Professional Virtual Assistant - and Proud of It!

Have you notices the two AssistU Icons to the right just under my picture?

The second, pumpkin-colored one invites you to check out my Virtual Assistant credentials. (Try it, just click on the icon to go to AssistU to verify that I am an AssistU Virtual Assistant.) In 2003, I graduated from Assist University's (AssistU) Virtual Training Program. When I decided to take my administrative talents to a new level and open my own virtual assistance practice, I investigated how to make the transition happen. I knew how to be an administrative assistant, but I had never had my own business, nor worked virtually.

The best solution I found was through AssistU. They require that a student have a minimum of five years' verifiable administrative support experience. In addition, they require three written references from people who can attest that you have the skills and they are professionally cognizant of them. After those verifications are received, the potential student has a telephone interview with one of their staffing people. Once accepted (they accept only about 25% of the applicants), the student participates in a small class - usually 4 - 10 people - for 16 intensive weeks of study. That study involves a 2-hour teleconference once a week and "field" projects that usually involved me in 2 hours a day of research and preparation. The course covered business set-up, legalities, finances, internet skills, client relation skills, a business plan, marketing, and much more. For me the most valuable learning was the marketing. We admin types know how to support others but "blowing our own horn" is not in our DNA. We have to learn and develop it. Having passed a grueling 2-day final exam, I was ecstatic. I was with pride in accomplishment and confident in my abilities to be a Virtual Assistant

The icon directly below my picture is especially dear to me. During the AssistU training, each student is paired up with a buddy - an experienced VA - who is a cheerleader/confidant/friend to ease the rigors of the training period. When I was a student, my buddy Sharon Broughton, really boosted my confidence that I could succeed in the course and in my own business. So over the years I have volunteered to be a buddy to several students. Each year AssistU presents Community Recognition Awards to VA’s who have been nominated then voted on by their peers for exemplary service to the AssistU Community. This year one of my buddies nominated me for the “buddy” award. I probably won’t get the CRA, but I am overjoyed that my buddy appreciates me.

In the Good Ol' Summertime

Can it be true that today is July 20 already? Summer is such a mixture of productivity and slothfulness.

On the one hand, the triple digit temps of California's central valley lull me into just laying around and conserving my energy. At the other extreme, I'm energized. Rising while it is still dark, I am out in the yard, planting, weeding, and trimming at first light before the heat strikes.

My business gets the same attention. At times, I do a few tasks then knock off early. Other times, I am working on big projects and learning new skills such as Shopping Cart and e-Mail campaigns. Also, I have acquired a lap top computer and I am transitioning tasks and files so that we can travel more -- and I can really work "virtually."

I have come to the conclusion that I like summer a lot both in my personal and in my business lives.