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Achieving Goals &Marketing &Mindset Sydni Craig-Hart on 15 Jul 2011

How to Develop the Mindset for Success

Do you have a “CAN DO,” “WILL SUCCEED AT ALL COSTS” type of mindset? Is it natural for you to lead yourself towards your goals no matter what negative signals you receive from naysayers?

What is your response to those first two questions?

Your response could very we be the determining factor as to how quickly and easily you accomplish your goal of becoming a successful VA.  Entrepreneurs are pioneers!  We are willing to travel in unchartered territory.  We blast through walls and fight against the odds.

This article is for the aspiring Successful Virtual Assistant.  Let me define the word “aspiring.”  If you would like to start your own Virtual Assistance company, that is an aspiration.  If you are already a Virtual Assistant, but have not reached the success that you desire, that is an aspiration.

Might your mindset be holding you back? What type of conversations do you have with yourself?  Every person goes through the process of convincing herself of success or failure, victory or defeat.  The self-talk of some people will even tell them, “you don’t have to push too hard, we can coast right here in the middle.”

Mindset for Success

To be successful as an entrepreneur, you need to train your mind to speak in a positive way.  When I started my company, I would not imagine anything but my version of success.  My success meant the following:

  • Time freedom
  • Financial freedom
  • Working with ideal clients of my choice
  • Going on vacations when I wanted to

There was nothing that could prevent me from reaching that goal and continuing that journey.  More than six years later, I’m still building the life of my dreams with two of my own companies.  When I was a child, my parents told my brother and me to expunge the word “CAN’T” from our vocabularies.  That lifelong lesson continues to serve me well.

What are you telling yourself? It is imperative that you analyze your internal conversations. That is the key to what is on your mind and how you feel about accomplishing your goals in life.  You must train your mind to believe that you can accomplish whatever it is that you WANT in life.  (In case you haven’t noticed by now, this topic is much bigger than running your own business – it’s about LIFE).

So, I ask again, do you want to build a successful Virtual Assistance company?  Do you have the fortitude to overcome all obstacles and trials?  If your answer is “YES”, then you are already on the right track.  But, remember that your resilience will be tested constantly.

I do not know what type of mindset you already possess. I do know, however, the mindset that you need to develop and maintain in order to start and grow a sustainable business.  You do not just want to “be in business”, but you want to THRIVE in business.  You want the type of business that will allow you to create the lifestyle that reflects your definition of success.

Remember the words of Henry Ford:

“Whether you think you CAN or you can’t, YOU ARE RIGHT!

Achieving Goals Sydni Craig-Hart on 08 Jul 2011

5 Pillars to a Strong VA Business Foundation

Are you an Executive or Administrative Assistant who is looking to become your own boss?  If so, this article is especially for you.  Virtual Assistants who have already started working in their own business will benefit as well.  If you haven't quite reached the level of success you've been working towards, it would be good to "go back to basics" and make sure your foundation is as strong as it should be.

So, whether you are looking to start a new business or to become more successful in the business that you have already created, strap yourself in and enjoy the ride!  There are 5 pillars or steps to becoming a Successful VA.  How do we know this to be true?  At EAtoVA.com, we have already completed the steps, mostly without any help.  We want the hand you the blueprints that we worked so hard to develop on our own; so that you WON’T have to.

The 5 Successful VA Pillars (an overview):

