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From Coach University's Top Ten Archive
The Top 10
Essentials to a Business Plan
The Top 10
Things To Help Your Business &
Personal Life Become Healthier & More
Successful
The Top 10
Reasons to Hire a Virtual Assistant
The Top 10 Tips to Authentic Success
"If
you want to be the greatest company, you have to start acting like one
today". (TJ Watson)..That holds true for both large corporations and small
businesses.
1.
Get Automated.
With the
low cost of personal computers today and the very positive productivity impact
they can have on your business, it is essential to have a personal computer for
your operation. The access and use of the internet is also a must for a growing
business. If you are not convinced, look at your competition.
2.
Stay current.
Join an
industry association related to your product or offering. Subscribe to all the
magazines that cover your business. (They are tax deductible!) Look at joining
an organization like NASE ( National Association of Self employed). They have
great sources of advice and information as well as great discounts on insurance,
rental cars, and other business expenses. Read and constantly be researching
topics about your business. It's easy on the internet!
3.
Make sure you have a financial plan.
Also a
budget and a measurement process to keep track of how you are doing monthly. If
you don't know where you stand financially and have no short term and long term
financial goals, then you are just letting fate dictate your success and we know
those odds aren't too good. Control your own destiny!
4.
Cash forecasting.
It sounds
boring and difficult, but it's not. Keep it simple. Look at your next 3 months
projected income or revenue, then just lay next to it all the expenditures you
need to keep the business running. The difference is your cash flow. You must do
this to avoid surprises. Most businesses hit the brick wall because they fail to
understand their cash flow.
5.
Get an advisory board or a mentor.
Sounds
crazy for a small operation? It's not! The board can be family members that you
trust, or friends. Ask them to be your board of directors and review your
business plans and results with them. Having someone to bounce ideas off and get
an objective opinion is critical. Or, hire a Business Coach.
6.
Maintain a balance between work, play and family.
This is
critical for long term success. We all put in crazy hours on a short term basis
to get a hot project done or the product out the door, but if you do this on a
long term, regular basis it is a dangerous sign that you are losing perspective.
You need to be able to step away on a regular basis and get your batteries
re-charged. And also have time for family because if they suffer it is almost a
sure bet your business will suffer too.
7.
Network.
It's easy
to get isolated in a home business or your own small business operation. Force
yourself to get out and meet with others that can provide a business support
structure for you. One of the benefits of a corporation is the workings of teams
and the on going support structure it provides. You need to create that for
yourself. Don't think you can do it all by yourself; By talking to others in
business you will find out great ideas and it will help motivate you.
8.
Discipline/Motivation.
One of the
hardest aspects of a small business or home based business is creating the
discipline or motivation to work each day. It is so easy to get distracted and
put off the essential tasks that need to get done. Keep your work place and
hours separate from the rest of your responsibilities. Develop a to-do list
EVERYDAY. Set goals for the week. Review how you are doing against them. We all
struggle with this and it is one of the key elements of success.
9.
Don't rest on your laurels.
Be
prepared to always change. Force change. Look for things to do more efficiently
or how to improve your offering or product. Constantly evaluate your competition
and benchmark yourself against them.
10.
Do something you love.
If you are
in a business that you hate, then it is a good bet you won't be successful. Find
where your true talents and skills are and get in a business that exploits them.
The saying," if you do what you love and the money will follow" is so
true. Remember success is more attitude than aptitude and never forget that
failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.
1.
No Business Plan
If you
rely purely on instinct to guide your business instead of a written plan, you're
headed for trouble. A plan helps you focus on where your company is, where it's
going, why and how you're doing along the way. Creating a simple plan is a must!
2.
No Sales Plan
Without a
sales plan, there's no serious way to gage the financial growth and progress of
your business. You need a realistic map for where the sales will come from, how
they'll come, from whom, how often as well as: how much selling is needed daily,
weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually! Included in your sales plan is a
"Selling System" which gives you immediate feedback during your sales
cycles, especially during your "Sales Interviews." Your "Selling
System" helps you keep score!
3.
No Marketing Plan
A
marketing plan creates the kind of attention you need to get in front of the
right types of people, companies, etc. It is what attracts people to you! There
may be as many as 25 ways to market your business at no or low cost. A good
marketing plan implemented effectively, efficiently, elegantly and consistently,
will eliminate the need for "cold calls!"
4.
