I recently read an article titled: Entrepreneurs Need ‘Go-To’ People, and Be the Model. After I read it, I printed it out. Although I feel that our office standards are spot on with what is listed, I am determined to make this office live by these models. As a business owner myself, I know that the people I connect with need to have the desire to make it in this world. At the same time, I have to have that same desire. When you have two companies who have that same motto, working together, they can do anything!
In the article there is a specific quote that Marty Zwilling mentions, and I love the quote: "I have more than 1000 people in my head office organization, 900 can tell me something’s gone wrong, 90 can tell me what’s gone wrong, 9 can tell me why it went wrong, and one can actually fix it!" That one person is the person you need to nurture. He then lists seven skills that it takes to show that you are that ONE person.
What does being that ONE person mean? To me it means:
1. That I am worth it.
2. That I can be made and held accountable.
3. That I am depended upon.
4. JOB SECURITY!
The only way to make sure that you company succeeds is to make sure the people you have associated with your company have that same desire. If you both have the same goals in mind, you can do anything!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Our Economy
Well, we all know that our economy is in a deep recession. What does this mean for small companies? It could be a terrible thing for most of them. When hiring help you have to pay them for all of the hours they work, and over time, and insurance benefits, any bonuses, (if you're lucky enough to make a profit), and retirement funds. Many companies cannot afford this. When you cannot afford to hire help, you have to do the work yourself. When you do the work yourself, you cannot assist the clients or even bring in new clients. As the recession goes deeper, many companies will lose clients and have to fire their help, some will have to close the doors to their dreams.
All of this can be avoided by using a virtual assistant. When using a virtual assistant you do not have to pay for a set amount of hours a week, you do not have to pay for insurance benefits, you do not have to pay for retirement funds, and you do not have to pay any bonuses. All of that adds up in a small business. Hiring a VA will allow you the flexibility to spend time with your clients, it will free up personal time, and it will save you money. How can you go wrong?
Able Assistants has the ability to help you with any of the tasks that take up your time in a day, and we will only charge you for the amount of time spent on that project. Do not let this economy ruin your dreams! Fight for your company. Let us help you make it!
All of this can be avoided by using a virtual assistant. When using a virtual assistant you do not have to pay for a set amount of hours a week, you do not have to pay for insurance benefits, you do not have to pay for retirement funds, and you do not have to pay any bonuses. All of that adds up in a small business. Hiring a VA will allow you the flexibility to spend time with your clients, it will free up personal time, and it will save you money. How can you go wrong?
Able Assistants has the ability to help you with any of the tasks that take up your time in a day, and we will only charge you for the amount of time spent on that project. Do not let this economy ruin your dreams! Fight for your company. Let us help you make it!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Are you independent?
I LOVE the 4th of July. All of my life I grew up and the 4th of July was always my favorite holiday. This was a day my entire family was home, we went to a picnic at the local Park District, and at the end of the day we were able to see a display of fireworks that amazed me. I loved the sounds, I loved the display, and I loved the feeling of all of us being together celebrating.
However, even though all of the things listed above meant a lot to me at the time, I am sorry to admit that I never really took in the real meaning of Independence Day. The past couple of years have helped me grow when it comes to knowing just what it means to be independent.
Because of the independence that our country allows, I have been able to follow my dreams, and begin my own company. Many people have taken on this dream as well. There are more small companies in country now than any other time in history. With the current economy, this has become a difficult time for these small companies, but they can make it. Running a company is difficult. Finding the right people to help you run the company is imperative to helping your company succeed.
If you have a small company, there are many small tasks that need to be completed, there are many tasks that need to be completed that are not so small, and there are tasks that cost a considerable amount of money to have completed. From marketing to bookkeeping, many times, locating a Virtual Assistant that is diverse in these tasks will help your company complete all of this work for a small amount of money.
Whatever you do, do not let yourself become overwhelmed. Let someone else help you before you get to that point. This person should be able to help you in the way you need. If you cannot handle the books, find someone to handle the books. If you cannot handle the marketing, let someone take that task away. If you cannot find the time to schedule your appointments, find someone to make the calls. If you cannot book your travel, find someone to book it for you.
