The Virtual Wire

What's your main message?

In 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 Cynthia's message? Yes, I think so. In describing this part of my personality, I'd say that when barriers become clear to me--barriers that have or will cause distance between two or more people--I seek to dismantle or disarm them. It's frank; granted. It's sometimes intense. But the only way to do it is to acknowledge there is a barrier, and then directly confront it. One can do so compassionately, and I'd like to think I'm in that category.

So what are your main messages? What major benefits, canny or uncanny, do you freely bring to the world and the people in your world? Let us know ... that would be nice.

How To Successful Grow A Virtual Assistant Business

Getting your Virtual Assistant business off the ground is a MAJOR accomplishment! If you have already done so, congratulations and welcome to the ranks! And if you are thinking about it or getting ready to take the leap, just DO it!

Once you’re up and running, you’ll want to focus your attention on making smart decisions and running an efficient, productive business. Today’s article offers three tips on how to grow a successful Virtual Assistant business:

1. Understand Your Numbers

How closely do you track your expenses each month? Is your cell phone plan more than you need? When is the last time you asked your telephone company about any discounts or promotions they are offering? Are you paying for other services you don’t really need? Investing money back into your business is great, but make sure you aren’t losing revenue by wasting money on products or services that you don’t really need. Take a look at your profit & loss statements for the last 3-6 months. Which customers or products have been most profitable? Which products or services are actually costing you money? Don’t wait until the end of the year or tax time to review your financial reports. Schedule time each month to review your reports so that you can be on top of developing trends and make the necessary adjustments.

2. Stop Networking and Start Connecting

No matter what your profession or industry, as a small business owner you will find yourself constantly marketing your business and looking for new opportunities. As you meet various people at networking events, seminars, business meetings or otherwise in your daily activities, seek out opportunities to learn about what other people do. Make that your focus. When you ask someone “what do you do?” be genuinely interested in their response. Better yet, instead of thinking about how they can help you, consider how you can help them. Do you have a friend or a colleague that would be a great connection for them? Perhaps you have a recommendation for a vendor that could solve a problem they are having. Look to build connections and assist others instead of fulfilling your own needs. You’ll be surprised at the opportunities that come your way.

3. Don’t Stop Learning!

Set aside a specific budget of time and money to regularly invest in your personal and professional development. If you want to be considered as an expert in your field, you cannot become stagnant and rest on the knowledge you already have. You must constantly be working hard to stay abreast of changing trends. Make it your business to keep up with new books, ezines, and blogs, attend seminars and classes. Staying current will help to position you as an expert and expose you to countless opportunities for learning, networking and collaborating with your colleagues. You will continue to find ways to add value to the lives of your clients and have a wealth of knowledge to translate into new products and services.

Mixing, mingling, and learning with my peers

It's coming up fast: the second annual edition of FoVA (the 2009 edition of the Forum on Virtual Assistance). The first conference was held in Toronto, Canada and this upcoming one will be held in very scenic Niagara Falls, beginning June 3, 2009.

I thought the first one was a feat in logistics, considering it's a conference of and for virtual assistants. Way to go Barb! In 2008, I was honoured to not only participate, but to sit on a panel of experts, and talk to the subject of education, training, and standards in our industry. This year's edition has expanded in terms of days held, half and full-day seminars, workshops, and social events. This year I'm presenting a 90-minute session on Windows Vista and Office 2007 tricks, short-cuts, and other fun stuff. But there's so much more happening than that! There are many other experts that will be there: you really should check it out! I'm thrilled that two of the people directly responsible for my virtual assistance training and mentoring will be there: can't wait to see you, Stacy and Dawn! And friends and colleagues I've talked to, corresponded with, or worked with (hey Pam, Barbara, Michelle and many others I know and admire) will be there too. Incredible. Incredibly inspiring!

