The last two days I have been reorganizing my office when not working or taking care of the kids. But finally, I no longer have a rat’s nest of tangled cords and cords running across the room waiting for someone to trip over them. Gone are the 5 speaker set from my desk, gone is my fax machine inconveniently located on the other wall from my office, gone is my traditional business line and efax will be gone soon too. I signed up for Vonage, and have also utilized their free separate fax line. Now my fax machine and phone are on my computer desk and I won’t have to print out all my faxes by unplugging my laptop and taking it over to the printer near my husband’s desk. Everything is right where I like it–in arms reach! Now I just need to trade my phone in for one with caller ID, and get a bluetooth connector so I can wirelessly connect to the printer and life will be groovy!
I went from not having enough clients to wondering how I will get everything done (but I will!). I have joined BOUNCE which is a tremendous organization for personal and professional growth and a great way to get business. I have gotten several referrals, and some have been a match, and some not, but one looks like it will result in a nice transcription/formatting project. Which reminds me, I need to hook up my digital transcription footpedal. I need to add that to my ever-growing task list.
My book is now on Amazon, which is really exciting. However, if you preorder it from CameoPublications website, you will get it autographed by yours truly and Dawn Josephson at no extra charge.
A presentation to work on, articles to write, technology solutions to research–gotta run.
Until next time….
I just got an email that got me thinking….I had written an article on “The 5 Signs you need a VA” and paid a service to submit it to ezine authors. So far, I’ve gotten one inquiry from someone who read the article online which is a better response rate than I’ve gotten from some more expensive advertising! Plus, it was just submitted yesterday, so I’m hoping inquiries and web hits will increase.
Anyway, the services this entrepreneur wanted was not in my skill set, and I told her so, told her what my business focuses on, and gave her some suggestions of where to find someone who can meet her needs. It was 3 paragraphs at most.
She wrote me back the nicest response, complimenting me for writing her back, and offering to help her find a solution. She said so many people would have just ignored a “non-relevant” email. I find that hard to believe. I always answer emails inquiring about my services, except if it’s obviously a spammer. It’s just common courtesy.
My goal isn’t to secure every client I come in contact with. If it’s not a match, there’s nothing either of us can do about it. The win-win is when everyone’s needs are met–I gave this client possible solutions to her needs, and without asking for it, she offered to pass my name along to other professionals she knows. You can’t beat that!
Now what would have happened if I didn’t answer her email? Food for thought.
Dawn and I spent last night reviewing our book for the final time before it goes off to press. Since we work together virtually, we did this task independently, then spoke first thing this morning to compare our notes. We each found proofreading errors, but quite often, one of us found one that the other missed. I’d say 50% of the errors we both found, and 50% only one of us found. Just goes to show you really can’t go through the editing process alone (more on that topic in the book).
We’re very happy with the final product and can’t wait to share it with everyone.
So many things going on, so little time to blog about it!
I’m learning a lot about business. I recently “let go” of a client. It was a mutual decision. What was initially presented as a data entry project became a bookkeeping one. Me and numbers are not a great combo! I always did okay in math in school, I just had to devote a lot of time to it–it doesn’t come easy to me. Writing, research, customer contact, transcription, etc. does. It’s much more enjoyable for me and a much better use of my time. I was sad to see this client go, but it was the best solution for everyone. The idea is to have a win-win partnership with my clients and this wasn’t it.
Another lesson I’ve learned is that even though I’m a virtual assistant, I live somewhere. Me and my computer are not just floating out there in the atmosphere. I had debated about joining a local chamber of commerce, but then was invited to a BOUNCE meeting. What a neat concept, lots of people with interesting businesses, some of which know people that might be able to use my services. I’m going back to another meeting next month and this week I’m meeting with two members (separately) to discuss our businesses and how we might be able to help each other. I’ve gotten a couple of referrals from members, and none of them have been a match yet, but I’ve been able to give them advice and suggest someone else that might be able to help them. I’m not going to be everyone’s solution, but I’d like to be able to at least suggest a solution to everyone that contacts me. I’ll let you know how I do.
My co-authored book, Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self Editing Like the Pros is now available for preorder through Cameo Publications. Add to my cart!
I’m so excited. This book will be a great tool for anyone who needs help making their writing the best possible–clear, concise and effective.