Honestly, doing what you love to do is where your heart should be. If you started a company, because you love what you do, and then realized all of these other tasks need to be done too, and you do not like them so much, then find someone who does.
Owning your company should give you the independence that you sought out when you started it. Your company should not be running you; you should be running your company. Enjoy your independence.
However, even though all of the things listed above meant a lot to me at the time, I am sorry to admit that I never really took in the real meaning of Independence Day. The past couple of years have helped me grow when it comes to knowing just what it means to be independent.
Because of the independence that our country allows, I have been able to follow my dreams, and begin my own company. Many people have taken on this dream as well. There are more small companies in country now than any other time in history. With the current economy, this has become a difficult time for these small companies, but they can make it. Running a company is difficult. Finding the right people to help you run the company is imperative to helping your company succeed.
If you have a small company, there are many small tasks that need to be completed, there are many tasks that need to be completed that are not so small, and there are tasks that cost a considerable amount of money to have completed. From marketing to bookkeeping, many times, locating a Virtual Assistant that is diverse in these tasks will help your company complete all of this work for a small amount of money.
Whatever you do, do not let yourself become overwhelmed. Let someone else help you before you get to that point. This person should be able to help you in the way you need. If you cannot handle the books, find someone to handle the books. If you cannot handle the marketing, let someone take that task away. If you cannot find the time to schedule your appointments, find someone to make the calls. If you cannot book your travel, find someone to book it for you.
Honestly, doing what you love to do is where your heart should be. If you started a company, because you love what you do, and then realized all of these other tasks need to be done too, and you do not like them so much, then find someone who does.
Owning your company should give you the independence that you sought out when you started it. Your company should not be running you; you should be running your company. Enjoy your independence.
Independence Day
What is Independence Day to you? I have always loved the 4th of July, always, but I never took in what it really meant, until recently.
There is a war going on. Our country is fighting in a war. Looking out my window, I would never guess that was happening. Yet, in my heart, I know it is. My best friend in the whole world, whom I have known since Kindergarten, has a son, LCpl, James Johnson, who has decided that he is going to fight for his country. James, who will always be 'Jimmy' to me, will be deploying in August.
I have joked for many years that Jimmy is my first child, but it never hit me until the actual date of deployment came through, that Jimmy really is like my first child. He was raised very well, graduated, decided that the fire truck I bought him when he was 7 will play a part in his life ;) and he became a volunteer fireman, then went on for training as a medic, and then decided that he would take his knowledge to the Middle East. What a great kid.
Although I will never fully feel what his mother feels, my heart, my prayers, and thoughts will be with Lynda, Jose, and Jimmy until he returns. Thank you Jimmy, for being the great kid that you are. Thank you fighting for our country. Stay safe, and be well. You are loved by many!
There is a war going on. Our country is fighting in a war. Looking out my window, I would never guess that was happening. Yet, in my heart, I know it is. My best friend in the whole world, whom I have known since Kindergarten, has a son, LCpl, James Johnson, who has decided that he is going to fight for his country. James, who will always be 'Jimmy' to me, will be deploying in August.
I have joked for many years that Jimmy is my first child, but it never hit me until the actual date of deployment came through, that Jimmy really is like my first child. He was raised very well, graduated, decided that the fire truck I bought him when he was 7 will play a part in his life ;) and he became a volunteer fireman, then went on for training as a medic, and then decided that he would take his knowledge to the Middle East. What a great kid.
Although I will never fully feel what his mother feels, my heart, my prayers, and thoughts will be with Lynda, Jose, and Jimmy until he returns. Thank you Jimmy, for being the great kid that you are. Thank you fighting for our country. Stay safe, and be well. You are loved by many!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Marketing your company
When starting Able Assistants, I worked hard to market my company, everywhere I could, with every networking group that I could. This helped a considerable amount, yet it cost me money that I did not have. It was beneficial because I ended up with more work than one person could handle. But I found that my greatest joy was creating marketing materials for other people. I realized that I do have a creative side that I enjoy working with and it can be used in my business. Through my contacts, I also learned that there are many ways to market a company for a very small price. In the end I learned that I can help many companies grow their company with minimal costs. Who would have thought that with the right abilities, the right programs, and a little bit of creative energy, that a VA service could become a marketing company?
