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!

Faith versus Fear

One of the things my Pastor has taught in a series on Faith, was that fear is the opposite of faith.  Well now, how did I get to be this old, and not figured that out before?  Anxiety is one of those things that has worn me down time and again - and the funny thing was - it never did a thing to improve my situation!  Just wasted adrenalin!

So how does that apply to my business?  Sometimes, I fear that I just won't get enough business.  That's been pretty much unfounded.  About the time things slow down, and I let that classic "Oh, now what am I going to do?" start again...the phone rings or the emails show up with more work to do.  I do a good job at what I do, admit when I've goofed (sadly, I'm not perfect...are you???), and do what I can to make any needed corrections.  People are happy with that, and they refer me to others - voila!!  Work!

Other times I fear learning something new.  Now, I'm not going to kid you.  It is sometimes tough to learn new things.  Sometimes, it's just not my cup 'o tea, and I have to admit defeat - but how would I know unless I tried?  Having faith in myself, believing in the skills God has given me...venturing out of my safety zone, has allowed me to learn a WHOLE lot of new stuff.

Fear is wasted energy.  I have to "preach" that at myself often, because it's really my first, instantaneous reaction to some things.  Reminding myself that God is not the author of fear, that He's with me every step of the way, and that he equips me with intelligence, common sense, talent, and skills is little by little, putting fear out of my life - business included.

Are you practicing faith or living in fear?

“Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.”  Joni Erickson Tada


Mark 4:26-27,28-29 – Faith is like a seed; plant it in your heart. God gives the harvest at the appointed time.

“Faith is believing that God is going to take you places before you even get there.”  Matthew Barnett -

Encouraging Word for Building Your Virtual Business

It's Been Awhile!

After a long hiatus, I decided it was time to get back in action.  Learning and working on a new business seemed a full-time business, though I only wanted to work part time.

Sheppard Virtual Diamond Services is now the name of my business.  It's official.  I have a bank account and everything!  All that means to me is one more checking account to bring up to date every month.

I'm also finding myself in a bit of transition.  I have found my favorite niche - General transcription.  I love typing, I love the tools I use - Express Scribe, and most of all - I love my clients.  Having been in training at one time for medical transcription, I'm finding general transcription a breeze.

Business has been growing.  I have several clients, and am considering even adding a subcontractor.  Now, don't everybody pester me to add you just yet - I said CONSIDERING.  It's a thought in progress.

Ramping things up is my goal for this year.  I'd like to have more clients - and do more general transcription in particular.  I'm a new member of  The VA Insider Club, and hoping to learn a lot more about moving my business along.

If you're at all interested in learning more about what I offer as a VA or General Transcriptionist - please contact me at 937-698-5508, or at sheppardVA@gmail.com.  

Here's to a great New Year in business, and personally.  May God bless you.

Announcing my Virtual Assistant Dedicated Blog

VIRTUALLY
GETTING IT DONE

It's time to set something up separately from my personal blog www.conniescapers.blogspot.com. Don't get me wrong, I'd still love to have you stop by me regular blog, but to follow along with me on this business adventure of mine, it'll be easier to see what I'm doing, then sorting through all the more personal blogging I do.

I've now been virtually assisting clients one whole year, almost to the day! My first year anniversary! It's been a great experience. There have been some trials along the way, but the good definitely outweighs the bad. It's been a year of learning a tremendous amount of techie stuff, (with a tremendous amount of techie stuff yet to learn), a year of learning from mistakes, taking on challenges I never dreamed possible, and generally, being tickled beyond words at the opportunity.

I have two great clients, and am open to whatever comes my way. As it turns out, both my current clients are from Canada, and here I am in the US, in southern Ohio. There's part of me that still chuckles that you can work for someone in another country, from the comfort of your home!

My goal with this blog is to share some of the things I've been learning, and hopefully ask questions that my readers might have answers to! I hope other Virtual Assistants, especially new ones, will feel free to share here as well.

I want to thank Rhea Perry from Educating For Success, her own Virtual Assistant, Denise, and my first client - Stacey, for all their help and encouragement during this last year. It's been greatly appreciated.

Well, that's enough of an intro for now. Will share something new soon.