TGIF So You Can Make The World Your Oyster
Thank God Its Friday; but could we change that TGIF acronym to something different? How about Take Great Ideas Further. Oh yes, I like that one. Great ideas always get our juices going. But don’t we want more than just our juices going. I would think we want to bear fruit, lots of it.
I am a sucker for fruits. I feel every day I simply must have at least one. But I was thinking, wouldn’t it be great if our corporate lives could have people wanting more of us? I think that would translate into client building, business expansion and greater profitablilty, which will in turn be converted to higher levels of customer service.
Now where am I going with all this. Although each and every day we are all guaranteed 24 hours, not 15 for some, 12 for others, but we all get 24. The playing field is level. But some of us still feel under-achieved at the end of that guaranteed period. Well I have concluded that its what you choose to do with those hours. $15 tasks or $95 and approaching $100 tasks.
But to do a task well, as it is said, a workman is as good as his tools. Okay, so I’m getting to the point now. In order to succeed in business, large or small business, the right tool must be used, period. I have found that there are a number of right tool, among them is the virtual assistant. Someone who can make you feel like you’ve received a 28 hour or 30 hour day, because she takes all those $15, $20 or even $10 tasks and allows you to focus on the $95 ones. So you are at the $85 tasks, but the extra time is giving you the ability to gain ground and so become highly competitive. So you open your eyes and you think to yourself, the world has indeed become my ouster.
But remember, Taking Great Ideas Further is about not just listening to the idea, but taking it and running with it. Today your idea to run with is the virtual assistant.
Have a fabulous weekend.
Merlene,
Five Star Executives.
Article Submitter Review
While article submission isn’t anything shockingly new to the world of SEO, many people STILL don’t do it… and for good reason. It takes so incredibly long to do manually.
I’ll admit, I had tried article submission at one point, but after I finally found a few article directories to submit my articles to, and then after manually copying and pasting my information into the required text boxes on each submission site, I quickly realized that my time could be better spent doing something else.
Then I came across a free program created by Brad Callen and Bryxen Software, Inc. that allows you to automatically submit your articles to hundreds of article directories with a few mouse clicks. Basically all I had to do was input my article criteria into the software, ONCE! Then, the program would automatically fill in all of the required data at each of the submission websites. Pretty incredible if you ask me.
The only part I didn’t understand was why the program is free… but I can’t argue with that I suppose.
The software currently contains around 700 article directories, all free to submit your articles to. It is the most straightforward program that we’ve come across, in that all you need to do is:
1. Input your article details (i.e. title, article body, bio, etc.) into the software
2. Click on the directory you want to submit to
And then the program will automatically fill in your article details. Then, you simply click the submit button and your article is instantly submitted to the directory. Then, you can move to the next directory, go through the list, and by the time you’re finished you’ll have roughly 700 one way links pointing to your website.
I can’t think of an easier way to get links. Of course, if you’re going to get links this quickly, it’s important to submit different variations of your articles, to make things look more natural to the search engines.
You can do this very easily via Article Submitter when you create your project in the beginning.
The software is constantly being updated and their is an incredible community of users established that all work together to make the software better and better, so you know you’re getting great value for the money.
To check out the software, go here:
http://virtexec2.bryxen7.hop.clickbank.net
I Have Only Just Started My Own Business / Would Hiring A Virtual Assistant Work For Me?
Hiring a virtual assistant is a determination that can and should only be made by you the business owner. You see, when starting a business, cash must be closely monitored, and wisely utilized, since you’ve only just started. Maybe it will be more prudent for you to outsource a small bit at a time, giving you the ability to give attention to marketing strategies and client building. While the role of a virtual assistant is quite crucial to business growth, it should be taken one step at a time. Once again, start by outsourcing small tasks at a time or even periodically. Remember a virtual assistant should be one to share your business ideals and goals so their partnership will be an asset.
Once again thanks for your question and best wishes.
Merlene,
Five Star Executives.
Not getting anywhere? Here are some tips to gear you up
Have you ever heard the saying, “Time is money”? As a small business owner, that old adage is oh so real, because not only is time money, but we are compelled to spend it wisely if we are to succeed.
Spending time wisely ensures that you are in productive gear, and there is where we all want to be. So here are some tips to get you just where you want to be.
1. Clarify your goals. Unless you are sure and comfortable with your goals, getting there will always be a challenge. Make sure your goals are realistic and well outlined.
2. Plan properly. As with your goals, your plans must be well defined and properly executed. For example, having a virtual assistant relieve you of some of your tasks will mean deciding what tasks, and how often. So ensure that your plans are not confusing.
3. Don’t get caught in the “deer in the headlights” syndrome. If you think you have too much to do but don’t know where to start, a virtual assistant could be the solution.
