Today I am reflecting on my role as a Virtual PA.
Juggling life as a Virtual PA, wife and a Mummy to my 2 yr old Son who suffers from Eosinophilic Colitis is always busy, even more so this month. Why? I'm also busy thinking about my development plans for 2011 when the business will be 2 years old. Time to launch new services and to get involved in new areas (training currently in progress!). It is all very exciting - I will reveal more as the year comes to a close.
It is also exciting for my clients, and I am excited about working with them next year and beyond. Many of them are also thinking about expanding their business offering to include new and exciting services. Let me tell you about one of them. Jonathan Chritchley (www.oceancaptureadventures.com), is a well known and very well respected photographer, his work is truly stunning and the images he produces often take my breath away. Just in case you're wondering, I'm not a photographer at all, but just appreciate the beauty of the moments he captures. On days when I am having a "fraught" moment I like to escape for a while, so I take myself off to his website and look at my favourite image (see link below) http://www.oceancaptureadventures.com/photo_1070271.html
Just for a few moments, I imagine myself sitting on the edge of the jetty, shoes off, dipping my toes in the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean, hypnotised by the sounds of the rolling waves and the electric colours of the clouds reflected in the water. Other times I imagine myself laying on the endless jetty watching the sky move above me, feeling the gentle breeze wash over me and I feel myself floating, being transported to a calm and "fraughtless" place that is still and peaceful. The subtle pink and blue hue of the sky and clouds above do much to calm and relax me. It is bliss.
Just a few moments with this image and these thoughts and I feel calm and ready to get back to my day. WOW! How awesome is it that someone can take a photograph that can make you feel like that!
Why am I telling you all this? What has this got to do with being a Virtual PA?
I often hear people talk about wanting to do things they enjoy but then complain that they can never quite find the time to do the courses or training to help them take their hobby, profession, passion to the next level. Well, I have some great news for you if photography is your thing. In 2011 Jonathan will be offering Distance Mentoring (in addition to the worldwide trips he runs already). The courses will be tailor-made to each person, taking into account where they are in their journey with photography at the start, and where they want to be in 6 months time. His current list of clients is full of people who return time and time again on his trips, the best testimonial you can have for your business is repeat business so although I am not a photographer I know that he offers something different.
Land and seascape based, Distance Mentoring will involve a syllabus especially designed for you, and offer you the help, advice and support you need to be able to consistently turn out professionally finished photographs. First we shall look at a portfolio of your photographs, then together plan a syllabus that suits both your level and your calendar and time commitments, no excuses as to why you can't do what you want to do! Using Skype and email students will work with Jonathan regularly to ensure you get exactly what you want from this course.
As you can tell, I am not only passionate about my own business but I am lucky to also work with clients who make me feel passionate about what they do. The beauty of being a VA is being able to choose who you work with and the type of work you do - I love being part of Oceancapture Adventures and reading the emails from satisfied customers after a trip - it makes me smile!
If you are not doing something you love you need to ask yourself why and think about what you can do to change that. I read something this week on Twitter, I believe it was an @BradBurton tweet. Something about "if you think the weekends are too short it's because you dread Mondays, something needs to change". So true and to that end I will leave you with the question, "Are your weekends too short?"...
Enjoy every minute of your day.
Donna
Donna Bond
The Virtual Platinum PA. Helping you take your business to the next level by clearing the trees so you can see the wood.
http://www.yourplatinumpa.com/
www.twitter.com/BondExecSupport
Thursday 4 November 2010
Tuesday 19 October 2010
No wifi, no cars, breakfast with the wildlife and then back on the networking scene...
It's Tuesday, I'm feeling very refreshed after a long weekend away with my boys, waking up to find ducks, squirrels and Monk Jack on the patio this weekend in Suffolk, was pure bliss, no cars, no phones, no laptops, just me, my boys and nature. After a stressful summer involving, not one but two cancelled holidays to Spain we decided to play it safe and headed for Elvedon Forest. It was our first time at such a place and we were a little apprehensive, we needn't have been. Center Parks catered for everything we needed, including Starbucks! It was perfect.
