Aday VA Solutions...with a little help We Can DO BIG THINGS!

Gone WordPressin'

2008-10-04T11:13:00.006-05:00

Aday VA Solutions has officially moved to WordPress

You can find us now at AdayVA.com

As usual, it will continue to be a work in progress and experimental playground.

I hope you will stop by, have a look around, subscribe, comment, ask questions, or request a free consult.

See you there soon!

Cheers,
Denise Aday

New WordPress site up and running!

2008-08-24T18:31:00.003-05:00

It's still a work in progress, but the new Aday VA Solutions website has launched on the WordPress platform, using the Thesis Theme by Chris Pearson of DIYThemes.

I hope you'll head on over now and let me know what you think.

Cheers!
Denise Aday

Keeping it Real in Social Media Marketing

2008-08-14T21:19:00.004-05:00

Here are some gems from Farida Rafique's Make A Splash blog yesterday that made me say “yeah, exactly!” Let's face it, even the most well-adjusted human beings amongst us are not happy-go-lucky 24/7/365. Difficult stuff happens and we have to deal with it. Or we just have bad days that make us want to hide or run away or lash out. We're emotionally complex creatures for goodness sake.

How am I going to get to know (like & trust) you – or you me – if we only share our outermost layers that are “all made up”?

clipped from www.faridarafique.com

I think some of us are so used to this commercialized self-market world, that we become these happy go chirpy go high on life types with glossy eyes and permanent smiles without frown lines-people, that we close off our real selves. We send out this message of perfection. Everyone is walking around with plastic smiles and a story. Few share, few relate. The ones that do reveal themselves, as what they are, have this energy about them.

our challenges and our humility make us human

revealing yourself authentically in layers, as time goes on, is an exercise in self-acceptance and confidence. When we don't pretend anymore. We are so comfortable in our skin, that we can admit our battles, learn from them, and walk on with grace

Educating the Virtual Assistant Marketplace

2008-07-29T16:30:00.012-05:00

I had a wonderful phone conversation with a prospective client today. Unfortunately, even though we seemed such a good fit otherwise, I may not be able to work with him due to an after hours access issue.

As an entrepreneur, I often work many - and odd - hours. As a small business owner and service provider to a number of clients however, I have set office hours M-F. If clients call or email outside these hours, they don't expect to hear from me until the next business day.

Can you imagine the chaos otherwise? What if several had after hours emergencies at the same time and had come to expect me to be on call 24/7? Who gets first dibs? I decided early on that I do and my family does.

So while this prospect and I talked 'round and 'round it, in the end I could not give him the answer he wanted to hear. I'm true to my word and do not set expectations that I'm not prepared to meet or exceed.

Later, a post by Danielle Keister, aka "The Gritty VA", really spoke to me. We have a responsibility in the virtual assistant industry to listen, educate, and be truthful about what we can and cannot (or won't) do.

Here is an excerpt and link to the full post.

clipped from www.grittyva.com

Thar's Gold in That There Client Feedback

One of the things I educated him about was that trying to make an employee out of a Virtual Assistant just never works. You have to take the on-demand stuff off the table and out of the expectations. Even if a Virtual Assistant (who is usually green) takes that work on, eventually as her practice grows, it will become more and more difficult, and eventually impossible, for her to sustain the ability to work together in that capacity. Virtual Assistance is about leverage, not replacing the need for employees.

Join me at the Third River Summer Success Summit

2008-07-25T17:39:00.008-05:00

Beat The Summer Business Doldrums!

How Would You Like to Invite eight Ten Small Business Experts into YOUR Home or Office to Teach You Exactly What They Know About Strategies To Grow Your Business?

