Happy 4th of July to everybody around the world!

Jammin' in July

Welcome to Jammin' in July - Ahhh, the month of July...baseball, hot dogs, 4th of July, water parks and bar b cues!!!  

 For many businessowners and entrepreneurs, your momentum may have taken a temporary back to seat to the season at hand.  Many patrons and potential clients are off enjoying their summer vacations with families and friends and afterall, who wouldn't welcome a break to catch a few sunrays and some much needed vitamin D.

As an entrepreneur, your main concern may be "how can I sustain my business during these summer months?"   We all know that people may book an appointment with you but later on down the line, after viewing their schedule keeping the scheduled task at hand may not be their cards.  This may lead to feelings of frustration and disappointment because after all, you are looking forward to meeting new clients face to face.   You began to wonder how will you remain steady and consistent at time like this when quality family time trumps business.

Here are a few tips to keep your budding business blooming while still enjoying fun in the sun:

1. If a client is unable to meet with you face to face, why not send them a video message?  You can still convey your products/services that you offer a la video and it's a way to promote your business who those who show interest in your company. 
2. Offer special discounts to drive additional traffic your business.  Create a summer time promotion that people cannot refuse. 
3. Host a summer mixer/gathering/party to showcase your services/products.  It can be fun to mix business with some summer time pleasure.  After all, everybody loves a party.

Remember to be mindful of those who value their family time and this season.  There are many potential clients still lingering out in the world but they have also made committments to their families for quality time.

Enjoy the upcoming holiday.

Summer is here....and school is OUT

Ahhhh...it's summer.  So much to look forward to this season...flip flops, sundresses, shorts and sandals.  You cannot wait to have a few days by the pool while catching some sun rays (don't forget to apply the sunscreen) or venture away to much needed vacation because afterall, you have worked hard all year to earn some free time this season.

There's just one tiny matter you must take into consideration...YOUR CHILDREN!  They are out of school which means as the adult, you are responsible for keeping them entertained with lots of fun and cool things to do to beat the heat and keep them entertained.  Don't stress out if you feel like your funds won't cover the cost of everything because I will provide you with a some fun ideas to keep the whole family entertained.

Keep your family on a budget this summer by creating a bucket list of things of things to do.  Allow everybody to make a contribution of at least 2 activities they want to do, this way, nobody is left out of the planning process.  Next, select a "bucket" or a container of some sort to keep your list of future ventures handy.  Once you have completed each activity simply cross it off the list and move on to the next one.

This should provide tons of family entertainment for the entire summer and both the children along with the adults will look forward to having fun.

IPA...Income Producing Activities

Welcome to April!   We are in the beginning of a new quarter of the year and Spring time is here.  Many people are preparing to make new changes in both their professional and personal lives.  The winter clothing are being tucked away, dismal thoughts of the economy are being replaced with new thoughts of success and most important of all...new goals are being set to generate a consistent stream of income.

As a business entrepreneur, it is very important to remember that doing "busy" work will not produce wealth; it will waste time.   This month, we will be focusing on IPA's or Income Producing Activities.  These are small task that will generate BIG income with effort and determination. Many people think sitting behind a desk, shuffling papers and reading emails will bring income to their pockets but contrary to popular belief, that is not the case.  One must get from behind their desks and get out into the field to make money.  Sharing your products and/or services with others is the only way for people to know exactly what you have to offer.

Develop the mindset that you have a product that the public needs and your product is the best above the rest.   Be sure to display confidence in what you are promoting because people can sense when you are not sure about what you are selling or promoting.  This trait is vital to your business as you should be a walking canvas for your business.  Walking and talking with level of confidence will get you the new customers you desire.

Happy Sales

March Madness

     Welcome to March!    As we embark on the last month in the first quarter, the smell of spring is in the air.  Gone are the days of long cold winter days, dreadful weather and gloomy attitudes.  Now, it's time to switch into high gear and prepare for a beautiful season of spring.  Of course, for many that means SPRING CLEANING.  Yes!  It's time to clear out those closets, get rid of any old papers, junk, unwanted items that you may have collected last fall and winter and make room for a new change.

To many, spring cleaning may not only be a physical task, but also a mental task as well. Make it a point to free your mind of any clutter, negative thoughts and toxic behavior and transform your mind, body and spirit into a place of free-flowing renewal for the new season ahead of us.   Are you ready to reach new goals?  Are you ready to challenge yourself to something new?   This March, create a world for yourself that will elevate you to new heights.   Surround yourself with people who will help you reach your goal and will celebrate those achievements with you.

Make March a marvelous month for yourself.   Treat yourself to something new!

Follow Up: Is the telephone my enemy?

