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On Your Mark…Get Set…GROW! New VA Coaching Program – Get Your FREE Trial!

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:05:56 +0000

Ready to take charge of your business for success in 2012? Consider my new group coaching program starting in January!

Are you stuck? Do you feel like you’re missing something in moving your business forward?

If you’re like most VA professionals (or prospective VAs), you’re very good at what you do; however, you haven’t mastered the business aspects that can take your business to the next level. What’s missing; what’s not your strong suit; what can you do NOW to make sure that you’re in a strong and growing business for years to come?

Before we go any further, let’s agree that you’ve done nothing wrong; that you started this business because you had superior talents to offer prospective clients; and that you just need to find the knowledge and establish a system that will provide the results that haven’t been a part of your success, no matter what you do or try.

There is a solution…there is help. What if you could start making more money without working so hard; without having to design your business a certain way, but were able to get real solutions to growing your practice to fit your dream business model?

There’s certainly no ‘one-size-fits-all’ option for a VA practice, and you shouldn’t have to work with VA teams, donate hours of your time to your coach’s clients that the coach gets paid handsomely for, or work with third world country providers in order to make more money and model your business based on someone else’s ‘system’. Whatever your reason for wanting your own business, you can have a business on your terms, and in record time.

Are you ready to take the steps you need to lead the life you deserve?

Ever wonder why some VAs seem to have an easier time of things?

Do you still get overwhelmed when considering a price increase?

Are you still charging the same rates as you did 3-years ago?

Have you considered packages, the latest thing in VA programs, but don’t know where to start?

What consistent marketing are you using and how successful is it?

If this sounds like you, then my Virtual Assistance Inner Track program may be the perfect fit to increase your success in 2012! And I’ll even let you try the program for one month FREE!

Try a one-month free trial inmy Virtual Assistance Inner Track program that provides everything you need to take the steps necessary to build the business of your dreams and lead the life you’ve always imagined! Here’s what you’ll receive during the trial program:

· One month’s direct access to my monthly teleseminar sessions for VAs, discussing in detail the topics as outlined on our home page at http://www.VAbizcoach.com ;

· One month of direct access to ask me any question you want on how to successfully take your business to the next level. This Q&A session will take place at the end of each month’s teleconference call;

· An audio recording of each month’s teleconference sent to you by email;

· A highlight of each month’s teleconference sent to you via email;

· Direct access to call me during my special monthly call-in times. I’ve set aside two hours each month for my Inner Track members to reserve telephone coaching appointments with me. If you reserve an appointment with me, we’ll work together on your business in a private coaching session. This is on a first-come first-served basis for Inner Track members who take action every month and reserve appointments with me immediately. Members who wait may find that they’ve all previously been taken by other members.

Check out our monthly topics at: http://www.VAbizcoach.com and find more information about the free trial and on-going program. Live sessions are held the Third Thursday of every month beginning at 3:00 PM Eastern!

Once you become a member of Jeannine’s Virtual Assistance Inner Track, you will also receive access to these additional bonuses to create explosive business results:

· Access to our Online Community which includes coaching lessons, resources/information about growing your practice, audios/videos, a discussion group listserve, and fresh information every month (Priceless)

· Two free reports to continue to expand your business knowledge ($75 value)

· 30-minute one-on-one coaching session ($75 value)

· And more…

This is not like anything else you’ve been exposed to, no matter whose coaching program you’ve tried. Put my more than 14-years of business experience in the VA industry to work for YOU!

Visit http://vabizcoach.com/inner-track.html to find out more and apply for your FREE trial. After your FREE trial you can call or E-mail Jeannine at anytime (at least 10-days before the next call) if you no longer want to continue your membership in the program. And, if you continue in the program after your free trial, your credit card will be billed just $47 monthly, for each month you remain in the program.

There’s no long-term contractual agreement to stay in the program for any amount of time, but I know you’ll want to if you’re really ready to focus on improving and being accountable to growing your business.

Don’t wait any longer to re-invent your business and increase your success in 2012! You have nothing to lose by giving us a try. Visit: http://www.VAbizcoach.com and take the plunge. You’ll be so glad you did.