Announcing the

Third River Summer Success Summit

A Virtual Seminar Series Designed for Small Businesses Who Want to Dream Bigger, Prosper More Abundantly, and Share Generously

Claim Your FREE Event Pass Today – (A $297 value)

Here's what the format and schedule looks like:

Two - 45 minute sessions every Tuesday evening starting July 29th
- July 29th, August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th (bonus sessions)
6pm and 7pm with a short break and Q&A in between (all times are Pacific Standard Time)
Replays will be available for approximately 24 hours after the event so you don't even have to attend live to be able to benefit

Sound good?? REGISTER NOW!

Real People ~ Real Action ~ Real Results!

Hope to see you there ~ Denise

Personal Thoughts...Feeling Loved & Appreciated

2008-07-23T15:11:00.008-05:00

I turned 43 years old yesterday. A non-milestone birthday, which I'm thankful for (40 with a freshly empty nest was hard). I can say I'm in my early 40's for one more year. And for now people gasp and say "No way! You don't look nearly old enough!" when they learn I have 2 grown children and a 7-mo old grandson.

We have a tight budget at home, so no big celebrations - maybe a $-$$ meal out this weekend.

But what blew me away were all the phone calls, emails, and such full of well wishes yesterday! Lots of family, friends, clients and colleagues - and even many new twitter friends - reached out and really made me feel present and valued on this planet.

My husband tells me I frequently underestimate the positive impact I have on others, and perhaps that's true. So even after the flowers fade (get a load of the beauties below) I'll try to remember how important I am to others, and be sure they know how important they are to me.

Thank You!

VANetworking Blog of the Week

2008-07-17T15:55:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to me for AdayVA.com being named VANetworking.com's Blog of the Week!

I love my VANetworking colleagues and the wealth of other resources.
Thanks guys!

Goals ~ Set, Plan, Commit, Stick, Achieve

2008-06-30T12:30:00.007-05:00

photo by Neurofibromatosis - Reggie Bibbs

“Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”

Tom Landry
(1924-2000, American football player and beloved coach of the Dallas Cowboys)

Test Post from Ping.fm

2008-06-18T17:35:00.005-05:00

This is a test post from my new Ping.fm beta account.

Want to update your multiple social networks all at once?

Learn more at: http://ping.fm/about/

The current beta code for sign up is: letmeping

Rather have someone else keep track of all this? Give me a shout!

- Denise Aday

AdayVA recommends The Résumé Girl

2008-06-16T12:19:00.010-05:00

I've recently had the pleasure to meet Lauren Hasson, a.k.a. The Résumé Girl. She's a bundle of energy and enthusiam, and dedicated to great services and products for her clients.

If you are - or know - a new college grad who may need some help preparing a résumé or polishing up interview skills, I highly recommend contacting Lauren right away for a free initial consult.

Want to know more? Watch her video, "What to Expect From a Pro Resume Writer",from Jobing.com:

Special Announcement: Complimentary VACOC Teleseminar - Marketing to Attract Your Ideal Clients

2008-06-15T12:38:00.016-05:00

Join me at the...

VACOC Monthly Guest Expert Teleseminar Series:

Marketing to Attract Your Ideal Clients

Presented by Nancy Michaels of Grow Your Business

DATE: Thursday, June 19, 2008
TIME: 5pm PST / 6pm MST / 7pm CST / 8pm EST
DURATION: 60 minutes (please call in 10 min. early)
COST: FREE!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This class is open to all Virtual Assistants, small/boutique business owners, solo professionals, solopreneurs and independent professionals. Invite your business buddies! If you know some folks who would like to attend, feel free to copy and paste the contents on this page, and post invitations on the forums, listservs and groups you participate in.

Marketing isn't a one-time event. It's an activity that requires a plan and consistent effort. Your business will also never move forward if you are working with anyone and everyone under the sun instead of just those clients you are meant to serve who have a need for the solution you offer.

But how do you determine who your ideal client is? What are the best ways to reach and connect with them? These questions and more will be answered at our next VACOC Guest Expert Teleseminar on Thursday, June 19, 2008, with Nancy Michaels of Grow Your Business Network.

Register Today!