Some may ask what value is a conference of and for virtual assistants (and I would add, associated colleagues and vendors)? Others may wonder why or how we can have a multi-day conference in such hard economic times. I would answer all such inquiries with two questions. One: is it wrong to to support your colleagues, friends, and industry? And two: what better time to spend [reads, invest] a little money than in bad economic times?

Right now, careers and businesses and lives are not in a 'business as usual' mode. We know this, and if you haven't been directly affected or impacted by it (I have been), you know someone who has. So if you're a virtual assistant, or directly associated with this field--and if you can afford to--right now is the perfect time to bolster the industry. Being part of a conference, contributing your energy and ideas, and pitching FoVA is a big way to bolster the industry. Whether or not you're able to attend our event this year, I urge you to take a serious look at it. Look at the commitment. Look at the people coming, and look at the talent.

Ours is an industry that holds onto its values, and that will not quit. We're growing. Come grow along with us...

B2B help is here

One of the byproducts I've encountered in my practice has been the amazing intersections it has created.  I've encountered a multitidue of people representing a variety of organizations and companies I find quite interesting.  I imagine many of you have found this to be the case, it's not unique to me.  There are many folks busy about doing good - in their own personal lives and in the businesses and organizations they represent.

This past week, as a result of my work, I came upon another interesting organization and corresponded with them on behalf of my client.  April 16 has been designated as National Business Helping Business Day.

I've decided to subscribe to the effort after reading the following blurb on their Web site about April 16 and this initiative:

"Today, more than ever, small businesses are feeling the pinch of the global economic crisis and must rely on each other to weather the storm. National Business Helping Business Day highlights the significant contributions small businesses make to the global economy and ensures the selfless acts of others do not go unnoticed. To help facilitate this initiative, BusinessHelpingBusiness.com has been established as a free forum, available 365 days of the year, that brings to the forefront the Needs and Haves of businesses around the world."

An excellent mission, I thought.  Yes, I want to be involved. 

It seems the 'downturn" of the economy has precipitated other similar measures by thoughtful and intelligent people.  I can think of a few others, too, many of them operating on a local level and affecting their local communities.  I imagine you've become aware of such actions.  They represent part of the good and positive side of facing difficult times.  It's encouraging to me to come across this type of an organization and to "meet" some of the fine people involved behind the scenes.

A little motivation to start off your month

For my beginning of the month posts I want to start writing articles that are short, fun and/or inspirational.  Nothing taxing, just something to give each new month a pep.  I hope you enjoy!

Over the past month I have come across some great quotes that I would love to share with you.  I hope you can apply them to your life this month.  Type one or two in large font on a piece of paper and stick it up so that you see it everyday when you start your work.  And of course, please share any special quotes that have always resonated with you too!!!

Leadership doesn't begin with power but a compelling vision through which your purpose & passion flow - Sharon Eden (my client)
My client is a prophetic, talented writer and quote creator.  To me this means that if you follow your passion and purpose you will obviously lead through your work.  As a VA this resonated with me, because part of the service I offer to my clients is to lead with aspects of developing and growing their business.  This was one of those ah-ha moments for me, because sometimes I had struggled with the shift this required in my mindset.  Now that I know it is intrinsic to following my purpose and passion, I am pretty cool with it, and actually embrace it!

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck! - Dalai Lama
This one resonated with me for, oh, so many reasons.  Recently one of my VA colleagues and I interviewed with a guy.  We both really wanted to work with him, and he decided to work with me.  Well she was devastated, really hurt by this decision.  But he was not ready to work with a VA, and this turned out to be one of the most miserable months of my life and the relationship ended before it even got started.  She got off lightly.  I shared me experience with her and she realised that she had actually had a stroke of luck!!  I always talk about that silver lining in the grey cloud, and this is what this quote highlights to me.  I love this quote.

Just a couple quotes for you, but lots more to come over the coming months, as well as anything else inspirational that I come across!  Please share any quotes that you love as well.  Lets help each other to say inspired.

