Pamela's Blog

Remember - Who or When?

2008-05-15T12:06:05Z

Did you ever clean out your desk drawer only to find a napkin, some post-its and business cards with a name and phone number on them but you don't remember "who or when"? Well, the same thing is true for the other desk drawer; someone has your business card or your phone number on a post-it but they can't remember "who or when" either.

If you want to be successful in the real estate field, you must remember to remember and you must become remember-able. To put that statement is simple terms: Follow-up! You can use snail mail, email or the phone, but you must follow-up!

Snail Mail: Buy some simple "thinking of you" and "thank you" cards. At your next open house or while you are still in the parking lot, sign every card. Now stamp them, put your return address on the envelope and put them in the mailbox. The next time someone calls you, (and while they are still on the phone) address a card to them and put it in the mail. The receiver will be impressed with your thoughtfulness and promptness.

Email: When you meet someone, always ask for their email address as well as their phone number. Set up your prospect in your automated email system and set your preferences. If you are currently working with a buyer or seller, email them every time you do something on their behalf. They will love the great communication.

Phone: Starting with the letter "A", work your way through your contact database and/or your personal phone book. Each day as you go into the office, make 5 phone calls. This easy method will keep you in touch with clients, prospects and personal acquaintances. Don't forget to ask if they have any real estate questions or needs or know of someone who does. Note: A very successful agent once said that 5 phone calls a day can generate enough leads to give you a six-figure income every year, no matter the market conditions.

Follow these three easy steps and you will find that your new real estate tagline will be "The Great Communicator"

Although real estate is a "people business", most agents do not keep in touch with those they meet; estimated at about 80%. With our modern technology, this is a really sad situation.

Have a full day and running out of time? Contact your Virtual Assistant. She can manage any of these tasks for you. People today are more interested in being communicated with than they are concerned with who put the stamp on the envelope, hit the send button or made the phone call. What they want is to be remembered and when you remember them, they will remember you. No more "who or when".

Mini Packs A Big Punch

2008-05-12T15:40:41Z

Real estate agents are always looking for innovative ways to present themselves without breaking the bank.

Do you sometimes wish that you could do a great commercial about yourself, your business or an outstanding listing? Well, now you can! Mini web commercials are a new and unique approach to marketing in the real estate industry and pack a big punch by leaving a lasting impression on those who view them.

Sites such as Imprev.com or onetruemedia.com offer tools that will help you design your own web commercial. Some of these sites are free or offer a free trial. If you then decide you like the product, you can sign up for a paid membership. Some sites also offer to host the commercial for you or allow you to link the commercial to your website.

Web-Commercials are an economical way to make yourself and your listings stand out from the rest.

A picture is worth a thousand words (click here)

I think after viewing that short presentation, you can see that a web-commercial can be a great marketing tool for you.

If you check out the sites mentioned but don't have the time to go farther, there really is no need to wait. Just contact your virtual assistant and have them put together a web commercial for you. They can distribute your commercial for you, as well.

Making A House Smile For The Camera

2008-05-03T13:32:50Z

80% of buyers begin looking for a home on the internet and 80% of those buyers will not look at a listing if it does not have a virtual tour. Most buyers will bypass a listing that only has one or two photos or pictures that make the home appear unattractive. In today's market, you do yourself and your seller a disservice if you do not post their listing with a virtual tour (or at the very least several pictures).

Today's sophisticated internet savvy buyers are really easy to please when it comes to virtual tours. All they really want is see is quality photographs presented in an eye-appealing format. You do not have to present a 360 degree style tour; a slide show will work just as well and sometimes better if it is presented properly. Buyers just want to preview the home so they can decide if they want to make an appointment to see the home in person.

A home that is poorly presented in photographs may not receive the same amount of showings as one that is well presented on the internet. So, here are a few tips:

Use the right equipment; don't use your cell phone camera. A good point-and-shoot digital camera will work. A camera with a wide angle feature is best. Use a tripod for clearer shots and always set your resolution to its highest settings.
The time of day is very important when taking exterior shots. Mid-day is usually best.
When taking interior shots, turn on all the lights and use your flash. This technique will eliminate most shadows and the room will appear much brighter.
Be objective. Look at the room through the camera's eye. If the beautiful plant looks like a weed, move it. Realtors advise clients on how to stage their homes for market. Take your own advice and stage the room for the best photograph. Be just as careful outside. Remove the car from the driveway and the garden hose from the yard. Be careful not to get pictures of the garbage cans or telephone poles.
Take lots and lots of photos. With LCD display, you have an idea of how the picture will come out but this is not a guarantee.
Take pictures of all the rooms as well as pictures of the front and back yard. Be sure to get focused shots of any of the homes outstanding features (inside and out).
Take a distance shot of the front of the house from across the street. Watch the tilt of the camera. You don't want more street or sky than house. If the property is part of an HOA, be sure to get pictures of the common areas and amenities.
Enhance and edit your pictures. Use a photo editing software to crop photos and adjust the brightness or contrast.
Put them all together and begin posting them on your website and in your MLS. Better yet, create a slide show.
Hire a virtual assistant to edit your pictures, create a slide show and post it for you. Oh, by the way, if you are a poor photographer, admit it and hire someone else to take the pictures.

Your time is valuable. Do what you do best; market and sell real estate. You did not become a real estate agent so that you could be a part time photographer and editor.