Jeannine Clontz, provides professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s). Learn more about Time Management for Virtual Assistants by downloading her FREE report “A Fresh Look at Time Management for Virtual Assistants”, or request her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”, and more by visiting: http://www.VAbizcoach.com ; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

On Your Mark…Get Set…GROW! New VA Coaching Program – Get Your FREE Trial! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED in Kindle and eBook formats!

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:54:56 +0000

We are pleased to announce that the Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice – in Kindle and eBook versions has been released.

“We had to make several adjustments and offer the contracts and forms as a separately requested download, to successfully offer a Kindle version that we’re sure will be a welcome addition,” said Co-Author, Jeannine Clontz, “But the eBook was a natural offering for our tech-savvy readers!”

The eBook version is available only at the Entrepreneurial Freedom website, at: http://entrepreneurialfreedom.com/order/, and there is also a link to the Kindle version (only $9.99) on the same page. Purchases of all versions, except the eBook are also available at Amazon.com.

For a limited time (through December 31, 2011) the print version of the Second Edition, book and companion workbook are being offered at a 20% discount. This discount is not available on Amazon.com purchases.

Get your copies here:

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Paperback – https://www.createspace.com/3614006

Discount code: J7S85URA

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Companion Workbook – https://www.createspace.com/3656289

Discount Code: J7S85URA

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take the next steps to grow your practice; this book will help you decide whether or not you have what it takes, and give step-by-step details, information and resources to building a successful and ethical business. This book teaches you to:

Use business plans; contracts; and record keeping
Develop your Brand
Network
Handle difficult clients
Collect from non-paying clients
Develop a ‘professional’ YOU
Create a marketing plan
Use social media to expand and grow
Grow your business with employees or independent contractors
Shorten your learning curve by reading the real-life experiences of 21 established, professional entrepreneurs
And much, much more!

The print book and companion workbook are also used for an online 10-week teleclass offered by co-author, Jeannine Clontz. Our next class starts in January 2012 – for more information visit: http://vabizcoach.com/starters.html

Now is a great time to start a Virtual Assistance practice, or take your business to the next level. Find out what our readers have to say about Entrepreneurial Freedom: http://entrepreneurialfreedom.com/comments and then order your copy TODAY!

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED in Kindle and eBook formats! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Taking Monday Off Before the Melbourne Cup? Join Us for an Open Discussion About Being a Virtual Assistant!

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 21:47:50 +0000

Taking the Monday off before the Melbourne Cup?

Join us for an open discussion about being or becoming a virtual assistant – we share business challenges, resources, and have an informal chat about anything participants would like to discuss during this open forum.

We’ll also be sharing information about the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA.org), the premier industry association representing the interests of Virtual Assistants (VAs) in Australia and worldwide.

Find out about the benefits of membership, how the Association promotes the industry and educates prospects on the value and benefits of working with VAs, as well as, their commitment to providing education and certifications to savvy VAs looking to strengthen and grow their businesses.

To register to attend this event (which will be held every Monday at 5:30 PM Melbourne) click on the link below or copy/paste it into your Internet browser. Once you register, you will receive a reminder each week to attend these free IVAA Australia Coffee Chats unless you opt-out.

Registration Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/744677282

Taking Monday Off Before the Melbourne Cup? Join Us for an Open Discussion About Being a Virtual Assistant! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Join Me – Host for our first ever IVAA Australia Coffee Chat – 5:30 PM Melbourne 10/17

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:56:13 +0000

Join me, Monday, October 17, at 5:30 PM Melbourne, as I host our first ever, IVAA Australia Coffee Chat. I am so looking forward to speaking with current and soon-to-be virtual assistants from Down Under as we share business challenges, resources, and have an informal chat about anything participants would like to discuss during this open forum.

Registration Web Link: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/999467442

Remember, everyone is welcome! You do NOT have to be a member of IVAA.org to participate.

Join me, it’s going to be a fun time and a great way to get answers to those burning business questions and challenges from me, and other VAs who are more than willing to support and encourage you to keep your business growing!

Join Me – Host for our first ever IVAA Australia Coffee Chat – 5:30 PM Melbourne 10/17 is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED at 20% off!