No Mastermind
A
MasterMind is like an unpaid board of advisors who have similar, related,
successful businesses, which are noncompetitive. These professionals are
positive, somewhat like-minded, and open-minded. They are an excellent resource,
brain trust and support system. Eventually, they can even provide introductions
and endorsements to others for you. They're part of your team!
5.
No Cash Reserve or Real Cash Flow
During the
excitement and euphoria of starting a business, it's easy to overlook the gap
between making the first few sales and banking the money. Often, the wait can be
too long and without some cash reserve many companies may stall or even fail
without any planned cash flow coming in!
6.
Ignoring the Numbers
As an entrepreneur/business owner, your primary goal is to make a
NET PROFIT! If you do
not know how you are doing until all the money is in and all the bills are paid,
then it may be too late! You need to know where you stand on a regular basis,
especially with regard to income versus expenses! Having a timely system in
which you can record the appropriate key data and quickly analyze the
information, is of the utmost importance! There are software programs that can
help.
7.
Not Being Automated
With the
low cost of personal computers today and the very positive productivity impact
they can have on your business, it is essential to become automated! With a
computer, modem, a fax, and access to the internet for email, a wealth of
information and electronic commerce, you will be keeping up with your
competition and staying current!
8.
Not Knowing Your Customers
Changes in
your customers' preferences and your competitors' products and services can
leave you in the dust unless you get to know your customers well, what they want
now and will likely want in the future, what their buying patterns are, and how
you can be a resource for them even if you don't have the right products or
services for them now!
9.
Ignoring Employees
Motivating,
coaching and managing your staff is probably one of your toughest challenges as
an entrepreneur/business owner today! Without your patience, persistence and
"people skills," your problems can multiply quickly. Morale,
productivity AND PROFITS can easily be destroyed! Be sure to get help if you
assess objectively that these are not your strengths.
10.
Being a Lone Ranger
You might
be the key to everything BUT you cannot DO everything and grow at the same time.
Even modest success can overwhelm you unless you do the following: hire the
right staff and delegate responsibility, work with a business coach or mentor,
and finally, create several positive business exit options for the future to
make the ultimate transition smooth and planned!
Copyright
2001 Coach U
To build a successful private
practice, there are many business and marketing items that have to be monitored
and reviewed periodically. This list is actually two lists of 5 items each. The
first five are things to have in your files or in your office, while items 6
through 10 refer to qualities or personal styles that successful professionals
incorporate into their practices.
1.
A Business Plan. Include a
clear mission statement, describe the services and benefits you provide, the
people you serve, and financial projections. This is a snapshot of your
business.
2.
A Marketing Plan. Include a description
of your specific client populations and your plans for reaching them.
Include budgets for your time, energy and the money to implement your plan. If
potential clients don't know about you, or can't find you, they won't hire you.
3.
A Comprehensive Set of Brochures.
Have a variety of exercises, handouts and give-aways that describe your
practice, solve problems, and provide value for your clients. Make sure every
client leaves your office with useful tools, information and ideas to share with
their friends.
4.
A Plan for Networking. A
huge part of success is just showing up! Whether it's civic activity,
volunteering at your child's school, or in your house of worship, show up! The
more you put into your community, the more you will get back.
5.
The Perfect Office. Are your
waiting room chairs comfortable? Are your magazines current and appropriate? How
about the wall paper, the music, the carpet? Your office should tell each client
that when they chose you, they chose the best!
6.
Over-Respond to Every Situation.
Give far more than expected. Answer every question, then send a relevant article
a few days later. Return phone calls immediately! Promise less, then deliver
twice what you promised.
7.
Eliminate the Cost of Delay.
Never wait to get new equipment, a better office or more training. The cost of
delay includes too many missed opportunities. If you need it, and you will do it
eventually, do it now! Get on the Internet, get a computer billing system,
upgrade your phones. Whatever it is, do it now!
8.
Take Superb Care of Yourself. Exercise
and eat well, get plenty of rest and hang around the most delightful,
challenging and exciting people you can find. See one less client per day, and
spend that time adding value to your remaining clients.
9.
Market Yourself Shamelessly.
Market your practice with style, with passion, good taste and with a low-key
honesty that is shame-free and comfortable for everyone around you. The
community needs your skills and services. Let them know how to find you!
10.
