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

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

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

Anti Virus

So, I scheduled an onsite “Computer Tutor” training session today for a client who claims to be not-so-savvy when it comes to the computer.  Very typical scenario, he’s newer to computers and finds them a bit intimidating.  Not a problem, that’s why I’m here.  (I offer virtual training and onsite training for those who want me to personally walk them through the steps and show them the how-to’s. )

He needed help accessing and surfing the World Wide Web, installing a program he bought, setting up a new email account, and walking him through some basic steps.

When I got there, the “normal” pop-up window (that “always comes up”) appeared stating they needed to update/upgrade their virus protection software.  This entailed purchasing a new, more expensive version.

This aggravates the hooey out of me because for the average user, there are terrific FREE versions of protection from reputable companies.   We downloaded a new FREE program, scanned his system, and removed the old program.  Voila!  It didn’t take long, he’s protected, and it was …. oh, that’s right, FREE!

Let me know if you have any questions!

Best to you,

Jan
Professional Virtual Assistant

Warning! Domain Renewal Hoaxes

Argh – this really chaps me.  Those sneaky official looking domain renewal letters sent out to people.  I’ve had several friends and clients who have received these and PAY!

I’m posting this blog because a new client called to say she received a letter to renew the domain.  I already coached her on who to pay and approximately when it would be due.  (She forgot and that’s why she called.)  She was going to pay this phony-bologna company but had the inkling that something didn’t seem quite right.  Precisely!

So here’s my plea – if you receive a domain renewal letter by mail, don’t pay it without checking it out first!  If you don’t know how, contact me, or your virtual assistant.  Unless, of course, you have about $100 that you are willing to give away.

Best to you,

Jan

“Administrative support only when you need it!”

www.eva-colo.com