Now when I say right abilities, I simply mean training in html and knowledge of Craigslist and other sites that offer the ability to market, most of which are free. These abilities are easy to master. When I say the right programs, I mean that you can find free services everywhere that offer publishing. And when I say a little bit of creative energy, many are born with that little bit, but taking information from current websites of clients who hire you, can give you a spark to go on.
Developing these abilities is an easy feat. However the result can be a windfall for your company. After all, VA's do not have to charge the money that a marketing company would charge and it would still be beneficial to both the client and the VA.
Everybody wins!
Now when I say right abilities, I simply mean training in html and knowledge of Craigslist and other sites that offer the ability to market, most of which are free. These abilities are easy to master. When I say the right programs, I mean that you can find free services everywhere that offer publishing. And when I say a little bit of creative energy, many are born with that little bit, but taking information from current websites of clients who hire you, can give you a spark to go on.
Developing these abilities is an easy feat. However the result can be a windfall for your company. After all, VA's do not have to charge the money that a marketing company would charge and it would still be beneficial to both the client and the VA.
Everybody wins!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Creating, Developing, and Growing a Business
Wow, what a whirlwind I have been in over the past year. My company, Able Assistants, has grown so much, it is amazing. I have been through tough times and smooth times, but that is what comes with owning a company. I just wish the tough times had been a little easier.
When I decided to start this company there was a lot of creating involved. Although virtual assistants are becoming more popular by the day, the full concept was new to me. Creating an easy, catchy name, developing a 'niche' and growing the client base was what I needed to do.
Many clients I have worked for in the past were amazed with the projects they gave me and the success of my results. So I created the name "Able Assistants" with the tag line "when no one else can....we are Able." A catch phrase is important to be used on all of your marketing materials from emails to business cards. Every business needs that creativity in the name and catch phrase so people will remember you.
My 'niche' has always been in travel, however, a total VA business around travel would not be a profitable business. So increasing my abilities is important. Learning new skills can help with building up a business. Taking classes in html, CSS, Quickbooks, along with accepting new tasks from current clients, with them knowing that it will be a first, can help anyone learn new information. Maintaining the 'travel niche' for me, is always something to fall back on with my every day clients.
When it comes to growing a business, I have to resort back to the "who you know" from my last posting. I do a lot about computers, I know a lot about travel, I know a lot about QuickBooks, I know a lot about internet research, I know a lot, and I know that I know a lot. I am proud I know a lot. But making connections is what a business grows on. Word of mouth is great, and it always helps to get referrals, but you do have to do some work. This can be easy, buying marketing books, finding websites for marketing, there are so many cost efficient ways to market.
So get out there and market you business, use a VA to help you! Many VA's today know some easy steps that some people aren't aware of, that is our job, to know how the internet works, and how to use it to help your company grow.
Good luck creating, developing and growing your business in the meantime! If you have any questions, just ask, or contact me, I will be glad to advise at no charge!
Norma
When I decided to start this company there was a lot of creating involved. Although virtual assistants are becoming more popular by the day, the full concept was new to me. Creating an easy, catchy name, developing a 'niche' and growing the client base was what I needed to do.
Many clients I have worked for in the past were amazed with the projects they gave me and the success of my results. So I created the name "Able Assistants" with the tag line "when no one else can....we are Able." A catch phrase is important to be used on all of your marketing materials from emails to business cards. Every business needs that creativity in the name and catch phrase so people will remember you.
My 'niche' has always been in travel, however, a total VA business around travel would not be a profitable business. So increasing my abilities is important. Learning new skills can help with building up a business. Taking classes in html, CSS, Quickbooks, along with accepting new tasks from current clients, with them knowing that it will be a first, can help anyone learn new information. Maintaining the 'travel niche' for me, is always something to fall back on with my every day clients.