Jeannine Clontz — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 21:10:45 +0000

We are pleased to announce that the Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice –paperback, as well as, the Companion Workbook have been released.

“When the First Edition was released in 2005, Social Media was just beginning to come on the scene and taking shape as a viable and reasonably priced option for marketing a small business, like a VA practice, said Jeannine Clontz, Co-Author. That, plus a host of new and improved options for running a home-based business had come of age and caused us to believe the timing was right to expand the book into these important areas.”

To kick-start sales of the Second Edition, authors Clontz and Hidden are offering a 20% discount for all paperback sales of the book and companion workbook.

Get your copies here:

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Paperback - https://www.createspace.com/3614006

Discount code: J7S85URA

Entrepreneurial Freedom – Companion Workbook - https://www.createspace.com/3656289

Discount Code: mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;color:#1F497D;
mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">J7S85URA

COMING SOON! In the next few weeks we will be releasing an eBook and Kindle version of Entrepreneurial Freedom – stay tuned!

Business Essentials For a Virtual Assistance Practice – a 10-week in-depth training program!

If you’re just getting your business started, or frustrated with the slow growth you’re experiencing, let Entrepreneurial Freedom help grow your business in the right direction.

Our next training class utilizing the book and workbook will begin on October 19^th (to accommodate the IVAA Online Summit – then switching to Thursdays beginning October 27th) and end December 29^th (We will not meet on Thanksgiving Day) – find out more and reserve your spot at: http://vabizcoach.com/starters.html Please note, the cost of your book and workbook for the class are included in the price of the program.

Are you ready to take the plunge?
Are you ready to create the business of your dreams?
Read on…

The Business Essentials for a Virtual Assistance Practice program, is a ten-week course (60-90-minutes per week) designed to take you step-by-step through the process of starting or growing your VA practice. Utilizing the companion workbook, you’ll quickly see how it will allow you to formulate your ideas, plans, and dreams.

Beyond the scope of knowledge covered in each Chapter, you’ll also have access to the results of our VA survey, sample documents and contracts. Everything you’ll need to get your small business off the ground and growing in the right direction.

Each week we will go in-depth covering all the information in each Chapter, assist you in developing your workbooks, and there will even be two sessions completely devoted to Q&A.

BUT THERE’S MORE!
Here’s what I Promise You This WILL Be

This is a hands-on, no-pitch, “Get ‘er Done” Program

This is going to be a very different kind of program than you may be accustomed to. It’s going to be “all Jeannine, all the time.” There will NOT be a parade of people trying to sell you piles of stuff. This is NOT a case where the program is a ‘come on’ so you’ll buy something else. It’s going to be high-content, focused content, where you’ll get everything you need to get your business going and get out of your own way in getting there.

This program is geared ONLY toward entrepreneurs and solopreneurs working together, laughing together and growing together. I will help you create breakthroughs and teach you how to setup and grow a profitable VA practice while you will create amazing relationships and networking opportunities that will help build your confidence and build a business where you can make more money and have more time off to enjoy it all.

Because isn’t that what this is all about? Isn’t that WHY you want to be, or are in business for yourself? If you don’t see a way to have money, time and freedom right now, you may as well go back and get a corporate job.

Find out more and sign-up TODAY! http://vabizcoach.com/starters.html

Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom: How to Start and Grow A Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice RELEASED at 20% off! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Seven Tips for Raising Rates

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:18:37 +0000

Like most industries, raising your rates is a delicate process that many virtual assistants and small business owners fear. While understanding what prospects are willing to pay for your particular product or service is key to growing and maintaining your business, sometimes it’s as easy as learning that you need to generate a certain amount of business at certain fees in order to keep afloat.

We’ve looked at packages as an alternative to actually having to disclose your rates, to help clients get a better feel for what can be accomplished in a certain amount of time, or to complete a certain project, but it still needs to be based on a rate that allows you to keep your business running, while providing you with the income necessary to live a reasonable lifestyle.

I’m sure you, and your clients have noticed that everything is on the rise, gasoline prices, food, healthcare, etc., requiring you to adjust the way you do business in order to remain profitable.