It all had to end of course, but I appreciated the experience and would do it again.
Still it's time for work now and time to get the business going forward again, after a somewhat difficult summer, my Son admitted to hospital twice and myself in a car accident involving my car being written off.
This morning, with memories of the weekend and a warm feeling of serenity (despite getting up at 4am with a hungry child), I decided it was time for a new start and a fresh approach to growing my business.
So, today after sometime away from my networking activities, I went along to the launch meeting of the new Bishop Stortford NETLINKED group. The group is run by a lovely gentleman, Ian Hudson of Copyzone. The Founder, Steve Windsor was also at the meeting today, giving an insight into what the group is all about and what makes it different. I loved the meeting, its concept and of course I have become a member.
I admit that I did know a number of the people there but it was nice to re-acquaint with these people. I didn't stop networking by choice, it was more to do with personal family responsibilities (I won't bore you with the details), but now that's all under control I'm glad I am back on the circuit again.
The meeting reminded me how valuable networking is, both offline and online (when done correctly and of course, respectfully). Some people I come across, day to day, have no faith in networking but I certainly do. WHY? When I started my business nearly two years ago, I gained clients from attending such meetings and building relationships, these relationships were nurtured and evolved into referrals, friendships and some new business opportunities, I guess it's about choosing the right networking medium for you and your business and working hard at it. Like any relationship.
Back to Netlinked then. Aside from meeting with a great bunch of like minded business people once a fortnight, the membership also gives you ongoing access to training on the use of LinkedIn. How to use it properly and get the most from this amazing online networking site. You will connect with more people online than would be humanely possible face to face and will meet people you would otherwise have no access to. For me it was a no-brainer to join. Added value! that's what I like.
I'm not connected to Netlinked Management in any way, I just like to give credit when it's due to things I like.
If you have any suggestions on other great networking ideas, let me know.
Donna
http://www.yourplatinumpa.com/
It all had to end of course, but I appreciated the experience and would do it again.
Still it's time for work now and time to get the business going forward again, after a somewhat difficult summer, my Son admitted to hospital twice and myself in a car accident involving my car being written off.
This morning, with memories of the weekend and a warm feeling of serenity (despite getting up at 4am with a hungry child), I decided it was time for a new start and a fresh approach to growing my business.
So, today after sometime away from my networking activities, I went along to the launch meeting of the new Bishop Stortford NETLINKED group. The group is run by a lovely gentleman, Ian Hudson of Copyzone. The Founder, Steve Windsor was also at the meeting today, giving an insight into what the group is all about and what makes it different. I loved the meeting, its concept and of course I have become a member.
I admit that I did know a number of the people there but it was nice to re-acquaint with these people. I didn't stop networking by choice, it was more to do with personal family responsibilities (I won't bore you with the details), but now that's all under control I'm glad I am back on the circuit again.
The meeting reminded me how valuable networking is, both offline and online (when done correctly and of course, respectfully). Some people I come across, day to day, have no faith in networking but I certainly do. WHY? When I started my business nearly two years ago, I gained clients from attending such meetings and building relationships, these relationships were nurtured and evolved into referrals, friendships and some new business opportunities, I guess it's about choosing the right networking medium for you and your business and working hard at it. Like any relationship.
Back to Netlinked then. Aside from meeting with a great bunch of like minded business people once a fortnight, the membership also gives you ongoing access to training on the use of LinkedIn. How to use it properly and get the most from this amazing online networking site. You will connect with more people online than would be humanely possible face to face and will meet people you would otherwise have no access to. For me it was a no-brainer to join. Added value! that's what I like.
I'm not connected to Netlinked Management in any way, I just like to give credit when it's due to things I like.
If you have any suggestions on other great networking ideas, let me know.
Donna
http://www.yourplatinumpa.com/
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Getting the balance right
Today I'm back at work after a lovely long weekend with my boys. I had my new whizzy phone close by but challenged myself not to do too many "worky" type tasks. Instead I was too busy playing with the phone and downloading lots of cool apps from the Andriod Market Place. I have a new Sony Ericsson X10i! It's impressive, I'm so glad I didn't buy an iphone now.
