The Virtual Wire

Clarifying your vision - how to get a clearer picture of your offline success

Do you have a vision of what the successful you looks like? If not, perhaps it's time you started looking at your personal and professional goals through clearer lenses. A trendy new offline strategy called vision boarding can add some clarity to your sight so that you can start actualizing both your personal and professional aims.

What is vision boarding? It all ties into The Law of Attraction. With all the hype surrounding Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret" in recent months, you're probably already familiar with this concept. For the uninitiated, The Law of Attraction states that whatever you focus your thoughts and attention on will be magnetically drawn to you. So, for example, if you decide 2009 is the year your business is going to reach a profit milestone, you would begin thinking something like, "This is the year my company is going to earn $XX million." And if The Law of Attraction held to its claim, by December 31, 2009 you'd have reached your earning goal.

If it all sounds a bit new age hokey to you, it's actually not. If you think about it, The Law of Attraction is really a thinly veiled technique that is designed to steer your attention away from all those useless time and energy drains in your life and re-center them on what you actually want to achieve. So many people get caught up in their fast-paced everyday lives, however, that they have trouble envisioning precisely what it is they want to achieve. That's where vision boarding comes into play.

Writer Tristan Loo defines a vision board as "a simple yet powerful visualization tool that activates the universal law of attraction to begin manifesting your dreams into reality." In essence, it's a tangible blank slate (such as a poster board, a cork board or a scrapbook) onto which you adhere visual representations (like cutout images, written expressions and/or hand-rendered drawings) of your life goals.

"By selecting pictures and writing that charges your emotions with feelings of passion, you will begin to manifest those things into your life," Loo explains. The concept is catching on like wildfire, with real-world vision boarding groups forming across the country. The power of these groups lies in their collaborative incentive. It's sort of like having multiple swimming buddies or workout partners who not only cheer you on to success but also help you better define what exactly it is your want to accomplish in the first place.

Vision boarding meet-up groups afford you the opportunity to hobnob with locals who are interested in practicing the science and ideology of The Law of Attraction. Their mission is to help you attract the abundance and prosperity you're craving.

These group meet-ups, however, also serve a profitable side benefit. Vision boarding groups are just one of the ways in which you can promote your expertise offline to generate thousands of dollars in free publicity.

What color are you today?

Our environments--external and internal--affect us more than we may know. One of the biggest players is color. Whether the color of a room, of a plate, or the color you use to describe yourself and your mood, color implies, denotes, defines, helps and hinders.

Most of the time, I strive to start out the week with a solid purple foundation; in this case, it denotes spirituality (and perhaps wisdom). I want 'purple' to underpin everything I do. And most of the time, it does. I rarely dress in purple, but depending on the shade, it can work for me. Once I've set my inner tone, if you will, I want my outer demeanor to be cheery and warm and inviting. That's yellow, in a nutshell. I teach, and I maintain a small client base in my virtual assistance practice, so it seems to me that 'yellow' should greet my clients and students alike. It usually comes naturally to me. I love wearing black, but when I want to make a more down-to-earth impression, I wear brown (the new black, sometimes, depending on which fashion expert you listen to). When I am 'brown', I'm down to earth--makes sense--and strong and confident.

The remarkable thing about the meanings of colors (About.com has an interesting take on this, in its Psychology pages) is that the world is replete with experts on their significance, and how they're used in psychology, nutrition and food, and chromotherapy; to name but three.

The meanings of colors also have two other things going for them (or against them), and this is true of every symbol you care to investigate: there are color complements and contrasts (opposites), and there are the subjective and objective layers to deal with as well. For example, the yellow I mentioned earlier, if painted in a room or in the form of paper, can cause eye fatigue. Here’s another example: while I may see brown as strength and confidence, others may see it as boring and dull. How you or I see any color, may in no way match the objective meanings assigned to it by so many experts.

As this week got underway, my ‘purple’ was a bit shaken. My ‘blue’, instead of creating a feeling of calmness or authority, was turned inward and taking on a contrasting meaning. Right now, I’m trying to move back into the good blue, and the cheery yellow.

What color are you today?

