Virtual Assistant Skills & Tips

Font Wonk Update: Riesling17 Nov

I came across this beautiful font on one of the blogs I regularly read and I was captivated immediately.  I am a big fan of circles and graceful shapes.

The Riesling font has graceful, sweeping tales on the lower case “g” and “s”  [almost exactly how I sign my own name :)]  combined with large round and open strokes.  A great font that is easily readable and suitable for both print and web.

Grab a copy here

Virtual Assistant Skills & Tips

Top 5 Ways your Virtual Assistant Can Ease Holiday Stress16 Nov

Yes, it’s THAT time of year again - the time of Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanzaa - and the time for holiday stress to smack you right in the middle of your chest at the exact moment you don’t need it!

So how can your Virtual Assistant ease your stress?  Here are 5 unique ways to relieve some stress!

1) Have your VA organize your online address book for sending out cards.

2) Have your VA choose an online card sending service and add your business contacts to it.

3) Have your VA do some online research for the best places to buy (and order ONLINE) the items on your holiday gift list.

4) If your VA is good with design, have them design a custom holiday card for your business and order the cards online.

5) Have your VA do online research for the perfect gift for your someone special.

I know there are hundreds of ways your Virtual Assistant can relieve your holiday stress - join in the conversation with how you and your VA are making life easier for you!

Virtual Assistant Skills & Tips

Clash of the Communication Styles12 Nov

A client and I have parted ways recently, all owing to a complete clash of our communication styles.  So I thought this would be a good opportunity to point out a few things about making the most of how you communicate with your Virtual Assistant or (for VA’s) your clients.

(1) Get it in writing - Though this may be difficult for those who prefer to use the telephone, it is imperative that you write down what you need your VA to do.  Be very specific in giving instructions, especially if you are a micromanager.  Don’t tell the VA HOW to do the job, but clearly outline what you need to accomplish and the parameters of the job.

(2) Clarify, clarify, clarify - For VA’s or clients, make sure that anything you don’t understand is clarified BEFORE you start the job.  Ask your client if your interpretation of what they need is correct.  Much better this way than to start the job, get half way through and have the client tell you that is not what they wanted!

For clients, make sure that you are clear in how you present information to your VA.  Reread your emails to make sure that you are giving clear directions and are not assuming your VA will understand.

Remember, the only stupid question is the one you DON’T ask.

(3) Track your work - Using a service such as Basecamp will help you tremendously.  You will have an area for each of your projects or clients, complete with a messaging system, to do lists, a writeboard, an area for files and a time tracking tool.  Put it to good use to make sure you and your client or VA are on the same page!

Differing communication styles do not have to be the end of a relationship, as long as all parties concerned can recognize and acknowledge each other’s preferred style.

Virtual Assistant Skills & Tips

What Procrastination is Telling You08 Nov

I’ve finished a course of work with a Life Coach for the first time ever, and she is simply amazing!

One of the sessions taught me a very important lesson about procrastination.

When I start to lose focus on a project, my body is telling me to take a break.  Usually my head is screaming at me a mile a minute to  get this done and get that done, but my wise old body is telling me to STOP!

By making me lose focus, my brain is saying take a few minutes and switch gears.  Walk around the office.  Pat the dog.  Sit outside for 10 minutes.  Something other than try to muscle thru and continue to work.

Just being aware of this is making a tremendous change in my work and life style, and I will be forever grateful to my Coach for it :)

Articles, Marketing, Virtual Assistant Skills & Tips

Press Release Distribution Sites - Part 103 Nov

After doing some leg work for a client re: free press release distribution sites, I’ve come across a few lists that are great, but somewhat out of date.

So to help out other Virtual Assistant’s and Solopreneurs, I’ve made some additions and changes to the lists and compiled my own list of truly free Press Release sites.

1888pressrelease.com

24-7pressrelease.com

betanews.com

eCommWire.co

Free-Press-Release-Center.info

FreePressIndex.com

FreePressRelease.co.cc

FreePressReleases.co.uk

IndiaPRWire.com

Articles

My brother, the Hero!03 Nov

http://tinyurl.com/babybrother

My wonderful brother has always been my hero, and now the whole world can know! He’s not only a hero to his gorgeous wife, beautiful children and his three sisters - he’s a hero to a complete stranger!

Love you baby brother!

:)

About VADiva

VADiva.com is run by Virtual Assistant & Professional Organizer Jill Chongva.  Jill is the mom of 4 wonderful humans, 3 spirited canines and is the very happy wife of 1 fabulous guy!

Jill has over 20 years experience with Computers & Administration, as well as 9 years as a Professional Organizer.   Her clients rely on her for technical expertise, help with WordPress, online and social media marketing and her ability to tell an off-colour joke properly :)

Contact

Via email: diva [@] vadiva [dot] com

Via contact form here