Tolerate No Distractions. A
clear vision and a passionate dedication to your priorities makes life simpler
and you become incredibly attractive to those who share your vision. Clean up
any distractions and serve your clients with absolute integrity and total
dedication. People know when they are getting your best!
Copyright
2000, 2001 Coach U
While focused, strategic networking is usually the most efficient way to build a small business or professional practice, there are many other ways to market your business. Personal networking may not be appropriate if you need to market over large geographic areas, or for certain types of services, and some people simply don't like to do it. The following are the Top 10 methods my clients have used to increase sales and grow their businesses without networking:
1. Newsletters.
There are many inexpensive ways to distribute your newsletter, from buying a "packaged" service, to photocopying and mailing, to use of Internet technology. Newsletters keep your name in front of potential clients, and let you share the information you feel is important in a timely way. Remember to publish frequently, and be dependable over the long term.
2. Writing articles and columns.
Every organization has a newsletter, and there are many newspapers and journals that need material on personal growth, health, wellness, communication, relationships and every other aspect of human life. If you enjoy writing, editors are eager for your material, and writing a column brings instant credibility and positive exposure.
3. The Internet.
Increasingly, customers are expecting to find information about professional services on the Internet. A clean, professional website may cost less than $1000 and work for you 24-hours a day, everyday.
4. Teach classes.
Community colleges, city parks and recreation departments, churches and many other organizations are looking for instructors to teach classes. Often they will do the marketing and provide all your support services, and sometimes they will even pay you! Teaching is a great way to become known and give the community a taste of your expertise!
5. Volunteer.
Whatever your specialty, organizations need your time, your skills and your help. You can volunteer to sit on Boards, answer phones, do their newsletter, or be a consultant - volunteering gets you known, and it can open doors for you!
6. Work with Sponsors.
From insurance reimbursement for medical services to a philanthropist sponsoring an art exhibit, anytime someone else is paying the bill, you can expand your services and reach more people. Employers, educational groups, non-profits, foundations and government agencies can all be sponsors.
7. Do research.
By designing and conducting appropriate research you accomplish several things for your business: You become an expert, you attract people who are interested in your research, you attract volunteers who want to participate, and when you publish the results you gain credibility and again attract attention as an expert.
8. Groups and Alliances.
By combining your skills with a group of other professionals, all of you gain exposure, there are appropriate referrals to others within the group, and over-head costs can be reduced. Often groups are profitable simply by being able to share the cost of renting a large, visible office in a prime location.
9. Bid for Contract Services.
Government agencies, corporations and non-profits all contract for services. These are usually announced in local newspapers, and are called an "RFP" or Request for Proposals. One small contract can open the door to others, and keep you and your practice very busy!
10. Advertise.
Using the Yellow Pages or placing an ad in the local paper or even on the radio (less traditional, but why not?) will bring you business. I place this last because my experience suggests that for most professionals it's an expensive way to go, but it does work. Remember, placement and consistency (being seen over and over) will be important, so run your advertising for at least a year.
It is important for people running a home-based business to periodically assess the success of their enterprises. Here are NINE, rather than Ten, acid tests of your business. Authored by Linda Stern and published in "Home Office Computing" May 1993, Vol.11, No.5, Pp.28-30. "The only way to keep score in business is to add up how much money you make." --Harry B. Helmsley
1. The "You're eating, aren't you?" test.
You are covering your expenses and then some. "If you are in your first year of business--or even the second or third-- and your are paying your bills and keeping your head above water, you are doing pretty well."(Norman Boone, a San Francisco Financial Planner) After that the test gets a little harder, because you start adding other things, such as a (more)comfortable life style, occasional trips on vacation, nights out, disability, health and life insurance, and a retirement savings plan.
2. The "real job" test.
How much could you command on the open job market? The best way to determine this is to retain contacts and gossip. How much is the person who has your old job making? How much do want ads offer for people with your skills? Are you putting in 16-hour days and seven-day weeks and not making what you could in a 9-to-5 job, it is probably time to rethink the way you're working.
3. The return on investment test.
If you were a publicly held company, would you be better off investing in yourself or in a bank account? This key financial calculation tells you how well your business is using your money, according to Steve Cranfill, a principal in Management Advisory Services. First, figure out how much money you spent to set yourself up in business, including the computer, phone bill and business cards. Then, figure out how much profit you made in your first year by subtracting your salary (if you had one) from the money you had left at the end of the year. Divide your profit by the cost of setting up your business. Your ROI should be 12 to 15 percent of what you've invested in yourself. Otherwise, you might as well put your money in Treasury bonds and go find a job. Maybe you just have a nice hobby.