Learning from one another - a valuable resource

I've met and worked with many small business owners throughout my life.  In my VA practice now and while working in the "brick and mortar" world, I've learned a great deal from these extraordinary, entrepreneurial-minded business owners. I am grateful for my experiences, and continue to learn from these every-day exchanges, which I find invaluable.

An important matter that affects the small business community in a critical fashion, is the issue of health care coverage.  Regardless of the unique perspectives through which we each view this concern, I think an important factor (and one not easily attained) is finding good, credible information on the topic.

For such a resource, I've found "Fixed for America" to be a great help. You'll find a ton of information on their site - here's an example of their 10 Principles: Small Business Principles for Healthcare Reform page.  I'm in the process of continually reading, researching and learning more - I know I'm not alone.  After all, I hope, we're together learning and growing - and positively affecting one another as we progress onward.

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.

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!   

Clear and inviting

As E was finishing and proofing the rework of her virtual assistance website this weekend, we got into a discussion of clear messages. In fact, one of the reasons for the rework was that she wanted to be clearer about the kinds of clients she wants to attract into her VA practice.

The more I thought about it, the more I could see how the Law of Attraction (or Leonard’s 28 Principles of Attraction, which you can read about here) applied.

Because words are so very important—and here I have to agree with my friend Dawn—they often are a proxy for you. In other ‘words’, words sometimes have to stand in for you, as you can’t always be there in person. If you are seen or experienced or perceived through your words, well, your words should be thoughtful, meaningful, sometimes concise, sometimes precise, but most of all reflective of who and what you are. I like to write, so (I think) I’m getting better at crafting my words so they’d be okay to stand in for me if I wasn’t there. This is in part what blogging is about, or for that matter, many other forms of online presence.

If my logic—while not fully spelled out or argued in this brief post—is sound, it follows that reflective, personalized, clear writing should be more inviting. Such use of words should draw the reader in; it should make her feel you’re there in person, speaking to her. The voice you use should be the authentic voice you’ve worked to develop, and it should stem from an authentic you.

In revising her site, E has worked hard at crafting her message so as to “invite in” her ideal clients. The Law of Attraction being what it is, I think she’s onto something. This work in progress is almost ready to hit cyberspace, and I’m looking forward to see how finely she has re-tuned her messages.

Get ready to rock in '09! -business planning made fun and simple! oh, and did I forget - cost effective too!

This month, many organizations, coaches, and the like, are encouraging their clients and/or members to start to focus on their business plans for '09. As I revisited my plan I too started to get a little overwhelmed with the thought of filling skill gaps, and sticking to marketing initiatives that I already started.  A blessing emerged with the launch of VAClassroom.com, which has just kicked off two programs for VAs that will add to your service offerings for '09 (Social Marketing and Internet Marketing).

What about you? Have you finished that business plan yet? or has your plan stayed tucked away since you first completed it? What are your hopes, dreams and goals for the upcoming year? Don't let the economy cloud your thinking about your leadership ability, potential for success or personal passion. Just plan for the best.

I recently came across a wonderful coach, Donna Price (she's also one of my clients). She has such good energy, you know - the kind that you need to help you really focus on the tough plan. She provides a resource that I had to pass along to you. I know some of the readers have gone through a VTP (Virtual Training Program) and may already have a plan, but if you haven't, or you want to revive those plans for '09, here's a cost effective way to do it...consider Bizology.Biz. It's is a fantastic new business building program.  I asked her what she could share with the VA community. Here's what she sent me:

Benefits of Bizology.com's program
・    Bizology.Biz guides you through successful steps in building your business.
・    The program is provided in bite size pieces so that you can work on your business and not feel overwhelmed and guilty for not getting through the program.

Defining Your Niche

I came across a great article recently about defining niches for new businesses. My first thought was that defining a niche is not just for new businesses but part of the ongoing development plan for all businesses. I work with so many VAs who work with a particular sector of the market, and then they can be seen as a VA expert in a particular field. It makes it easier to decide what to learn, when there is so much to learn, who to follow i.e. who are the market leaders, and when and how to conduct marketing. I personally think that this is a smart way to work, but as of yet I have not found my niche.

