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Yep – I’m a Joiner!
I am flabbergasted, a little sad, not altogether shocked, and ultimately resigned.
I am one of the millions of fans of Seth Godin.
His blog is in my reader…well..three of them are…and I lap up the tasty morsels of information and marketing knowledge that he gives out like so much gravy in my kibble.
Yeah, I know, gross analogy…let’s move on.
He had a post the other day I didn’t agree with. It’s not the first time that’s happened, but it’s the first time it happened and I knew *exactly why* it was wrong. I decided to post a comment.
(An hour of trying ot get up the nerve to question the master of new age marketing later)
Huh? What’s that?
YOU CAN’T POST A COMMENT?!
I was fine being a serf tilling the blog-land of the Master of the House. Until he gave me a broken rake, and I realized that was him giving EVERYONE a broken rake and…and…I couldn’t let anyone know.
It’s not like I was going to call him names or say he was wrong, I was going to ask for a little more clarification is all.
Has Mr. Godin become "above it all"?
Not really - there is an "email me" link that I could use, but that’s too one on one for me, I want one degree of separation from knowing that I’m in an email box. But who’s reading that email? What if my question turns out to be stupid…I’ve now wasted someone’s time. What if my question isn’t stupid but an assistant decides it is. Now I’ve wasted MY time.
This whole conundrum would be solved by posting a comment. But I can’t.
So I’ll do the next best thing. I’ll post about it in MY blog. 
I’d like to add a small little note here: I do not know if comments are allowed on the other blogs. Go find out! Because even if I had a problem with one post, the hundreds of others I’ve read and learned from more than make up for it. If you don’t know who Seth Godin is, pop into Google and do a search, he’s the MAN when it comes to marketing your busienss. So don’t let my one little issue turn you away from someone that can, with blog posts and books alone, take your business to new heights!
Quick Install Instructions for WordPress Plugins
I talk about WordPress a lot.
From the easy install, to the vast array of features, the ease of posting…I just can’t get enough!
But here are some great WordPress plugins that you might like to install on your WordPress blog. Because it’s not just about MY great experience with WordPress, but my ability to bring that knowledge to others, that makes me a rock star.
Installing a Plugin is super-simple.
- Download and unzip the plugin file.
- Use your FTP program and put the plugin file into your wp-content -> plugins folder
- Go into your WordPress dashboard, click on the plugins tab, and click "activate"
- Your plugin details are probably located in your Options tab….if not, look around till you find it.
- Note: Some plugins have additional instructions, so when you unzip one…check out that "readme" file that comes packaged with the plugin. It will tell you if there are special instructions that need to be followed.
Walah! You have a new plugin and can begin using it immediately!
Atypical VA Meets Podcast & Blog Hopping VA for Short Chat
Hi Jennifer, it took a while to get here today. Monday’s are pretty hectic, but I wanted to definitely hop over and chat, even if only for a minute. I see you have a list of questions ready for me, so, let’s get started.
1) What’s the first thing I have to do if I want to work from home?
Hum, this question opens the door to many answers. The very first thing is very difficult to identify – but I’d say –“make the decision”. That decision is not that you want to “work from home”, because telecommuters can work from home – but instead, that you “want to become an entrepreneur”! There is a huge difference.
Telecomuters report to a boss. Entrepreneurs undertake and operate an enterprise and assume the accountability and inherent risks.
After I’ve made the decision, I would put, in writing, “reasons” I want to work from home – the pros and cons, and determine the income I need to generate, minimally, to maintain my current lifestyle and make a profit, and if the risks are worth it.
2) What are the pros/cons of marketing locally vs. online?
Actually, I recommend that a VA market both locally and online, since neither venue alone may reach all of your target audience. So, pros and cons are all relative to the individual’s prospective.
I advise, after the VA has identified her target market and ideal client, that she determines where these targeted prospects mingle and make a connection. These locations may be on or offline, at networking events, via list servs or member organizations, chamber of commerce, leads or neighborhood group meetings, etc. A VA should not depend solely on one marketing platform, because marketing is an ongoing element of business planning and operations – or at least should be – and a well-defined strategy should be implemented. Normally, elements of such strategies include local media, publicity, outreach and networking exposure, especially if you are new to the industry and lack name or business recognition.
3) Should I have someone else answer my phone to look more professional?
