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!

VAVirtuoso Webinar - a Week of Learning

This week has really been interesting and rewarding.  I have been learning a lot from this year's VAVS webinars (VAVirtuoso).  It's fun to find out about how others do things, what other VA's are involved in, what new technology is out there, and even not so new but that I didn't know about!

I figure there's always room to grow, and learning should be an ongoing thing.  Not just in my business, but in all parts of my life.

I learned a little bit about the Cloud - which I had previously been ignoring, but now am intrigued!  Actually, I found out that in a small way, I've already been using the Cloud - just didn't realize that was what it was.

There was a webinar on responding to RFP's - which I have not done to date.  It's a Request For Proposal, and it's a way to let people know you're interested in their project or service needs.  That was very interesting, and a little nerve-wracking - but I just may investigate further.

I have had the opportunity to download some great bonus materials, and am looking for a few minutes of down time to read and absorb some of the great stuff that was given.

All in all, as the week draws to an end, I've been happy to have participated - even though I didn't get to sit in on everything.

Now, like one of my clients says, "Don't just learn.  Implement!"  (Hope you don't mind my borrowing that Stacey.)  So, off to go do some implementing.

Just a little nostalgic for the sites and sounds of Florida.  I'd love to be doing a little of my "implementing" from there!  Sigh.