About Nancy Michaels

Nancy Michaels is the CEO of GrowYourBusinessNetwork.com, a company dedicated to empowering women business owners and independent salespeople with the sales and marketing tools they need to live a health- and wealth-based life of their dreams.

You'll love Nancy's dynamic presentations she could deliver at your next event — to audiences nationwide, in-person and via the web — all designed to help you build the business and lifestyle of your dreams. Topics range from working with Fortune 500 clients and securing six figure contracts, to distinguishing yourself in an uncertain economy, to utilizing endorsement marketing to generate a pipeline of leads and referrals.

Nancy is best recognized for her expertise in business development, and creative marketing, her clients and audiences recognize her biggest impact comes from her philosophy of "moving beyond a crisis mind-set to uncover the opportunities that lie within" — exemplifying your life and business is a result of past experiences and your response to them. According to Nancy, this is the most essential ingredient to bringing a woman business owner or independent salesperson to take responsibility of their health, wealth and business development based on their own extraordinary experience.

You can learn more about having Nancy speak at your next event, her workshops and learning systems at her website.

See you there!

Help, I can't see my desk!

2008-05-24T10:39:00.017-05:00

by elliottcable, creative commons license

A problem shared by many prospective clients who would like to start working with a virtual assistant is that they have become so disorganized that they don't even know where to begin delegating. Things have gotten so out of control that some report their own desks are not visible under the piles of unfinished tasks and projects!

The bad news is that this presents a couple of issues that must be dealt with before truly productive work with a virtual assistant can get underway. It means more work up front on the client's part.

The good news is, that this tells us exactly where to start!

So I'm not saying you can't being working together (VA's can definitely help you with these things), just that not much else is going to get done unless and until they are taken care of. Realize that it's going to take commitment, patience, and lots of communication.

First, you need to clear the decks (an efficient set-up, sorting the piles, etc.)
Next, implement some standard procedures (intake, tracking, follow-up, delegation, etc.)

In an upcoming post we'll start on issue number one - clearing the ~~desks~~decks. The two go hand in hand though, so you're actually laying the groundwork for good processes while getting the mess cleared away.

Sound like a lot of work? It is. But consider the alternative. Do nothing and it only gets worse.

Imagine how it will look and feel to get back in control of all the "stuff" and start getting things accomplished on a regular basis. Less stress, more time and money. Ahhh...

by Rae Whitlock, creative commons license

Time Flies

2008-05-13T18:01:00.011-05:00

photo by sleepynecko

"Time flies. It's up to you to be the navigator."

Robert Orben
Magician, Writer, Humorist (1927-)

Tough Love & Accountability, or Four Golden Rules for working with your Virtual Assistant

2008-05-07T17:44:00.023-05:00

Fair warning: This post is going to shock some. But it is for the common good Dear Reader. Those who are offended will leave (and my evil plan will have worked). Those who understand, perhaps we should do business together. Give me a shout.

Golden Rule #1 ~ Pay Your Bill

This one probably seems obvious, or even crass, but nothing else can happen without it. Your Virtual Assistant may well be involved with charitable organizations, but this is not one of them. He or she must work and pay the bills like everyone else, and cannot do so unless clients pay as agreed for their services.

This is a matter of ethics, of respect, and of honor for the value brought to you and your business.

Golden Rule #2 ~ Respect Procedures

You can’t take shortcuts here. Your VA has systems and processes in place to handle a multiple client business model. Some examples: service agreements or contracts, billing and payment, turnaround time, office hours, communication and collaboration methods. SOP’s are necessary to run any business efficiently, sustainably, and successfully. Virtual assistance is no exception. Your VA may even be helping you set procedures up for your own business.

If you do not have time to follow the rules, this does not bode well for the partnership.

