The Virtual Wire

Numbers: 1701

2009-07-13T00:32:41-04:00

“To boldly go where no one has gone before.” When Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered, a very different captain was in charge of the Enterprise, and the gender-neutral “one” replaced “man” in the introduction. Interestingly, the Enterprise had always been referred to as “Her” or "She" …

But I need to leave the subject of gender neutrality or preference to some other post! This post is about boldly going—even shaping—new frontiers.

Everyone has favourite quotes, or stories, or entire movies that influence or inspire them. As you’ve just seen, one of mine is Star Trek. Star Trek has always been about brave, bold, iconoclastic individuals who are unafraid to tackle the difficult issues in life, especially when confronting something new. I think that anyone who leaves the comfort of being dry-docked in a cubicle to flying solo in their own business qualifies as brave and bold. Such people are brave because they oftentimes leave a sure thing for something that may initially seem to them fraught with uncertainties. They are bold people because they made a decision and a commitment. They are individuals because they not only couch-surfed new frontiers, from a position of relative safety, but actually plunged into or helped forge new frontiers. These people are the sole proprietors or new business owners who are creating and supporting many wonderful adventures.

My decision to become a virtual assistant was based on several key things: I was inspired by one who had ‘gone before’, I was confident, I felt I could make a difference, I had something to share, I wanted to help people (and selfishly, be recognized for that), I was bold enough to make the leap, and perhaps most important of all, I wanted to be the one person who was responsible for my career. These factors, and more, should sound familiar to readers who similarly headed to their own new frontiers.

Being inspired doesn’t have to be a one-off: I know this from talking to many of my colleagues, my clients, and even to those who are thinking about progressing to the next liberating stage of their lives. Inspired is a state of mind. It is an idea. In those two things alone (and much more) it is indefatigable and unstoppable. It can be a constant force. And when it is, it further inspires.

Years ago I signed onto my own “1701”. I’ve been rewarded countless times, and I know that I’ve both earned the rewards and been praised by others who genuinely appreciate my work. There’s no end to new frontiers; if you haven’t already, it’s never too late to sign-on and to inspire others in the doing!

How far do you let prospects negotiate?

2009-07-10T17:23:24-04:00

A fantastic VA, Lauray Walsh, posted this video today in our community and it resonated with me so much, that I immediately had to share this with you.

It is a clear illustration of how, as small business service providers, we often enter or succomb to totally illogical agreements. We know what we are worth and we should charge that! If a prospect cannot pay our fee then they are just not right the client.

Stacy Brice has always said to us in AssistU "Your clients wouldn't think of going to the store, and purchasing an item, but only paying for a quarter or half of it, so why should they do so with you?" or words to that effect, and this video is literally showing you how crazy that would be if someone tried this negotation tactic.

So why do we succomb to this form of negotiation? Whether you would call it the economy, frustration, starter's nerves, etc it all boils down to fear, and we all know that fear is no good when we allow it to make us drop our standards, or ignore our boundaries.

Personally for me, it not only reminded me of similar conversations, but also made me look at a undesirable relationship at the moment that just has to change. Have a look at this video and share your thoughts. I would love to know!!!

Big kisses to you Lauray, and thanks so much for sharing!

An interesting take on widely-used tech buzzwords

2009-07-09T23:35:58-04:00

An interesting read ...

The tech industry's most baffling buzzwords: A brief guide | The Industry Standard

Posted using ShareThis

This guide lists eight buzzwords you'll quickly recognize. And, you may have wondered as I did, exactly what they were intended to convey.

You'll find included in the list (but not in this order): Web 3.0, cloud computing, disruptive, paradigm shift, seamless, solution, and prosumer (that one was new to me).

If you've ever wondered about the use of any of these buzzwords, this guide might bring you up-to-speed a bit.

Numbers: 4701

2009-07-05T23:41:24-04:00

Was it only two weeks ago that E and I were on a train, on the way home from Ottawa? How many times have we been on train "4701"? Over the past few years, I'd say 10 or more times. And every time, save perhaps one, it was about the journey...

And so I'd like to use the "journey" as a metaphor in discussing numbers, and this will be the first of several posts concerning numbers (or journeys). Every journey is like a delightful new game!

Just as when (both E and I) had decided to take AssistU's Virtual Training Program (VTP), so did we make a conscious decision to board another train. In the case of the VTP, it was a journey neither of us had been on before. In the case of the train, it was one we'd taken many times. In both cases, the journey counted large. The goal of each trip was different: in the first case, to acquire real-life skills (communication, Law of Attraction, business plan creation, and more). In the second case, the goal was to arrive in Ottawa (or in some cases Montréal). In both, there was a sustained and focused effort to be awake and very conscious so as not to let the journey go unnoticed.

Every facet of the journey counts: yes, even ones that strike us as negative. Not only do we learn from all experiences, we learn--if we have the option and awareness--to avoid repeating mistakes in the future. On a personal note, I want to know what my friends, family, students, and clients (in my virtual assistance business) think of me; 'good' or 'bad'. At least then, information in hand, I can make an intelligent and informed decision about whether I need to eradicate the 'bad', or augment the 'good'.

So I want to do 4701 again, just like I want to keep on the AssistU journey. Both things are possible, though now in different ways. Do you have a number--and a journey--you'd like to talk about?

First Friday pep!!!

2009-07-03T02:37:00-04:00

It is the beginning of the month again, and it is my duty to share something inspirational to o help you start off your July with a stronger stride in your step. Also, of course, for my American friends and colleagues it is a highly celebrated holiday weekend - Your Independence Day. I was reminded in a conversation this week about the desire and need for individuality, and it reminded me that I have always been one to encourage others to walk their own path, as well as tried for forge my own. So in that vein I looked for inspirational items on independence and individuality, and this is what I found that I liked:

“Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom... The power to choose, to respond, to change.” Stephen R Covey.

I love this quote as it reminds me that I make the choices in my life, and if there is something I don’t like, I, and only I, have the power to change it. And change is not only negative, it could also mean that if I like something and would like more of it, then I still need to make the change to get more. I looooovvvveee having the power to change things! What will you change in your practice this month?

So for me I was thinking about doing more and getting more from the client relationships I really like, and I came across this quote:

“No employer today is independent of those about him. He cannot succeed alone, no matter how great his ability or capital. Business today is more than ever a question of cooperation.” Orisen Swett Marden

Although this quote refers to employees/employers, I believe it speaks directly to the VA industry, and the possibilities of a successful VA/client relationship. Need I say more??? You know just like with any relationship the tasks, activities and sheer volume of work can get in the way of building your relationship with your clients, but finding the time to further enhance and do more in this relationship is essential to it's success. In the month of July find the time to further enhance your relationships. Show your client(s) how much you care about their success and wellbeing. As Stacy Brice said this week “the 'juice' is in the relationships.”

Happy July to you and yours, and a fantastic Independence Day Weekend!