We Got Our Groove Back!

Thanks to blogging, Yvonne and I discovered that we have been following the same path but not together. We were both in a funk. My last post was all about how I forgot about my goals and how when I remembered them everything started falling in to place.

Then a few days ago Yvonne posted about the funk she was in and I commented on her blog saying, "Funny this post somewhat resembles my last blog post… seems we have been on the same funk cycle but we are back!" That comment prompted Yvonne to read my latest post and a big light bulb went off for her.She had also forgotten about her goals. She didn't exactly forget but she had reached all her goals and had not set new ones. So we spent some time yesterday reviewing our old goals and setting new ones. We got to pat ourselves on the back for reaching goals that seemed like "big dreams" a year ago. In Yvonne's process manual workbook, The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Thriving Business there is a section under the goal setting part which says "What dream do you dare to dream for your business?". Every time I review my manual I update that dream and date it. I'm thrilled to say I've actually achieved most of those things that I dared to dream a year ago. (Still waiting for the 2nd house on a beach - but I know that will come soon).

In celebration of Yvonne and I getting our groove back we are offering a special on our book Managing Your Thriving Business for Success. If you enter the code word: productive you will receive $10 off the cost of the book! If you are in a funk or have lost your groove we hope you will join us in getting your groove back and let us know about your light bulb moments.

For the next 10 days we will be offering this $10 discount. Go to http://www.thrivingbusinessmanual.com/managing and enter the code: productive to start getting your groove back today!

Goals – Don’t Forget About Them!

I forgot about my goals. I am always talking about the importance of writing your goals and reading them everyday and then I went and forgot about mine. Lately, I’ve been in burn out mode, just doing what I had to do to get by. I lost all excitement for my business as you can see by the lack of blog posts in the last few months. I hired a business coach and do you know what she said to me on our last call? She said, “it sounds like maybe you met all your goals, and maybe it is time to make some new goals”. That was a big a-ha, light-bulb kind of moment for me. She was right. I had forgotten about my goals. I’d forgotten to even look at them.

Earlier this week, I was listening to an interview with Barbara Stanny, the author of Secrets of Six Figure Women and I got very inspired. In fact, I plan to buy her book this weekend. She talked about how once you make a decision on what you want and commit to it things will just start falling in to place. While listening to the interview I started writing my goals. Within 5 minutes of the interview ending a client who has been MIA appeared in my email in box wanting to start up work again. Then the next morning I got a new client with exactly the kinds of projects I love doing.

Then today while participating in the VA Revolution’s Process Manual Accountability class led by Yvonne Weld we were reviewing our business goals. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I had met most the BIG business goals I wrote back in May 2007.

Just like Barbara Stanny said... things started falling in to place – serendipitously. All these events were a great reminder to me to practice what I preach.

1. Write down your goals.
2. Write goals in positive present tense (ie. I am a six figure business owner. My desk is always clean and organized, etc).
3. Read your goals everyday.
4. Update your goals as you meet them.

Don’t do what I did. Don’t forget about your goals.

Remember to dream!

Suggestion: Stop what you are doing right now and write down where you want to be a year from now. Think about what kind of clients you want to work with, how many hours a week you want to work, how much you will be making an hour. Remember to date those goals so next year at this time when you find that sheet of paper you can give yourself a pat on the back!

I'm off to go purchase this book! Have a great weekend!

Boundaries are a Necessity

Running a Successful Business from your Home

Setting Boundaries when you work from home is probably the most important thing you can do for your business, your family and yourself.

Do any of these descriptions sound like you? If they do it is probably time for you to set some boundaries:

• Workaholics: never get off the computer and loved ones feel neglected and begin to resent their business

• Doormats: family, friends, neighbors and others needs are always coming first and our business ends up getting pushed to the back burner… which means the income stops flowing and once again our loved ones feel neglected because we are not providing the financial support we are capable of providing, we get bitter towards our family and begin to resent them because we have no time to focus on our business. When we say yes to being the president of the board or heading the auction at our child’s school what are we saying no to? Free time with our families, time to work on our business, what else?

