June 2005, Vol 12, Issue 4
[Bookstore]
For those who
work at/from home.
[Business Partners]
A list of complement-ary businesses to our services.
If you would like yours listed, please let us know!
[Case Studies]
Wondering how we
could assist your
business?
[Membership]
For prospective virtual
secretaries.
[Newsletters]
Read our previous
issues.
[Rates]
Kathie's service rates.
[VA Directory]
For a full list of our team.
If you received this newsletter by regular mail, have an email address and would like to receive this online, please either subscribe at our website, or contact our office with your email address.
Feel free to pass this newsletter onto a friend!
- a client
- we swapped
business cards - member of a networking group in which I participate.
How to get on or off this list:
Send a fax or write me if receiving this by post and wishing to update contact details, or be removed. Or, if receiving online please subscribe or unsubscribe here.
Ph: +613 9585 5780
Fax: +613 9585 3785
www.asecretary.com.au
You Bet it's Personal - It's Business!
As the world gets smaller by the virtue of our technologies, the paths we cross increase, the people we 'know' have grown, and it's easier to develop relationships that are much further afield. And maintaining good relationships - whether personal or business, are important. This month's article is by Michael Angier and he raises an interesting point.
You Bet it's Personal--It's Business!, by Michael Angier
Recently, I heard the president of a company say, "It's not personal, it's just business." The phrase had about the same warmth and comfort as when it was uttered in "The Godfather" — right after someone was killed.
Business is all about relationships and relationships ARE personal. To dismiss the importance of personal relationships with the excuse that it's "just business" is usually a cop-out. It's old-school and it lacks integrity.
Of course, there are times when we have to make difficult business decisions, which adversely affect people. But we're far better off to acknowledge that it's personal.
A World Class Business demands close working relationships. They don't have to be super-intimate, but they do have to be honest and open.
Some people are reluctant to have close relationships with subordinates or supervisors in order to avoid uncomfortable and/or painful situations. But I think a world class company is one that makes the tough decisions fully cognizant of how business decisions affect people. It's ALL personal.
When I heard that CEO say "It's not personal, it's just business," it was a good indicator of how little she valued good relationships. She may have believed she could separate business from friendship, but I don't think most people can — or should.
A company's bottom line is determined by its FRONT line. People are the most valuable assets, and good stewardship requires that we treat every single person as just that — a PERSON. They're not a commodity, regardless of the fact that many companies treat them as such.
Yes, it IS personal - it's business. And in my opinion, it should be.
Action Point
Commit to developing and nurturing good relationships with everyone in your company. Take a genuine interest in them, and you'll find them doing likewise. Enemies never help you—friends do. Don't let your judgments of anyone stand in the way of your own, or your organization's success.
And remember, people don't care how much you know unless they know how much you care.
Resource: Free Report - The 10 Pillars of a World Class Business. Send a blank email to wcb@SuccessNet.org
--------------
Copyright Michael Angier & SuccessNet. Michael is the author of '101 Best Ways to Get Ahead'. SuccessNet's mission is to inform, inspire and empower people to be their best--personally and professionally. Download your free report "10 Essential Keys to Personal Effectiveness" at http://SuccessNet.org/subscribes.htm . Explore their free access, memberships, eBooks and SuccessMark Cards at http://SuccessNet.org
Books:
Silver Boxes is written by Florence Littauer. If you suffer 'foot in mouth' disease or experience problems with trying to work out how to say something nice to someone, then this book is for you. A small book, doesn't take long to read and holds within it, priceless advice on speaking to loved ones, friends, associates, etc and how to become an encourager.
Flexing Your Muscles - Benchmarking and Best Practice for the Office Professional by Wilson-Conabere & Ulms. Whilst company directors and other professional staff are schooled in their
ethical duties, there is very
little guidance available to administrative staff on their ethical
responsibilities. This book will help fill that gap.
Website:
Memory Hooks are simple lines that help people remember what you do. BNI (Business Network International) encourages its members to develop a memory hook to help chapter members remember each other's businesses. Mine, for example, is 'the secretary you need when you haven't got a secretary!'. For ideas on Memory Hooks for your industry category, why not visit http://www.memoryhooks.com/.
What is a Virtual Assistant?
It's a term for home-based secretaries, administrative and secretarial support, and others who supply 
remote or virtual support.
We are as close to you as your computer and can do almost anything traditional support staff do - except virtually. You don't need to provide office space, equipment, software or furniture - we have our own!
Location no issue as the work is carried out 'virtually' no matter where you are! See our newest members listed at VA Directory
