Virtual Assistance Article

I recently read an article about how virtual assistants are helping real estate professionals. The article was written by Blanche Evans of Realty Times. Ms. Evans tells of how practical it is for real estate professionals to utilize virtual assistants. Without the added expense of employees and the fact that virtual assistants are already computer literate, using a VA instead of an in-house employee just makes more sense.

Ms. Evans also includes a section on how to find and hire a virtual assistant. She mentions StaffCentrix, a website that helps busy professionals find virtual assistants. I haven't had an opportunity to check out that site yet, but I will be going there in the near future.

Seasons Greetings!

Hoping your holidays are the happiest!

Want to be more productive?

I seen a commercial the other day for a website on becoming more productive. Be More Productive 0ffers tips on increasing productivity. This site also includes a time wasted calculator, which is a great tool to determine where and how you waste time. There is also a section on the top 10 office time wasters. On the home page, there are several videos that can be watched regarding productivity.

Being an independent contractor, it is highly important to be productive. Virtual assistants have many different types of responsibilities for many different clients. VA's need to know how to be efficient and productive in order to ensure their client's happiness and repeat business. Being more productive can make working independently much more attractive.

My misperception

Who recommended: Lynne Waymon

What I am reading: Make Your Contacts Count (Networking Know-How For Business and Career Success) by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon

Where in the book: page 33

Why I am reading: Learning how to network. Cause believe me, I have no CLUE!

Which quote: "When people think of networking as TAKING or TRADING, what they get is Single-Sale Networking. Though Single-Sale Networking may result in instant gratification, it's time consuming, and you miss out on the long-term benefits"

How this quote adjusted my thinking: I just had an "Ah ha" moment. I really thought taking and trading were the be all end all of networking. This is why I shy away from networking. I do not want to be in a room full of people who are only there to get their product sold. I do not want to engage in exchanges where I know the only reason the other person is accepting my product is because they want to push their product. I like this new definition of networking. Networking interactions are investments in longer term relationships. Each person sees value in reciprocity. This type of networking I can embrace.

Magazine Article

I recently subscribed to Entrepreneur magazine and there was a great blurb in the front about an online community. Bank of America has a small business online community where professionals can network with each other, join forums for ideas and/or advice, and and find experts and stories. I joined this community tonight and it looks very helpful. All professionals should at least look into this. As a virtual assistant, networking is very important.

On a personal note, I am so grateful that I subscribed to this magazine. This is my first issue and so far so good. It contains quite a bit of useful information.

My strengths & weaknesses

Who recommended: Lynne Waymon

What I am reading: Make Your Contacts Count (Networking Know-How For Business and Career Success) by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon

Where in the book: page 25

Why I am reading: Learning how to network. Cause believe me, I have no CLUE!

Which quote: "My style 'If you like to keep a lot of balls in the air,' it will feel natural to you to collaborate, to give first and give generously, and to learn networking skills and systems so that you feel more comfortable. It will be a challenge for you to stick to your goals, to ask for what you want or need, to tell success stories, to hold up your end of the conversation, and to take your 50 percent of the 'air time'."

How this quote adjusted my thinking: Now this describes me precisely. This quote encompasses my positive attributes and my challenges. Having this quote sums me up neatly. Now I have a reference. I will be able to focus on the new methods that specifically address my weaknesses. I will be able to use it as a measuring stick to note my progress.

On Being Shy

Who recommended: Lynne Waymon

What I am reading: Make Your Contacts Count (Networking Know-How For Business and Career Success) by Anne Baber and Lynne Waymon

Where in the book: page 22

Why I am reading: Learning how to network. Cause believe me, I have no CLUE!

Which quote: "Philip Zimbardo, who founded the Clinic, found that shy people are less popular, find fewer friends, exhibit lower self-esteem, make less money, say their lives are boring, demonstrate fewer leadership skills, are more likely to be depressed, have less social support and are more likely to be lonely."

How this quote adjusted my thinking: Hmmmmm....I frequently tell people I am shy. This quote puts a whole new spin on things. I would not define or label myself with over half the characteristics listed here. According to this quote I am not shy. When it comes to networking, I feel so insecure. Perhaps it is not shyness I experience, rather timidness or that I am reserved. I am afraid to reach out for fear of "making a mistake." I think "Make Your Contacts Count" will give me the tools I need to overcome my timidness. I am definitely not shy by this definition.

Networking Sites

There are several networking web sites available now. There are a few that I just love. One of those in LinkedIn. This site allows you to connect with past colleagues as well as classmates. This is very beneficial for virtual assistants and other professionals who wish to expand their networks. Another one of my favorites is Ryze. This site has predefined networks to fit every professionals needs. I have already made a few connections on each site. Joining each of these networks is free but both offer upgraded plans for a fee.

Because networking is very important in the business world, I would recommend that every take advantage of the sources available. Networking can be difficult and intimidating at first but just remember that everyone feels that way. Also remember that netiquette must always be used because people cannot hear your tone or see your body language.

Happy networking!