This weekend was about relaxing with my family and spending time with them doing things we enjoy and not being stressed.
We had a lovely weekend (aside from my Son being poorly) visiting the Zoo, seeing parents and friends and today I feel motivated and ready for work again after a nice rest.
I only managed this because last week, I set myself some goals and worked hard to get through my workload!... So, what's my point I hear you asking? My point is, to get the balance right you have to plan, and you have to stick to that plan. If you want to have a free weekend then make sure you are ultra productive in the run up to that weekend and finish everything you need to finish in order to clear your mind and relax.
This week I'm planning again as it's a four day week and next week I'm off to Venice so I'm only working 2 days! Yipee..... I love the freedom being self employed gives me....
This weekend was about relaxing with my family and spending time with them doing things we enjoy and not being stressed.
We had a lovely weekend (aside from my Son being poorly) visiting the Zoo, seeing parents and friends and today I feel motivated and ready for work again after a nice rest.
I only managed this because last week, I set myself some goals and worked hard to get through my workload!... So, what's my point I hear you asking? My point is, to get the balance right you have to plan, and you have to stick to that plan. If you want to have a free weekend then make sure you are ultra productive in the run up to that weekend and finish everything you need to finish in order to clear your mind and relax.
This week I'm planning again as it's a four day week and next week I'm off to Venice so I'm only working 2 days! Yipee..... I love the freedom being self employed gives me....
Thursday 11 March 2010
Setting Your Goals - So important.. Start today
It's amazing how many people I speak to who openly admit that they never set goals, or if they do, they never review them or follow up.. I always set goals and find that without them I just don't achieve much.
So why is it so important to set goals?
The basics of setting a goal is an open secret known by top-caliber athletes, successful businessmen and businesswomen and all types of achievers in all the different fields. The basics of setting goals give you short-term and long-term motivation and focus. They help you set focus on the acquisition of required knowledge and help you to plan and organize your resources and your time so that you can get the best out of your life.
Setting clearly defined short term and long term goals will enable you to measure your progress and achieve personal satisfaction once you have successfully met your goals. Charting your progress will also enable you to actually see the stages of completion leading to the actual realization of your goals. This eliminates the feeling of a long and pointless grind towards achieving your goal. Your self-confidence and level of competence will also improve as you will be more aware of your capabilities as you complete or achieve your goals.
The basics of goal settings will involve deciding what you really want to do with your personal life and/or your business life and what short term and long term goals you need to achieve it. Then you have to break down goals into the smaller and manageable targets that you must complete in your way to achieving your lifetime targets. Once you have your list waste no time in tackling your goals.
A good way to have a manageable list is to have a daily and weekly set of goals. By doing this you will be always in the position of going towards you life plan goals. Everyday will give you the opportunity to fulfill a certain goal giving you the feeling of accomplishment.
Here are some pointers that should be taken into consideration in setting goals and achieving them.
Attitude plays a very big role in setting and achieving your goals. You must ask yourself if any part of you or your mind holding you back towards completing your simplest goals? If there are any part of your behaviour that is being a hindrance or puts your plans into disarray? If you do have problems in these areas then the immediate thing to do is to address this problem. Solutions may include a visit to a doctor or psychiatrist to control your emotions.
Careers are made by good time management practice. Failing in a career is often attributed to bad time management. Careers require a lot from an individual which often makes the career the life of the individual. Plan how far you want to go with your career.
Education is key in achieving your goals. If your goals require you to have a certain kind of degree or require a certain skill to be developed, make plans in getting the appropriate education.
Your family should never be left out of your plans. If you are just starting out then you have to decide if you want to be a parent or when you want to be a parent. You also have to know if you really would be a good parent and how well would you relate to extended family members
Personal financial situations also play a major role in achieving your goals. Have a realistic goal on how much you really want to earn. You also must be able to create plans or stages by which you will be able to reach your earning potential.
