A Little “Stick-To-Itiveness” Makes The Difference
I once heard someone say that insanity can be described as doing the same thing the same way, over and over. That is not what I’m talking about when I say “stick-to-itiveness”. You see, what makes insanity insanity, is the outcome is always the same even though something else is hoped for.
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.
Mb
Five Star Executives
What Would You Do With A Virtual Assistant?
Or better yet, what could you do?
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
A Word On Motivation
In my eBook I discuss the power of motivation. I believe motivation is what sets apart a powerful, successful business from an unsuccessful one. Here is an excerpt from the eBook.
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
10 Things I love about being a Virtual Assistant
Firstly, there are days I get so busy I wonder where the time went. Some days I work 16+ hours and I do get frustrated from time to time. Today I had an idea: I decided to write (off the top of my head) 10 things I love about being a Virtual Assistant. I printed it and pasted it on the wall behind my computer. This will be my inspiration for when I get frustrated. By the way I came up with over 35 reasons but I’ll share ten in this post.
- 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
Self-Employment - Do you have what it takes?
As the owner of three increasingly growing businesses I often look back to my earlier days and the questions I asked myself before quiting my full time job. I had an idea to get into Virtual Assisting in 2001 but kept that idea on the back burner for almost two years. My paycheck at the end of each month provided false sense of security that I did not want to give up.
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
No Place Here
Unfortunately many people start up online businesses because they’ve nurtured the thought that it is fast and easy money. Unfortunately many people will fail due to disappointment and loss of motivation.
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.