More than a "quote" to remember

To focus on and fully embrace a worthwhile mindset that evokes one to action is a true challenge.  Most certainly a worthy endeavor, but, nevertheless, it takes work - labor - energy - persistence - imagination - and a continual struggle. 

As a business owner, an independent solo-preneur, a team-player, a caring individual, and citizen of this planet, it is imperative that I recall and acknowledge the "much good" brought about by those who have passed this way before me. I have much to benefit from understanding what I can about their stories.  We have been given so much!

This quote carries a great message:

"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.

I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. 'Tis the business of little minds to shrink; but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death."

- Thomas Paine, "The Crisis", 1776

To "grow brave by reflection" - to be fully aware and guarded so that my "heart is firm" - this is the  essence of the mindset I wish to embrace each and every day.  Oh, what a daily and worthwhile challenge it is!   

Remaining open to the possibility of good things

Despite the current state of affars, which we're all more than slightly aware (I'm assuming, I know, but I cannot imagine otherwise), I'm choosing to carefully guard my attitude. 

Yes, I'm choosing to guard my attitude; I do not want to succumb to unconstructiveness - in any shape or fashion.  It's not easy, of course, although, who says it needs to be? 

Owning a small business, or working as an independent, self-employed professional or solopreneur requires an enormous amount of tenacity, courage, perseverance, and more . . . as you have found (I'm preaching to the choir, eh?). I imagine you've discovered, too, that maintaining a good, constructive, healthful attitude is key to managing this process.

I don't have a specific how-to list for achieveing this. Mostly, because I believe your list would be uniquely yours - just as we find motivation and inspiration in various places.  The point is that each of us find what works. 

I am remaining open to the possibility of good things . . . I'l be looking for them!  I like framing it this way, it makes it utterly believable for me, despite what others are saying.  

I hope you find what works for you, and work it!

Stressed? Ah, a good, hearty laugh may be just what you need!

Yup, stress can have that affect on us!  Not a pretty sight, I know.  It seems to be everywhere I look right now - people suffering with stressful situations, that is.  Whether it's the affect of the economy on our lives, challenging business issues, health issues (it is the flu season!), or the hectic demands the holidays can sometimes impose as the root cause(s), we need regular periods of reprieve. 

Well, how about a good, hearty laugh for some relief?  No, I don't have a good joke or hilarious video to share.  I do have a reference to a brief post that talks about the benefits of laughter, and you can read it here if you like.  The post contains a comprehensive list of ways to find laughter in our daily lives. 

I'm thinking this list could contain some excellent timely tips!  Take a look.

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 like this list!  Yup, I'm taking #16 and immediately applying it to my day.  So, if you give me a call and hear me laughing . . . well, do be prepared to laugh with me.  Here's to a stress-free (or stress-less) week!

Work with your passion!

Gary Vaynerchuk gave a truly inspiring speech at a recent web expo. His message: "Do what you love!" "Work with your passion!" Or "Work with passion!" All of these plus more. It was a great straightforward, to the point, inspiring (to the point of being bullish) speech. Just the kind of thing I like. See the speech below, and enjoy.

And a thank you track-back to Perry Belcher for the introduction. I always knew Gary was cool, but this was a great confirmation.

What's your blog?

I had no idea blogging was so important. I went to a meeting some time ago, and one of the workshop presenters said that people would start introducing themselves by giving out their blog information. And, I’m finding that to be true especially on Twitter. On Twitter people aren’t asking about your website, but wanting information about your blog. It’s kind of like how we talk about people not asking what is a VA, but who is your VA.

So, if you don’t have a blog, consider starting one. There's no risk involved. Your blog can be about you and/or your passion. I have a blog all about my interest in things nonprofit. The most important thing to remember is to be consistent. If you are going to write weekly, make sure you do so. To help you drive traffic to your blog, be sure to add your blog address in your signature line. This is a great marketing tool no matter what line of business you're in.

Blogging is a responsibility; so, be faithful. In the end, you’ll reap many rewards from building new relationships, to increasing your visibility, to just having an awful lot of fun!