  1. MINDSET: Henry Ford stated, “Whether you think you CAN or you CAN’T, you’re right.”  An Executive or Administrative assistant who wants to venture out on their own MUST first believe that they CAN succeed as a business owner.  Even if you take steps in the direction of creating your own life through business ownership, doubt may creep in due to a setback.  That is okay when it does happen.  But, that thought process can only be temporary if you are to reach your goal.  The stories that you constantly tell yourself and the belief system that you utilize in daily life will either hinder or HELP your goal of becoming a Successful VA.
  2. INFRASTRUCTURE: The infrastructure and the other four pillars are all mechanical.  Anyone with a desire to succeed can perform the tasks that are needed to get things done.  What makes up the infrastructure of your company?  Here are a few things to consider: 1) Insurances - health, life, disability, dental etc. 2) Technology – computers, phones, an online presence etc.  3) Operations – you must have operational systems in place such as accounting, tax filing, setting up new customers, processes for working with customers, etc. 4) Structure – will you set up an LLC or a Sole Proprietorship?  5) Finances – it takes money to make money. There are some other pieces to building your infrastructure.  This will be discussed in a few weeks.
  3. MARKETING: This is the bread and butter of your business.  Those who do not market their company tend to find themselves out of business very soon.  The best thing that you can do for your business is to know how to make money.  You do not want to wait to figure this out.  You can develop a marketing plan even before you have made your first dollar, taking advantage of the resources, relationships and opportunities already within your reach.
  4. TRANSITION: Before leaving your current job, you will at some point say, “Oh my, I’m actually doing this!”  There is nothing that you can do to avoid that feeling.  As with any major step in life, we can allow those feelings to propel us toward accomplishing our goals.  Having a PLAN around your transition will help you to make the leap from employee to entrepreneur smoothly.
  5. BUILDING  Your BUSINESS: When you work for someone else, that company does all of the heavy lifting for you as an employee.  The company is responsible for building the business so that you will have a place to work each day.  Now, you are responsible for whether you win or lose.  Success is 100% in YOUR hands!  You, therefore, have to perform all of the needed tasks to REMAIN in business.  This includes continually upgrading your skill set, setting up systems, marketing consistently and more.

If you were at all nervous about how to get started in your virtual assistance care, now you can breathe a sigh of relief.  We will relieve you of the confusion and stress of trying to figure things out all by yourself.   This is the information that you have asked about.  The first step for you is to pay attention to your email inbox for the next several weeks and read about the steps that will easily show you how to go from Executive Assistant to Virtual Assistant.

Your Action Plan For The Week:

  1. Write down your top 10 reasons for wanting to start your own business. (this will help you to understand the mindset that you already have.)
  2. Take inventory of the tools and skills that you already have in order to start your business.
  3. Write down the names l0-20 people who would be excited to hear about you starting your own business.
  4. Think deeply about how you will feel AFTER you fire your boss.  (How will you celebrate? Why will you not regret leaving your job? Why are you so excited about the new chapter in your life)

Achieving Goals &Business Management &Mindset &Virtual Assistant Sydni Craig-Hart on 01 Jul 2011

Break Through Discouragement and Get Back on Track

Perhaps you've heard the phrase, “Perception is reality.”  And while it may mean different things to different people, today I want to focus on how our limiting beliefs, self-doubt and negative thoughts all play a part in creating a successful business.  Even if you think these feelings are only tied to your personal life – think again.  They can (and will) interfere with your business.

Why?

As a Virtual Assistant, your personal and business lives are often completely intertwined.  It is important to recognize this potential problem because it could actually be holding you back in achieving the business success you are looking for.   For example, let’s say you are just plain discouraged with your life right now.

Perhaps your personal life is less than stellar – maybe you haven’t had a date in awhile, or you and your significant other have been at odds with each other lately.  Then, you start to focus on the things “wrong” with your life and you get discouraged with everything, including your business.  You start to think that you can’t be as successful as you want to be because of your competition, lack of knowledge or lack of funds to take a continuing education course, or whatever.

Once you get “down in the dumps” about yourself and your business, that’s exactly what you project to everyone else.  That in and of itself will limit your progress.  That negative energy you are putting out into the world around you will only attract more negative energy.

So how do you fix this?

First acknowledge that you are discouraged and don’t beat yourself up over it.  All of us can get discouraged now and again.  But once you realize this is the case with you, make the decision to “turn the corner” and focus your attention on resolving the issues at hand.

Often we make situations more complicated than necessary because we over-think matters and ignore simple solutions.  Don’t fall into this trap! Make the decision to view things differently. Give yourself the space to calmly and objectively think about the situation.  Talk out your feelings with a trusted confidant to clear your mind.  Decide on a resolution, take action and pat yourself on the back for doing so!

Also, get support from fellow VAs who can relate to your business challenges and personal circumstances.  Consider teaming up with an accountability buddy, joining a mastermind group or hiring a coach to ensure you are making progress in your business.  At the very least connect with others in the EAtoVA community by getting involved in our LinkedIn group. All of this “mental cleanup” and trusted support will help you get clarity in your personal and business life.

Once you’ve gained clarity, moved away from discouragement and start to take positive action, you will see your personal and business life flourish.  Even in seemingly small ways.

Henry Ford once said, "Whether you think can or think you can't you're right!" So, you have to put yourself in a place to attract and receive success.  Remember, the only way to do this is to break through the negative beliefs that you have.  You’re not the only one; we ALL have them in one form or another.  You’re not crazy.  You’re not destined for “failure”.  You are human.

