of a successful VA/client relationship.   Need I say more???  You know just like with any relationship the tasks, activities and sheer volume of work can get in the way of building your relationship with your clients, but finding the time to further enhance and do more in this relationship is essential to it's success. In the month of July find the time to further enhance your relationships.  Show your client(s) how much you care about their success and wellbeing.  As Stacy Brice said this week “the 'juice' is in the relationships.”

Happy July to you and yours, and a fantastic Independence Day Weekend!

It’s that fantastic first Friday feeling!

How will you juggle your balls and strive for balance in June?

I fell in love with this article today because it was all about how a business owner worked with her VA to free up her “to-do” list to allow her to be more productive, and creative – cool huh!!!  That it is all about!

The other great thing I loved about this post, which is why I am sharing it with you on my traditional First Friday pep is this great quote

 “Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends and spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.” --Brian Dyson, former vice chairman and COO of Coca-Cola

Pretty cool huh?! 

I think I am getting a theme here, because I always try to go for a couple of quotes that compliment each other.

How will you develop your work in June so that it makes more than just a living?

Stacy Brice tweeted this quote the other day and I thought it was pretty cool, and links quite nicely with the quote above

"To make a living is no longer enough. Work also has to make a life." --Peter Drucker

So when you are striving for balance, also remember that the rubber work ball needs to be a resource that gives you a life, be it in a flexible schedule, money, and personal growth. 

Gut Check!

As defined by one dictionary, a gut check is a test or assessment of courage, character or determination. How well do you respond when your gut is checked by your business matters? We are not necessarily talking about problems per se. Different matters at different times will test our courage, character and determination.

Test of Courage:

Constantly we have to display courage as entrepreneurs. Have you had a client try to take advantage of you in any way? Gut Check! How did you respond? Did your level of courage increase or deflate? Perhaps a client has conveniently (for themselves) decided not to pay you.

You waited for the check to come in the mail or the credit card to process. Maybe you dreaded having a conversation about the matter and wished that it would ameliorate itself. Conversely, you may have called the client immediately and demanded that they stick to the agreed contract that you signed. Or maybe you had to take it further and have your lawyer contact them via letter or phone. Gut Check! How courageous are you in a situation like this?

Test of Character:

You made a mistake with a client, friend or family member. Gut Check! Do you sweep the problem under the rug and hope that no one notices your error? How do you respond when your honesty and credibility are called into question? Are you honest or do you cut corners. Gut Check! How do you wish to be remembered by clients, friends and family?  

Test of Determination:

If we could write our life story with complete control, we would probably eliminate all problems, bumps and bruises (I know I would). So, how do you respond when difficulties arise in business and in life? Gut Check! Are you stalwart in seeing your goals come to fruition no matter the challenges that need to be met? Determination is required for us as entrepreneurs.

Our life story will not be problem free. In fact, we may even face situations in our business that would have us looking for a J-O-B! It is imperative that you decide now to do whatever it takes to have a successful business. Just think about it, if your J-O-B were on the line, you would do whatever it takes to remain employed. Determination is needed in order to stay self-employed.

A gut check is a test or assessment of courage, character or determination. Running your own business is an experience that is riddled with gut checks. What will be your results of these many tests?

Who’s in YOUR Community?

I have been struck recently by the power of community.  In particular, I love how a strong community of cheerleaders, advisers and supporters can help you to leap to new bounds in your business.

The students in my marketing coaching program are TRULY supporting each other to build highly successful Virtual Assistant practices filled with their ideal clients.  I’ve just joined a mastermind group filled with entrepreneurs who are thinking REALLY big about what’s next in their business and are already supporting one another in reaching their dreams.  In talking with several colleagues, I’m finding that they each have their own mastermind or mentors groups that they turn to for advice and to share their wins.  In each case, it is overwhelmingly obvious that being a part of a community, where you are supported, applauded and held accountable is an essential part to growing as an entrepreneur and running a successful business.

