This helps my business?

Often people ask me, "what kind of things do you do for your clients?" I'm inclined to rattle off the software that I'm proficient at, the number of years I've been a VA, and various professional achievements. In my practice, it happens to be that much of what I handle are tasks that they don't teach in business school or college. Much of what I do is handle "personal" business that keeps my clients from being able to devote their undistracted attention to the business.

Here's a brief list of "personal" tasks that I've taken off my clients' shoulders just this month:

• Interpreting a second grader's reading levels from three data bases
• Putting holds on library books appropriate to the second grader's level
• Enrolling my client in continuing education courses
• Ordering prescriptions from the client's pharmacy
• E-mailing the client's doctor
• Updating medical records for the client's children
• Rescheduling client appointment with her financial advisor
• Inserting children's school year events into the client's calendar
• Enrolling client's children in swim and gymnastics classes
• Canceling client's eFax account
• Finding refrigerator parts for client
• Check business voice mail
• Confirming trip itineraries
• Updating pet information with the client's vet
• Finding a reliable photo-to-digital service

No, these are not usually listed with business support. However, by taking these from my client's plate, you must agree I've enable lots of time to be devoted to the business and after hours to the family. And I love being able to assist in these ways.

WSWIA

West Side Women in Action

Have you wondered "what can I do to make a difference" in something I really care about? I've had a desire for many years to do things that are beneficial particularly for women. Being in business, it's an added enticement to find something for business women that can use my skills.

Last August I attended a mixer put on by a local group called West Side Women in Action. It involved networking and relaxing hanging out with other business women. I found the women there to be very comfortable, interesting individuals. That was so enjoyable I attended their Annual Conference in October - great speaker, fun and informative breakout sessions - ones that you can really use - also delicious breakfast and lunch.

What is West Side Women in Action? Their mission statement sums it up: West Side Women in Action is a nonprofit organization that aims to inspire, promote and educate local professional women in business, and any woman who wants to develop a business or career. The goal is to help local women of all ages develop business and leadership skills and expand networking opportunities. This is accomplished through: 1) The annual Conference and Vendor Showcase, 2) Scholarships, and 3) Networking mixers.

This is a project I can support and provide administrative help to. When the organization announced that they needed people willing to help put the next year's events together, I decided this was a band wagon I could get on. I am now their secretary.

Our annual conference will be October 1. Check out the web site for details about a great event in which to invest your time and money: www.wswia.org.