• Online Addicts: we become addicted to forums, chat rooms, blogs, emails, IM, online networking and volunteering, we don’t know when to say no. We think we have to do this to build our business, we feel guilty being away from our computer, afraid we might miss something, keep volunteering, chatting, posting hoping it will turn into business… what it really turns into is all of our time being eaten away, no billable hours to show and a resentful family and quite possibly a feeling of isolation. I’m not saying that any of this is bad, but there has to be limits… if you are spending 8 or more hours a day doing this and seeing no income or getting behind on client work, feeling overworked and stressed and know that your family is resentful, you may have a problem.

Before we can begin to set boundaries that are going to be of any success we first need to figure out our priorities in life.

Steps You Must Take to Run a Successful Business from Your Home

1. Know your goals and see where you want your business to be today and in the future

Knowing what you want is necessary before you can begin to set boundaries and limits. Do you know where you want your business to be in 1 month? 1 year? 5 years from now? How much money will you be making? How many hours a week will you be working? How much flexibility do you want in your schedule? What services do you offer? If you don’t know the answer to these questions…then before you do anything else you need to stop right now and take the time to figure it out. Sit down and brainstorm, write the story of your dream business. After you write your story, go back and read it and think about what steps you need to take to get to that point.


2. Figure out what your boundaries and limits are

Now that you know what you want and what you need to do to get it, you need to determine your boundaries. How are others going to respect your boundaries if you don’t even know what they are?

For instance, if you can’t get anything done because your kids or significant other’s needs always come first… you need to set some boundaries with them. This goes both ways, if you are neglecting your loved ones and spending all of your time on your computer you need to set some boundaries with your clients, colleagues and yourself about when work time is and when it is not.

Do you have office hours set so your clients know when it is okay to call and when it is not? Do you have certain times set aside when it is your time to work so your kids know not to interrupt you during that time (unless of course it is an emergency)?


3. Let everyone know your boundaries – communication is key!

• Be prepared to repeat your new rules frequently to your kids, your significant other and your clients. They have all been used to the old you… it will take them some time to respect and understand the new you. Be patient and be firm.

• Visualize a big line that you draw so you know when someone is stepping over it

• Make a schedule

• Make a plan

• Create financial boundaries/limits

• Be consistent

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Sally Kuhlman, owner of Virtual Simplicity and Yvonne Weld, owner of Able Virtual Assistant Services combined their knowledge and wrote the book, Managing Your Thriving Business for Success” which gives you the tools to successfully manage your own thriving business. For more information about getting organized, setting goals and managing your thriving business, visit http://www.thrivingbusinessmanual.com/managing.

Network Like Nobody's Watching

After reading a post from the VA Revolution blog about Self Esteem, this quote got me thinking about last night: "They don't want to expose themselves to the ridicule of being seen as shy, nervous or ignorant. They would instead prefer to stay in their corners. "

This almost happened to me last night. I almost stayed in the corner. My friend invited me to go listen to some African drumming at a dance studio. When we got there I was surprised to see a dance class going on. I just assumed it was going to be a drumming performance. It was a drumming performance/dance class. The instructor, Naby Bangoura was an amazing dancer. It was obvious the 12 students in the class done this before. My friends and I stood quietly in the back of the room watching and listening. At one point the instructor noticed us, smiled and with a gesture of his hands invited us to join the class. We shook our heads no... and I literally backed in to the corner wanting to be invisible. Then I had a conversation with myself. I never dance because I don't dance good, I have no rhythm and that's just how it is. Other people have confirmed this belief. But then I thought, I've always wanted to dance so why don't I just go for it? Who cares what these people think? If they think I am a dork that can't dance, so be it.