How you choose to deal with the challenges will set you apart from those who “wish” they had it together and those that actually do.  Your version of success is right in front of you, there for the taking.  So, don’t stand in your own way and let it pass you by!

I'd love to know what you think about this week's article and how we as a community can support you in achieving your goals. Stop by the blog to comment and share your thoughts!

Your Action Plan For The Week:

  1. Watch for any tendencies to over think your problems. If you find yourself getting down in the dumps, acknowledge it and talk out your feelings with a trusted confidant or accountability partner.
  2. Make a decision to think about things differently. Once you’ve given yourself space to gain clarity, focus on looking for simple solutions to your challenges.
  3. Take action! The best way to break through a negative belief is to take ONE step toward your goals. Prove yourself wrong by taking action.
  4. Get support from your community. Get involved in the EAtoVA LinkedIN group (it's completely FR*EE!) so you have access to advice and support from people who understand what you’re going through.

Achieving Goals &Business Management &Mindset &Time Management &Virtual Assistant Sydni Craig-Hart on 10 Jun 2011

5 Ways to Manage Your Day and Increase Your Income

Time.

It’s the most precious resource we have and one of the very few that cannot be replaced. For Virtual Assistants looking to create a highly successful, lifestyle-focused business it is essential that we use the gift of time well so that we can achieve our goals.      Continue Reading »

Achieving Goals &Mindset &Networking &Resources Sydni Craig-Hart on 03 Jun 2011

How to Break Through Your Challenges and Get Back in Gear

If you have felt “stuck” with where you’re at in your VA business, especially as it relates to accomplishing the goals you’ve set for yourself,  I want to assure you that it is possible to get “un-stuck,” break through the challenges you’re facing and get back in gear.

How? Continue Reading »

Achieving Goals &Business Management &Finances Sydni Craig-Hart on 13 May 2011

5 Steps to Strengthen Your Business Foundation and Create More Profits

One of the most important lessons I learned in my business, early on, was how important it is to have and maintain a strong foundation in your business.  In order to support your growth and efforts to achieve your goals, your business needs a solid infrastructure on which you can build.  If this infrastructure is not in place, you could find yourself in a position where you are growing too fast too soon and not serving your clients nearly as well as you should be.  This in turn will create unnecessary stress and frustration, which equals a not so happy Virtual Assistant who is working harder and making less money than she should.

So, it’s important to take stock of your business periodically and see how your foundation is holding up and what improvements you need to make.  And if you’re just starting out, you’ll do yourself a HUGE favor by setting up a strong business foundation from day one.  This is the perfect time of year to consider these points, as we are heading into summer.  If you set aside time now to analyze your business operations and start making adjustments, you’ll be primed and ready for fall 2011, while most everyone else is still trying to come back from summer vacation.

The following are my top five tips for assessing your business and strengthening your foundation:

  1. Review and revise your business plan – Many times business owners create a business plan when they are first starting out, get excited about it, but then file it away and never look at it again.  Sometimes new entrepreneurs don’t even take the time to develop a simple business plan.  This is a BIG mistake!  Going through the steps to create a business plan is a terrific way to get all of your ideas down on paper and to create a roadmap to follow to grow your business.  It’s easy to think one can keep all of their ideas, goals and strategies locked safely in their memory.  But there are two things wrong with that.  1) You absolutely can’t remember all of the details and 2) you’ll have a more difficult time working towards them because you haven’t committed your thoughts to paper.  So schedule time on your calendar NOW to review and revise your business plan. Think about all that you’ve accomplished thus far in 2011 and map out your goals for the rest of the year and then how you’ll achieve them.
  2. Take stock of your financial situation – For some this can be the least “exciting” part of running a business - having to deal with all of the “number stuff.”  But, most of us start our companies to make a profit and support our families – not to unintentionally be running a non-profit organization where we work for free.  You won’t know which category you fall into if you aren’t clear on the financial state of your business.  If you are not already doing so, ask your accountant or bookkeeper to start running monthly reports of your expenses and income so you can see how profitable you REALLY are.  You may be surprised to find out which of your services are actually most profitable and then start focusing more attention on those.  Also, you’ll see clearly how your expenses are affecting your bottom line and what adjustments need to be made.
  3. Review your business standards to see if they are still working for you - One of the things my coach helped me to do when I was first starting out was to create a set of standards for my business.  This included the hours I would work, my fee structure, how I would handle different clients, different situations, illness/vacation, etc. – basically ALL of the details of how I would run my business.  I highly recommend that you take the time to outline your standards as well.  It’s your business, so the way you work and operate your business should be reflective of and work for you.  After doing this you’ll be clear about your boundaries and can then easily (and tactfully) share them with your clients to ensure that you are supported and protected to do your best work.
  4. Fine tune your marketing systems - Some Virtual Assistants have a bad habit of only marketing their business when they need a new client.  That is a big no-no!  As a business owner, you should only be spending your time on two things – 1) serving your clients and 2) marketing your business.  If you don’t have a marketing system in place – meaning a strategic plan for how to consistently present your services/solutions to your ideal clients and enroll them in your practice, then now is the time to implement one.  You should be regularly attending networking events where your ideal clients hang out, following up on leads, engaging in social media and pursuing other effective marketing strategies.  Map out a plan of how you will market your business for the remainder of 2011 and then commit blocks of time on your calendar to work on your marketing efforts.  Marketing your business will be a lot easier (and much more effective) if you consistently and comfortable share what you have to offer instead of operating from panic mode because you need a new client.
  5. Start implementing systems in your business - You likely do some of the same tasks over and over again in serving your clients.  At the very least, each week/month you’re doing bookkeeping, marketing, reporting to your clients on project progress, etc.  As such you should be developing systems for every aspect of your business.  A system is simply a list of guidelines or instructions about how to handle a particular task or project.  It’s a way for you to implement quality control into your Virtual Assistant practice so that you consistently deliver high quality results for yourself and your clients.  It’s a way to save time, because you won’t have to think about or try and remember how to handle a particular project.  And it’s a way to make more money.  “How so?”, you may ask.  Because you can easily delegate certain tasks to someone else, freeing up your time and mental energy to pursue your high-payoff activities.  The more you systematize your business the more organized and profitable you will be.  So, start today in outlining the steps you take to operate your business and serve your clients.  Compile the instructions into one central document or binder and create your own operations manual.  As you continue to grow you’ll have all of the information you need to run your business right at your fingertips.

Likely, you set out to be a Virtual Assistant because you wanted to pursue a career that would give you more control over your schedule and earning potential.  So make it easier on yourself to achieve your goals, by taking steps to tighten up your foundation and get clear on your goals.  Running a successful business obviously takes effort and dedication.  And having a strong infrastructure and a solid plan to follow will ensure that you are spending your time and energy on the activities that will get you the results you want!

YOUR ACTION PLAN FOR THIS WEEK:

  1. Pull out your business plan and schedule time to review and revise it by June 1st..  (If you’re just starting out, set aside time to create your plan by the same date).
  2. Pull year-to-date reports on your financial situation and review them with your bookkeeper or accountant to see what adjustments may need to be made.
  3. Outline the details of how you will run your business so that it is working for YOU, not the other way around.
  4. Review the strategies that have been most effective in marketing your business and then create a plan around how you will consistently implement these tactics to attract new business.
  5. Start creating systems for EVERYTHING you do in your business and compile the information in one central location.

Achieving Goals &Mindset &Organization &Resources &Time Management &Virtual Assistant Sydni Craig-Hart on 08 Apr 2011

Create Systems to Create More Free Time

Savvy Virtual Assistants use documented systems to run their business.  Using systems consistently will allow you to work as effectively and efficiently as possible.  The more you can systemize, the more you can monetize!

machineSystems are the key to your business organization.  It’s a way to ensure that you create consistent high-quality results in everything you do.  This includes bookkeeping, communication, administrative duties, client support and marketing.  Whether you realize it or not, you probably already have a system in place for all of these things. You just haven’t gone through the process of actually documenting the steps involved.

Documentation is the key to helping you streamline your processes so that you handle your workload more quickly.  Once you document your processes for how you handle different tasks, you’ll begin to see how you can either automate them or outsource them.   This will free up time for you to spend on your two primary business activities:  client work and marketing your business.

Another benefit of setting up systems and embracing technology to help you run your business is that your clients see that you are a true professional.  When you invest the time, money and technology to run your business efficiently, you demonstrate that you are running your business like the CEO of a large company rather than a "hobbyist" who makes decisions flying by the seat of her pants.  This sets you apart from your colleagues and makes you a more valuable and respected Virtual Assistant.

