Sticking to the task even when using different methods is what I mean.   The truth is, that is my very own testimony, so I’m preaching what I live.  I realized not giving up until the desired results is obtained, sometimes using some very strange methods has worked for me, and a few times well.

So don’t limit yourself to the same outcome as Cindy Lauper says, “time after time”.  Think outside the box, use different tools, even new ones, and something is bound to give. That something is your limitations, giving place to self expansion.  If you are one of those frowning at the thought of breaking even at evaluation time, use a new tool, like the virtual assistant and demonstrate your “stick-to-itiveness”, because you are not satisfied with the results.

Get up, make the difference for yourself and your business.  A little “stick-to-itiveness” will definitely make the difference.

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Five Star Executives 

Well Elance is giving you an opportunity to find out. Answer this question: How would you use a virtual assistant to grow your business or improve your personal life?

The winner will be given a credit for $5000.00 worth of services on Elance. Give it a try because you never know. If you don’t win send us an email and we’ll give you 10% off our 5-hour retainer package, so you can experience the possibilities of working with a Virtual Assistant.

By the way, here is the link: Win a Virtual Assistant.

Good Luck!

CRG 

I recently asked a few Virtual Assistants to fill out a short survey explaining what their motivations for staying in the industry. Some of their reasons are listed below:

• Money (They were earning more than what they earned on a full time job)
• Being your own boss.
• Flexible hours.
• What to stay at home with the kids.
• The satisfaction of a job well done.
• Being passionate about the industry and loving what they do.

In general the successful Virtual Assistants were they one who enjoyed the work, who loved doing what they do each day.

Think about what motivates you. Channel that motivation, write it down and look at it each day, two or three times a day if you must. This will help feed the desire and you will find it easier to do your daily duties. Remember also that motivation that is purely profit based soon wears thin. That is not going to keep you up at night to finish a client’s project that is due early the next morning. Find your motiviation today!

FSE

• I work with people from different cultures and background.
• I work to achieve my dreams.
• I take pride in my clients achievements that results from my work with them.
• I am my own boss.
• No long commutes and power suits.
• I get to stay at home with my son.
• I can make my own schedule.
• The sense of accomplishment from seeing my business grow.
• No mundane tasks here: there is always something different going on.
• The value of meeting new people almost daily (new clients, other VAs etc)

FSE

I am often asked “how did you know that you were ready to start your own business?” Frankly, I am as human as the next person and I did question myself A LOT. I did know that whenever I did something, anything, I gave it my best. I had the experience of overseeing the daily activities of a busy practice in the middle of Manhattan and a more that busy department in a huge corporation.

Here are some questions that I pose to up and coming entrepreneurs to give them an idea of the traits needed to start a business:

• Are you a quick learner?
• Are you resourceful?
• Are you afraid of hard work?
• How do you handle money?
• What is your leadership style? (If you have one)
• Do you make decisions quickly?
• Do you get tasks completed on time?
• Are you phased by competition?
• Do you have some level of common sense?
• Can you live without a steady income for 6 plus months?
• Do you have someone who can give you a positive outlook when you don’t have it?
• Are you persistent and self disciplined?
• Do you work well under pressure?
• Are you willing to learn and accept new ways of getting things done?
• Do you enjoy meeting new people?
• Can you juggle multiple tasks?
• Are you willing to talk about your product or service?
• Do you have the skill and PASSION for the business that you are considering?

These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself before proceeding with plans to start your business.

FSE

My tip today is this”Don’t seek instant gratification when starting your online business.” There is no other way to say it. I have spent countless hours working on my online business, doing research, learning new things, networking before I made my first sale. Even when I started Five Star Executives it took me two months before I got my first online client. I say online because my offline contacts provided the business I needed to “stay in business.”

Its easy to loose the motivation that got you started in the first place especially when you expect instant results. So my friend be realistic, stay focused and wait it out. It will pay off in the end and you’ll more than enjoy the results.