4. The by-the-numbers test.
These are the rules of thumb for recognizing healthy businesses. A "quick ratio"
5. The bend test.
Keep a spreadsheet on a quarterly basis that figures all of these ratios, return on investment, salary and profits. Set it up to compare like periods: third quarters to third quarters, full years to full years. Is your business moving in the right direction and fast enough? It is good if you are growing about 15% a year. At least you should be moving up at the inflation rate (3 percent in recent years) and then some.
6. The I'll-show-you-mine-if-you-show-me-yours test.
Comparisons are among the most accurate measures of success, and many trade associations and professional groups allow us to compare our progress with that of our peers by taking surveys. Check out the Robert Morris Associates reference books. Ask your local banker to look through them. He will be impressed that you know what to look for.
7. The profit centers test.
Take some time to break down your business by clients, activities, and products. What activities and products make you the most money, and how much of your time do you spend on them? Which clients are the most profitable and how much of your workload do they provide? A survey of this material will tell you how much attention you are paying to small clients as well as the large ones. Maybe you will need to change where you put your marketing energy or decide whether you should change your services to ones that bring in more cash.
8. The personal benchmark test.
You are probably self-employed for a variety of reasons that aren't all financial. Maybe you want to spend time with your family, may you enjoy the freedom of working in your pajamas, or maybe you hate commuting. Set your own goals and then see how your business matches up to them. Says Bone "The issue is that you need to sit down ahead of time as say, 'This is how I define success for myself.' You might want to talk about income, liquidity, free time, and quality of life. If you know ahead of time what you are trying to accomplish, it becomes easier to set up plans, and if you don't know where you are going, you probably won't get there.
9. The all-important gut check.
If you don't have time to do all this, the number crunching and all that, take a moment to ask yourself how it all feels. In the final analysis, you have to feel good in your own skin...to be able to spend your life in your own way.
10. Concluding remarks.
What is success? And how will you know if you are there? This is the question entrepreneurial types grapple with regularly. Sometimes we struggle emotionally, as when we worry that the energy used building our businesses would have been better spent hunting for a real job. More often our questions are practical: Am I making enough to justify hiring an assistant? Will my business qualify for a bank loan? Can I afford a new laptop? Am I on track here? Go back to Number 1. It is time for truth or consequences.
Self-promotion is a necessary component in becoming successful in your business or career. But tooting your own horn does not have to be boastful, arrogant, pushy, or egotistical. Below are several ways to have your presence known without becoming an irritant to others:
1. Start with a plan of what you have and what you want to offer.
How is what you bring to the table valuable to others?
2. Be subtle. Look for the right occasions to brag in a very matter-of-fact way.
If you present your knowledge as "helpful hints" and "FYIs" people will be more receptive to your ideas than if you are self-impressed and boastful.
3. Help others attain their success/career goals.
Helping someone else is not going to take anything away from you. More opportunities come to you from helping someone else than from blatant promotion.
4. Be and act enthusiastic about what you have or want to offer.
Believe in what you offer. This is a prerequisite to being credible.
5. Make friends with people you can help and with those who can help you.
Lone-rangers run out of steam quickly. You can't do it alone.
6. Become indispensable.
Create a niche within your market or specialty, give something extra that was unexpected, go the extra mile to help someone out, get credit for the group and not just yourself.
7. Become a mentor.
Other people just starting out welcome a veteran's experience and helpful pointers. Mentors are safe havens for bouncing ideas off of without fear of repercussions.
8. Develop skills that make you valuable to others.
Awareness of what's needed and how you can fill the void is key to success. Keep looking for how to continually improve and add value to your client or boss.
9. Look the part. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
First impressions are not the only ones that count. Pay attention to grooming and the quality of your clothes. If you think you can't afford the better quality, buy them anyway.
10. Promote yourself with class, honesty, and genuine respect and concern for others.
These qualities will earn you the respect and success you deserve.
1. Business Summary or Overview
- What is the objective or concept of the business...
- What is the current situation; new idea for a new business, existing business, expansion...
- What you think is necessary for the business to succeed...
- What is your current financial status or need...
2. Vision
- Write a vision statement [how you see the business providing for the customer].
- You could also create a mission statement [how you intend to achieve your objectives or vision].
