As we all try to begin our virtual assistant businesses, we are told that one of the first things we need to do is get our elevator speech down.

While I understand where the term comes from - being able to explain to someone else what we do in the time it takes to ride in an elevator - I also think the term is confusing. I mean, how many of us actually talk to someone we don't know on the elevator? If we do, it is usually a comment about how good, or bad, the weather is, or making note of some current event. Nothing substantial is mentioned, and even if we disagree with someone else's remark, we usually let it go because these are meant to be superficial conversations.

But the idea of an elevator speech is to provide enough substantial information to let the other person know what we can do, and in turn, lead them to engage us in more conversation to see if the services we offer might be of benefit to them. The last thing we want is a superficial conversation that is quickly forgotten.

So what would be a better term for this? Networking meetings I've attended often refer to the 60 second speech, which certainly makes very clear what is expected. But I'd still like to come up with a catchy...

GladysS

What comes to mind when you think of spring cleaning? Likely it relates to warmer weather, sunshine, and a fresh scent throughout your home. For the last couple of years, however, I've done “spring cleaning” in January. Closets, drawers, and bookshelves are all thoroughly cleaned out. Boxes of clothes and household goods are donated to charity, and the space is washed or dusted as needed. Since I love to be outside when it is warm, I think I do my “spring cleaning” when the weather is colder - once it warms up it is hard to keep me inside! Spring cleaning gives me a great sense of accomplishment. Things no longer needed leave my home, giving me space. What is kept is often reorganized and easier to find (at least for a while!).

Spring cleaning doesn't have to occur when the calendar says it is spring - and it doesn't have to be limited to our homes either. With spring can come rainy days (and goodness have we seen our share in Memphis this year!), and what better way to spend a rainy day inside than cleaning out your paper and electronic files. With a shredder handy, paper files can be decluttered while watching a good movie or listening to music. Don't forget your computer! Clean out your email inbox, pull up seldom...

GladysS