Monthly Archives: March 2006

Everyone goofs

I realized today I made a goof. It’s too complicated and specific to go into what exactly the goof was. Let’s just say I had a bunch of different source material to write from and I accidently wrote from a source I was supposed to wait to start, therefore I hadn’t done any from the source I was supposed to.

Now, it certainly isn’t the end of the world (I don’t think!), but it certainly doesn’t make me feel good. So I took it like a woman, and ‘fessed up and apologized. Hopefully my client accepts it when he sees it in his email (I just realized it tonight) and I don’t end up with a hole in my schedule.

This isn’t the first mistake I’ve made in my business, but it’s the first big one in a while. Let’s hope my client forgives me. The way I look at it is no one is perfect, mistakes happen occasionally, and the best thing you can do is own up to it and ask forgiveness. Keep your fingers crossed!

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My head is going to explode!

Wow,
What a difference a month makes. In March, I’ve gained 2 new clients: an author and a physician. I continue with my retainer clients and another author I’ve been working with a few months. Just when I think things are going to start slowing down, they don’t. And I got an email today about doing some coaching for another local new-VA. Oh and did I mention my new co-authored book is being proofread/lightly edited and we’re checking for printing quotes.

I have this nagging feeling that pretty soon I’m going to need to make some tough choices about where I want to take my business–keep all my current clients and subcontract more out while I take on more challenging (and lucrative) work, or (hmm, I can’t think of the “or”, I guess it would be to let go of some current clients completely).

The tricky part is my steadiest work pays the least, and my most lucrative work is less reliable, but more challenging. I guess it’s all about striking a balance. To grow, you can’t play it totally safe, otherwise you’d be punching a timeclock instead of running your own business.

So I’ll have to see where I am in a few more months. What a ride I’m on!

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What’s Up with CVS??

Last night I was watching Medical Miracles, which was an interesting show. It featured a woman who was suffering severe tremors due to Parkinson’s Disease and an 11-year old boy who had been blind from birth. For the woman with Parkinsons, they were able to put probes in her brain hooked up to a battery pack in her stomach. It was able to short circuit the part of the brain that was causing her bad tremors. For the 11-year old boy, they were able to give him an artificial cornea, which restored sight in his one eye that still had optic nerve functioning.

So I enjoyed the stories, was impressed by the medical procedures, but what’s the deal with CVS?? Not only did they have a blatant sponsorship of the program, “Since you’ll still have to be on medications for Parkinson’s, and it’s a financial struggle, CVS has generously donated a gift card to help you with your expenses.” But they also had a bunch of commercials. One of them featured a pharmacist who said something to the gist of: He had an elderly Polish couple as customers that had been in the War and had a hard life. Since 2 minutes wasn’t enough time to help them figure out how to take their 20 medications, he went over on his day off and spent half a day helping them figure it out.

Guess what, CVS? This backfired for me. This implies that 1) You’re not allowing your pharmacist enough time to explain and counsel your customers on their medications, and 2) Because of this, your poor pharmacist had to spend his day off (i.e. uncompensated time) to counsel this couple.

I think it shows that, while you may have some really kind-hearted pharmacists, there’s something wrong with your procedures that your pharmacists feel obligated to spend uncompensated time providing the counseling they should be able to provide while they’re on the clock.

Okay, my rant is over.

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Jump Right Through It

When I take a break for lunch and it falls somewhere between 11-12, I’ll turn on Starting Over for a few minutes. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a show where women live together and try to overcome their relationship problems, personality flaws, etc., with the help of a life coach and psychologist. It’s a very interesting show.

Today, I watched it for about ten minutes, and in the segment, one woman was trying to face her fears. She is afraid to stand up for herself, start a career, rebuild her marriage–just everything. The life coach told her to jump in the pool. She’s afraid of water. The life coach then said something to the effect of “the only way around a fear is through it.”

That is so true. Whether it’s public speaking, starting a business, or stepping into an elevator when you’re claustrophobic, you will never get through a fear by avoiding it. You have to summon up the courage to just do it, and it will get easier in time.

So, my deep thought for the day, is to go through your fears. And if your fear is learning to write better, contact me. We’ll walk through your fear together.

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Writing Training Now Available

You’ll notice a new page up on my site called “Writing Training.” After some requests, I’ve added that to my list of offerings. I’m available for consulting, training and workshops on a limited basis. (I don’t want to become a “road warrior.” Please email me for more information

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My husband says I have a quality problem

I’m a little taken aback. It’s just like the rock stars that say in interviews that it took them 5 years to be an overnight success…it seems like it was just a moment that took me from having too much time on my hands to being swamped.

In addition to my current clients and projects, I’m excited about some new opportunities coming my way….one is writing white papers for a doctor and another is doing some training/consulting for a company. And I got a rush project for this weekend (complete with a rush surcharge!) and just signed another new client the day before yesterday, oh, and in the final stages of selecting an editor for my newest co-authored book. When did I turn into a workaholic??

I was marvelling to my husband how I keep thinking things will slow down and even out, but it’s not happening. I’m getting more calls and more referrals. My husband calls it a “quality problem.” But it’s the best type of problem to have.

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Pajama networking group

Tonight I’m going to a networking event-the third anniversary of CPAFE at Changes Day Spa and Salon. I’m really looking forward to it. I picked up my donation of a new stuffed animal to be distributed to abused children today, and tonight there will be networking, food, drink and maybe even makeup and chair massage demos. Sounds fun, right?

Right. Except, I’d be much happier if I could attend in my pajamas and my bunny slippers. I like being comfortable when I work. But when I go networking, I actually have to “clean up.” Then comes the decisions…business suit or business casual? Comfortable shoes or dressy shoes, gold, silver, or costume jewelry? I think I need an image consultant.

I’m sure I’ll have fun and look fine, but I’m just glad I don’t have to wear professional attire every day of the week.

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Spring is in The Air

Ahh, Spring. One thing I love about Central Pennsylvania is the change of seasons. Especially going from winter to spring. The anticipation of no more snow, winter coats and being chilled to the bone. This week you can just feel the air is changing, and I’m welcoming it.

Spring is a season for change in every aspect of life it seems. My 2nd co-authored book is nearly complete, I’m wrapping up a major project with a client I’ll dearly miss. But I know that it will “make room” in my workload for something new, but equally as interesting.

I’ve been getting some inquiries about becoming a VA, and while I am happy to answer quick questions, I no longer have the luxury of time to spend answering emails and giving advice. With my book coming out, that will be a resource to direct inquiries to, but I’ve also been considering doing some coaching/training/mentoring. In Central PA, there is a serious lack of VAs. It’s still a new concept to many people, but as VAs increase in popularity, I expect more people interested in becoming VAs in the Harrisburg, PA area will be doing Google searches for Harrisburg virtual assistants and find me. So the spring and summer may open the doors for some new offshoots in my business.

Tonight I did a little voice acting for my husband’s podcast. I’ll provide the link when it’s live.

Happy thawing!

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