- Benchmarks or Milestones [How you see the business in relation to other similar businesses - how you see the business progressing / dates].
3. Market Analysis
- What is the market for your products or services...
- What changes do you anticipate and when are they anticipated...
- What target market or customer segments will you be aiming at...
- What are the characteristics of your ideal customers...
- What are these customers needs in line with your products or services...
- How will these customers evaluate your products or services and make decisions...
4. Competitive Analysis
- Who are you competing against...
- How do you compare in price, quality, service...
- Why do you think you can compete with them..
- What opportunities do you see...
- What threats/risks do competitors pose...
5. Business Strategy
- Competitive strengths & weaknesses...
- Your strengths & weaknesses...
- Your plan to capitalise on your strengths and their weaknesses...
- Your plan to overcome their strengths and your weaknesses....
- Implementation plan / timetable...
6. Products & Services
- Description of products/services offered...
- Positioning of products/services...
7. Sales & Marketing
- How will potential clients know you exist...
- What is your marketing strategy...
- What advertising do you intend to do...
- What promotion/incentives will you offer...
- How will you get publicity...
- How will you sell your products/services...
- Will you use retail outlets/trade shows/ 3rd party vendors, etc...
8. Operations [Who will run your business]
- Organization structure / chart...
- Key employees [names, positions, expertise]...
- Human resource plan [incl pay & benefits]...
- Product/service delivery...
- Customer service support... [incl. special services; 2 hour response time, 24 hrs/7 days, etc]...
- Office, store, shop facilities...
9. Financial Considerations
- Assumptions [revenues / costs / profit]...
- Start-up balance sheet...
- P & L projections [time/date linked]...
- Cash flow projections...
- Balance sheet projections...
- Worst scenario
- Best scenario
10. Other Considerations
- A collection of reasons why you are sure your business will succeed or anything else you may need to convince someone to invest or finance your business. Once you have completed your business plan, get it notarized before you show it to anyone. This could help protect any original ideas that you may have.
There are always things we can do to make our life better or easier or closer to our "dream" life. These changes or "choices" can affect our business and professional life in profound ways. In many ways, they can make us and our business simply but powerfully more "attractive." This list is a sample of some ways and areas that will help us to get closer to our "ideal" life, and to become more "irresistably attractive" personally and in our profession!
1. Assess Your Health & "Get Healthy"- Inside And Out.
Simple enough? Look in the mirror. Look at the bathroom scales. How is your energy level? Your diet? Your blood pressure? Your stress level? Know what your current health "status" is by *SEEING YOUR DOCTOR,* and start correcting things that limit your quality of life. Get healthy by CHOICE before you are asked/forced to due to a *preventable* or treatable problem.
2. *Honestly* Examine Your Current Financial Situation.
What are you "worth?" How much debt do you have? Do you have a budget? Savings reserve? Plan for retirement? Is your business *really* making money, or has it turned into just an expensive "hobby?" Get out all the "books," checkbooks, etc. Use a professional planner or consultant if necessary. Correct overspending and *reduce consumer debt*. Cut down on unnecessary overhead/expenses! Increase profits, or make plans to do so. Have a 6-12 month "reserve" of money and good disability and medical insurance for yourself and any family members living with you. Don't assume anything!
3. Get Rid Of Any "Garbage" Or "Unfinished Business" From Your Past!
Yes, is difficult to forgive and "let go" of old hurts, pain, and other unpleasant memories. AND, it is essential to do that if you don't want those "old tapes" to drain your emotional & physical energy in the present. People tend to let some of that old baggage influence their present lies, & it is going to be always in a negative or unhealthy way. Write down who or what you are still "hanging onto," and decide what it would take to "let it go" for *good*! Seek out a coach or other professional to help if you cannot do this on your own. It is *vital* to resolve the past for us to be able to grow and really live in the present, and move ahead and embrace the future.
4. Make A Monthly And Annual Goals Plan Or List.
Decide what you are lacking that you need or want. Write it down as an achievement or goal to reach by the next month or 3 months or year! Make the goals reasonable yet challenging. Let your reach exceed your grasp, and work toward it daily in steps you can handle. If you need help, hire a coach, or ask your coach to help you specifically in that area.
