My nephew laughed the day he was born. He was put in my arms and he giggled. Everyone in the room knew right then he would grow up to be a card. A few family videos, pictures I cherish and the voice on the other end of the phone, “Hi, Aunt Amy.” After over twenty years,…
Spring Cleaning! Which one of your services needs to go?
It’s a very personal thing to offer a service and no one buys. Have you poured your heart into the project only to hear “crickets” when it comes to the buy now button? Is it time to let that service go? Let’s explore. Is the service priced right? The only way to know is to…
The Magical Virtual Assistant – No Ghosting
No doubt, when I have the first call with a potential VA client, it can be scary. The agency that referred them to me played me up, making me look magical and perfect. The truth is every new client comes with their own software, their own communication style and their own expectations of what VA’s…
CRM Software
Salesmen and saleswomen are a different breed of human. They can talk for days on any subject, they can solve problems and take your money simultaneously. Not the case when you call RedTail. I called sales at RedTail because technical support kept me on hold for 15 minutes. What was shocking to me is the…
Best Burgers in the U.S.A.
Whether you like smash burgers on the Blackstone or a double bacon, nothing outshines comfort food like the burger. I reached out to Google to find the Best Burgers from the East to the West and from the North to the South. If you have eaten one of these famous burgers drop me a line and tell me how good it was.
Chance to Shine
Think about projects anyone could do for your business with just a little guidance from you. On my end, it kickstarts my creativity and joy to work. On your end it kickstarts your creativity and joy to plan trips, start a new pastime or just hang out and catch up on some reading. Think about the joy these projects give to someone like me.
Can Your Graphic Designer Identify These?
Color Theory – Identify Color Harmonies – Hues, Saturation and Value – Identify the two main groups: Warm Colors and Cool Colors Brand Identity and where things can be stretched Nature guided. Notice the many shades of a hydrangea in the summer, spring and fall. A hydrangea can change many colors. Nature is a great…
Know Your Numbers…The easy way
I’ve been an independent contractor for over two years. I pay my own taxes, keep track of my deductions and know what’s in the bank. Although I’ve met up with several clients who do the same, I do occasionally come across people who don’t. Here are some tips for changing all that. Every time you…
Tips on Organizing Projects
Tip Number 1: As your client is having a conversation with you, type out the things they are asking from you in Word or Google Docs. Save the document until you are ready for Tip Number 2. Tip Number 2: Schedule out the projects and estimate how many hours it will take you to finish…
Take your husband to work day
Just for fun, journal a few days of your life. Write down when you’ve showered, started your computer, settled into your work day. Factor in when you had time for a hot breakfast, physical activity, non-screen time like taking a walk or enjoying a hobby. The first step in changing a pattern, is to clearly track the pattern. Then start envisioning where the adjustments could be made. I promise it will be fun. Let me know how it turns out. Leave a comment below.
THE DETAILS ARE IN THE DETAILS
Researching for a client, I found myself looking up at least 20 different fine artist websites. The purpose: to create a base of questions for him to answer and create paragraphs for his artist bio. Website after website proved to be so boring. I was uninspired and getting nowhere. How would I prepare him for…
Keep Track of Your Successes
After dumping out the staples, paperclips and picture frame nails, I repurposed four small jars and labeled them: Wise Words, Success Jar, Dreams and Inspire. I love what I do. But there are days when my creativity needs a kickstart and I do need to think about the future of my business. Wise Words: Any…
People who back your business
Who are the people you rely on to keep your business afloat? For me my three go to people are my tax accountant, business consultant, and my former boss who is in banking. I try extra hard to maintain these relationships and transparency when I am about to do something STUPID. Do I have to…
HOW TO EFFECTIVELY LET YOUR PEOPLE KNOW WHAT YOUR TALENTS ARE
On a recent Zoom call, a client explained to me he had another virtual assistant working on his blogging and social media pages. And quietly noted to me, a skillset you don’t have…yet. Wait. Hold the phone. I’ve taken four webinars on the subject, create several graphics and social media pages since 2017. Read numerous…
A Second Pair of Eyes
Rushing through a website design to get to the next project, can lead to typos! Best to have a fresh set of eyes on the wording and concepts. My friend Heather casually mentioned a slight word mistake and I am so grateful! It’s nice to see someone appreciate my work and since she is a…
Arrange, Rearrange, Arrange Again
Challenges that don’t exist for me:
Long commutes
Pet Sitters
Unsuitable Work Schedule
The Quiet Man
You can build a virtual team. What is amazing about hiring someone outside of your current location is you get to choose who will find opportunities for you. Also, who clearly wants to engage with people because it’s fun and rewarding. And if you find someone who respects your personality and bring clients to you, try not to let them go. Let’s get courageous together
Repainting the Bigger Picture
A few days before all of this happened, I decided to apply for HAPPY GRAMS, mostly curious, mostly wanting to join a team that won my heart over at go. Why? They send out emails, in large font mind you, to the ladies and gentlemen of the nursing homes from family. Just like my friend, who recently ended up in skilled care. During a sample call, I listened to the director, one of their clients, telling me how wonderful her residents feel after receiving these emails from family. My jobs the more technical side, whereas her job is the more emotional side. She’s good. And she knows her people, what lights them up and what they need.
Excitement Rules!
Solving weight problems is what Richard Simmons tackled for decades. Remember Sweating to the Oldies? He is the man with the plan for weight loss. But why did people follow his plan? He backed it with a good old fashion dose of enthusiasm. I remember being at the mall and seeing him live. What an…
Why Courtesy Matters
I get paid to be nice to people. Talk about a perk. When I finish a call, I’m smiling. I’m not cringing, I’m not crying, I’m caring. If you would like to add me to your virtual team, give me a call at 412-589-8602.