Think it this way: why would a client pay you top dollar for your services if you don’t demonstrate that you are the absolute best choice? When clients see that you invest money in your systems that help you work more efficiently on their projects, they will gladly pay you what you are worth because they know they are getting the best service possible.

Setting up systems and embracing technology uniquely prepares you for something else:  growth with your client.  As your relationship grows with your client, they will see you not only as their skilled Virtual Assistant but also as a trusted adviser and business partner.  And when it’s time for them to grow their business by expanding their services or looking at other solutions, they will feel comfortable coming to you for help.  That trust can only be earned by someone who can offer solutions to what the client needs.

At this point, you may be asking yourself, “So where do I start?”

The best place to begin is to document your tasks for a couple of days.  Once you start writing things down, you will see some areas where you can maximize your time by “batching” tasks together.

For example, if you read email every 15 minutes, you probably waste a lot of time reading emails and responding immediately.  This is ineffective for two reasons:  one, you are constantly reading emails and never get into a good rhythm for completing client work and two, you set an unrealistic expectation for your clients about when you’ll respond to them.  If you always reply immediately, a client may start to get impatient with you if you take more than a couple of hours to address their needs.

You can resolve this issue by putting a system in place to set aside specific times of the day to read and respond to emails.  This will allow you to schedule time to review emails and respond so that you free up time to schedule actual client work.

You can also embrace the technology within your email settings to be even more efficient.  For example, you can set up rules to automatically filter specific emails (like newsletters) into a folder.  This helps you control the clutter of your Inbox and you know where to find the newsletters when you have a chance to read them.

These are just a few examples of how you can begin to create systems in your Virtual Assistance business.  Once you get some practice with creating systems and using the technology to help you work more efficiently, you will be pleasantly surprised and how much “FREE” time you have available.  Now, you’ll be in a position to use that time to grow your business, work with more clients or take a well-deserved break!

Achieving Goals &Networking &Virtual Assistant Sydni Craig-Hart on 01 Apr 2011

3 Simple Ways to Attract More Clients…NOW!

“I need more clients!”  Have you ever made this statement about your VA business?

Attracting ideal clients and keeping a full pipeline is often the number one challenge Virtual Assistants face. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest challenges to overcome. By consistently implementing a few simple steps, you will be well on your way to achieving your business goals.

The struggle to attract ideal clients is often rooted in a lack of clarity, focus and planning.  Remember, when you have clarity of vision for your business, it is easier for your ideal clients to see it as well. So, you first need to know WHO exactly is your ideal client, what makes them ideal and what solutions they are looking for. Also, it’s important to narrow and focus your attention on one particular demographic. This will allow you to be more strategic with your efforts and spend your marketing time wisely. The planning is important too, because allows you to outline exactly what you are going to do on a  monthly,  weekly and daily basis to connect with ideal prospects, instead of leaving it to chance.

Once you’ve gotten clear on your target market, ideal client and what they need, it’s time to start taking action.  Here are three simple strategies for attracting ideal clients to your business NOW:

  1. Reconnect with past clients – Studies have proven time and again that it’s far easier to sell to an existing client than a new one.  So use this to your advantage!  NOW is a great time to reconnect with past clients and catch up with them.  Find out what’s new with them, what their goals are and offer to help them create their next level of success.  You can even create a special incentive to honor the relationship and encourage them to engage your services once again.
  2. Networking – If you want to catch “fish” you’ve got to fish where the fish are.  In this case your ideal catch is your ideal client. Targeted, focused networking is an excellent way to connect with ideal prospects en-masse. That doesn’t mean randomly attending networking events just because they’re available or you’re invited.  It means researching where your ideal clients are congregating and meeting them where they are.  It also mean showing up as a friendly, helpful, engaging resource, listening more than you talk and focusing your comments on how you solve your clients problems.  Most of all effective networking is all about PROMPT follow-up.
  3. Power Partnerships – Obviously, you aren’t the only service professional targeting your ideal client.  For example, if you are a professional organizer, it’s likely that a personal chef, interior designer, landscaper, painter and real estate agent in your area are also seeking to connect with your ideal prospects.  Or if you are a virtual assistant you will find that graphic designers, bookkeepers, CPAs, business coaches and marketing coaches are targeting your ideal clients.  That is a GOOD thing! You can significantly boost the reach of your marketing efforts by leveraging their network and cross promoting one another's services.

