Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
'Tis the Season
It is upon us again. The holidays sneak up like a quick tiny car in a roundabout. We know it's inevitable, and it definitely keeps us on our toes. Is the stress worth it all? Part of us says no, but our heart says yes. The stress of holidays can cause lack of sleep and sheer frustration. I love to shop. I do not love to shop during Christmas season. The parking stinks. Lines are too long, and our stress can squash that holiday cheer like a bug. Our jobs can suffer too. I think when it all comes down to it, we reflect and realize that it can be worth it: the look on a child's face Christmas morning, the kindness of a stranger to let you ahead of them in line, a surprise gift from an anonymous person...that is what it's all supposed to be about, isn't it? Sharing earnest joy that can be found in all of our hearts. It's in there whether we like it or not. If/When/Where we use it is up to us.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Stay current
You've found a job you like. You are making friends, in a routine, and getting comfortable. You should update your resume. Why?
Well, why not? You are responsible for your actions that can affect your future. What if you showed up to work tomorrow, and received unfortunate news that you had to clear out your desk by 4pm? Would you be in a good frame of mind to sit down immediately and work on a resume? Probably not. That's why it's a good idea to update your resume while you have access to a working computer, job responsibilities fresh in your mind, and you're in a positive mood. Our writings can be greatly affected when our mood is negative.
A current resume is a necessity for today's society and the unpredictable changes that happen without a hint of notice. Stay on top of it. Be aware. Take action to keep your resume up-to-date and on hand to distribute on a moments notice. YOU are responsible for your future!
With that being said, if you need help writing your resume, let me know! I do offer military discounts and the final product is yours to keep.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Five benefits to using a Virtual Assistant
The following is taken from this source:
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Thomas J. Leonard, Founder, Coach University, who can be reached at thomas@thomasleonard.com, or visited on the web.
A Virtual Assistant is just like an executive assistant or personal assistant, except that the Virtual Assistant handles your affairs from a distance, and electronically. This Top 10 List reviews the 10 most common ways to utilize the services of a Virtual Assistant. I've included my own experience below, when appropriate. (And, in case you're wondering, my VA isn't available for new clients...sorry.)
1. Get your bills paid.
I haven't paid a bill for two years...my VA/bookkeeper, Irene, does all of that for me, using Quicken and CheckFree, via her computer. ALL of my bills use a mailing address at a mailbox-type place minutes from her home; she picks up the mail/bills and pays the bills each week using my pass code from my BankOne business checking account. She sends me the bank statement monthly which is one way I have to verifying my bank balance. Of course, embezzlement is ALWAYS a risk, so don't turn over your checking account to someone who you don't know well or trust....Also, you may want to simply wire in or transfer funds from another account each month to your bill paying account if you're concerned about full access to your checking account funds.
2. Screens and forwards your mail.
Irene is sharp; she knows what I want to see and what I don't want to see, snail-mail wise. I get a weekly Priority Mail envelope from her with just the goodies. What a relief! She uses her good judgment.
3. Solves problems that you don't want to solve.
I have a coach on contract who I pay $100 each time I have a problem that I don't want to deal with. I just tell my VA/Coach what outcome I want, answer her questions and wait for the email that it's done. Now, this isn't always perfect, but it works most of the time. Just knowing that I have someone to delegate problems to is such a great feeling!
4. Screen and handle email.
I know of several business owners who have a Virtual Assistant look at all of their email and handle what they can, leaving the rest for the business owner to handle. This can free up an hour or two a day and is reason enough to have a VA. Your VA just goes into your incoming email queue and does his/her magic several times a day. Dealing with confidential matters? Just set up a secret/private email address that you only give out to selected people.
5. Manage projects or reporting.
My VA has a weekly checklist of the information, statistics or reports that I need for a number of my projects. Sure, I could compile them myself, but why? I'd much rather the VA do this, and follow up the folks who haven't reported in (I'm not a good 'chaser). Sure, it's cheating, but what's wrong with living an insulated life?
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Thomas J. Leonard, Founder, Coach University, who can be reached at thomas@thomasleonard.com, or visited on the web.
A Virtual Assistant is just like an executive assistant or personal assistant, except that the Virtual Assistant handles your affairs from a distance, and electronically. This Top 10 List reviews the 10 most common ways to utilize the services of a Virtual Assistant. I've included my own experience below, when appropriate. (And, in case you're wondering, my VA isn't available for new clients...sorry.)
1. Get your bills paid.
I haven't paid a bill for two years...my VA/bookkeeper, Irene, does all of that for me, using Quicken and CheckFree, via her computer. ALL of my bills use a mailing address at a mailbox-type place minutes from her home; she picks up the mail/bills and pays the bills each week using my pass code from my BankOne business checking account. She sends me the bank statement monthly which is one way I have to verifying my bank balance. Of course, embezzlement is ALWAYS a risk, so don't turn over your checking account to someone who you don't know well or trust....Also, you may want to simply wire in or transfer funds from another account each month to your bill paying account if you're concerned about full access to your checking account funds.
2. Screens and forwards your mail.
Irene is sharp; she knows what I want to see and what I don't want to see, snail-mail wise. I get a weekly Priority Mail envelope from her with just the goodies. What a relief! She uses her good judgment.
3. Solves problems that you don't want to solve.
I have a coach on contract who I pay $100 each time I have a problem that I don't want to deal with. I just tell my VA/Coach what outcome I want, answer her questions and wait for the email that it's done. Now, this isn't always perfect, but it works most of the time. Just knowing that I have someone to delegate problems to is such a great feeling!
4. Screen and handle email.
I know of several business owners who have a Virtual Assistant look at all of their email and handle what they can, leaving the rest for the business owner to handle. This can free up an hour or two a day and is reason enough to have a VA. Your VA just goes into your incoming email queue and does his/her magic several times a day. Dealing with confidential matters? Just set up a secret/private email address that you only give out to selected people.
5. Manage projects or reporting.
My VA has a weekly checklist of the information, statistics or reports that I need for a number of my projects. Sure, I could compile them myself, but why? I'd much rather the VA do this, and follow up the folks who haven't reported in (I'm not a good 'chaser). Sure, it's cheating, but what's wrong with living an insulated life?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
The right wording...
I recently had the opportunity to help a friend with her resume. She is retiring after 20 years of USAF service, and was perplexed at where to begin. I completely understand her hesitation, as she's been out of the "civilian work world" for so long. I was priviledged to help her break down the jargon and terminology into more friendly words.
I feel blessed to help her go into a new life with her kids and wish her the best success at finding a job that makes her happy! Good luck, Melle!
That brings me to this advice: don't get caught up in all the jargon. Be yourself, shine bright, and help others to see how important of a person you are and the difference you can make.
I feel blessed to help her go into a new life with her kids and wish her the best success at finding a job that makes her happy! Good luck, Melle!
That brings me to this advice: don't get caught up in all the jargon. Be yourself, shine bright, and help others to see how important of a person you are and the difference you can make.
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