Have you ever wanted a way to get everything done in a mere 24 - hours a day? How'd you like to actually have time to, oh, sleep, eat, spend time with your family and loved ones? Work with a virtual assistant!
Unlike a regular employee, VAs don't take up any space in your office. We work remotely, over the Internet. We can provide package pricing, depending on your specific needs, or down-to-the minute hourly rates.
What about all that stuff that's taking up hours and hours of your time - entering contact information into your database, putting together an email newsletter to market your business, updating information on your webpage? When is the last time any of that got done? Hire a VA - and get it off your task list.
Are your accounts receivable under control? A VA can help contact your A/R clients, and set up payment arrangements, by acting as an employee of your company.
What about your mail? Forward it to your VA and let her handle it. We can sort your mail for you, respond to routine requests, pay your bills, and forward urgent, non-routine requests to your email for your immediate review.
The best way to use a VA? Use your imagination. We can do nearly any executive-assistant tasks.
For more information,email us. We'd love to talk to you.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Working from Home In the Current Economy
You know, I quit listening to the news. All they talk about is doom and gloom, and yet my businesses are doing better than ever. Amid the notices of job losses are bits of hope - including the fact that working from home is more popular than ever.
When I was just a wee little girl, my parents owned a pest control company in Seattle. Mom ran the office out of a spare bedroom in our home, Dad went on the calls, and we had a great little company. That's where I learned that a woman's place can be BOTH in the workplace and at home. I knew I wanted a career (it was the 70s, after all) and I knew I wanted to be a mommy (I'm the oldest of 8, after all) - what I didn't know was how to be both.
To be sure, working at home, in a virtual environment, requires a bit of discipline. My desk is in a niche of my dining room, just off the living room. I like it that way, especially since I also homeschool. It allows me to be aware of what's going on around me, at least most of the time. I'm close to the door, close to my kids, and more or less aware of the TV.
On the other hand, I still have to get up early, take a shower, and get dressed to shoes. I don't start work until I look like I'm going to the office - hair done, makeup on, shoes on. And I require myself to be "at work" at 9am. My day is generally scheduled pretty tightly - educating my kids, 9 till 12, then the rest of the day is reserved for business. I "close" at 5pm promptly although I tend to continue to work a lot longer. I find that if I keep "office hours," my time is respected.
Now, I work at home because, well, I'm the boss and I designed my companies that way. For those who are employees trying to persuade a boss to let them work at home, try pointing out how it will benefit them. You're able to work a little longer during the day, can be more productive, don't need to take sick days unless you're REALLY sick (like I was last week -- flat on my back in bed, but still answering e-mail), able to be available around kids' schedules, etc. I've been able to do business at the ice rink, at the park, at McDonald's where I took my kids to play for a while (free WiFi, hooray!).
My favorite part of working at home, of course, is being there for the VIPs in my life - my beautiful children.
When I was just a wee little girl, my parents owned a pest control company in Seattle. Mom ran the office out of a spare bedroom in our home, Dad went on the calls, and we had a great little company. That's where I learned that a woman's place can be BOTH in the workplace and at home. I knew I wanted a career (it was the 70s, after all) and I knew I wanted to be a mommy (I'm the oldest of 8, after all) - what I didn't know was how to be both.
To be sure, working at home, in a virtual environment, requires a bit of discipline. My desk is in a niche of my dining room, just off the living room. I like it that way, especially since I also homeschool. It allows me to be aware of what's going on around me, at least most of the time. I'm close to the door, close to my kids, and more or less aware of the TV.
On the other hand, I still have to get up early, take a shower, and get dressed to shoes. I don't start work until I look like I'm going to the office - hair done, makeup on, shoes on. And I require myself to be "at work" at 9am. My day is generally scheduled pretty tightly - educating my kids, 9 till 12, then the rest of the day is reserved for business. I "close" at 5pm promptly although I tend to continue to work a lot longer. I find that if I keep "office hours," my time is respected.
Now, I work at home because, well, I'm the boss and I designed my companies that way. For those who are employees trying to persuade a boss to let them work at home, try pointing out how it will benefit them. You're able to work a little longer during the day, can be more productive, don't need to take sick days unless you're REALLY sick (like I was last week -- flat on my back in bed, but still answering e-mail), able to be available around kids' schedules, etc. I've been able to do business at the ice rink, at the park, at McDonald's where I took my kids to play for a while (free WiFi, hooray!).
My favorite part of working at home, of course, is being there for the VIPs in my life - my beautiful children.