My friends must have been having the same conversations in their heads because at the same time the 3 of us decided to go for it. We jumped in the back of the line and started dancing. Legs, arms, heads, everything moving. I decided I wasn't going to worry about what I looked like to others and just focus on what the instructor was doing and do my best to copy him. He was nice and even came over and showed us slowly how to do the moves. I danced for about a half an hour and I enjoyed it. I just assumed I looked like a dork out there and decided it was okay to be a dork. But when I was done a few people actually came up and told me, "wow you figured out those moves fast! and you're really good at this". Despite letting go of my worries about being a dork I have to admit I was happy to hear that I didn't make a complete fool of myself.

I realized that standing in that corner I was not invisible I was standing out like a person lacking self esteem. Actually joining the group made me blend more than standing in the corner did.

As Heather and Becki said, "In fact, lack of self-esteem stands out like a sore thumb at parties, meetings, conferences and social or official functions. Individuals with low self-esteem avoid introducing themselves to others. They prefer to stay in the shadows, away from the sights of others."

I'm glad I didn't stay in the corner and that I decided to dance like nobody was watching.

When you go to business networking events do you stand in the corner or do you get out there and dance (ie. mingle, introduce yourself, ask questions)?


"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." - Mark Twain

I Challenge You To Build Up Your Business

Virtual Assistants and clients often ask me, “how can I get more clients?” My answer is always a series of questions… do you network online or in person? do you follow up with your potential clients? I’ve found that a lot of people think if you put up a Website the clients/customers will come. In fact, that is usually not the case. A Website is a place for someone to go find out more information about you once they have met you somewhere else (either online or in person).

If you are trying to get new clients/customers I’d like to offer you a challenge this week. Follow up with at least one person before the end of the week. If you are not sure how to go about following up, I highly recommend reading The Art of Follow Up written by Jaime Lee Mann.

Be sure to let me know how the follow up went.

Virtual Assistants Worldwide Honor Two Colleagues

Congratulations Tawnya and Kylie!

Virtual Assistant Social Networking Community Boasts Two Award Winners for 2008. There are many Virtual Assistants (VA) who have helped to not only build recognition of the VA industry but also to provide invaluable insight and assistance to their fellow VAs. VAnetworking has become a popular social networking community online since 2003 to many Virtual Assistants sporting over thousands of members. Founder Tawnya Sutherland states, "Inside VAnetworking we are just like one big happy VA family offering advice, support and answers to many business issues at any time of the day and even in the wee hours of the morning. As a family unit we share and work together trying our best to get the word out to corporate America about the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant".

It isn't a coincidence then that two members of this online social network just so happen to be winners of the most prestigious awards available to VAs.

For Tawnya Sutherland (founder of VAnetworking.com) and Kylie Short (Tilda Virtual Services), they received the biggest honor during the recent third annual IVAD (International Virtual Assistant Day) celebration. Sutherland was honored as the recipient of the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction award and Kylie Short was honored as the recipient of the Janet Jordan Achievement Award. The award ceremony was held on May 16th at the OIVAC (Online International Virtual Assistants Convention) and was attended, virtually, by dozens of VAs from around the world.

The Thomas Leonard Award recognizes a Virtual Assistant that has been in business for at least five years, and who has contributed to the industry in a way that leaves a positive impact on many others, helping them build successful businesses. The Janet Jordan award recognizes a newcomer Virtual Assistant who has been in business for less than 5 years and has reached a milestone in their short career in the industry. This milestone needs to be an accomplishment that has helped to boost their new business to an overwhelming success.

During her acceptance speech, Tawnya said "I have practiced my three 'P's of success within my own VA business and wish to share these ethics with the VA community. They are: Persistence, Passion and Populace. A persistence to never give up and keep pushing through your business plan no matter what obstacles stand in your way. A passion and solid desire to reach the vision you have for you and your business. And populace, the networking with likeminded people in the VA industry."