No. If you want to sound professional but are uncomfortable speaking on the phone or believe you do not present a professional telephone image, practice! Develop a telephone script, test it on your mate or friends by asking them to call inquiring about your services. Practice until it becomes second nature. If you have a true phobia about speaking, join a local Toast Masters. They can provide training and practice sessions as well as help prepare you for speaking before larger audiences. Who knows, you may develop into a phenomenal speaker!
With today’s technology, it is not necessary to purchase a separate phone line. Many local phone companies offer an “identi-ring” service. Identi-Ring enables two or three telephone numbers to share one line. Each number has a different ring sequence, enabling you to differentiate personal vs. business calls. Another option is to utilize VoIP technology, such as Skype or Vonage and other VoIP options. (Research the Internet for plan details).
5) How do I make the most money as a virtual assistant? Are there certain skills that command higher prices?
The way to make more money as a virtual assistant is to become the “expert” in your specialty. I wouldn’t necessarily say it is the “skills” that allow you to command higher prices versus a combination of your level of expertise, training and experience. For example, if two VAs specialize in marketing and each has the same “skills”, but one has a track record for obtaining exposure for clients and the other doesn’t – it is likely that the 1st can demand higher compensation because she has a proven, documented history. The 2nd VA, cannot, because she does not have documented success.
In other instances, it isn’t always what you know (skills), but who you know and if those individuals will refer others to you. As the number of referrals increases (demand) the VA may dictate higher rates.
Finally, if you have “basic” admin skills, but not familiar with and utilize “advanced” skills or “technologies” associated with the service, you are also unable to demand higher rates.
So, in a nutshell, while skills are important, and there are certain specialties that may command higher prices, even if you are proficient, other factors influence your ability to command top fees (not in any order).
- Supply/demand for your services
- Your presentation/image (how you package your self/services)
- How and to whom you market your services (your sphere of influence)
- Delivering what you promise
That’s it for today. Time to leave Atypical and plan tomorrow’s visit with Kathie at VA Directory. Yesterday, I relaxed at the OIVAC Blog, and now have scheduled more podcast and blog hopping for the rest of the week. So tomorrow, I’ll meet you “down under”. Today’s scrambled puzzle clue is: slskli.
About Sharon Williams
Sharon is the Chairperson of the Alliance for Virtual Businesses and OIVAC, and president of The 24 Hour Secretary an administrative, secretarial and internet-based marketing support services company. She is the 2006 recipient of the Thomas Leonard International Virtual Assistant of Distinction Award and co-founder of Virtual Business University an e-learning environment for entrepreneurs willing to step towards their greatness.
Aw, Shucks…thanks Gary
This video truly warmed my heart.
It’s Gary Halbert, now our very own Angel Alpha Shitweasel, being really cool at the end of a talk he did at The System Seminar in front of a group of internet marketers, a.k.a. small business entrepreneurs.
Click here for more live videos of Gary Halbert!
Why I’m going offline.
Okay, that’s kind of a stunner for a headline, I understand that. I’m not going offline altogether or joining a cult or anything.
Sidenote: I think I’d be a really bad cult member. I’d keep trying to improve the business efficency and marketing of the cult. I don’t think it would go well. That or I’d just take over the cult. Wow. That would be a lot of responsibility, having all those brainwashed people thinking you’re the second coming of something or other. Yeah, no cults for me.
As most of you know, I have a second company. It’s like the secret squirrel company I’ve formed based on everything I’ve learned since the day I started working from home.
The biggest secret about the second company? I’m not marketing online. I’ll create an internet presence for it, sure! But I’m going to go all local community style with the marketing.
I hear you asking why…and I’m happy to oblige with an answer…
First, I actually want to help my community. We have the best schools in the state, some of the best community leadership around…and an AWFUL web presence. If you look at the businesses in my town, the $100/plate chophouse has a Yahoo Geocities website.
How shameful is that!
Where, for just a little lettuce, I could create a presence for them that extends far beyond just a simple, elegant website and goes full bore into a marketing juggernaut. I mean, the place practically sells itself (nothing TRULY sells itself, but they have a LOT of referral business) and why not make it easier for them to stay packed every night of the week?
A little marketing goes such a long way – and I want to be the person that helps my community go from "Yeah, we’ve got a website" to "Please check our website for menus, specials, and by the way we have a blog that lets you know about local events" or something similar.
Admittedly, I’m not a website princess. I don’t have the design skills to whip up some fantastic template that will last for eons and stay in everyone’s mind as being THE website to visit.