Monday, April 06, 2009
Bookkeeping for small businesses
As I have posted before, I have started a second business that specializes in bookkeeping. As I've been promoting that business, I've started having to un-do a lot of poor bookkeeping. Now, I know a lot of business owners. They are awesome people. They're sharp, they work amazingly hard, and they're great at what they do. So how is it that these intelligent, sharp people aren't "getting" bookkeeping?
One reason is that bookkeeping isn't "what they do." They create marketing videos; frame houses; pour concrete; remanufacture ink and toner cartridges -- they aren't accountants or bookkeepers, they're not necessarily detail oriented, and they hate sitting down to figure out which account this reciept should go under. All the more reason to get a virtual assistant or professional bookkeeper to handle the books on a regular basis. Why try to do it all? It costs money in the long term!
I have worked to unravel more bookkeeping mistakes in the past few months than I had in a long time. Like I said, these people are sharp. They simply don't understand accounting principles. And that's ok. By simply outsourcing tasks they don't know how to do (or don't want to do) they will find themselves able to provide better service to their clients, put systems in place that will allow their business to grow, and create a business that will last beyond themselves.
One reason is that bookkeeping isn't "what they do." They create marketing videos; frame houses; pour concrete; remanufacture ink and toner cartridges -- they aren't accountants or bookkeepers, they're not necessarily detail oriented, and they hate sitting down to figure out which account this reciept should go under. All the more reason to get a virtual assistant or professional bookkeeper to handle the books on a regular basis. Why try to do it all? It costs money in the long term!
I have worked to unravel more bookkeeping mistakes in the past few months than I had in a long time. Like I said, these people are sharp. They simply don't understand accounting principles. And that's ok. By simply outsourcing tasks they don't know how to do (or don't want to do) they will find themselves able to provide better service to their clients, put systems in place that will allow their business to grow, and create a business that will last beyond themselves.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Weight Loss
Like everyone else, I'm looking for the "magic bullet" that will bring my weight back to my high school weight, or close to it. This week, I'm testing a couple of products that may just do it. One is an L-arginine supplement that's highly bioavailable, and the other is Skinny Boost.
I'm not putting down the websites yet - although so far I like the products. The Skinny Boost energy drink isn't making my heart flutter - which is a good thing in an energy drink! I've tried so many that are so loaded with stimulants I couldn't stand the feeling. Right now I feel very relaxed and calm, but I also feel like getting up and doing things instead of sitting around like a vegetable. No caffeine rush, no dizziness, no "funky" feelings like I usually get with stimulant based weight loss products.
If you're interested in finding out more, please leave a comment and let me know!
I'm not putting down the websites yet - although so far I like the products. The Skinny Boost energy drink isn't making my heart flutter - which is a good thing in an energy drink! I've tried so many that are so loaded with stimulants I couldn't stand the feeling. Right now I feel very relaxed and calm, but I also feel like getting up and doing things instead of sitting around like a vegetable. No caffeine rush, no dizziness, no "funky" feelings like I usually get with stimulant based weight loss products.
If you're interested in finding out more, please leave a comment and let me know!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Is it spring yet?
I hope so. Today, here in Utah, we're sunny and 50 degrees. I've turned off the heat for the day and opened the windows (still a bit chilly, but I love airing out the house in the early spring). It helps get the stale air out and freshens the way the whole house smells. I'm also a lot more motivated to get up and start spring cleaning!
The children are outside getting mud and grass stains on their clothes, getting their bikes out, and playing soccer. I love that they can be outside and that it's so beautiful today!
I'm spending a Saturday cleaning, napping (yup, I do that a lot on Saturday - I tend not to sleep much during the week), and enjoying the fresh, crisp air coming in through the windows.
After hearing about my parents' experience through the Kentucky ice storm last month (they were without power for 17 days, which also meant no water since they have a well), I am thankful to be in Utah, and so very glad spring has come!
The children are outside getting mud and grass stains on their clothes, getting their bikes out, and playing soccer. I love that they can be outside and that it's so beautiful today!
I'm spending a Saturday cleaning, napping (yup, I do that a lot on Saturday - I tend not to sleep much during the week), and enjoying the fresh, crisp air coming in through the windows.
After hearing about my parents' experience through the Kentucky ice storm last month (they were without power for 17 days, which also meant no water since they have a well), I am thankful to be in Utah, and so very glad spring has come!
Thoughts on the recession
It seems to me that much of this recession is driven by the media "talking heads" crying out that the sky is falling. I've talked to business owners who have laid off and cut back although their businesses are doing well because they believe it's about to hit.