So I encourage each of you … create YOUR own business community.  Join a group coaching program (like the on Stacy Brice brilliantly runs - http://www.stacybrice.com/coaching.html).  Connect with other local Virtual Assistants on a regular basis to share ideas, resources and support one another. Get involved in online networking groups that have strong leadership and a diverse membership base.

Whatever is most comfortable or convenient for you, build your own business community.  You will be amazed at the many benefits that come to you as a result! Additionally, you will wonder how you ever got along without your new found friends and make bigger, better strides in creating a business that supports every aspect of your lifestyle.

Procrastination, the thief of time...

Thought I'd share a thread from my twitter community.  It started with a quote:

@TheSCICoach "Procrastination is the thief of time"

So I asked the question:  WHY do we do it?

@Eagleblade shared an insightful comment:

"we procrastinate because it is more convenient to believe the lie that we have the ability to do more and better in less time"

As a virtual business owner, can we really justify the expense of procrastination?  The cost is often not calculated in dollars and sense, but in the sacrifice of credibility because of not meeting deadlines, not moving forward or keeping your commitments.  Ask me how I know:).

Here is a short video that cracks the surface on what it is and how to break the cycle:

If you really want to dig into this, then take the 30 minutes and review this video. It was great! It seems to discuss the "science" of procrastination.  I had no idea there was really a reason!

Okay, now for 3 tips to help all of us kick the habit:

1. 10 minute rule: Break big goals down into smaller, manageable tasks.  This approach should help with the feelings of being overwhelmed and stuck.
2. Answer 3 critical questions:  Where are you?  What do you want to do?  How will you feel after doing it?  While writing down what it is you want to do, you'll envision yourself doing, which is what's needed to move you in that direction.
3. Balance the ultimate goal vs. immediate desire. Shifting our focus from what is immediately in front of us that may satisfy us to what it is we really want to accomplish (the ultimate goal) provides a strong call to to action.

So, what is working for you?  Please share with us in a comment below.

The VA as Captain and First Officer

Okay, so I’m an unabashed Star Trek fan; a Trekker versus a Trekkie. E and I, and my brother-in-law, went to see the new Star Trek movie this weekend. (Our movie going triad is a tradition, by the way). I’m giving it a 9 or 9.5 out of 10. On a serious, inspirational note, it got me thinking…

As a virtual assistant (VA), I’ve often considered myself Captain of my ship. If I had a navigator, well, I’d instruct him where to steer the ship. If I had a communications officer, I’d make sure she kept me in constant contact with my extended ‘crew’ (HQ, and the many colleagues I work with). If I had a First Officer, well … wait a sec; I do. It’s me. Now that’s strange. Or is it?

Number One, as s/he is sometimes called in the world of Star Trek, advises and informs the Captain. My alter ego? Not sure about that, but I can safely say there’s more than one Captain in my world. There’s me, as the Captain of my VA ship, and there are the Captains I have partnered with and serve alongside; they are my clients. I think, then, that Number One is busy in two worlds; advising himself (in my case), and providing expert advice, help, and assistance to other Captains who in turn have their own ships.

From one “Captain” then, to others, I’m compelled to say, and genuinely mean the following: I respect you and your businesses. Whether my ‘ship’ is as large as your own, whether our approaches differ, and whether I defer to your expertise or put my own out there for you on full thrusters, I admire you for what you’ve done with your life and career. No easy feat: and I should know. Whether ships in the night that are aligned, even in their individual purposes, or emblems of ideas put into practice, there is much to be said about what we’ve accomplished on our own, and together.

As they’re sometimes wont, our respective ships may occasionally experience erratic behaviour. While I can’t guarantee how quickly I can put them back on course, I can say “Aye. I'm workin' on 'em.”.

Are you going to be a winner in May?

So here we start a brand new month.  The month of May is great in the UK because we have 2 public holidays, on the first and last Monday on the month.  Spring is starting, and it is nice to enjoy these long-weekends and hang out with family/friends or go away for a short break.

