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

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

Does Hiring a Virtual Assistant Make Sense?

Well, that is something each business owner must ascertain for themselves.

Although I consider myself to be a positive thinker, the current economic shift has been tough on many businesses/employers and it may remain that way for a while.  Faced with having to make critical decisions regarding their workforce to keep the business solvent is not easy.   Replacing employees with a full-timer may not be the best option when times are still uncertain.

Luckily, the virtual world offers the relatively new solution of hiring a professional virtual assistant.  Choosing to partner with a virtual assistant might be the most cost-effective solution when you have to cut your traditional workforce.

Best to you,

Jan

Gas Prices

Hello All!

Well, the snow has started to fly this afternoon and this evening in SW Colorado.  I needed to fill up my car this morning anyhow, but what a treat!   I LOVE to pay only $1.58 / gallon for unleaded!  Sure beats the price we were paying just a short time ago.  Almost makes it worth going out in the snow!

If you need a quick happy thought, think about what you are saving in gas prices now.

Safe driving!

Jan

Holiday Shopping at Amazon.com

Hello All!

As an Amazon.com Affiliate, I receive special notifications when there are DEALS to be had! Guess what? For those of you with children on your holiday shopping list, you can save up to 35% on selected Fisher-Price toys when shopping right now.

Aren’t you interested in getting a bargain? Please use my website link to shop. It doesn’t cost you any more and they give me an itty-bitty kick back for sending them quality traffic if you shop and BUY via my link.

While I am a virtual assistant working from home, I find it easy, peaceful, and expeditious to shop online. I hope you can take a few minutes to shop from the warmth and comfort of your home and leave the chaos of traffic, crowds, and standing in line for someone with more time on their hands! :)

Thank you so much and happy online shopping!

Best to you,

Jan

Times Are Tough But Pay Me Please

This is truly echoing through the conversations of many these days. It has been profoundly prevalent amongst many entrepreneurs with whom I have elected to partner.

While I understand and empathize that these are tough economical times, I strive to be open-minded about the situation. It is increasingly difficult to do so, when I provide services in good faith, invoice for those services, then not hear a word from a client for weeks. Albeit, it may be a bit embarrassing for them to tell me, “Hey Jan, I am a little broke right now, can we work something out?” this simple communication would clarify the predicament and I would be much more willing to work with them. However, when I have to “chase” after them to pay, for them to hide/ignore or state they will get money to me next week, if next week never arrives, it just damages my faith in them as a client.

As an independent business owner and single mother, I try to be flexible, but bear in mind, my bills are still due and unfortunately my mortgage company isn’t as flexible. It is increasingly troubling to find out some trusted clients won’t communicate.

It has been difficult to get those ends to meet each month, but I am remaining positive in bringing new clients aboard, I have taken on a few new clients/projects and started selling Avon products as an independent sales representative. This is my way of being financially creative and accomplish the one thing that is most important to me…working from home so that I can raise my handsome 7-month old son, Jack!

New IRS Mileage Rates

Finally some good news – especially with the outrageous price of gas right now, we are getting a bit of relief when behind the wheel – courtesy of the IRS! The IRS announced that effective July 1, 2008, mileage rates have gone up eight cents per mile for business, medical, and moving mileage. Check out the IRS website for the full scoop. Basically, business rates were 50.5 January 1 – June 20, 2008 and now they are 58.5 July 1 – December 31, 2008.

Saving Money at the Pump

Okay, so I may be a virtual assistant, but I actually leave my office on occasion and get out and see a bit of this beautiful country. Even though I drive an economy car, I am extremely aware of the price of fuel these days and recently received a few tips about fueling up from my significant other who is a mechanic.

1) Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained: tuned up, clean air filter, and proper tire inflation.

2) Pump in the morning when the ground is coolest. The gas is more dense when it is cool and you’ll get more gas in your tank. Gas expands when it is warm so you’ll actually get less when it is warmer.

3) Fill up when your tank is half full – not on empty. There will be less space for the fuel to evaporate if the tank is half full.

4) Fuel up slowly. If you fully squeeze the trigger and pump fast, it creates more vapors which are sucked up back into the underground storage tanks! That’s why all of the filling stations have the fuel vapor recovery hoses.

5) Don’t fill up when the tanker is delivering gas. It stirs up all the sediment in the bottom of the storage tanks and it will go directly into your tank.

Hope you find these tips helpful.

Best to you,

Jan

Times Are Tough

It is difficult to be a business owner and make some of those unfortunate and uncomfortable decisions when the budget gets tight. Regrettably, it seems as though we are dealing with that situation more and more these days. Often times those positions cut from the budget are administrative. Having been in administrative positions for many years in the non-virtual world (although my position was never eliminated), I have seen the consequences of management losing their “right-hand” person and it isn’t pretty.

Luckily, we have a fabulous solution for this situation today. Hire a virtual assistant! You/your company will save money because you only pay for the actual time spent on your tasks. Interested? Contact me today to discuss the ways EVA – Electronic Virtual Assistant can collaborate with you on your next project and/or every day undertakings. Everything from word processing to web design – let EVA take the load off of your shoulders so you have the time and ability to concentrate on the components most important to you – business or pleasure.

Best to you,

Jan