As I review American history, it seems that many economic downturns are driven largely by people's perception. Sure, there are market corrections. The market does go up and down. But severe downturns are driven by panic. In today's fast pace, information saturated world, we're seeing that panic take place at a faster and faster pace.
I really like the Coyote Blog for his calm, even handed coverage of what is happening in the economy. Like me, he's a small business owner and sees first hand what is going on.
Now, if we can get the politicians to read his blog, start thinking things through, and stop acting like Chicken Little. The sky is NOT falling. The economy will be better than ever before too much longer.
As I review American history, it seems that many economic downturns are driven largely by people's perception. Sure, there are market corrections. The market does go up and down. But severe downturns are driven by panic. In today's fast pace, information saturated world, we're seeing that panic take place at a faster and faster pace.
I really like the Coyote Blog for his calm, even handed coverage of what is happening in the economy. Like me, he's a small business owner and sees first hand what is going on.
Now, if we can get the politicians to read his blog, start thinking things through, and stop acting like Chicken Little. The sky is NOT falling. The economy will be better than ever before too much longer.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Exciting new developments
I am very excited - I have recently started a new venture with a dear friend of mine. Business Accountability Systems launched on November 17, 2008. We will be providing bookkeeping services to a niche market. I'm debating launching a new blog to cover both businesses and my personal thoughts, or just keeping this one and expanding its scope.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Compression of Time
It seems that with all of today's technology, time is getting harder and harder to come by. I've noticed that we are all so busy checking email, tending children, working, and letting things like TV and Internet take up so much time - the chief complaint I hear from many people is, of course, "I don't have enough time."
Of course, I want people to hire my company. I have a small army of outstanding assistants on standby. We can free up a huge amount of time.
I've noticed, though, that one of the top reasons people don't have enough time is they let technology control them, instead of them controlling technology.
You don't have to check the BlackBerry every 5 minutes. Really. Set aside specified times to check your email - such as 5 minutes at the top of the hour or something.
You don't have to answer the phone every time it rings. That's what voice mail is for. Caller ID is a beautiful thing! Simply choose when to answer it. If you're in the middle of something, let it go to voice mail and then call back promptly.
You don't have to watch the news - a top gripe of mine! (I prefer to let someone call me when something important happens. That saves mental space for taking care of my clients and contractors.)
You do have to feed the kids. And your spouse too. There are ways to make that quick, easy, and almost homemade. Without going out to dinner!
The house must be cleaned. Oh, wait, never mind, you can outsource that too. (If you're in Utah County, and you're looking for someone to clean your house, let me know. I have some recommendations.)
Relationships are vital. I find myself having to attend many Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Alliance events, all of which use up a lot of time. This is a top priority for me, since personal virtual assistance is, after all, relationship based.
The trick to using your time effectively is prioritizing. My priorities do not include watching the evening news - most of what happens on the news does not affect me, and I cannot affect it, so I restrict myself to things I feel I can have a positive effect on.
With the flood of information available today, we can pick and choose carefully what to allow into our lives.
And hire a US based virtual assistance company to help with the rest!
Of course, I want people to hire my company. I have a small army of outstanding assistants on standby. We can free up a huge amount of time.
I've noticed, though, that one of the top reasons people don't have enough time is they let technology control them, instead of them controlling technology.
You don't have to check the BlackBerry every 5 minutes. Really. Set aside specified times to check your email - such as 5 minutes at the top of the hour or something.
You don't have to answer the phone every time it rings. That's what voice mail is for. Caller ID is a beautiful thing! Simply choose when to answer it. If you're in the middle of something, let it go to voice mail and then call back promptly.
You don't have to watch the news - a top gripe of mine! (I prefer to let someone call me when something important happens. That saves mental space for taking care of my clients and contractors.)
You do have to feed the kids. And your spouse too. There are ways to make that quick, easy, and almost homemade. Without going out to dinner!
The house must be cleaned. Oh, wait, never mind, you can outsource that too. (If you're in Utah County, and you're looking for someone to clean your house, let me know. I have some recommendations.)
Relationships are vital. I find myself having to attend many Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Alliance events, all of which use up a lot of time. This is a top priority for me, since personal virtual assistance is, after all, relationship based.
The trick to using your time effectively is prioritizing. My priorities do not include watching the evening news - most of what happens on the news does not affect me, and I cannot affect it, so I restrict myself to things I feel I can have a positive effect on.
With the flood of information available today, we can pick and choose carefully what to allow into our lives.
And hire a US based virtual assistance company to help with the rest!
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