This is a question that was asked at a forum I belong to recently. The asker wanted to know what was the biggest adjustment members had to make? I thought back to when my own children were at home and shared with them, the same that I'm sharing with you now. My girls are now grown and all work at home, three are mums themselves. However when they were home, I valued that I could be home for them when they left for school (or taking them there when they were younger) and being home when they … [Read more...]
Looking after self
As VAs it is ingrained into many of us to focus on our clients and get their work done. Sometimes to the detriment of our own health. I know I've been guilty of that myself. "I just have to get this done first...", "I can't leave the office because this client might be emailing me shortly...", "There will be time enough for 'that' later...", "There's not enough time in the day..." and so it goes on. Not to mention family needs, household needs, etc - we're always at the end of the line, have you … [Read more...]
Health & Fitness and Being a VA
Do they mix? Some years ago I wrote about the importance of getting outside and about vitamin D deficiency. And another about the size of our shadows. I probably haven't covered this topic as often as I should. I, more than anyone, know how easy it is to stack on the weight when you're sitting in front of a computer at least 5 days a week and not venturing outside much at all. To get something to eat is just a walk to the kitchen which is in the room next door. Hardly any exercise … [Read more...]
Why I’m an advocate for face-to-face networking
Those who know me, will know I frequently promote that it's important to network on a face-to-face business but perhaps I've never fully out lined the reasons why. Two are meeting potential clients and also finding the resources you need for your own business. Firstly, let me tell you I've built a large part of my business through face-to-face networking over the past 22 years and while I do get new clients contacting me via my website and through social media, face-to-face networking is … [Read more...]
Motivation to get the work done
I saw a VA post on a forum that she's struggling to get motivated because it was such a lovely day outside and she wanted to know how others coped. She'd mentioned the word 'job' too, so I thought I'd give her my thoughts and what I do. The answer follows. Please note - this would equally apply to anyone running a business, not just VAs. First things first, this is not a 'job'. It's a business. And you need to treat it that way :-) You also need to give yourself some flexibility. Unless the … [Read more...]
Home alone
Sounds like a movie title, doesn't it? :-) When you're working as a Virtual Assistant the reality is that you are working home alone, day in and day out. If you've been in a corporate office for some years you will be used to the social interaction of chatting to others, or just knowing that there are other people nearby. But when you're working for yourself, the reality is, there isn't usually anyone else around, unless you have children in the house or others you might be caring for. I've … [Read more...]
OH&S Tips for Virtual Assistants
I was putting the washing from the washing machine to the dryer and thinking about how often I've done this over the years. Not usually on weekends or evenings, as many in regular 9-5 jobs would do, but during the daytime, while taking a break from my business. Right from day 1 of my business I have tried to ensure that I am operating in a way that is best for my body and my health. Only six months before I began my business I had done an OH&S course with the corporation I worked for, and … [Read more...]
Working at home alone
With many joining our industry daily, I thought I'd touch on this topic once again. Working at home can be wonderful and it certainly has been for me, and many other Virtual Assistants. However, it's important to understand that you will be home alone, day after day, and you might not have much face-to-face interaction with others. We do have online forums for VAs to chat with each other, learn how to do things, seek assurance in what they're doing, perhaps even share ideas and resources. But … [Read more...]
Are you lonely in your role as a VA?
Are you a VA who is finding it lonely working alone at home every day? This is a common occurrence for new VAs as they make the transition from the corporate world to a work-at-home scenario. Loneliness is one of the key factors for VAs not continuing their businesses and returning to the workforce. I encourage each of you to seek out local networks close to where you live so you can go to meetings. Business networks, council networking groups, if you have children, perhaps mother's clubs (or … [Read more...]