Here are my seven tips to help you raise your rates:

How much do you want to make? Decide how much money you want and need to make, both on a personal level and to manage to save some money to keep your business going and take on new ventures.
Fees should be based on your level of expertise, especially if you are providing services. Those who have lots of experience, perhaps continued education and certifications, not to mention maintaining expensive software programs, can and should charge higher rates. If you’re like me and consistently increasing your experience through trainings, and special programs, you should be charging a higher rate than many others who don’t take the time.
Don’t let the fear of losing business stop you from raising rates – We’ve all had those nagging thoughts about all of our clients taking their business elsewhere if we even consider raising rates, or maybe you believe you’re not worth it – whatever the case might be, know that you provide a valuable service or product (or you wouldn’t be in business) and you won’t lose much, if any business when you increase your pricing – at least that’s what most people have indicated, and what I have experienced over the many price increases I’ve taken.
Like creating packages, your fees should represent the value and benefit of the results you provide to the client. If you’re solving an important issue or problem in their business, they’ll be willing to pay an appropriate fee.
Test the market first. Many times before I plan to take an increase I will test the market by quoting a higher rate to a prospect, just to see if the market will bear my new rate. As I continue to quote the higher rate to new clients it helps me to substantiate taking the increase across the board. Many times I will give current clientele 6-months at the old rate before it takes effect for them. This is a great way to let them know you care and want to earn their business for many years to come.
Evaluate your current client base. We all have a few clients that we hang onto because we really like them, but they are not profitable to our business. Remember, you are in business to make money, this is not personal. Let them be the first to approach with your price increase. If they are not willing to continue working with you at the higher rate, they really weren’t the right client for you anyway. You were wasting your valuable time on the wrong type of client. Offer to refer them out to someone else who is able to provide them with the products or services they need at a price they can afford. This will free up your time to find new, more profitable clients.
Check the competition – look at some of your competitors and find out what kinds of rates they’re charging to be sure you are not really behind the market on pricing. Try to compare yourself to someone who has the same level of expertise so that you’re taking a look at someone who would be equal to what you’re able to produce and, if you find several people at the same level of expertise with a wide range of rates, check to be sure they’re doing the same kind of work/projects you do, as well as, how the different rates may average out.

This is a great time to take a close look at your rates and packages and decide what will serve you and your clients best.

INVENTORY BLOW OUT WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!

The Second Edition of Entrepreneurial Freedom – How to Start & Grow & Virtual Assistance Practice is due to be released in a few weeks, so we’re BLOWING OUT remaining First Edition copies at HALF PRICE!

While supplies last, get your First Edition copy of Entrepreneurial Freedom for only $9.98 – BUT THAT’S NOT ALL! Save on shipping, too! Only $2.98 – a $1.00/book savings!

Want to save even more?

Purchase the First Edition Companion Workbook, while supplies last at a REDUCED PRICE, TOO!

Add the First Edition Entrepreneurial Freedom Companion Workbook for only $6.50 (A $6.45 savings) and bring down your shipping costs to $3.98 – a $2.00 savings!

Don’t wait, quantities are limited. You MUST place your order at www.EntrepreneurialFreedom.com to take advantage of our Inventory Blowout pricing*!

(*) = not applicable on any sales through Amazon.com For orders in quantities higher than 5-copies, please contact us at: sales@entrepreneurialfreedom.com for more details and savings!

Seven Tips for Raising Rates is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Virtual Assistant (VA) Trends – Packages

Jeannine Clontz — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:12:42 +0000

As the virtual assistant industry has continued to evolve I have seen some trends that have helped improve our ability to promote our services while helping prospects and clients understand the value and benefit of working with virtual professionals.

One of them is the transition away from quoting hourly rates to creating packages that identify for the client what can be accomplished in what period of time and at what cost.

As my business has grown, so have my rates. It’s a natural transition as I gain additional knowledge, purchase additional software and hardware and provide additional services to current and potential VA clients.

One of the most challenging things during the initial contact with a prospect is helping to establish my value when we get to the ‘what’s your rate’ segment. It’s difficult for prospects to understand what a VA can accomplish in an hour, and the scope of knowledge, expertise, and partnership we bring to the table; so quoting them an hourly rate simply confuses the issue and may tend to turn the prospect off, or create a price shopper where one may not have existed.