    A businessowner I recently met expressed that she has been feeling like the telephone is NOT her friend and appears to a big obstacle in her reaching her goals.  I reassured her that the device that many businessowners cannot live without is not there to harm her but instead, to assist in the process of gaining much more confidence for getting sales.

After having this conversation, it dawned on me how many people in business really struggle with follow up and view the telephone as their "enemy" or as I have collectively dubbed it "the green-eyed monster."   So, with a little more thought put into the follow up process, something began to register in my mind:   As humans, if we DO NOT have a telephone, we feel cut off from the world.   Pre-teens and teens alike beg their parents for a phone so that they may keep in contact with their friends.   I also recall, a fellow co-worker who did not own a cell phone as he felt if somebody really wanted to find him, they would leave a message for him on his answering machine at his home.   As a human race, we need our telephones to conduct our personal business, i.e. schedule appointments, keep in contact with friends and family, follow up on upcoming events, etc.

So, why is such a challenge for business owners to follow up when it comes to putting appointments on their OWN books in order to gain more success?    Simple, there are two sides to this coin.   (1) As your average everyday person, if there are things that need to be tended to then, placing the phone call is no small feat.  It must be done.  Scheduling that doctor's appointment, calling the child's school, keeping in touch with your spouse during the course of the day...those things come as a second nature to humans.  That is not viewed as "follow up"  (2) As a businessowner, if there are opportunities to be met, that will possibly connect you to somebody who will help you get to the top..............then there is a feeling of immediate fear that overcomes you.   To pick up the phone, dial those numbers and form the words to initiate that conversation makes people just want faint.    We tend to allow a tremendous amount of focus to be placed on thoughts that are pre-conceived and pre-meditated which in turn leads to feelings of self doubt. Here is a little insight for those who are challenged in this area, the person that you are wanting to reach out to, has a thousand other things going on in their minds as well, and possibly could be experiencing these same feelings.   

Just remember, when you are making phone calls in your everyday life, you are FOLLOWING UP!

Follow up: Friend or Foe Pt 2

    You're sitting at your desk, in your home office, in front of the telephone with the intention of making phone calls to follow up with your new leads that you have acquired.  The thought of obtaining new business fills your spirit with excitement, your datebook is going to be filled with meetings and you are ready to conquer the world.   The information is neatly organized and carve out time in your schedule to complete this process.  Then all of sudden, that green-eyed monster called FEAR sits down right beside you at your desk and gently whispers in your ear, "Why are you even bothering to make these phone calls?  You know these people are going to reject you so save yourself the embarrassment and move on to something else!"  And what do you do?  You allow the monster to have victory; the leads are tucked away and the thought of following up has consumed you into a sea of negativity.

Following up is very vital to keeping your business running smoothly.  Remember not to take things personally because, after all, the person is not saying "no" to you, they are just saying "not at this time" or "maybe in the future."      Many businessowners find several excuses not to follow up:  "I did my part, now the ball is in their court...";  "I should be in front of people, not chasing them down on the phone."  or  "I'm too busy."     For those who DO follow up, one phone call or email will be placed and then they throw in the towel.  Effective follow up is a process, an art and to be perfectly honest, a technique that one must master.

How many times should you follow up with a new lead?  Seven times!  Yes, it may sound pretty excessive but reaching out and constant contact seven times equals success.    So, the next time you see the green-eyed monster sitting at your desk waiting to discourage you, politely ask the monster to move over because you have a job to do - FOLLOW UP!

Follow Up: Friend or Foe

     As a businessowner, when you hear the term "follow-up" what immediately comes to your mind?  Right, getting on the phone or sending an email to a prospective client that you just met at a networking event or maybe a referral sent to you by somebody you already know.   While we always welcome new business and the great journey it will lead us on, it is common to say that most businessowners shudder when they are faced with the task of following up.

Studies show that many of us in business, well, let's face it......WE DON'T LIKE TO FOLLOW UP.  There, it's out in the open.  Moreover, many of us don't take follow up seriously and allow the task to fall to the wayside.  Sometimes, we even hope that people that we have just met will actually pick up the phone and call us to follow up before we have a chance to initiate the act.

So, herein lies the question... why do we generally loathe following up?   Because, the bottom line is many of us have a fear of rejection. (gasp) Yes, that is the REAL reason why many businessowners do not follow up.  Sure, there will be one phone call or maybe even two and that later will be followed by an email but after that, no more.   Generally, the very thought of being hung up on is a tough pill to swallow and if we trick ourselves into believing that the caller on the other end will hang up on us, then there is a seed of a pre-conceived act planted in the mind.  Owners are afraid that they will hear these words... "No thank you." or "I'm no longer interested in your products/services."    This is an inner dialogue that has been created even before the task is performed.

