Print Screen

Print Screen

I know you have seen the Print Screen button inthe upper right corner of your keyboard but have you ever used it?  I use it ALL the time.  When I work with clients on how to use their computer – Basics 101 – in my computer tutor training, I use the Print Screen to build a handout to leave with the client.

Print Screen is used with the Shift button to capture a snapshot of your computer screen or with the Alt button to capture a snapshot of your active window.  Take this snapshot and paste it into Word or another program.  Easy as pie!

EVA blog print screen

Contact me if you have any questions – hope this helps!

Jan

Website Content is KING! – duh

I was surprised at how many students in a recent website development class wanted to find the easy way to being ranked #1 in the search engines.   Funny thing is they weren’t looking at the obvious.  What was true before still holds true today – content is king!  You need good content that is relevant to your business endeavors.

There are additional steps you can perform to increase your rankings i.e. add meta tags, alt tags on images, and of course submitting your url to the search engine directories.   Don’t forget to list your business on Google’s Local Business Center.

And, don’t just let your website sit out there!  Freshen your content on occasion or have something to draw visitors back to your website because they want to read your …. a) events calendar, b) latest blog post, c) witty commentary on local happenings, d) your review of the latest great book or article you’ve read.  Make them want to come to your website over the websites of your competitors.

Want more ideas or have some suggestions – send me your comments!  Need help, I can assist you virtually – even if it is just to send you reminders to complete some of the steps above!

Best to you,

Jan

Advanced Access customers

Hello!

One of my Realtor® clients forwarded an Advanced Access e-newsletter to me that announced Single Property websites are now available to Advanced Access customers!  There was no mention in the e-newsletter that you must be a 4.0 user of Advanced Access.  It isn’t available to 3.0 users – OOPS!

In the case of this particular client, it doesn’t matter because he already uses Single Property Sites (which is a terrific program!) to market his listings!

It is still a good day to be a virtual assistant! :)

Jan

Your Pictures on Facebook

Facebook has agreed to let a third party advertisers use your posted pictures without your permission.  To opt out, click on SETTINGS up at the top where you see the log out link. Select PRIVACY SETTINGS. Then select NEWS FEED AND WALL. Next select the tab that reads FACE BOOK ADS. There is a drop down box, select NO ONE.  Then SAVE your changes.

Computer Tutoring

One of the services I offer is tutoring people on the basics of using the internet, their computer, and multiple programs.  Initially, they seem a bit embarrassed about contacting me, but after a quick discussion, they realize I’m not going to belittle them for not being super savvy when it comes to their computer knowledge.  I am t/here to help!

Most often my tutored clients start off thinking they are going to do irreparable damage and have ceased using their computer.  First of all, it is really hard to “break” your computer by clicking on the wrong file or in the wrong space.  Secondly, there are numerous avenues available to complete a task.  i.e.: cut and paste in Word by selecting the item/words then  a) use the edit drop-down menu, or b) right click for a pop-up menu, or c) use keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+x then Ctrl+v .

I encourage them to go about it the way that makes them the most comfortable and before long they wonder what they did before they used their computer for everything!  (Heck, I rarely use the telephone directory anymore – I go online to anywho.com).

Best to you,

Jan

Reclaim Your Desk

Lately things have been getting a bit chaotic and my desk was bearing the brunt of  being “put off”.   The stacks started off small – I call it “organized confusion” – I knew where everything was located but it was becoming more challenging as the weeks passed.

.:.Even in this economy, my virtual business is still chugging along and picking up a new project now and again!

.:.My son is now 15 months old and very active.

.:.Summer is beckoning with fabulous sunny days and the opportunity/neccessity to tend to landscaping duties.

I don’t know about you, but if I am disorganized in one area of life, it can really stress me out!  It was imperative to reclaim my desk space for me and my clients.

My wonderful sister took my son to her house one day and I jumped into my project to clear the clutter, organize all of the bits and pieces and regain control.  It is amazing how efficiently things run now – everything is in its place.   I love to work at my desk again and look forward to it – isn’t that the way it is supposed to be?

Best to you,

Jan

60 Second Recording

Good Evening!

I recently decided to capture my son’s latest accomplishments in building his vocabulary (at 13 months!) by using the Sound Recorder on my computer.

Within the Windows operating system, you can locate the Sound Recorder by going to Start, Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, and Sound Recorder.   Most microphones are standard issue when you purchase a computer these days so get your microphone set and click the record button.   It isn’t the best quality but I was happy to send out my recording and received oohs and ahhs from family and friends when they heard my little man’s voice!

I hope you have a minute or two to play with this nifty component!

Best to you,

Jan

Free Online Training – Outlook 2007!

Hello All!

Now is a great time to brush up your skills or add a new one and here’s why you can’t pass this opportunity up . . . it is a great course and it is FREE!  For anyone who is interested, a colleague and fellow Colorado VA, Andrea Kalli,  is offering a FREE online training course – Outlook 2007 What’s New (ol07wn30). Andrea is a terrific trainer and she makes learning effortless.  Sign up through her e-learning center, under the Free Training Material category at http://www.virtualassist.net/elearning.

She has additional courses/subjects available, so please visit her e-learning center to get more information and to sign up.

Best to you,
Jan

Becoming a Virtual Assistant

On a fairly regular basis, aspiring virtual assistants (VAs) contact me stating they want to become a VA and don’t know where to start.  It truly can be overwhelming but here is my simple advice to get them rolling.

1) Determine who you will market to and how you will market to them.

2) Decide whether you will be a generalist or provide niche services?

3) Write your business plan including a marketing plan!  This key document will help guide you along the way and it should be reworked as your business progresses.

Starting your own business is not for everyone and you must be honest when you assess yourself and your skills.  Do your research as far as small business ownership is concerned and spend some time perusing all of the information available on the Small Business Administration website.

Good luck and best to you,

Jan

Buying a Digital Camera

As a virtual assistant and somewhat of a techno-person, I am often asked for recommendations on different components and programs. With so many digital cameras to choose from it is important to determine your priorities before you buy.

Personally, when I chose my current digital camera, my priorities were:

- affordability

- higher megapixels

- large LCD view screen

- image stabilization

- ISO setting

- optical zoom capability

- compact

Before you make your decision, consider how you will be using the camera   and what your particular needs will be when using the camera. Take a little time to research your options, ask questions, shop around, and test several models to get a true feel for the camera before you buy.

Say cheese!

Jan