Upon brainstorming for this blog I had several flashes of imagery cross my mind. One of a “blissful day” or a “pull out my hair day”. Another was a unique story that told of my day tracked to the “T” and yet another was a diary of my day filled with all the information and resources that crossed my path in a day. Many more came and went, but nothing seemed to bloom into finger movement and progression on my screen. So upon my predicament and as a philosopher, I began to wander in thoughts....

.... She positioned herself at her desk as she strained for thought. She couldn’t help but notice the head bopping sound that started penetrating her speakers. Instantaneously her urge to pop out of her chair and do a little jiggle was to much to resist. She moved like you would see your three year old do when they are so excited that they get the sensation of having to pee. Because today is like no other. Today is the first day of the ultimate freedom for her. Today she can breath a sigh of relief unlike any other. Today she has no corporate job!

No more answering to anybody because she was told to. No more days of lag where clipping split ends one by one with each passing second would be her highlight. No more...

TimeForLife

People chatter about marketing to your intended customers base, but how often do they tell you how to identify such a group of people? A target market refers to a market segment at which your firm directs a marketing program. In essence people tend to be too broad in their definition of a “target market”. For example if the your company is to intrigue the large transportation market the first step is to identify the market segments (or subgroups) within the larger transportation market.

Are you looking for air travelers or boat passengers or something else? If you are targeting customer to fill a cruise line then it is essential to aim for the transportation market that share similar wants, preferences and product use behaviors. Therefore you as the cruise ship marketing manager (or whatever your title) need to develop a plan that is consistent with the ideas, beliefs and wants of customers seeking to vacation on a boat. You may also want to target those individuals who want to travel to the locations you offer via the boats.

Keep in mind that a separate marketing plan should be developed for each target group to get the most effective response from your efforts.Never forget to do your research to make...

TimeForLife

I keep hearing people pronounce "5 minutes today, saves hours tomorrow". Being the skeptic I am, I decided to investigate the quote and put it to the test to find out how much truth there is to the proclamation. As a background, I am the type of person who gets very excited when introduced to new ideas or concepts then steps back and critiques all aspects of the situation. Good, bad, indifferent. Then I make an analysis and proceed to (what I believe to be) an educated decision. I do this because I am an idealist. That being said I have made a pledge to myself to fill each day with focus on my mind, body, soul and heart. So in the midst of my journey, here is what I learned:

Tasks I accomplished by committing 5 minutes or less today:
1. Transcribed a meeting I had with a client and made a file for future meetings
2. Read a section of a business book.
3. Read my mail (I usually browse and toss) a newsletter to be specific
4. Wiped off the outside of my CrockPot
5. Read reminder and filed my FAFSA
6. Prepared file folders for use
7. And my favorite, I started a morning routine, short, simple and effective. It entails tending to my dogs, coffee, make...

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We are often approached by individuals asking us to clarify the meaning of a virtual assistant (VA). Here is how I define a VA. The term virtual assistant represents an industry of professional administrative experts. In other words, it is a class of professionals that have bound closely together to form an entire industry based on years of administrative knowledge, best practices and tools to make for the most efficient workspace.

These entrepreneurs have collaborated because they identify and acknowledge the opportunity for advanced practice based on pooling of resources for the purpose of strengthening a reliable concept. Virtual assistants typically have years of involvement and qualifications in their industry as well as an extended educational background or certification.

They are generally professionals who could be found hiding behind the best work of CEOs, CFOs and other high level executives. These position have commonly landed these independent beings close to the top but never quite to the level of success they desire and deserve. Therefore, these individuals have the hunger to succeed. They pour their heart and soul into the company they have created which is a blessing among those they...

TimeForLife

TimeForLife

On this eve of Christmas I laid in bed thinking about all the wonderful blessing I have around me, doing my best to block out the tragedies and losses endured over the past two years. I immediately stopped when I realized that without those horrific moments I don't think I would be reminiscing so meaningfully on the positive times I am now surrounded by.
Therefore, I choose in the coming year to turn the sadness into positive energy directed at creating my business and keeping myself moving forward, loving my family and friends and keeping an open mind and heart.
Those lost will be with me everyday. All the wonderful attributes they possessed will live on through me. Always loved and never forgotten.

Merry Christmas to all!

TimeForLife

TimeForLife

Being new in the virtual assistant arena, many things have become clear to me as I meddle my way through the process of researching, writing, editing and creating my business from scratch. As I am sure many of you have encountered this or are in the process now, I would like to point out the biggest "ahha" moment I have had. Being a perfectionist is not always a good approach to building a business.
I have seen and heard several comments from VA's who recommend just getting started after a solid plan is in place. This is much easier said than done; nonetheless, true. Last week I was stressed about getting my website content perfectly written to my target audience; however, this week I have a new approach. Just get it done so more consistent work can resume. That's it.
Since making this decision, my contact list has grown, my marketing plan is under way and my website is not sitting stagnant. So, my point is that the VA's who give advise know what they are talking about and their advice should not be taken with a grain of salt. No matter your personality type remember Nike's slogan and follow it, "Just do it" and you will be headed in the right direction. Good luck to each of you!

TimeForLife