When it comes to growing a business, I have to resort back to the "who you know" from my last posting. I do a lot about computers, I know a lot about travel, I know a lot about QuickBooks, I know a lot about internet research, I know a lot, and I know that I know a lot. I am proud I know a lot. But making connections is what a business grows on. Word of mouth is great, and it always helps to get referrals, but you do have to do some work. This can be easy, buying marketing books, finding websites for marketing, there are so many cost efficient ways to market.
So get out there and market you business, use a VA to help you! Many VA's today know some easy steps that some people aren't aware of, that is our job, to know how the internet works, and how to use it to help your company grow.
Good luck creating, developing and growing your business in the meantime! If you have any questions, just ask, or contact me, I will be glad to advise at no charge!
Norma
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Is it who you know? Or what you know?
I have a story. Yesterday on the phone with a friend, I was talking about my company, Able Assistants, and how far I have come in the past year. I began Able Assistants with 2 clients, one was friend who I worked with many years ago, and one was a client I had worked for in the past. After 6 months of applying myself to these 2 people the best that I could, hoping for their word of mouth to generate my business, I finally realized I have to dedicate myself to finding clients.
I began with the most common networking groups out there, but immediately found out that they cost money, of which I did not have. Being that I did not have any money for advertising, I worked on getting my name posted as much as possible on the internet where it was done for free. I also searched Craigslist for people who were looking for someone who could do the work I did, and approached them. It was on Craigslist that I found The Wild WE, (www.thewildwe.com). They needed a virtual assistant to help them with some things. I jumped at the chance to help. I went through a trial period with them of 3 months. Over that time I attended their 3 day online networking events that they offered. I didn't have to stop working, I didn't have to pay for a hotel, I didn't even have to leave my home! After the first event, my client base doubled. Now being that I only started with 2 people, this meant I now had 4 people. Not much, but getting there. I then attended another networking event through The Wild WE. I not only learned what other people look for in a business that they want to do business with, I also learned tricks to increase my business, and I met so many people who now have my name and suggest my services to their friends. After that event my client base more than doubled. Over the last 6 months, through one group, and almost no effort, I have increased my client base, I have made great friends, and my earnings have tripled!
Many people go through their daily life of work thinking they are where they are because of who they know. Two years ago, I would have to say I disagreed, I was proud of who I was and WHAT I knew, thinking that would get me where I needed to be. However, after this past year, I would have to say, it does matter WHAT you know, but there is not a doubt in my mind, that it all revolves around WHO you know. Athough, who you know does not have to involve a great effort from you. Yet, growing your business and applying yourself is an effort in itself. You can concentrate on your business and network at the same time through The Wild WE.
Tell who you know, what you know, get your name out there, and watch your company grow!
I began with the most common networking groups out there, but immediately found out that they cost money, of which I did not have. Being that I did not have any money for advertising, I worked on getting my name posted as much as possible on the internet where it was done for free. I also searched Craigslist for people who were looking for someone who could do the work I did, and approached them. It was on Craigslist that I found The Wild WE, (www.thewildwe.com). They needed a virtual assistant to help them with some things. I jumped at the chance to help. I went through a trial period with them of 3 months. Over that time I attended their 3 day online networking events that they offered. I didn't have to stop working, I didn't have to pay for a hotel, I didn't even have to leave my home! After the first event, my client base doubled. Now being that I only started with 2 people, this meant I now had 4 people. Not much, but getting there. I then attended another networking event through The Wild WE. I not only learned what other people look for in a business that they want to do business with, I also learned tricks to increase my business, and I met so many people who now have my name and suggest my services to their friends. After that event my client base more than doubled. Over the last 6 months, through one group, and almost no effort, I have increased my client base, I have made great friends, and my earnings have tripled!
Many people go through their daily life of work thinking they are where they are because of who they know. Two years ago, I would have to say I disagreed, I was proud of who I was and WHAT I knew, thinking that would get me where I needed to be. However, after this past year, I would have to say, it does matter WHAT you know, but there is not a doubt in my mind, that it all revolves around WHO you know. Athough, who you know does not have to involve a great effort from you. Yet, growing your business and applying yourself is an effort in itself. You can concentrate on your business and network at the same time through The Wild WE.
Tell who you know, what you know, get your name out there, and watch your company grow!
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