Reading for Pleasure or Education

I don't know about you, but I am an avid reader.  I read to my husband (as long as I can find books that aren't "chick-flicks"), I read for pleasure, to learn new things about life in general, or about business.  I don't think you can read enough!  My wonderful Kindle helps me read more because of it's easy access.

There's a great book resource call Good Books International, http://gogoodbooks.com/ that besides selling great books, all the profits go to Oxfam Charity Projects.  That's cool.

If you don't mind paying a monthly fee for good books, Scribd is a great resource for books of all kinds, too.  https://www.scribd.com/

Of course, there's always https://www.bookbub.com too, and the books available seem endless.

You might also want to check out inspirational books as well.  A great list of Christian inspirational books can be found on GoodReads at
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/18518.Best_Christian_Inspirational_Books

I could probably list resources for reading from know til forever, there are just so many ways to get good books to read.  You can read hard copy, ebooks, audio books....on and on.

You know the old but catchy saying, "just do it".  Reading helps you grow, educates you, inspires you, teaches you, entertains you, etc.  It's just plain good for you.

Keep Learning

Took a bit of a break from blogging.  But now it's time to get back to business.

I have continued working as a virtual assistant. Some years it's been jam packed with clients, and other years it was a little slow.  That's ok, on the slow times I've taken the opportunity to learn some new things.

I was at a slow spot not too long ago, and was offered the opportunity to learn WordPress and be an apprentice.  Wow!  Great way to learn.  Funny though, as soon as I decided to do that - business picked up.  So now, I'm really busy both assisting clients, and learning WordPress.

WordPress was always on my list of Unfriendly Programs.  I thought it was very hard to learn, and not user friendly.  I was trying to learn it on my own, however, and I definitely needed a helping hand.  About a year ago, one of my clients decided he needed some help with his website creation business, and was willing to teach me some behind the scenes editing that if I could do it for him, would save a lot of time.  So, he taught me what he needed to have me do.  Because he took the time to make everything clear - I learned what he needed, and have been doing those edits since - however, it was just one aspect of WordPress.  There was still a lot I didn't know.

Then I was given the opportunity to learn WordPress using Module lessons, and videos that Christina Hills offers at Website Creation Workshop.  She does an excellent job of teaching, it's very easy to follow the instructions, and I'm learning it!!  It's fun, and I'm feeling pretty darn good about what I've learned so far.  Check it our if you're interested in learning WordPress.  www.websitecreationworkshop.com/ 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, "Never stop learning".  I have a lot of excuses for not putting myself out there and taking on new tasks, new skills, new education - but none of them really hold water.  You can never learn too much.  Strive to become a better you every day of your life.

Some Cool Resources

Here are some great resources I just learned about.  That doesn't mean they're brand new - but they are to me.  Hopefully, there's something here for you:

For Google+ users - 
http://www.suggestedcircles.com/   
http://www.hangoutslive.com 
http://www.clicknewz.com/8827/2hat-the-plus/

and finally, one that's got great tips - 

http://www.clicknewz.com/9493/browser-tricks-for-productivity/

Check them out if the topics interest you.

from vuible.com

Are You Running YOUR Business or is Your BUSINESS Running You?

I got some great ideas, and learned lots of helpful tips last week during VAV's 2014 (VA Virtuoso).  I love listening in on as many as I can every year.  It's so nice that something like that is available online.

One of the speakers spoke about how we need to create boundaries.  What will you do for clients, and what won't you do?  I remember when I first started out, if I was asked to do things I didn't like doing - I'd do them regardless - and still do from time to time.  However, I'm much more selective now than I was.  But a plan is necessary.  Know how you're going to handle things like:

1. last minute requests - 
2. need it done now - are you going to charge a rush fee?
3. what are your office hours - are you going to be firm about them?
4. Do you offer some services at different rates than your general rate?

You need to know what your plan is for these - and stick to the plan.  This is still an area I need work on.  I know in my head what my "plan" is - but I need to get it down on paper - maybe even make it available to new clients, so the record can be set straight from the beginning.

What about you?  Are you all set to let clients know what your plan is?  

Here's a good list for creating boundaries from Lara Casey:

Be courageous

Be courageous today!  Try something new!  If you've failed before - try again.  Don't give in to fear, and don't quit.  (Yes, I'm preaching at myself  :-)

Have a great, positive, successful day and a wonderful weekend.

What's a Mind Dump?

Ever done a mind dump before?  It's also referred to as a brain dump.  Up until last week, I had never heard the term.  Frankly, it doesn't sound very nice!  LOL.  However, it's a great way to help me out, and I'm learning to implement this tool not just for my business, but for my personal life as well.

I have heard it defined as the following:   Generally, the transfer of a large quantity of information from one person to another or to a piece of paper can be referred to as a 'brain dump'.  It was recommended to use paper, and the idea is to write down everything you're thinking of - get it down on paper.

Ever have one of those nights where you've gone to bed, and you've definitely earned a good night's sleep, but instead you lie there in bed and think of all the things you forgot to do, still need to do, have to get done the next day, next week, next month?  Your brain seems to be sabotaging every effort you make to relax and fall asleep.  Rats.

www.shutterstock.com

Well, now I have a tool to use to combat that fiasco.  Before going to bed, I do a brain dump.  I start writing things down that I have to do, places I need to go, materials I might need, things I need to tell others to do, preparations I need to make, ideas I have...anything in my head that might keep me from letting the sandman do his job!

It hasn't been perfect - once in a while, I still end up thinking of something I didn't add to the list, but over time - I'm finding I have far less to review once in bed.  I can just trust my list.

As I said, it's a tool - one you might find useful, maybe not.  But it sure is worth a try.  Have a great day!

(picture from bansheeman7)

New Challenges and Opportunities

Spring has finally sprung here in Ohio.  It's a beautiful, sunny day today - and I love the sunlight streaming through my office window.

After taking some time off to work on other areas of my business and life, I thought I should get back into my blog.  It's been an interesting time in my business this year.  Things slowed a bit when a few customers either went out of business, or changed their business and no longer required a VA, but then, out of the blue - I picked up a few new clients that have been keeping me pretty busy.

I am also moving into new areas of my business - which I think will be very interesting and challenging.  I'm mentoring with the guru in Non-Profit Grant Readiness - learning to become a Non-Profit VA.  What I've learned so far has been truly fascinating and I look forward to what comes next.

That's a positive thing I'd like to leave you with - always keep learning.  I think it keeps you sharp, adds to what you have to offer others, and keeps life from getting boring.  Keep on keeping on!