Golden Rule #3 ~ You are a Client, not an Employer

Here again, it is necessary to remember that your Virtual Assistant is a self-employed, independent business owner running a multiple client practice. A vendor, not an employee. As such, he or she cannot be at anyone’s constant beck and call or available every hour of the day. There is much work to be accomplished on several fronts, and you contracted with this person to help get things done. Nothing much gets done with constant interruption. Multi-tasking is a myth. Our brains are not computers and can only do one task at a time. So the VA must focus and will probably have set response times for returning emails and phone calls. Your emergency generally cannot become your VA's emergency.

If you need someone solely dedicated to you and on call or under supervision, you probably need an employee.

Golden Rule #4 ~ Communication, Communication, Communication

Most reputable VA’s have years and years of corporate and/or small business experience under their belts. But there is still a learning curve when it comes to your specific business and needs. You come with your own systems and processes, working and communication styles, and much more that is exclusive to you. There will be lots of questions at the beginning, so be patient and take the time to answer them.

One of the great things about an ongoing partnership with a Virtual Assistant, is that the longer you work together, the smoother and more efficient your collaboration becomes. Before you know it, you’ll be checking stuff off that To Do list like there’s no tomorrow.

But guess what? This does not happen by mind reading or magic. It takes clear 2-way communication, as well as a commitment to delegation and follow-through. You’re part of a team.

As a member of several industry discussion groups, I can tell you that the number one reason for the failure of Client/VA partnerships is a breakdown in communication. Projects stall, or the deliverable is not what was expected. This is almost always because key information was not communicated or is not forthcoming. As the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water…”

Clients must be active collaborators and communicators.

The Tough Love Wrap Up (We Love You, but…)

We love you, Dear Client, we honestly do! We want to help and support you. That’s what we’re good at.

But to do so, we must hold you accountable for your end of the deal. Would you expect any less of us?

Preferred Partners & Suppliers

2008-04-26T23:39:00.016-05:00

Email Marketing

Constant Contact
Email Marketing by Constant Contact is the easy, effective, and highly affordable way to get your message out, and build strong, successful, and lasting relationships.

iContact
Start a newsletter for your web site or business today with iContact. Send personalized text or HTML messages, RSS feeds, and surveys from any computer, and automatically keep track of your subscriptions. Broadcast your message to all subscribers with one click.

Project Management & Collaboration

Central Desktop
Simple project collaboration tools for business teams. Tools to help your business organize and share information efficiently, communicate with others and collaborate on projects.

Basecamp
Collaborate with your team and clients. Schedules, tasks, files, messages, and more.

Technorati Tags:
collaboration, email marketing

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New Email Marketing Package

2008-04-26T23:25:00.015-05:00

How much is your time worth?

2008-04-26T15:38:00.018-05:00

We all understand the concept that

TIME = MONEY

But what does this mean for you personally?

Figure out exactly what your time is worth. In other words, what is your billable rate?

Now, how should you be spending that very valuable - thus costly - time?:

Meeting with current clients?

Actively seeking new ones?

What could you be doing RIGHT NOW to achieve more and improve your bottom line?

Doesn't it make sense to delegate some things to an assistant whose billable rate is lower than yours?

That provides an immediate return on your investment!

A good virtual assistant will save you time, money, and stress.

Questions for the Virtual Assistant Resistant

2008-04-26T15:30:00.004-05:00

Can you continue to do everything yourself and still grow your business or lead a balanced life?

Are administrative and marketing tasks preventing you from focusing on the core things that need your personal attention?

Do you need an assistant but don't have or can't afford the space and equipment?

Do you want to avoid the costs and hassles of employee recruitment, hiring, training, records maintenance, payroll, etc.?

Would you like an assistant who becomes your trusted right hand and enthusiastically works toward your success?

The answer is obvious.

Technorati Tags:
administrative assistance, life balance, productivity, success, time management, virtual assistance

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Why you need a Virtual Assistant now...oh, let us count the ways...

2008-04-26T15:13:00.016-05:00

To research your options.
You know the information is out there; you just don't have the time to find and make sense of it. End your suffering from Information Overload. We'll find you the right information and send it to you in a nice handy format.