5. Upgrade Your Personal Standards And Your "Boundaries" If Necessary.
Know what your values and standards are. Make them as high as you can given your goals, your needs, and your personal and business situation. Make sure you have set "boundaries" or "rules" for people in your life around what you will and will not accept from them. This can be done in a calm and non-threatening, yet firm manner. If you are stuck or having problems with this, ask a close friend for help, or if the lack of boundaries and high standards is affecting your life badly, consider hiring a coach!
6. Stop Tolerating!
All of the small to large annoyances, insults, things we do to ourselves, and things people "do to us," are not helping us have a quality life. Make a laundry list of all that you are "putting up with" currently. ANY toleration is going to affect you and have at least a small adverse affect on your life unless you either eliminate it or "reframe" how you perceive it or respond to it. To have a quality life and to be healthy, we need all the energy we can get. We do enough things to ourselves that drain us...we don't need other people or things draining us as well!
7. Be 100% Honest When Speaking With Others.
Holding back how you *really* feel when communicating does more damage to ourselves, as well as to the relationships we have with others, as almost anything else. It takes courage and practice (by just DOING IT!) to learn how to do this and to do it in a non-aggressive and non-judgmental way. It is a skill or "trait" however, that is essential to having a truly healthy and "integrity-based" business and personal life. Being totally honest respects yourself and others.
8. Listen 2-3 Times More To Others Than Your Currently Do.
Listening is an art. Almost everyone likes to talk, and to be "heard." In business and personal relationships, learning how to listen well is very important to understanding other's problems and what they really need from you or want to tell you. In coaching, if a coach can say that he/she listens to their client 75-80% of the time, and talks the rest of the time, they are probably hearing and helping their client much more than a coach who talks 50-75% of the time and listens only 25-50%. It is not easy for many people to develop this skill, and it is important. The way to learn it is to be quiet more...and listen more. No other way.
9. Assess-Re-evaluate Your Career And Career Goals.
Are you doing what you *really* want to do for a living? Do you get satisfaction and enough financial remuneration from your job to satisfy your needs so that you feel you are respected, impacting people, and doing what you were meant to do? Are you excited and drawn to your profession? Were you ever? If you come up with unsettling answers to these questions, it is time to make some plans for moving up, moving out, or changing your job description, hours, etc. A coach or career counselor can help you with this if you cannot work it out on your own. Most people need to feel good about their jobs to feel good about themselves and others. If you do not, find out why, and start looking into other options, actions, and choices.
10. Decide To Think & Talk In The "Present" At Least 80% Of The Time.
The past is gone, and we have NO control over the future. Living in the "now" or present, and thinking in the present, is both healthy and more productive. If we can use self discipline and practice, so that we do not talk or think about the past or the future more than 20% of the time, we will be much happier in many areas of our lives. The past can have many good memories, but often when people think or talk about the past it is not about positive things, rather the "bad" or negative "stuff." The future is a dream still. It is a waste of energy and time to stay in the past or in the future much more than 20% of our total waking hours mentally or when talking. If we live minute to minute, hour to hour, there will be much less chance of dwelling into the past or dreaming too much-far into the future. We do a lot of that anyhow when we dream in our sleep!
Having a virtual assistant is fast becoming a need for the busy entrepreneur, small business owner and person on the run. With the advent of new technologies and ways of doing business, the VA has stepped up to help you along your way. Below are the top ten reasons to hire a virtual assistant for yourself.
1. Focus on the business of making money.
Having a VA allows you the freedom to create more profitability for your company by allowing you to concentrate solely on your business, not the mundane tasks that are inherent in business. Making money is what business people do and the more time they have to concentrate on their business, the more money and opportunity they will create.
2. Saves you money.
Why invest in payroll, benefits, insurance, etc. when you could be delegating that money to building your business. Why worry about personnel calling in sick or taking vacations? There is no need to hire in-house personnel when a VA can be there when you need them to perform the duties that you need in running your business.
3. Freedom to pursue pleasurable activities.
Having a VA work with you frees you up to pursue the activities that help keep your creative juices flowing. When you are bogged down wondering if the bills are paid, you are not thinking about new and exciting ways in which your business could be growing.
4. One-stop shopping.
A VA can perform duties that range from word processing, maintaining billing - both personal and business, creating marketing tools such as brochures, flyers and business cards, travel arrangements, maintaining databases and sending out mailings, etc. There is no business duty that a VA cannot perform or would be willing to learn.
