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

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!

(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.