Instead, when the rate question arises I try to get more information about the prospect’s need and create a package based on that need, which gives them the total cost, per month, or per project, to accomplish their goals.

I have found that my ability to ‘close the sale’ has far exceeded what I was able to close simply quoting an hourly rate. My close ratio has increased by about 65%.

So how do you handle the rate question when speaking with a prospect for the first time? Are you embracing packages, staying with a retainer model and selling a block of hours, or quoting an hourly rate establishing to the prospect’s satisfaction what can be accomplished in an hour to attain their ultimate goal?

I have found it much easier to establish my value to the prospect using the package option and still maintain the higher caliber clientele and ideal client that fits my practice best.

Have you transitioned to packages? Are you using retainers or quoting by the hour? I value your input and comments on this topic, please share them below!

Virtual Assistant (VA) Trends – Packages is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

Client’s View on Virtual Assistants Featured in NBEA Newsletter!

Jeannine Clontz — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 16:27:10 +0000

As the Virtual Assistance industry continues to evolve, more and more organizations are promoting and endorsing the use and growth of the Virtual Office Professional.

The March issue of the NBEA’s (National Business Education Association) Newsletter was focused on “The Virtual Office Professional (VOP)” and featured several of my client’s views, as well as those of my colleague, Terri Orlowski of Beyond the Office.

Not yet being provided electronically, here are the highlights of the article: “The Entrepreneur’s Entrepreneur: The Virtual Office Professional (VOP), The Client’s View”

“Solopreneurs, such as life and business coaches, independent legal and real estate professionals, and consultants, are among the businesses that hire virtual office professionals. Keying In interviewed some of these solopreneurs to get insights on their expectations of and their experiences with virtual assistants.

We hope this information will be useful to you as you guide and advise individuals aspiring to this profession and or build a course or a curriculum around this career. This sidebar offers additional insights on a company that provides "hybrid" services to small businesses that need an extra pair of hands, on-site or virtual, as they hurdle through growth spurts and the impacts these spurts have on their business processes (see "Providing a Hybrid of Services").

Eve Siegel

Kailas Career & Life Transitions Coaching

EI Cerrito, California

www.Kailaslifecoaching.com

Eve Siegel is a certified life coach. Three years ago she decided to hire a virtual assistant to help her set up a newsletter and send it to her mailing list so she could keep in touch with clients and potential customers. Now her VA handles Siegel’s Internet marketing efforts to expand and diversify her audience.

In her own words…

I found my first VA through a local agency. She lived 2,000 miles away. I worked with her for a couple of years [until she] moved on to something else. A friend recommended my second VA — [she lived] 1,000 miles away. I began to find out that there are VAs who specialize in certain things … and [this one] was savvy with e-marketing.

She helped me learn how I could use Facebook and LinkedIn. I gave up the newsletter, began blogging, then went to Twitter.

In the beginning I thought I’d learn how to do [Internet marketing from my VA], then do it myself. Then [it dawned on me]: Why should I do it myself? She’s more interested and eager [to do it], whereas it was tedious for me.

When hiring a VA, it’s always with the understanding that they’re good at what they do. Communication is very important: How quickly do they respond to emails from me, and how do they respond? Are they professional, friendly, and on time? And I think about what I really want someone to help me with and how much would that cost. I have in mind a certain [financial] limit per month. Which of these items can [she] do for that amount this month?

My current VA, [Jeannine Clontz] is very current on how to market business on the Internet. She’s always thinking of other ideas, building on things that I started. At first it was overwhelming. Then I got a sense of her vision. She didn’t do "just jobs."

As an entrepreneur, there’s a limited amount of time in the day. Factoring in sleep and a social life, how much can I do and what’s it worth my time to do? This is where VAs come into one’s life. It’s not that I have extra money floating around. It’s just that it’s worth putting some of the money I do here, to further extend and maintain my business.

Laura MacDonald

The Laura MacDonald Team

St. Louis, Missouri

www.theLauraMacDonaldteam.com

A real estate agent, Laura MacDonald works predominantly in the St. Louis corridor. She sought a virtual assistant when she felt the business model for real estate shifting from a staffed office to a technology-driven market.