5. Tailored to fit your needs.
Whether you need one letter typed or need monthly billing to clients, a VA can perform these duties. They are set up to fit each individual client's needs. Fees are arranged for one-time tasks to retainer of 10, 20 or 40 hours per week or month. Whatever your needs are, the VA and you create your own individual working partnership.
6. Freedom to work from any location.
Whether you are in your office, your home or on vacation in Tahiti, a VA is always accessible to you. Contact is maintained through telephone, fax and e-mail.
7. Delegate time-consuming responsibilities.
Let a VA take care of those responsibilities so that you may pursue (worry-free) the business of living your life and running your business.
8. Highly trained personnel.
VAs are professionals that have training in the corporate, small business and professional world and have tailored their skills to meet with the needs of the modern day business professional. They have found that every professional has varying needs and offer their expertise in caring for these needs.
9. Individual service provided.
For the entrepreneur, freelancer or small business, it is important that your particular needs are seen as unique. A VA is the person who will oversee your business and/or personal life. They can maintain your mailing lists, maintain correspondence, keep track of memberships that need to be renewed, remind you of important dates, arrange travel or send flowers. They act as your partner in caring for those tasks personally.
10. Let their strengths be your strength.
Why waste time on tasks that are not your primary objective? Being a successful business owner entails hiring the right people for the right job. By hiring a VA, you are partnering with the professional that has the knowledge of the inner workings of the administrative and corporate fields.
Success is defined in many different ways. Ask any person what success means to them and you will get a myriad of answers as varied as the colors of a rainbow after a storm. Here are ten definitions that you may want to consider incorporating into your own life.
Authentic success is...
1. ...having enough time to pursue personal pursuits that bring you pleasure.
When most of us are faced with deficits in time and money, most of us believe that having more money will solve all of our problems. As we progress into economic maturity and reserves, we realize that we'd rather have more time to do the things that are most important to us. Think of at least 2 ways that you may create an extra 30 minutes into your daily life. For example, get up 30 minutes earlier and do something just for YOU.
2. ...having time enough to make the loving gestures for your family you long to do...
Along with having more time for ourselves, we long for more time for those we love in order that we may demonstrate our dedication and our support. During your 30 minutes of SELF time, write a loved one a note telling them how much you cherish them.
3. ...never having to tell yourself or those you love "maybe next year."
Most of us look forward to doing special things for our loved ones. Working on achieving reserves and abundance in your life is one way we can accomplish those special things. Keep in mind this does not always mean that we have to work extra-long hours, but we do need to plan for economic abundances.
4. ...knowing that if today were your last day on earth, you could leave without regret.
Keeping in mind that relationships come before outcomes, materialism, and "being right" is a real challenge for most of us in daily life. Asking yourself "will this really matter tomorrow, next week or next year" is important in helping us maintain our relationships. What would you want to be known for after you are gone?
5. ...feeling focused and serene when you work, not fragmented.
Having and working toward goals that are congruent with our values helps us to achieve serenity and peace. Doing what you love instead of what you must do keeps us focused and on track, and eliminates burn-out and exhaustion.
6. ...knowing in your soul that the best you can do, is all you can do, and that the best you can do is always enough.
Our society values tangible achievements and "the self-made" individual, with little acknowledgment of the efforts and sacrifices made by some. We need to consistently remind ourselves that we must measure our success only by our own ruler and we must march to a different drummer if necessary to get there.
7. ...accepting your limitations, making peace with your past, and reveling in your passions so that your future may unfold according to a Divine Plan.
Achievement of our personal definition of success comes only when we recognize our limits and use them to achieve greater heights. Voice your shortcomings, without downgrading your SELF. Use them to reach the next plateau by seeking out others who excel in that where you fall short. Learn, believe, and achieve.
8. ...making a difference in others' lives and believing that if you can do that for just one person each day, through a smile, a shared laugh, a caress, a kind word, or a helping hand, blessed are you among men (women).
It takes very little to touch someone else's life. Stopping to ask "how are you" or to offer a word of encouragement may mean the difference in a lonely and uncaring world to someone today.
9. ...not about accumulating but letting go, because all you have is all you truly need.
Being happy with what you have and what you are is the secret toward a fulfilled and fulfilling life. BE rather than DO.
10. ...the steady pursuit of a dream.
Stumbling blocks and challenges are a fact of life. Moving forward into our goal and our dreams in spite of the drawbacks gives meaning and purpose to our lives. It is through consistently moving toward our purpose that we are able to give the gift of ourselves to others.
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