Marketing consistently is always easier when you see where you want to be, so clearly, you can almost taste it! You’ll have no problem putting in the time it takes, or coming up with creative ideas, when your own clarity has grown your enthusiasm to such a level that you’re actually energized by your marketing efforts.  Your energy is very attractive to others – your enthusiasm keeps the pipeline full of those who are looking for the very same in their own lives!

Which of the strategies shared can you implement in your business next week?  Share your thoughts and your plan by leaving a comment below!

Your Action Plan For The Week:

  1. Make a list of your past clients and what their situation was when they last worked with you.  Schedule time on your calendar to reconnect with them, and present a special offer to re-enroll as a client.
  2. Take inventory of your network and look for other service professionals who are targeting the same market as you and who could provide valuable information or resources to your clients.  Then, schedule a lunch or coffee date to discuss how you can collaborate to serve each other’s audience.
  3. Review your ideal client profile and research where they are hanging out, offline and online.  Get yourself registered to attend the next live event and start participating in relevant online networks to create visibility for your expertise and positioning yourself as a resource.

Achieving Goals Sydni Craig-Hart on 07 Jan 2011

Achieving Your Goals in 2011

It's a New Year!  Time for a fresh start and a new approach to succeeding as a Virtual Assistant. 

Whatever happened in 2010, whether you dragged your feet a bit in starting your VA business, struggled with a rocky foundation, or didn't achieve some of the goals you set for yourself...let it go.  You can learn from past experiences and make the decision - now - to do things differently.

Consider what your version of a successful virtual assistant business in 2011 looks like. What exactly would you like to accomplish?  Have you set aside time to outline your plan for success?

I'll share a secret with you.  One of the greatest contributing factors to my success, as a former VA and now as a business and marketing coach, has been my practice to regularly take stock of what’s working, and what’s not working, in my business.  Then, based on the facts in front of me, I establish reachable goals for myself, which forces me to make any needed adjustments and also enables me to measure my progress.

I encourage you to do the same. Analyze what did, and did not, work well for you last year. Take note of what you’d like to do differently in 2011. Once you are clear on where you're at and where you'd like to be, then it’s time to start setting your goals.  Setting goals is a critical factor to your success as a Virtual Assistant because:

  • Setting goals gives you something specific to work towards
  • Working toward goals allows you to measure your progress
  • When you stay focused on your goals you will be more likely to say no to distractions that could delay your progress

To get started, imagine what your ideal business looks like.  Visualize your ideal clients; what they look like, the work you do for them, how you interact.  Consider how many hours per week you'll work IN your business and ON your business?  What is your gross revenue each month, including a healthy profit margin?  How are you making a difference in your client’s lives?  As you clarify the vision for your business, you’ll be able to set your goals, which in turn, will help you bring that vision to life.

Why is this important?  Another key to success is to not set random, ambiguous goals, but to establish clear objectives that align with your personal vision of success.  You must work toward YOUR vision, not someone else’s.  Your vision has to be your own!

Setting and achieving your business goals will increase your confidence, improve the quality of the services you offer, and make you more attractive to prospective clients. When defining goals for your virtual assistant company, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

  • Your goals must be specific.  Don't say, “I want to make more mon.ey in my business” or “I need more clients”.  Be specific with your goals and select a number.  Define how much revenue you would like to generate and exactly how many clients you’d like to enroll in your practice.
  • Your goals must have a deadline.  Again, ambiguity won’t serve you here.  Set a specific date by which you plan to achieve the goal.  This way, you can easily break the goal down into manageable action steps that you then schedule and execute on a weekly basis.
  • Your goals must be reasonable.  You should stretch yourself a bit past your comfort zone so that you really have to step up your game to achieve the desired result.  Be careful not to set yourself up for frustration by setting a goal that is too high for you, right now.  For example, if you currently have zero clients, deciding you want to have 10 clients within the next 30 days may not be realistic.  But you could certainly attract 2 new clients within the next month.  Set goals that are a bit of a stretch, yet still attainable.

As you consider what you would like to accomplish, analyze the different aspects of your business which can bring your vision of business success to life – such as:

  • How many clients you have now – and exactly how many you’d like to have
  • What marketing strategies you pursue now – and those you would like to participate in
  • How you will consistently market your services - vs. what you are doing now
  • What services you offer now – vs. what your ideal client actually needs
  • How you can run your business more efficiently – vs. where you may be wasting time, energy, or financial resources
  • What type of support you have to continually grow your business– and what you need to put in place

Remember, it’s YOUR business.  Owning your goals and making them work for your situation is what will set you apart from other virtual assistants.  You will continue to stand out when you maintain your focus, because you will be actively accomplishing more in your business than VAs who are simply copying ideas from others. 

