I met a potential client at a Chamber function.  I educated him about the VA industry and my business.  He expressed interest in my services and I found him to be sincere and a good fit for me (the interview process is a two-way street).  We discussed his goals, my ability to assist and of course, my rates.  The deal was almost done – just one crucial piece of documentation was required – a signed contract.  That’s when – POOF! – he was gone.  Was it something I said?  Or perhaps didn’t say?  Does he have commitment issues?

I try to glean some gem from every experience I have to enable me to refine my technique or approach for the next encounter.  It’s definitely a growing process with highs and lows!  As I replay this scenario in my mind, I can’t think of anything I would change, except perhaps the amount of time invested.  I’ll be better prepared for the next client encounter – experience is the best teacher.

Have you had a similar occurrence?  Would you like to share?

Volunteerism is an opportunity to assist a community, a cause or a movement.  The payment is the feel-good factor in helping a community, cause or movement.  In the VA community, 2 of the professional organizations I belong to are sustained by the VAs willing to volunteer their time and knowledge to assist other VAs.  The payment is paying it forward – the feel-good factor.

I volunteer – virtually and physically.  My virtual volunteer position is as a VA for a non-profit organization in California.  Yes, I get the feel-good factor from this opportunity, but I also increase my confidence and expand my skills with each project – a win/win situation.  My other volunteer position is with a food pantry for a church.  My personal belief is that everyone should have something to eat – regardless of socio-economic status.  I try to attend 2-3 Saturday’s a month.  I enjoy helping!

Do you volunteer your time?  What are some of the activities you participate in?  Can you relate to the feel-good factor?

My vision board consists of various pictures and scenes from the web that capture my wishes and plans for the future.  I have a map of the Caribbean Sea and the various islands – moving to a warmer climate is a priority; I also have 2 doves in a heart (I’ll keep you guessing about that one) and I have 3-5 headline captions of my ultimate business goal – to become an event planner extraordinaire! This is how I choice to create my vision board – this is no right/wrong way – just your personal preference.

I must say that this exercise was not as easy as I expected.  I had to stop internalizing my hopes, dreams, and desires and physically display them – not a comfortable situation for me.  But pushing through that discomfort enabled me to focus on the ultimate goal and work towards it.

Do you have a vision board or goal board?  Does it help you to stay focused?  How did you feel during the process?

Comments are welcomed!

For me, virtual self-paced education, both free and paid, work best for my schedule and attention span.  VAClassroom comes highly recommended and offers a variety of courses and certifications for Virtual Assistants.

Sharpening your skills as a VA and business owner enhances your value to your clients as well as translates into an increase in your bottom line.  But, do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the things you should, could, need to learn?  How do you prioritize your continuing education?

Your comments are welcomed and appreciated!

A big shout out to my new friends; Kristi Pavlik, Lauren Pibworth, Grace White and Evelyn Olivares.

Special thanks to Barb Lang for organizing this mastermind event and to Patty Dost for being the catalyst to my good fortune.

I wish you all continued success in your VA practices. Thanks again! See you @ FoVA 2010!

• Expertise: clients usually have 2 or 3 major task for which a VA may specialize. For me, its organizational skills – balancing a hectic calendar, planning a gala event, maintaining/overseeing the timely completion of a project – these are things I enjoy and excel in.
• Human Capital Value: working virtually does not negate the need or desire to build a relationship with your client; the extending of great service is an extension of self.
• Outsourcing is Money-saving: VA’s add value to their client’s business; clients realize an immediate cost savings in that overhead and medical costs (to name a few) are attributed to the VA. The client pays only for the hours and/or projects needed

All the above amounts to a win-win situation! So ask yourself – do you need to be “set free”?

Are you “standing in the gap”? If so, what are you doing now as you journey to success? Leave me a comment, I’d love to know!