To send out your newsletter.
You provide the raw content and we'll update your template and send it out. Not sure what to write this time? Ask for some ideas. Have an idea, but no time to write? Give us the topic or outline and we'll do the rest. We'll even report on the success of your campaign and suggest ways to improve.

The perfect gift at the perfect time.
We can send you a reminder of that special occasion. No time to shop, even online? No problem. Just give us the pertinent details.

Mail merges.
Make you crazy? Not us - bring it on.

To schedule your appointments.
Business or personal. Let us make the call, put it on your calendar, and send you a reminder.

To ask your clients how you're doing.
Prepare, send, and track a customer satisfaction survey - online or in print.

More...

Click Below to Request a Free 1/2-Hour Initial Consultation

Online appointment scheduling by Genbook

Slide Shows & Videos

2008-04-26T14:18:00.002-05:00

Blogs & Podcasts

2008-04-26T14:09:00.006-05:00

Duct Tape Marketing
Small Business Marketing Ideas & Strategies

Laura Stack - The Productivity Pro
Time Management, Getting Things Done, How to Be More Productive

Café Entrepreneur
Success resources, perspectives and inspirations

bootstrapme.com
How to bootstrap your business to fame and fortune

Technorati Tags:
bootstrapping, entrepreneurship, marketing, productivity

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Free Stuff We Love

2008-04-26T14:06:00.003-05:00

Articles on Virtual Assistance, Small Business, Entrepreneurship and more...

2008-04-26T13:58:00.006-05:00

Virtual Assistance:

ABC News: Virtually There: Small Businesses Look Far Away for Help
"I guess the short answer is my VAs are time machines,"..."I buy time for me to work with my clients by having them work for me. If I was doing all this work, I would never have time to see the number of clients that I am able to see and I wouldn't be able to achieve the income that I now can."

More to come. Please check back soon and often...

Technorati Tags:
entrepreneurship, small business, virtual assistance

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Look who's talking...

2008-04-25T01:19:00.010-05:00

“Thank you for all that you do. I had a great moment yesterday during BNI. As I was speaking some one called out 'Harry, how can you stand up and speak and send an email at the same exact moment?' I told them it was magic.”
-- Harry Polly, Tejas Sailing Academy

“Outstanding. You don’t know how much I appreciate all of your help!”
-- Daniel Scurlock, Scurlock Systems and Associates LLC

“I am having the best time reading everyone’s feedback. Thank YOU for helping me make this happen.”
-- Jeff Klein, Klein Creative Advertising

“Thanks so much for all of your help. You are an angel!”
-- Michelle Springfield, Healing Touch Therapies

“Definitely Value Added! Thank you Denise.”
-- George Elwell, RE/MAX Town & Country

“Denise, you handled this so well. Thank you so very much for helping me. I'm really glad to have you as my VA! Your professionalism and orientation to detail make both of us look great!”
-- Nora Rubinoff, MVA/GVA, At Your Service Cincinnati, Ltd.

“It has been our great fortune to work with Denise Aday! Her knowledge and expertise have been invaluable to our companies. Among her many assets is her working technique of taking 'ownership' of projects and tasks. Not only does she complete them in a highly professional manner, she treats them as though she has level of proficiency and care. It means she does the job right for us the first time... and saves us time in the future as her precision means we do not have to go back and fix something... which was the case on certain tasks when we tried it ourselves.

I highly recommend her and her services. It has been remarkably successful for us. I expect you will experience the same terrific results we have experienced.”
-- Charles Manley, Gilbert-American Companies -- T-Shirts Made Easy

How To Contact Us

2008-04-24T23:33:00.035-05:00

Have a question?

Just Ask!

or
Click Below to
Request a Free 1/2-Hour Initial Consultation

Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday
9:00am - 3:00pm
Central Time

We look forward to hearing from you!