Don't allow the fear of following up hinder your advancement in your business.   The simple act of picking up the phone may have you trembling and nervous but once you make one phone call, you'll begin to feel more confident that you made the effort.

Create a New Career

As we slowly approach 2011 coming to an end, many people are still faced with the fact that they are unemployed.  It's a scary situation to find yourself in, especially when other members in your family depend on you to provide their basic needs.   While some people are so fortunate to have a steady paycheck coming in from a major corporation, there's still the fear of cut backs and lay offs that could come in the future.

With the new year right around the corner, many Americans are seeking to be gainfully employed, earning enough money to keep them floating above water.  With this being a major factor in today's society, some people want to reinvent themselves but really don't have an idea where they should start.

Virtually Savvvy is proud to introduce a new training program coming January 2012.  You can learn how to become a virtual assistant along side creating your own business in the comfort of your own home.  Our training program is designed to teach people how to jump start a business with basic business principles and free resources.

This program will lend the opportunity for future entrepreneurs to begin building an empire that is designed to meet the needs of various professionals in the business world.  

Stay tuned for more information in the month December.

Coming in 2012

Maintaining An Organized Home Office - Pt 3

We have made it to the final stretch of our three part series on Maintaining An Organized Home Office.
Before we complete our final step, let's take a moment to review the process of keeping your home office organized and clutter free.

The first step is make sure you have enough work space to accomplish your daily duties.  Remember, having an environment that allows you to be productive is important which means having a designated space to work.  Be sure to place your work materials in storage bins in order to easily retrieve the items you need.   Next, acquire a multifunctional piece of furniture that will allow you to perform.  Having a desk or simple table that will suit your needs ranks high on the performance list and make sure that you have intergrated your home office in a room crafted especially for you.

The final step in maintaining an organized home office is making sure that it properly serves its purpose for the person using the space most...YOU!   While there is no right or wrong way to design a home office, there is a way to keep it neat, clean and clear from chasos.    Here are a few tips to keeping your environment clutter free:

1. Keep your supplies in easy to reach organizational bins.   Paper clips, writing instruments, scissors, etc should be housed neatly together for quick access.  Remember, when you are finished using one or more items, put them back in the respective place.
2. If your desk top does not have drawers or compartments, be sure to keep your working items in matching storage boxes with labels.
3. Want to furnish your office without breaking your budget?  Not a problem, search other rooms in your home to see what can be used in your office such as old jam jars (great keeping paper and binder clips organized), utensil holders (serves as a great home to writing instruments, staplers, scissors, etc.)coffee mugs or rubber maid storage containers.

 The last important factor is having a great home office is having a great desk chair.  Make sure the chair is comfortable and offers great support to your back as it should be adjustable to be in sync with your desk.


Now, you have been properly equipped with all of the tools you need to keep your home office clear and clutter free.  Always keep in mind that as a business owner, it's important to keep your area clean, neat and ready to accomplish tasks.  The ultimate goal is to reduce the stress in your life because after all, a stressful work environment creates a mental block and that's what you are striving for.


Happy organizing



A stress free work environment



Maintaining An Organized Home Office - Part 2

Greetings to all of my Readers:

Today is Part 2 of Maintainig An Organized Home Office and I will be sharing two more steps with you on how to keep your office clutter free.

Step 3 - acquire an adequate work space for yourself.  You may not have a "desk" per say but why not be creative and search for a piece of furniture that will serve as a desk especially for you?   Here are a few examples:

 The armoire is a prime example of how an ordinary piece of furniture can be transformed into a work area thart allows the owner to utilize storage space to it's fullest. Small organizational bins, compartments located underneath the keyboard drawer...this space screams "controlled environment."    The white desk or unit simply appears to be an organizational shelf that may be found in a corporate office but it was (carefully) mounted on wood to create a desk.   There again using all of the space to it's full advantage, these creative desk allow room for calm, peace and productivity.


  

Cool Desk




 




Armoire

  Step 4:  Intergrate your work area into another room in residence.  If there is not a designated room for a home office, then use your imagination and create one, especially for you.  Take a look around in each room and think about where you can set up a small enough space to call your home office; maybe it would be the kitchen, or a corner in the dining room or even in your living room.    When using this method, be sure to seek out multifunctional pieces (as shown above)  that will be condusive to the room where your new work area will be.

Making use on adequate space in any room will allow you peace of mind to know that you have created a work environment of your own.

Maintaining An Organized Home Office - Part 1



Organized Chasos???














Happy Monday to all of my followers.