True success as an entrepreneur is based on making consistent progress, therefore, once you have accomplished a goal, set another reasonable goal, along with a deadline for achieving it.  This will keep you moving forward, preventing you from being left behind or overcome by the rest of the pack!

Share your goals for 2011 by commenting here on my blog.

Achieving Goals &Mindset &Organization Sydni Craig-Hart on 17 Sep 2010

Overcome Two Common Challenges To Succeeding As A Virtual Assistant

Life is riddled with challenges. There are roadblocks to becoming a successful parent or spouse. There are certain difficulties that hinder strong friendships and family ties. There are challenges to remaining financially, emotionally, physically and spiritually healthy. Therefore, whether you have a job or run your own company, you will meet obstacles. The key that unlocks the door to personal success is knowing how to meet and defeat challenges. What might prevent you from attaining victory in your Virtual Assistant practice?

Overcoming Fear

What fears do you hold close to your heart? There are some fears that we tend to plant and cultivate. Fear is natural and normal to experience. It is a mechanism employed by the subconscious mind that attempts to keep us safe and out of harm's way. This fear prevents us from making unwise decisions, but can also prevent us from embarking on new endeavors. That is why red flags and bells go off in our mind when we step outside of our comfort zone. That is why your palms get sweaty and you start to get the jitters when you reach the edge of your comfort zone.

This is the perfect time to host a conversation with your fear. Ask your fear, "What is the worst that can happen?" Ask too, "Why do you want to hold me back from trying this new endeavor?" (This is actually a conversation with yourself that acknowledges the fear you are experiencing). Fear is appropriate. That is why it is so important to engage it and analyze it. Efforts to suppress it are counterproductive.

What fears do you have with regards to running your very own successful virtual assistance company? Are you fearful that you may not acquire clients and have enough income? You might be concerned healthcare and retirement plans. You may have several fears that are trying to keep you "safe". This is good news! Acknowledge, analyze and confront every fear that you have. Start by writing them down. Then have a conversation with them one by one. This will allow your mind to open up to the many solutions that are available.

Defeat Overwhelm

One of your fears may be that of getting overwhelmed. You know that you are great at the work you do. That is why you desire to be in business for yourself. "But, there is so much responsibility and work that is involved in being an entrepreneur," you say. That is true!

What can prevent and/or rescue you from overwhelm? It is necessary to implement systems into your business. A system is a structured method to run every aspect of you business. If you have to re-invent the wheel every time you do filing, billing or even turning a prospect into a client, this will lead to overwhelm and discouragement. Let's analyze the example of enrolling a new client. Do you have a system for transforming new contacts into prospects and prospects into paying clients?

Here is a simple method:

  1. Meet a new contact
  2. Conversation leads to business interest
  3. Collect contact information
  4. Contact is now a prospect
  5. Follow up with prospect (card or phone call)
  6. Schedule a business call
  7. Have prospect fill out an assessment form
  8. Prepare for business call using the assessment form
  9. Business call is progressing wellY
  10. ou decide you would like to work with prospect
  11. Move into sales conversation
  12. Prospect now becomes a client or a contact to follow up with later
  13. [here is where you complete the process for your new clients and former prospects]

After running your systems a few times it will become second nature. You should implement a system for every segment of your business so that your work can become BRAINLESS. This takes less energy defeats overwhelm and saves time. Which means you make AND save more mo.ney.  Write out each of your systems for quick future reference and you’ll find yourself making faster progress than ever before.

Overcoming fear and overwhelm is not necessarily easy. It is, rather, a process of becoming familiar with your way of thinking and performing.  And it requires a shift in your mindset.  If you want different results, you need to have different behavior.  We all are a work in progress. Wouldn't you like to make your work a lot easier on yourself and become a successful Virtual Assistant?  You can do so by defeating fear and overwhelm.

Action Steps For This Week:

  1. Identify the fears that stump your business growth.Write down your fears and have a conversation with them.
  2. Pick two aspects of your business to create systems for and complete by next week.
  3. Share your fears and your systems by commenting on the blog.

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