In her own words…

[In the past], I had paid, salaried employees — a closing manager and a listing manager. I was responsible for their livelihoods. When the market shifted, I decided to create a strategic approach to increasing my bottom line by adjusting my business model and hiring a VA.

From the beginning, Jeannine [Clontz] was familiar with our industry, [which is] driven by Internet marketing. Reports are Internet based. [You don't] set up an appointment to see a property, [you take a] virtual home tour on the Internet. Anything that was once a paper trail is now a paperless model. Jeannine is comfortable operating in that environment. She is also good at creating newsletters and postcards and sending [mailings] to our immediate database to keep them abreast of what we’ve done.

She helped us streamline our communication. An example is social media. She had the knowledge and wherewithal to tap into all that content with one simple process. Anything behind the scenes that could help us keep our position in the market, she’s done.

When hiring, I looked for qualities other than expertise: knowledge of the industry, talents, past [experience] with other realtors, familiarity with [software] programs that realtors use. Also [how the VA can] bring value to us.

You also have to do due diligence. There are a lot of VAs out there. You get what you pay for. Really follow up on references. Look at work samples. Find out how long they were in business, and whether they can offer a wide palette of services and comprehend the language [that’s used], depending on the field.

In an ever-changing economy when you have to shift and adapt, change, or restructure your business model, I think a VA makes you shine like a star and keeps that overhead intact. Her value is immeasurable.

Kelly Eckert

KellyEckert.com

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Like many solopreneurs, personal and professional development coach Kelly Eckert works from home. And like other solopreneurs, she has spent a lot of time doing tasks that were necessary to build her business — website and blog updates, online store maintenance, and general marketing — but that took her away from her core businesses.

In her own words…

As an entrepreneur, I had hesitated about hiring a VA because I worried that it would take a lot of time [to train the VA] and I wondered if it would really be worth it to pay someone rather than do the tasks myself. As a former marketing consultant and graphic designer, doing these tasks is not difficult for me, just a time burden.

Right away, though, Terri [Orlowski] freed up a huge amount of time for me. Not only that, I felt unburdened and light. I was able to focus on coaching and writing again.

Terri’s specialty is website creation. She came up with a great vision for my Positivity Girl™ website right away. When that is done, I plan to continue working with Terri, especially on web issues.

I hired a second VA, Lee Drozak, to help me with my coaching club website and online payment system. Terri really got Positivity Girl™. And Lee understood how to support my work on my coaching club.

When hiring, I looked for someone [who gets me] and someone I could easily communicate with. I don’t expect my VA to be available 24/7. But I do want emails and calls to be answered quickly. I also want to feel that my VA is closer to being a partner, rather than being someone on whom I’m dumping work I don’t want to do. I appreciated the glowing testimonials about Terri and Lee from other women who had hired them.

[I'd advise] anyone who’s considering this career to be very clear about how you can help your clients. Don’t overstate your abilities. I would definitely hire a new VA, but I would want to know that she is new. In fact, as long as she can do what she says she can do, the fact that she’s just getting started would be a selling point, as I like to help new businesses. Also, find out exactly what the client’s expectations are and be clear about your boundaries. I imagine some clients would have unreasonable expectations. But you can prevent misunderstandings by clarifying expectations and boundaries upfront.

Source: “Keying In: The Newsletter of the National Business Education Association”, March 2011, Volume 21, Number 4

I want to congratulate my clients, Eve Siegel and Laura MacDonald, for their contributions and kind words about our relationship. It’s always helpful to get some perspective from clients to gain knowledge on their needs and how a Virtual Assistant fits into their business plan.

For more information about NBEA visit: www.nbea.org

Client’s View on Virtual Assistants Featured in NBEA Newsletter! is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

5 Strategies to Achieve Your Goals (Part Two)

Jeannine Clontz — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:00:47 +0000

Last week we talked about getting a friend to keep us accountable; making sure we stay positive about achieving our goal, and to make it public to keep us on track.

We close out this week with our final two strategies to realize our goals.

Chart your goal’s progress.

I’ve already shared with you the importance of measuring your progress. A great motivation is to create a visual graphic to represent your progress towards your goal. Think of those thermometers that elementary schools place outside on a busy road, measuring how close they are to achieving their fund-raising goal for the new community pool or library. A similar, physical chart that you can update with progress will do wonders to keep your attention focused.