"To be awarded The Janet Jordan Achievement Award is the greatest honor and recognition of what I have built. I am humbled by this award even more-so as it has been awarded to me by my peers," said Kylie Short during her acceptance speech.

A long-time active member of the VA community, Tawnya Sutherland founded VAnetworking.com in 2003. In a few short years, VAnetworking.com has become the largest online global social network for aspiring and successful Virtual Assistants. Tawnya has had a huge, positive impact on hundreds of VAs over the years. Her most recent project benefiting VAs worldwide is The VA Talk Show which informs, educates and entertains virtual achievers around the globe. Tawnya is the producer and host of the popular Internet radio show. In addition to her Virtual Assistance forum and her thriving businesses, Tawnya is also the creator of the internationally acclaimed Virtual Business Start Up System: a comprehensive kit that provides all the information, tools and resources a person needs to build a viable Virtual Assistance business in just 30 days.

For Kylie, Tilda Virtual Services, which is named after her daughter, began as an answer to Kylie's desire to have flexibility in her life as she actively participated in raising her children and nurturing her family. Her passion to help others is fueled by the immense joy Kylie feels in being a business owner herself. As a virtual business owner, Kylie understands the special challenges associated with establishing an online presence. Tilda Virtual Services specializes in providing administrative, online marketing, e-newsletter design, Web site design and technical support to small business owners working from home.

The International Virtual Assistant Day Awards (IVAD) has been in existence for three years now and you may view past winners at their website at http://oivac.com/vadayawards.htm States Tawnya Sutherland, "It brings a glow to my heart to see that every winner of the IVAD Awards is a member of VAnetworking.com. Obviously we are filling a hole at our social network that every VA could use to help them take their virtual business to that next level of success!"


Tawnya Sutherland
http://www.VAnetworking.com


Kylie Short
http://www.tildavirtual.com.au

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Reminders

6/10/08 Virtual Assistant Revolution Open House! Don't miss the party!

6/11/08 VA Networking Seminar - Creating The Spark - 3 Secrets to Creating Passion For The Work and Life That You Will Love

6/13/08 Jaime's Birthday! (Happy Birthday Jaime!)

6/16/08 Estimated taxes are due in the US

Virtual Assistant Revolution

Join us at the Virtual Assistant Revolution Open House!!!

It's Not Easy

When someone you love is in critical condition in the hospital it's not easy to concentrate. It's not easy to come up with a blog post. It's not easy to care about the mundane daily details of running a business. It's not easy to focus on client work. It's not easy to focus on your children when they are worrying about what they are going to wear to graduation. It's not easy to be your normal cheerful self. Basically nothing is easy. I found myself not wanting to do anything productive. But then I remembered that is what life is about... it's about the little details that seem unimportant. It's about being present in the moment. It's about getting up each morning and facing the day and hopefully making someone else smile at some point during that day.

Today was a better day. Although, it's not easy... I'm back!

I Believe in Miracles

I've been gone for the last few days putting all my energy in to Grace. Grace is part of my extended (and very complicated) family. She was involved in the big crash on the Golden Gate Bridge the other day. I spent the night at the hospital with her the other night and have had the song I Believe in Miracles You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate in my head ever since. Please send healing thoughts and prayers to Grace.

What Are You Doing?

What are you doing? You can answer that question over here at Twitter.
If you don't know what Twitter is, here is a great video explaining it.
I love my Twitter!

Blog Of The Week (Week 10) - Extraordinary Women Thrive

This week I pick Lisa Hunter's new blog Extraordinary Women Thrive.

I'm so excited to see she has a blog that I wanted to share it with all of you!

Lisa is my coach and she is awesome!

She happens to be offering a special 5 session coaching package to spirited, go-getting, (possibly stressed out) women who want to thrive.

Prosperity or Poopy Thoughts?

Are you having prosperity thoughts or poopy thoughts?

Stop right now and listen to that chatter inside your head.

What do you hear?