But developing your niche also goes back to the basics of your business

Then I had an a’ah-ha’ moment. Of course I have decided upon the basics of my niche. As a Virtual Assistant there is an immense amount of VAs without a niche of the basics of their business. Instead of setting up clear standards and boundaries, they continuously jump from working method, to working method based upon what clients (potential or actual), small business advisors etc, tell them they should be doing. It might sound simplistic, and even obvious, but so many VAs have not done this simple thing, and this leaves them in a state of constant flux and with a severe lack of confidence about how to run and grow their business.

For me my business was started so that I can:

• Have the freedom of choice to decide whom I work with
• Use the gamut of my skills and develop and grow on my own terms
• Have the flexibility to govern my own work hours
• Have the ability to earn as much or as little as I want
• Be able to work from wherever I want to

With these fundamental goals set out for my business, I was then able to build my standards and boundaries based around this. So I have developed the basics for my niche, and now I need to define it even further.

Any ideas on how to make the decisions about how to decide my niche market?

Entrepreneurial thinking - moving from being overwhelmed and distracted to being focused and determined!

Recently, I took on the task of revamping my business, a passion and pursuit that I started in 2003.  I actually began thinking, talking, networking, and trying to engineer a VA practice 5 years ago.  It was a failed start.  Here it is – 2008 and I'm just getting this off the ground!  When I reflected upon “why” I hadn't actually developed this endeavor to fruition, a light bulb went off.  I was “overwhelmed and distracted” by everything else that was, at the moment, perceived as a priority. 

Have you let opportunities to do what you really wanted, or to have the type of practice that you envisioned, pass you by, only to be in the same place again – the starting point, with nothing to show for?  If so, you are not alone and it's not too late!

This post is about an opportunity, we all have, in any area of life, but especially in our businesses, to move from operating in a place of “overwhelmed and distracted” to a place of "focused and determined." 

“Americans don't value time and money, so we waste it” - Dr. Melvin Gravely

Most of us in business are overwhelmed and distracted, wasting time, and missing opportunities because of information overload or misjudgment of priorities.  We can't do the things that are most important because we have to do the things that are most present.  Is that true of you?  It was of me as I pondered why I hadn't executed well thought out strategies to grow my practice and as I struggled through the tough questions mentioned in last week's post (article on Oct. 4th). 

I was really jazzed after I heard a talk given by Dr. Melvin Gravely, II, the founder of the Institute of Entrepreneurial Thinking.  His motivational program changed the way I thought about success.  He enlightened and entertained with stories that illustrated the key ideas and helped me create new connections (aha moments) to the things that I really wanted and the role my thinking played in achieving them.  Here's what I took away:

Mobile Virtual Assistance – I don’t think it’s for me!

At AssisU we were introduced to virtual assistance with a twist in the form of an on-site, organizational focused support service called mobile assistance. Angie Mattson of Mattson Business Services runs such a service and she told us all about it in a teleclass.

The base of this service focuses around helping our clients in both virtual and on-site settings. I can see that this is a much needed because even though I work in a exclusively virtually I am aware that many of my clients also have some level of on-site support.

Even though I work virtually, I recently entered into an on-site support role, that has ended up being more on-site than I recently anticipated. So this call came along just at the right time for me. When I interviewed my client and talked through the work she required, I thought that I would be able to do a large part of her work in my office and then transport any documents, files and folders back to her office, but it has not really panned out like that. Therefore, this new relationship has developed slower than usual because of the required adjustment needed on my part, and I have slowly come to the conclusion that maybe this type of relationship is not for me.

Angie believes that by offering the on-site service we, VAs that is, can tackle the real problem of islolation that is suffered by solopreneurs. I agree “cabin fever” as my friend terms it, can sometimes be a real problem. But for me I am sure that this is the solution. I find that to break up my day or alleviate the feeling of isolation I:

1. Keep my office lively with music, or online TV, depending on what tasks I am doing
2. Occasionally taking my laptop and going to a local Starbucks to work, or
3. Visiting a friend in her home office and spending time with her whilst we both work.

So is mobile assistance definitely not for me?