Versatile Virtual Assistant

Okay, I've never used my blog or any other internet forum to vent, but I just can't let this one pass.

I am constantly doing research and reading various articles to stay abreast of technology, the Virtual Assistant industry, graphic design trends and many other subjects of interest.  I read many articles that come across via Google alerts.   I have to say, I am not impressed, anyone, SERIOUSLY now, anyone can publish an article on the internet.  And don't even get me started with the subject of plagiarism.  Really now, how difficult is it to take 15 to 30 minutes out of your schedule to come up with an original thought or idea?  It's  just plain laziness, not to mention wrong.

I am no expert in the field of journalism, nor have I ever had an article published, however, I do feel I have a fairly good command of the english language and pretty decent grammatical skills.  I excelled in spelling and language arts in school and I also love to read, which I believe has improved my vocabulary considerably, not to mention my knowledge. Learning is a journey, always a surprise, because you never know what lies around the next corner.

In my never ending quest for new ideas and knowledge, I read these articles plastered all over the internet, some good, some not so good.  And here I was, cowering in fear, here in my little home office, about never being able to write anything good enough to publish on the web.  I need not have worried so much, because the examples I am seeing more and more of lately are very poor.

For all you article writers out there, please learn to use a dictionary, thesaurus and a spell checker.  If you want to present yourself as professional and as an expert, have the foresight to do a good job presenting your material to the world.  It's the least you could do.

That's just my humble opinion.

As entrepreneurs we must wear many hats.  We are the sales rep, bookkeeper, secretary, manager, and the list goes on and on.  But let's face it, we all get overwhelmed at some point, we just can't do it all.  That's the time when finding a virtual assistant to work with starts to make sense.

Why, you may ask?  Well it should be fairly obvious when you start getting backlogged on administrative tasks, you don't have enough time to get in front of your clients and do what you do best, and when was the last time you did something with the family?  Yeah it's time to do something about that.

While not every VA can be all things to everyone, you can decide what you need the most help with and find a VA who specializes in the area you need the most help with.  While lots of VA's are often generalists, which means they can help with most administrative tasks as well as your internet marketing, or your website design and maintenance, or your bookkeeping, you will also want to make sure you find someone who is a good fit with your personality as well.  Keep in mind that a VA is also a business owner and will more than likely understand very well the challenges you are facing and can even work with you to implement systems to help you become more efficient and productive.  A virtual assistant can also function as an extension of you and your business, making you look more professional all the way around.

One of the first places you should be looking for a virtual assistant is IVAA or the International Virtual Assistants Association at www.ivaa.org.  You can view the member directory or submit an RFP to have the members bid on your particular project.  With the technology available to us today, there aren't so many things out of reach as there once was.

So what are you waiting for?  That to do list to grow to grotesque proportions, your online presence becoming nonexistent?  You have too much to lose to not give it a try.  Contact me today and I can help you get going in the right direction.

As 2010 approaches I hope that I have grown a little wiser, as most of us do, I am sure.  I have learned many things this last year.  However, one thing that I have not yet learned is to not be afraid of failing.

I've read several articles lately with the old adage "don't be afraid to fail, or "learn from your mistakes", and the best one, "with risk comes reward".  I've also read something recently which has struck me as very profound;  "walking away from someone or something means believing for something more or better".  This is what I think all of us know deep down, but rarely do we have the courage to take action.  I know fear has prevented me from moving forward in many areas of my life.

I've never been one to construct a list of resolutions for the new year but I think I will make a concerted effort to not be afraid of failure.  After all, I am learning that sometimes failure can be one of the greatest teachers of all.  I am determined to look at the coming year as one of promise, prosperity and growth, (from lessons I will learn from failing no doubt) and of course more opportunities to learn.  I have heard others say, and I believe that we never stop learning.  I have a dream to learn as much as I can, whenever I can, to become not only a better person but a better Virtual Professional as well.  If Icontinue to pursue my dreams, no doubt I will encounter failure from time to time.  It's kind of like another old adage, "if it doesn't kill you, it will only make you stronger".

Happy New Year to you all, and may you also not be afraid to fail.