Virtual Assistant Tip #3

As an independent contractor, every virtual assistant needs to understand the importance of having a contract with each client.

Without a signed contract, there can be chaos.

Friends as Clients
Even if your client also happens to be your friend, or you think they are your friend, you still must have a contract to protect yourself and the future of your business. Keep in mind that some friends may have a tendency to expect, or even demand leniency when it comes to making their payments.

Consistency is Key
Your income is your livelihood and you must be firm with your rate, your requirements for a contract and your working hours. By keeping your business structure the same with each client, you can avoid some migraine headaches down the road!

Twitter for Resources

Friendly & Helpful Tweeple!
Wow I love the friendliness of Twitter and the information that is so easily shared. For example, today one of the Tweeple I follow happened to mention her new-found freedom after purchasing a new battery for her laptop. I am currently researching my options for doing the same. My question to her was, "How does one properly recycle the old one?".

Recycling Rechargable Batteries & Old Cell Phones
To my surprise, not only did she quickly respond with the advice to check with my local office supply store, but another Tweeter chimed in with this wonderful resource: a site where you input your zip code and your local participating recycling facilities magically appear (maps included)! Check it out yourself ==> Call2Recycle

Hooray for Twitter and immediate answers!

Be a Productivity Warrior

A high level of productivity in my office is a direct result of being highly organized. This organization I speak of begins with a clean and efficient workspace. I strive to keep my desk tidy and this results in an enthusiasm for spending the time at my desk to complete my many client projects.

As an Executive Virtual Assistant, the top 5 organizing tips that have helped me to become a self-proclaimed Productivity Warrior are as follows:

1. I use a planner with plenty of space to write in multiple tasks per day
2. I use a black ink pen to write my business items in the planner, red ink for personal tasks and appointments
   
3. My desk is large and includes shelving and a filing cabinet, everything is within easy reach
4. As a green business, I have gone as paperless as possible with my work
5. I use time blocking and alarms in my daily work to keep me on track

Well there you have it! Now let me know what is working for you, and what isn't, and together we can share some excellent organizing ideas for the home office, or cubicle, wherever you spend your work day.

International Virtual Assistants Day

~ DEEDS ~
Celebrates the
Dedication,
Experience,
Expertise and
Determination to
Succeed of
professionals providing administrative and other business support services, virtually.

Never Stop Learning

It's never been easier to learn something new, we have the World Wide Web! You can learn just about anything from the comfort of your home. There seems to be a course, webinar, podcast, or streaming video for just about everything now. Here's a resource; The Master List of Free Online College Courses, enjoy!

New to Twitter?

If you're new to Twitter you are probably searching for related resources. There are many out there, one I stumbled upon recently through a Tweet from a friend on Twitter is Twitter Backgrounds Gallery. This site offers you free ebooks about Twitter and some handy tools to make tweeting a breeze! Enjoy :)

Affordable Video Tours

I'm seeing more and more "For Sale By Owner" signs in my neighborhood. I always considered selling a home without a Realtor to be a risky move. Well I suppose that's a post for another day. Today I want to tell you about an affordable video tour system for real estate agents and for FSBO people to use. Agents are just raving about this company!

Recent news about HDhat Real Estate Video Tour Systems indicates that the use of video tours, sometimes called virtual tours, has increased active buyer response. This is great news! Even better, HDhat guides you through creating an "agent-led" video tour, how to upload the file to their site and the rest is handled by their team of experts. You probably already own a digital camera with video-ability!

From editing, processing, professional narration and a tremendous distribution and syndication package, you are set to go! Sites include the many popular real estate sites such as Realtor.com, Craigslist, and more. Packages start at an affordable $19.95. Check out the latest HDhat.com press release. Give the buyers want they want - video!

Virtual Assistant Tip #2

Tip #2 - By approaching seasoned virtual assistants with your questions, in forums or via direct email, you will be able to make new friends and learn at the same time. Many virtual assistants are open to helping, or mentoring aspiring VAs, just don't be afraid to ask.

Note: Some seasoned virtual assistants charge a fee for mentoring new VAs. Please be sure and check their services listed on their websites or blog prior to making contact.

My Casio Camera

Last year at this time we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first grandchild so I wanted a new camera to document every moment. Some will tell you I have documented every moment! I bought a Casio Exilim Z1080.

If you enjoy the photos in my blog, they are all taken with my Casio Exilim camera. This reliable camera is with me always. It's not big and bulky like some digital cameras I've seen, plus it takes videos and easily uploads to YouTube.

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