It is the first Friday of the month and continuing in my theme of providing you with some pep talk to start your month, here is a double quote for you:

“To be a winner believe you're a winner, act like a winner, talk like a winner, feel like a winner & then... guess what?” I am not sure who quoted this, but my client tweeted it recently. 

To me this quote is all about the law of attraction.  It is pretty self-explanatory isn’t it?

So what’s the second part?  Well the next quote is the above quote, in action!

“I always thought I should be treated like a star” ~ Madonna. 

She believed it, acted it, talked it, and felt it, and what a way it worked for her!!!!!

So are you going to be a winner this month?  It is your choice!

Knowing when to learn, what to learn, how to learn and what to spend on learning??

Earlier in the year I discussed what I thought were good places to spend my learning budget on this year.  But I realized that to make my final decisions I had to ask myself the 4 questions above:

1. When to learn?
   Looking at my schedule I looked at how Q1 has panned out for me, and what availability feels comfortable to fit (this changes periodically), i.e. do I have free time in the mornings, afternoons or evenings, when it is more natural and productive for me to be doing my client work, when does my brain feel open and susceptible to learning new things, in the morning, afternoon or evenings.
   For me I actually realized that right now, morning and evenings are my most productive work times, so there is flexibility in the afternoon, and that is when my brain tends to be in learning mode, as that is when I naturally look for new things, and play (which is my definition of learning). 
   So classes need to be between 2pm-5pm GMT.
   
   
2. What to learn?
   Shall I learn how to grow my business, or how to develop my business? 
   Actually this is an easy one for me because I know that I am technically gifted and love the technical aspect of my business.  Also learning business development works better for me in practical, forum type discussions rather than theoretical learning.  I need to hear and learn about the nuances of communication, making the wrong or right decisions and how this has impacted the business and life, but for technical skills theory and practical are both suitable – I just love this stuff.  So with technical being the leader the main thing was what is relevant right now.  Through our referral system, and my own experience with clients, I often see people asking for shopping cart, ezine services, website development and social networking skills.  I am by no means saying this is an exclusive list of present requirements, far from it, these are the technical skills I am already strong in and therefore appeal to me when I see a request.  So rather than learn something totally new, it makes sense to develop these skills further.
   So for me I want to learning shopping cart, ezine services, blogging applications, website development and social networking skills.

Working from home---the balancing act: Three steps to being totally engaged and professional

Do you just *love* your office?  Creating the environment that your clients would feel good working in is a good gauge for the WAHM.

Working at home doesn’t equal success.  To produce our best work, we have to be at our best.  This involves the “space” both physically and mentally that we create and work from. 

We can be based from home and not be focused or engaged in our client’s business the way we need to be. Has that ever happened to you? Here are three steps to regain your focus:

Step 1. Create a "feel good space"
First, create the space by de-cluttering and organizing the important pieces of my personal life.  It’s impossible to embrace someone else’s clutter; problem or issue if we cannot control our own.

Step 2.  Set a budget and live within it
Next, create the greatest space that you can have within budget.  Trying to achieve the feeling of going to work creates a sense of engagement.  For me, when I open my office door, the sign goes on mentally “open for business”--if the environment is appropriate. 

Step 3. Set boundaries, then honor them
The aforementioned dovetails with my final point, that of creating the office-hours that the family and clientele respect.  These boundaries will enable the virtual business owner to be engaged, while working from home, and to feel like you're really “at work” though the business is based from home.  It should be as if a “flashing light” were going off in a recording studio.  You know the one that says “on air”.  It’s an immediate indicator of “DO NOT DISTURB”. 

Engagement means different things to different people.  But to a client that is paying “top dollar” for our services, it means feeling like they are the center of our universe, even if we are multi-tasking other client priorities.  While on the phone, or in person, we have to “Be Here Now”.  That’s one surefire way of letting the client know that you are engaged.  The work product will reflect our presence in previous interactions.

Note:  Photo compliments of the Columbus Dipatch (Kellie Manier)