As the saying goes -'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy', or something along those line, is by all means true down to the last the letter. Giving yourself a little pleasure: should be included into your plans.
So where should you start...
To start achieving your lifetime goals, set a quarter of a century plan, then break it down to 5 year plans then break it down again to 1 year plans, then 6 month plans then monthly plans, then weekly, then daily.
Then create a things-to-do list for the day.
Always review your plans and prepare for contingencies and the unexpected...
GOOD LUCK! Once you get started you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.
So why is it so important to set goals?
The basics of setting a goal is an open secret known by top-caliber athletes, successful businessmen and businesswomen and all types of achievers in all the different fields. The basics of setting goals give you short-term and long-term motivation and focus. They help you set focus on the acquisition of required knowledge and help you to plan and organize your resources and your time so that you can get the best out of your life.
Setting clearly defined short term and long term goals will enable you to measure your progress and achieve personal satisfaction once you have successfully met your goals. Charting your progress will also enable you to actually see the stages of completion leading to the actual realization of your goals. This eliminates the feeling of a long and pointless grind towards achieving your goal. Your self-confidence and level of competence will also improve as you will be more aware of your capabilities as you complete or achieve your goals.
The basics of goal settings will involve deciding what you really want to do with your personal life and/or your business life and what short term and long term goals you need to achieve it. Then you have to break down goals into the smaller and manageable targets that you must complete in your way to achieving your lifetime targets. Once you have your list waste no time in tackling your goals.
A good way to have a manageable list is to have a daily and weekly set of goals. By doing this you will be always in the position of going towards you life plan goals. Everyday will give you the opportunity to fulfill a certain goal giving you the feeling of accomplishment.
Here are some pointers that should be taken into consideration in setting goals and achieving them.
Attitude plays a very big role in setting and achieving your goals. You must ask yourself if any part of you or your mind holding you back towards completing your simplest goals? If there are any part of your behaviour that is being a hindrance or puts your plans into disarray? If you do have problems in these areas then the immediate thing to do is to address this problem. Solutions may include a visit to a doctor or psychiatrist to control your emotions.
Careers are made by good time management practice. Failing in a career is often attributed to bad time management. Careers require a lot from an individual which often makes the career the life of the individual. Plan how far you want to go with your career.
Education is key in achieving your goals. If your goals require you to have a certain kind of degree or require a certain skill to be developed, make plans in getting the appropriate education.
Your family should never be left out of your plans. If you are just starting out then you have to decide if you want to be a parent or when you want to be a parent. You also have to know if you really would be a good parent and how well would you relate to extended family members
Personal financial situations also play a major role in achieving your goals. Have a realistic goal on how much you really want to earn. You also must be able to create plans or stages by which you will be able to reach your earning potential.
As the saying goes -'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy', or something along those line, is by all means true down to the last the letter. Giving yourself a little pleasure: should be included into your plans.
So where should you start...
To start achieving your lifetime goals, set a quarter of a century plan, then break it down to 5 year plans then break it down again to 1 year plans, then 6 month plans then monthly plans, then weekly, then daily.
Then create a things-to-do list for the day.
Always review your plans and prepare for contingencies and the unexpected...
GOOD LUCK! Once you get started you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.
Friday 27 February 2009
So, do you know how to use a Virtual Assistant?
After attending lots of networking meetings recently I have discovered that quite a lot of people don't really know how to use a Virtual Assistant effectively.
Do you use a Virtual Assistant?
Do they meet your needs?
Do you feel like they are a member of the team or an external supplier?
Are you happy with the service they provide?
Do you feel the charges are fair?
I would love to hear what you all think....
Donna Bond
Bond Executive Support
http://www.yourplatinumpa.com/
I'd like to provide some further information but would like some feedback first....
Do you use a Virtual Assistant?
Do they meet your needs?
Do you feel like they are a member of the team or an external supplier?
Are you happy with the service they provide?
Do you feel the charges are fair?
I would love to hear what you all think....
Donna Bond
Bond Executive Support
http://www.yourplatinumpa.com/
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