4. Avoid procrastination. Many times we procrastinate because we lack the skill to do the task, do not enjoy doing the task, or simply tire of doing the task. So its either we do it or get a virtual assistant to do it. But don’t procrastinate.
5. And last, are you burnt out? Take some time out. You will be amazed at what 5 minutes of doing something relaxing can do for you. Its like a rejuvenation pond. So don’t be afraid to take a dip from time to time.
Until next time, remember, time is money, so spend it wisely.
Merlene,
Five Star Executives.
I keep coming across this term “Virtual Assistant”, and it now engages my attention, but my question is: why would I need a virtual assistant?
As any small business owner, every single task, income generating or not; like filing documents, which brings in no income but is necessary to keep the business running smoothly, has to be done by you. But do you at times feel bugged down by these repetitive tasks and wish you can delete them from your list? Wouldn’t that extra time allow you to give attention to more competitive strategies and profit generating ideas? Then you need a a virtual assistant.
A virtual assistant allows you to put that extra punch into your business, since these necessary but very often mundane tasks are now being taken care of efficiently, so you can do exactly what you love doing and see your business grow.
It is noteworthy though that not only do you have someone to do administrative tasks, but you have now partnered with someone who also has a vested interest in seeing your business become really viable. Your virtual assistant now becomes an integral part of your business, sharing your goals and aspirations, while simultaneously relieving you of much load.
So why do you need a virtual assistant? In short, great ideas plus time and resources to implement them equals viability, competitiveness and growth. A virtual assistant gives you that.
So thank you for your question, and keep them coming.
Merlene,
Five Star Executives
Outsourcing: Can I really afford it?
Have you ever thought to yourself, well I understand and like the whole idea of a virtual assistant but wondered whether you can afford it?
Well I have great news for you. You do not have to outsource everything, but rather you can have that much needed help, in that much needed area, but strictly at your discretion. You see the whole idea of the virtual assistant is not to bring additional burden to the small business owner, but rather to lighten some of the load, so that more energy can be directed towards business building.
So give it a try. First one foot, and as the business gets more body, maybe the other foot. The virtual assistant is just there to take some of the load off. Remember, good things come in small packages, in as small a package as 5 hours for only $65.00 USD. This offer is valid until June 2008. Go ahead, give up some of the load, take advantage of this affordable offer. Step by step, as you see fit, a virtual assistant just might be your answer.
Until next time.
Merlene,
Five Star Executives.
TGIF: SOME TIPS FROM A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT
Well here we are again, on that day that we look forward to from Monday. Its Friday and we are all anxious to get out of the office. So here are some tips to help you close the week so the next week does not frustrate you.
1. Give your “To do” list a once over.
2. Back up ALL files.
3. Respond to request for more information.
4. Take out the garbage including what’s on your desktop.
5. Say Thank You to your Virtual Assistant especially if your week was good.
6. Send your clients a Thank You note as well.
7. Submit a few articles to Ezine directories.
8. Return all calls and respond to messages on your voice mail.
9. Wish your virtual assistant a good weekend
10. Leave the office early.
Until next week, have a great weekend.
Merlene,
Five Star Executives
Save time: Let Roboform fill your forms
Are you tired of retyping your name, address, phone contact, email address and all the other information that are required on the Internet?
Well as a Virtual Assistant I have been retyping these information over and over again and wondering if there is any program that can put more joy into my Internet experience. In my desperate search, I found Roboform which is a superb program for entering personal, and even sensitive information by just a click of the mouse.
Roboform is ideal for any user of the Internet, novice or professional, who gets tired of retyping the same thing over and over. Roboform is user friendly, autosaves and autofill all passwords, and works with Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox, Morzilla on Windows computer.
So don’t rob yourself of the joy in Internet surfing or Internet business. Roboform is useful to me as a virtual assistant and it will definitely be very useful to you. For a free 30 day trial download here.
Merlene
Five Star Executives
How can small businesses compete with their larger counterparts
Question: I am a small business owner and quite unwilling to rent an office to hire in-house staff, but needs staff to perform administrative tasks, so becoming more competitive can have my fullest attention. Is there a solution to this?
Dear reader, Your solution is a Virtual Assistant. The competitiveness that you want to capture with your larger counterparts can be achieved with the help of virtual assistants. No longer do you have to be bogged down by these administrative tasks, search for an office or even hire in-house staff. Virtual Assistants are the only solution for small business owners like yourself giving you to opportunity to maximize your business growth while simultaneously getting all administrative tasks done efficiently and with a high level of professionalism.
Thank you for your question, and the very best to you and your business.
Merlene,
Five Star Executive