When you’re doing this step, think outside the box. If you’re trying to spend more time at the gym, why not post a map of the US on your wall, and draw an inch from one coast to the other for each hour you spend on the treadmill? If you’re increasing your income, place a penny in a jar on your desk for each $10 or $100 you earn. These visual reminders are fun ways to keep your goals in the forefront of your mind.

Get expert advice.

We often think we need to do everything on our own. Nothing could be further from the truth! Alcoholics Anonymous has sponsors, Michael Phelps has a coach, and Jack Welch had an advisory board. No one has to be alone in their goal-setting efforts. Trying to eat healthier? Nutritionists will help you fine-tune your diet. Working out to get fit? Trainers will help you find the most effective exercises to achieve your physical goals.

There are business mentors and coaches who can help you figure out social media, launch a new information product, or streamline your finances. You can also find tons of books, videos, and websites to help you reach your goal, no matter what your goal happens to be. Don’t go it alone. Someone else has already invented that wheel and is ready to help you use it!

Now that your motivation is revved up, share some of your goal setting successes, or challenges by leaving a comment below.

Jeannine Clontz, provides professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s). Learn more about Time Management for Virtual Assistants by downloading her FREE report “A Fresh Look at Time Management for Virtual Assistants”, or request her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”, and more by visiting: http://www.VAbizcoach.com ; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

5 Strategies to Achieve Your Goals (Part Two) is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog

5 Strategies to Achieve Your Goals (Part One)

Jeannine Clontz — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:15:03 +0000

Even when you’ve set a “good” goal – one that adheres to your higher objective and is specific and measurable – you can run into some issues along the way… namely, staying motivated. Without motivation, even the most ambitious person will get sidetracked. Here are the strategies that I feel will keep you on track to achieving your goals:

Get an accountability friend.

Life can be lonely when you are making changes to your behavior. Your family, and work colleagues may not support “the new you.” For instance, if you’re trying to start a new business, your spouse may not “get” it and may question the time that you devote towards your goal. Having a friend or accountability partner to constantly check in with and rely on for support can be invaluable.

The best partners are those who are undertaking the same process, or have walked the same trail before. Find someone who will help you identify obstacles, provide advice, and cheer you on through the process of achieving your goal. Support is vital to your goal’s success.

Focus on successfully achieving your goal.

Getting waylaid by negative thoughts or “what if” scenarios can spell disaster to your goals. When you start out by finding a hundred ways why your plans won’t work, your energy is getting diverted to dealing with failure that hasn’t even happened!

Instead of funneling your time and resources into negative thoughts and processes, make the decision that you’re not going to entertain any ideas of failure. If it happens, it happens. You don’t have to spend your precious resources worrying about it now.

Donald Trump is famous for his positive attitude. Even when he was in debt to the tune of billions (yes, BILLIONS!) of dollars, he rallied his team with pictures of the deals they would make in the future. His energy was contagious, and he was able to pull himself and his company out of bankruptcy by focusing on forthcoming success.

Make it public.

You know why shows like “Biggest Loser” work? Because no one wants to admit they wimped out on their diet or skipped their 6 AM gym appointment in front of millions of viewers! The “Biggest Loser” contestants have the ultimate motivation – a camera in their face 24/7.

While you may not want to keep a camera on you ’round the clock, you will want to make your goal public. Tell your friends, family, colleagues, and even the internet on forums, websites, or your blog. It works!

Next week we’ll discuss our final two strategies – charting our goal’s progress, and getting expert advice.

Now that your motivation is revved up, share some of your goal setting successes, or challenges by leaving a comment below.

Jeannine Clontz, provides professional business coaching to established and start-up virtual assistants (VA’s). Learn more about Time Management for Virtual Assistants by downloading her FREE report “A Fresh Look at Time Management for Virtual Assistants”, or request her FREE audio CD “What’s Holding Back my Business Success?”, and more by visiting: http://www.VAbizcoach.com ; or contact her at: coach@VAbizcoach.com.

5 Strategies to Achieve Your Goals (Part One) is a post from: VA Business Coaching Blog