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Hiring an Assistant

Jun 302009

I hired an in-house assistant four months ago. I’ve had subcontractors that helped me out with things and a VA who assisted me with some random administrative items over the years but in March I took the plunge and hired someone who comes to my office. Makayla ROCKS. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without her.

I read this article today and wanted at my own thoughts on the points the author made.

1. Assess the Situation — it was a tough decision for me to decide to hire someone. Some of the reason’s I’ll get to in a minute, but really it came down to I was tired of working so much and feeling like I was falling behind. I have said this many time but I work to live, not live to work. I take my business very seriously, but it’s only one part of my life…it’s not my life. And I had gotten to the point where I needed help. I did look at my situation and realized that I really wanted someone part-time and I wanted someone that was trainable in the ways I do business. I placed an ad and the response that most impressed me was from a younger college student. (Plus it helped that she was the ONLY person who actually “passed” the three “tests” I put in the job posting.) After meeting her I knew that she was the perfect solution to my problem.

2. Letting Go of Control — This has been a HUGE struggle for me. Like many business owners, I’m a control freak. I’ve built this company to where it is today and I want things done my way. I’m not saying my way is the only way but if you want me to pay you to do something I want it done my way. If you have a better way, I’ll listen to it and am open to discussing it — I’m not closed-minded. But, the bigger struggle has been to determine things that I can hand off to my assistant to make ME more productive. Because really, being more productive is why I have her.

3. Trust Your Instincts — this has proved itself to me but when I was hiring my assistant I doubted my choice. When I placed my ad I put three “tests” within the ad to see if the person could follow them. I ended up only calling one person because out of the responses I got she’s the ONLY person who passed all the tests. (And, before you think my tests were too hard or too hidden they were specific questions I wanted answered in their response.) After I met the person I hired I felt certain that she was “the one” but doubted myself because I had not talked to anyone else. I’m so glad I went with my instincts. I truly believe in trusting your instincts in most areas of life.

4. Managing Your Time — this kind of goes with my letting go of control issue. I’ve really had to look at where I spend my time, what is most produtive for me, what would be better for me to hand off. I have too weigh the time it will take to train her on a new task vs. the time it will take me to complete it. I have to determine where my time is best spent and I’ve had to learn to pass things off. This has been a learning event for me, I know longer have to do everything myself but that means not doing everything myself.

Hiring an assistant whether someone who works in-house or virtually has been an amazing experience for me. It’s been hard at times but worth every heart ache I’ve felt in letting go.

IRS may regulate tax return preparers

In the News No Responses »

Jun 152009

You can read the full article here. I’m a little irked by this. I think the article didn’t help, though when they quote someone from H&R Block in support of the proposed regulation. I prepare tax returns. I don’t do a lot of them but am qualified to prepare them. I do have some companies that I referred clients to for a variety of reasons.

This one line in the article pretty much sums it up for me: “The regulation would be hardest on the large swath of small tax preparation companies.” Of course, H&R Block’s chairman strongly supports this proposed regulation.

Imagine that.

Oh well…depending on what the requirements are we’ll see what happens to that service offering of mine.

Another super happy customer

Marketing Tips, Useful Tips, Website Reviews No Responses »

Jun 122009

I was adventurous this week and created a new website. It’s a personal thing, not a big deal. I decided I wanted to do it all on my own. So, I did. I was so proud of myself. From start (buying the domain) to finish (up and looking great) I did it MYSELF. Now that might not be a big deal to most people, but it’s huge for me. I am really pretty web-tech stupid. I admit it. I pay people to do that stuff for me. It works. But, I wanted to do this one on my own. So, I did and I was very pleased with myself.

Well, I wanted to do something to the header so I needed to call a friend to help me get the header to play with. No problem, only I made a mistake when I did it and changed a password on something that resulted in ALL FIVE of my blogs disappearing from the web. I was in a panic. I literally almost cried. I called my friend, she said to call the hosting company. I went online to get their number and they have a click, click, click contact form. I figured that was easy (and I didn’t have to verbally tell someone I’m an idiot) so I did that. I had a response in 2 minutes (I’m not joking — 2 MINUTES) that they’d fixed it. I had just referenced one of my blogs so they just fixed that. I realized it didn’t fix all of them so I sheepishly e-mailed back and, again, in an extremely short amount of time (it was lunch time too) I got a response that they’d fixed it all.

I can’t tell you enough how much I love this company. If they can make it simple for this web-tech moron to not screw up then I know anyone will love them. So, if you’re ever looking for a webhost, choose DreamHost. They ROCK!

Here’s from my recommendation page and a coupon code for you if you choose them.

I host all my websites here. This is the third host I’ve had in the years I’ve had websites. By far this is my favorite. As I hinted at, I have multiple websites. With many hosts (some cheaper than this one) you have to purchase a separate hosting plan for each website. Not here. You can host as many sites as you want on one plan. (There is a size limit but, seriously, it’s large! I have five websites on my plan and will be adding a fifth soon. Every day that you remain with them you earn more space. Note: when you sign up put my promo code: TOSVA and you’ll save $20 on your first 12 month’s. Can’t beat that.