That’s why I have a designer. I’m actually looking for multiple designers, because every artist has a "style" and I’m going to want to choose from different styles for sites, depending on the feel of the business.
It’s all about targeting the consumers, no?
The only wrench in my plans is that I’ve been sick for two weeks now. Not "I have the sniffles" my friend…full on, exhaustion, coughing, earache, "oh my gosh I should REALLY see a doctor about this as soon as I’ve met this deadline" sick.
Being a walking plague makes local networking a little difficult.
So I’ve had a chance to work further on my plan, sleep, recouperate, and try to come up with a logical, affordable pricing schedule that still sees me making a profit to be proud of.
Why is pricing the most difficult aspect of ALL businesses? I mean, I’m kind of jealous of people who start "Dollar Stores." They know the pricepoint and just have to find products OTHER people have priced lower than a dollar.
Ah, to own a dollar store.
Okay, back to reality. I don’t want to deal with retail, so the dollar store is way out of my business owning goals.
Which means I have to stop writing…and start working on my pricing. That way I’ll be prepared back to front and top to bottom when I walk into my first networking meeting and someone asks, "So…how much would that cost?"
Because it needs to cost enough to have a wicked great perceived value, but just enough that it’s affordable. All while making my small business counselors at the University happy about my business growth.
Wish me luck, because I’m thinking it’s going to take divine guidance of some sort to find that magic number!
Kurt Vonnegut, Dies at 84
Kurt Vonnegut’s dark comic talent and urgent moral vision caught the temper of his times.
Well, it seems into every business blog, a little personal issue must fall. Kind of like rain, but sad. Kurt Vonnegut didn’t think like other people. He was "out of the box" before people realized there WAS a box. His novels, which my family HATED, made me realize that it was okay to tell the truth, no matter how dark that truth may be.
Now, as you all know, I’m a really optimistic and generally happy person. Very rare not to see me smile. But my happiness is that pure sort that comes from seeing the futility of the universe, and being okay with it. I’m not in denial, I don’t think the world is wine and roses, but I love it anyway…and I think that’s what I felt when I read the novels of Kurt Vonnegut. The honest happiness that comes from knowing it’s all messed up but loving it anyway.
One of my favorite quotes is: "A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved."
Raw and honest, and yet, there is still love.
I’ll miss you, Mr. Vonnegut…as will so many others that cherished your work.
Five things to be Successful
Andy Wibbels is my favorite Chicago blogger. He just did a great entry called 5 Things to Be Successful. I’ve decided to dive in and give it a go.
Take 10-30 minutes in the morning to orient yourself. In my house this is often known as "mommy’s coffee time" and is respected by all. I put on some upbeat music, write out my to-do list, make a bonus "wouldn’t it be great if i got this done today" list, and then just chill and sing along with the music until I feel like I’m ready to take on the world. Sometimes going to the gym or walking the dogs is part of this morning ritual. The goal here is to wake up my whole brain. From the abstract thinking to the pattern recognition to the linear thinking.
Tell myself, out loud, how amazing I am. I do this throughout the day. When I have a bad phone call, when anything goes wrong, or if I get effusive praise from a client. I run two businesses from my house, haven’t driven my husband off with my excessive drive and ambition, and actually saw one of my two kids take their first step! (The other one is very secretive. We never saw her roll over, crawl, or walk until she had it mastered. If we walked into a room and she was "practicing" she’d plop in place from wherever she was. Guess she was keeping her trade secrets close to the vest.) Bonus: Each time you tell yourself you rule – tell someone else they do too!
Don’t complain. It’s difficult. It’s awful. It’s horrible. So what? Get over it and move on. Bitching and whining only take you down the path of victimhood…who needs that?
Read something every day. I read horrible, trashy crime novels. I also have read Blue Ocean Strategy four times in a row. I’ve done both of these things within the last month. Reading keeps my brain fresh the same way that a new shampoo can make your hair look amazing by washing away the normal cumulative buildup from an amazing salon shampoo. Running a business can get your neuropathways gucked up with all kinds of things. Use a book to get rid of the residue. Alternate between novels and business books and you can even pretend you’re reading for "the good of the business!"
Explore. The success of my business is largely dependent on knowing my stuff. Not last month’s or last year’s stuff, but current stuff. So every day I have some fun and explore the internet looking for fun, frolic, and good stuff I can bring back for the business. It’s a no pressure, no harm no foul approach to learning. There is no reason to become jaded about the internet. It’s far too cool for that, and so are you!
Your Turn! What are your five things?