A. I'm a failure. I can't do this. I don't think I can handle this. I'm so stupid.

or

B. I am a successful business owner. I love learning new skills. I am smart. I can do this!

If you are hearing things like A then you are having poopy thoughts. Next time you catch yourself having a poopy thought stop right then and change that thought to a positive/prosperous one.

If you are hearing things like B - Congratulations! You are having prosperity thoughts! Keep up the good work!

You Can Heal Your Life

Woohoo Louise Hay's book You Can Heal Your Life is now a movie!



That little book and Louise's wise words helped me through some very difficult points in my life. I can't wait to see the movie!

SPECIAL OIVAC DISCOUNT

Now through Sunday (5/18/08) Managing Your Thriving Business For Success is on sale!

50% off! We are offering this special discount in honor of IVAD!

Enter the code: OIVAC to receive your discount!

Fast Track to Goal Setting

Did you know if you write down your goals they are much more likely to happen?

Have you ever stopped to think about what you really want to do with your business?

How many hours a week do you want to be working?

How much money do you want to be making by this time next year?

What kind of clients do you want to work for?

How many clients do you want?

How much do you want your monthly income to be?

How about doing something for yourself this week? Or better yet, right now! Take a piece of paper or open a Word document and answer the questions above (or post your answers in a comment right here). Don't forget to write the date on your list of goals. A year from now I will bring this post back up to see how you did with your goals.

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all you hard working women out there!

“When your mother asks, "Do you want a piece of advice?" it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.” - Erma Bombeck

"The best academy, a mother's knee." - James Russell Lowell

“When you feel neglected, think of the female salmon, who lays 3,000,000 eggs but no one remembers her on Mother's Day” - Sam Ewing

“I know how to do anything - I'm a Mom.” - Roseanne Barr

"We spend the first twelve months of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve telling them to sit down and shut up." - Phyllis Diller

“Mothers of teenagers know why animals eat their young” – Unknown

"I'd like to be the ideal mother, but I'm too busy raising my kids." - Unknown


Today is the last day to get $10 off Managing Your Thriving Business For Success . Enter the word "productive". Offer expires at midnight tonight. Great book for business moms! Learn new ways to balance work and family.

Goals Start With Ideas

"Goals are a system of deciding what you want, planning how to get it, then taking action and working towards getting it. Many goals never materialize because people forget about them, We all get busy in our daily lives and forget to stay focused on the big picture. Keep a notebook where you can write down ideas, goals, inspirations, etc. Keep this notebook easily accessible and whenever a great idea pops into your head, write it down. If you write down your ideas you will have a much better chance of reaching your goals."
-excerpt from Managing Your Thriving Business For Success

$10 off now through May 11, 2008. Enter the code word: productive at Managing Your Thriving Business For Success

What's Your Excuse?

Do you think you are too old to get started with an internet business?

If so, you might want to check out this new ebook: Put Your Old on Hold: A Baby Boomer's Unconventional Guide to the Making of a dot com business" by Karen McGreevey.

She's funny, she's witty and she knows what she is talking about.

What is an Affiliate and how can I be one?

According to wikipedia, Affliliate Marketing is "is a web-based marketing practice in which a business rewards one or more affiliates for each visitor or customer brought about by the affiliate's marketing efforts."

Have you thought about becoming an affiliate for a product that you like but you're not sure how it all works?

Did you know you could be making money while you sleep if you are an affiliate?

It's easy to be an affiliate! All you have to do is sign up and then you get your own unique URL for whatever product it is that you want to promote. You can put this link on your Website, on your blog, or email it to your friends and lists.

If you haven't tried being an affiliate before how about trying with our book: Managing Your Thriving Business For Success? You can earn 30% commission on each book sold. To make things easier for you we have set up an affiliate tool box with a free affiliate manual to give you some ideas on how to get started. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly.

To join our affiliate program click here. To learn more about it click here.