Speaking of networking…

In the News, Marketing Tips No Responses »

Jun 052009

Tom over at OffAssistposted a link to a great article today: Does Anyone Know What Networking Really Means Anymore? Perfect timing for me since I have this big networking event tonight. I printed out the article and am sharing with my cohorts of the evening.

I would disagree with the author when she says that communicating via technology is not networking. I think many people consider it networking and do not do it properly. But, if done properly, I believe it can be a good form of networking. I know of a few instances where I can say I’ve very successfully built a network relationship strictly via technology communication.

What do you think?

See you tonight at Face2Face.

Face2Face

Useful Tips 1 Response »

Jun 042009

If you are in the north Idaho area tomorrow be sure you stop by to see me at the NetworkINCDA Face2Face Networking event. I’ve attached the flyer with some information or you can just read it here.

June 5, 2009 5PM to 9PM
Coeur d’Alene Resort Conference Center

I’ll be wandering around the room at times but I’ll also be at the Inland Northwest Virtual Assistants Alliance table.

See you there.

The SBA Sees a Lending Shift

Business Management, In the News No Responses »

Jun 032009

I read this article this morning and from experience with one of my larger clients all I can say is “DUH!”.

This particular client is very successful, has a lot of work contracted for, hasn’t seen much (if any) slow down in his business. However, due to his line of work he often doesn’t get paid for work completed for about 60 days AFTER he’s started the work. That’s normal. So, he relies on a line of credit with his bank to cover payroll and other expenses during that time. It’s typical for this company to utilize the line of credit then pay it off completely after about 30 days. His bank recently decided his industry, not his company or him but his INDUSTRY was too risky and pulled his line of credit.

He has a business credit card that, unfortunately, has a higher interest rate, but he’s had to use that recently in order to make things work. He contacted another bank and they had the same response “your INDUSTRY is too risky right now” so they wouldn’t lend him.

So, it’s no surprise to me that the SBA is seeing a lending shift. It’s not fun, it scares me because the banks generalization could inpact this client of mine and could force him to have to turn down work (good, profitable work) because he won’t be able to float payroll like he needs to.

Go Home Already

Down Time, In the News No Responses »

Jun 022009

Today is the 5th Annual Leave the Office Early Day.

Are you leaving early today? What are you plans for the day if you take off early? If I can manage it, here’s what I’ll be doing when I LEAVE EARLY.

See you on the lake.

Another Marketing example

Marketing Tips 2 Responses »

May 262009

I’ve been wanting to write about this company for a couple months now, I even e-mailed to get their permission a couple months ago but then this thing called work got in the way and it kept getting postponed. Well, postpone no longer.

I’m intrigued by marketing, the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’ve seen the ugly and the bad, they don’t get my business. The good, I like to talk about. And, frankly, that’s the point, right?!? So, if someone catches my eye I’m going to tell you about them, tell you what catches my eye and, hopefully, help you do the same. (Catch my eye that is, which usually results in catching some of my green.)

Unique Motif is a local home decore store: Unique Home Decor and Gifts for the Unique in You! They happen to be located next to the place I pick up pizza from most often so I happened in one day because the stuff just calls to you. So, what makes their marketing stand out to me? Their newsletter!

Usually when I’m asked to sign up for a drawing or newsletter I turn it down because I don’t want to get “one more” e-mail newsletter in my inbox. Seriously, I get A LOT and don’t need another one. But, when I was in the store I was so intrigued by what they had (and their SALE and CLEARANCE shelves) that I signed up. I got the first newsletter and rolled my eyes but decided to take a glance (I think a birthday was coming so I wanted to see if there was a sale that would supply a gift). I took my glance and read the ENTIRE newsletter. Now that may not seem notworthy to most, but it truly is. I don’t read newsletters (sorry). But, this one I read from top to bottom, then saved it and read a part of it again later. I actually look forward to reading this newsletter each week (plus I get to see if I won a gift certificate).

So, why do I read this newsletter and not all the others? The owner tells me stories. I LOVE stories. The first one I read was about a trip he and his wife had taken that weekend which reminded him of travels from years ago (yes, it’s been months and I STILL remember it!).

So my tip from this marketing winner: send newsletter that people WANT to read. Plus sales and free stuff helps.

Do you have a good example of a well written marketing newsletter?

Posting rates on your website

So, you wanna be a VA No Responses »

Mar 252009

I’m becoming a regular on the 2 Minutes with a VA vlog. My recent post was responding to the question should you post your rates on your website? This is one of the first posts that’s actually more than 2 minutes, there are two responses talking about the pros and cons. Of course, I gave my opinions on the cons of posting your rates.

Check out my response to “Should a VA post their rates on their website?” and please comment.

New VAs check out my guest Vlog

So, you wanna be a VA 1 Response »

Mar 132009

I made my second appearance on 2 Minutes of a VA this morning. If you haven’t checked out the site, please do. Great information. This morning I answered a question from Tami, a new VA who asked “I’m just getting started and thought subcontracting would be a good way to learn the ropes. Is it a good idea to start calling or e-mailing other VAs looking for work?” See my response and please leave a video, audio, or text comment, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this question.

Here’s the direct link to How does a Virtual Assistant become a subcontractor?

ETA…right after I posted this I got a notification that another VA wrote a response to this on her blog. Check out Sally of Virtual Simplicity‘s post Please Hire Me!

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