Let's talk about organized chasos and how does it make you feel?
Now, most people will say "I work better if my environment is messy..."  Well, contrary to what they may think and feel, it's not true.  Studies show that a person is not able to function 100% mentally if their environment is messy or disorganized. Trying to function in a work space that is cluttered and messy causes stress, anxiety and most of all, frustration.  How many times has your desk been a total mess and you get upset because you can't find a pen, or a small post it note with vital information on it? 

Today we are going to focus on what it takes to maintain an organized home office and we are going to use the picture above as an example on how to get rid of clutter and chasos.

Step 1 - allow yourself enough work space to accomplish your daily duties, such as working at your computer, making phone calls or simply sitting at the desk and writing or reading.   While these tasks may seem small and may not require much work space, you'd be surprised at how your brain will shut down when you are unable to complete these duties.

Step 2 - Place all of your work material in storage bins.  If you refer back to the picture above, this desk has plenty of space for storage including drawers.  If you have a fairly large desk, it will be in your best interest to utilize all of space to it's maximum capacity.  For example, if you have drawers, use hanging file folders to keep important paperwork handy.  Compartments should be used to house reading books, materials and other literary items that are currently being used.   In retrospect, the only thing the desktop should be used for is (1) keep your computer (2) your desk phone and (3) the current supplies and/or items needed to complete the task at hand.  Everything that is not being used should be tucked away in it's own space.

Don't allow your unorganized chasos to get the best of you.   Maintaining a healthy work environment allows more room for productivity.

Happy Organizing

Home Office Organization

Happy Monday and Happy Halloween!

If you are a small business owner/entrepreneur and you work from home, is your work environment conducive to your needs?  Do you have enough work space to accomplish your daily tasks?  Are you trapped in a clutter filled box and it's creating a mental blockage for you?

Home office organization is very important for those business owners who work from home.  The area where you work at should always be kept tidy and in order so that you are able to retrieve things easily without stressing yourself out.   This week I will be sharing 6 steps to Maintaining an Organized Office in your home.

After all, being organized and stress free is all a part of being productive.

Life After.....

With today's economy, so many people are still facing the trials and tribulations of being let go from a major corporation or having their work hours reduced according to the business needs of the company, which in turn leads to mental stress and anguish of not knowing how the ends of going to meet each month. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current unemployment rate is 9.1% 9 (reported on October 7, 2011.)

Which leads many to ask themselves the question of "Is there life after being laid off due to unforseen circumstances?"  Yes, there is!  There has been an increase of the development of home based businesses since the demise of the stock market. Many men and women are finding the complete joy of being self-employed, working their own hours to fit the needs of their families and mainly, not feeling the pressures of working hard and being underpaid.

In the world of home based businesses, there are many options to explore; everything from photography to dog walking.  Being in business for yourself allows one to write their own journey and destiny when it comes to earning to income for survival.  Don't sell yourself short on what you are capable of doing, explore your options and research what to see products and services are at need right now.  Building an empire for yourself and the future of your family is important as this will become your main source of living out your dream.

The most important thing to remember when developing a home based business is this...DO NOT allow anybody to crush your spirit.  Have faith in yourself and share your vision and goals with somebody who will support your efforts without passing judegments on you or your dreams. 

Continue to reach for the STARS.

De-Clutter

What is the TRUE meaning of clutter?  The dictionary defines it as "to fill or cover with scattered or disordered things..."

In an office setting, clutter will become your worst enemy if you allow it to.  Your desk can easily become cluttered throughout the work day and you probably have no idea how it got there.  You start off the morning right but by lunch time, your work space is covered with piles of paper, pens, file folders and other STUFF that you are not using all at once.  If you have not paid attention to it, the visible sight of your work area being cluttered and messy creates mental stress on you, which is not good for production reasons.

Learning how to control your clutter on a daily basis is an acquired habit. Your desk top should only supplies and items that you'll be using for a particular task within your reach.  Once you are done with those items, put them back where they belong. i.e. in a desk drawer, a specific or designated area.   For example, supplies such as staplers, tape dispensers and scissors are items that should be tucked away in a drawer,  Once you are done using the specific item, make it a point to place it back where it goes.   This will free up space on your desk.

Controlling clutter is an important part of keeping your office and work space balanced.  

Introduction

Greetings small business owners and entrepreneurs:

I am so excited about building my virtual/personal assistant business.  After years of working for a major company as an administrative assistant and being laid off because my job was outsourced to another country, I felt it was time to put my skills to use on my own terms and help those in need.

Being a personal assistant is a way to fullfill my desire to provide administrative support to those in business for themselves; they don't have the time to complete the neccessary back office tasks and well, let's face it...they really don't want to be bothered with the chore.  That's where I come in.  By allowing me to relieve the stress of administrative duties, all is well in the business world.