Help me fill in the blank!

My family is asking for suggestions for my Christmas gifts. I'd like to give them suggestions for items that will help me develop my business.
I am new, but have a lot of leftover business items from my former Real Estate career. (fax, printer, scanner...etc)

So, you tell me. What items do you find indispensable in your company? (software, hardware, office items...)

~Susan

There are a couple of books I use regularly...Get Clients NOW! by C.J. Hayden and The Virtual Assistant's Guide to Marketing by Michelle Jamison. As for software, I use Microsoft Office and QuickBooks Pro daily.

For client files, I dedicate a memory stick to each client where I store all their files, etc. so these aren't on my computer so I have a bunch of memory sticks.

I use a flatbed scanner to scan all paperwork and save these to folders on an external harddrive...again so these aren't stored on my computer.

I'm going to buy an HP laser color multi-function printer, just not sure if this will happen this year or next.

Oh, and for keeping client paperwork, I use colored file folders.

Since I'm a firm believer in Feng Shui, I also have some lucky bamboo plants in my office and have used Feng Shui for placement of furniture, etc. for a positive energy flow. So a good book on Feng Shui or some lucky bamboo plants might be good gifts.

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Jenny McKinney
http://www.offsiteofficepro.com

I love a computer program called 'evernote' anything that pops into my head or I find interesting on the web or in an email goes straight in there. That way when I need it later or I have time to look at it in more detail it's all there waiting for me. No more trying to remember where I saw it or where I put it.

I'm seeing Office Max gift cards in my future!
I love the flash stick idea. My photoshop files are about to take over my internal hard drive. Good call!

Jenny said:

Originally Posted by Offsite Office Professionals

For client files, I dedicate a memory stick to each client where I store all their files, etc. so these aren't on my computer so I have a bunch of memory sticks. I use a flatbed scanner to scan all paperwork and save these to folders on an external harddrive...again so these aren't stored on my computer. I'm going to buy an HP laser color multi-function printer, just not sure if this will happen this year or next.

Jenny, using flash drives is a great idea! And so is scanning docs & saving them digitally!

I purchased a Dell color laser printer/copier/fax/scanner & I love it!! The color is fantastic! I can't tell you how happy I am with this purchase!! It's the 2135cn model. I purchased it shortly after the new year when they had a great deal on it. I got it for $384, with free shipping.

Lezly

Some other gift ideas for your business would be, any upgraded software, for instance if you are using MS Office 2003 then you may want to ask for someone to get you MS Office 2007 or Adobe Acrobat Reader then you may want to ask for Adobe Acrobat Professional 9.

I agree with the laser printer as the quality output is superb.

You may also want to look into some courses that your family and friends would like to buy for you

Have a great time here on the VAF and search around for some of the items you don't have to see what deals some of the other VA's have gotten.

Andrea~

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Action Jackson Virtual Assistant|

Lezly, I'll look into the Dell printer before I make a final decision. I love Dell products and the price is a lot better than on the HP. Can you program the Dell to email a scanned document as a pdf file? The HP that I'm looking at can do this. This feature would be very beneficial for my genealogy business.

I think I'll wait until after the first of the year to see if there are any good sales. This is one piece of equipment that I want but can get along without for a while longer.

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Jenny McKinney
http://www.offsiteofficepro.com

In addition to all the other fabulous ideas here, consider Camtasia! This is my latest obsession. And video is fast becoming necessary for online work.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

I downloaded the trial version of Camtasia a few weeks ago. I love it. I can see it becoming a great tool for elearning.

Green eyed jealous that you have Camtasia, Santa, please listen, I've been a really good girl...

Cheers!!

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Bernice
Energy Virtual Assistant