Exposure, Exposure, Exposure

2008-04-24T13:24:42Z

In real estate, a popular refrain is "Location, Location, Location". When it comes to marketing, the refrain should be "Exposure, Exposure, Exposure".

What can you do after you have placed a For Sale sign, an MLS listing, and scheduled the property for an ad campaign in the local newspaper? In most areas, you can also list the property in a Real Estate magazine; an expensive form of advertising. Now, you have done everything you and your competition normally do.

Real estate is competitive; you want to stand out from the crowd. What else can you do?

List more! Not more properties (although that is a great way to increase your earnings). I am talking about listing the property in an Online Multiple Listing Service. There are several sites offering free or low-rate listing services. Some sites offer classified ads that feature the property on its own mini-website. The listing services and the single property websites also submit the property to all the major search engines and various sites for further exposure at no extra cost.

No time to manage another listing service, upload photos and/or virtual tours? Consider using your friendly Virtual Assistant. A Virtual Assistant can input the initial data and manage the listing for you.

Second Self Virtual Assistance is a full service company. We know the multiple listing sites and the classified ad services that will meet your needs and budget. Second Self Virtual Assistance specializes in offering customized services to our clients. Call for a free consultation.

Big Brother Is Watching...

2008-04-17T19:11:38Z

In the case of the real estate agent, Big Brother is your friendly Search Engine; the most popular of which is good ole Google.

When writing articles and community information for your website, be sure that your content is fresh and unique. The large search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and MSN filter your pages when looking to rate your site. These filters look for content that appears to be duplicated from other website pages. If the search engine finds content which they determine to be duplicated, your site will receive a "duplicate content penalty" lowering your website ranking. The search engines, as yet, cannot determine which site has the original content. Search engines can only determine that more than one website has several sentences, paragraphs or entire content that appears to be the same.

So, a word of caution when you are writing pages to be posted on your site: be sure all content is distinctive and unique.

Most real estate professionals prefer spending their time doing what they do best; meeting with potential clients and customers, assisting them to a successful close of escrow (and collecting their pay for doing a job "well done") rather than writing website content with the added task of making sure that the wording they have used does not appear somewhere else on the web.

Once again I suggest using a Virtual Assistant to do the job for you. A good Virtual Assistant will write relevant and informative articles for you and make sure that the content is unique to your website.

If you are considering the advantages of a Virtual Assistant, feel free to contact me for a personal consultation. The services at Second Self Virtual Assistance are customized to meet the needs and desires of each individual agent we serve.

Ghostwriters in the Sky

2008-04-10T17:52:31Z

I sometimes think of the virtual world as being out there in the great beyond; for me that brings to mind images of the sky. A new image in that sky is one of a ghostwriter.

One of the newest services being offered by freelance writers and virtual assistants is that of a blog ghostwriter. Blogging has become an important part of the internet and real estate agents in-the-know are taking advantage of it to meet other professionals, those in their community and potential clients. To be effective, blogging takes a commitment of time to make it a successful endeavor. Blogging must be done consistently and often.

Real estate agents are joining celebrities and CEOs, among other professionals, who are using this service. Due to their busy lifestyles they find that blogs are beneficial. Unfortunately, they just do not have the time to write and maintain them, much less to do it consistently and often.

Since virtual assistants know their clients, they are able to write blogs in a style and tone that is reflective of that particular client. Real estate virtual assistants are able to blog in a knowledgeable manner because they spend many hours per week doing extensive research in regards to the marketplace and the industry itself to provide their clients with quality service in website maintenance, marketing, and now blogs.

A virtual assistant is an excellent option for those who dislike writing or feel that their writing skills are not their best asset. A real estate virtual assistant is able to create quality relevant blog content and can aid you in a variety of ways. For the low-key, "I-don't-know-and-don't-wanna-know" types, the virtual assistant can do it all.

The best blogs are those where the agent and the assistant work together. You can give the virtual assistant a list of blog ideas that they can use to create your blog. You can submit a rough draft of your blog and your virtual assistant will polish it up and then post it.

There will be times when you just won't feel like writing or you will experience writer's block or you may just need a little time off. For those times you can call on your virtual assistant to temporarily help you out. Virtual assistants can create a blog from a list of ideas, personal information or stories which you have supplied and are kept on file. The virtual assistant can also create a blog from instructions that are given by phone or email. Get an idea, jot it down, then fax or email it and viola you have a blog.

The virtual assistant can do it all and they are able to write excellent content for you. However, the best person to respond to the comments and inquiries you receive is you. Sometimes agents will spend large amounts of money and time on a marketing campaign but do not take the time to do the follow-up needed to make that campaign a success. Don't make that mistake with your blog. Get assistance from a virtual assistant blogger so that you will have the time to keep up with (the reason for the blog in the first place) your readers and potential clients

Another great aspect of using the services of a virtual assistant to create or help you create articles for your blog is their reasonable pricing.

For those of you, who feel that ghostwriting just isn't quite fair, remember top producers know "the art of delegating". No one discounts the services of a transaction coordinator, marketing assistant or a secretary. The use of a virtual assistant in this area is really no different.

If you would like to know more about how a virtual assistant can help you with your personal blog or other businesses needs, you can contact me for a personal and a free consultation.

Ghostwriters in the Sky

2008-04-10T17:50:58Z

I sometimes think of the virtual world as being out there in the great beyond; for me that brings to mind images of the sky. A new image in that sky is one of a ghostwriter.

Another great aspect of using the services of a virtual assistant to create or help you create articles for your blog is their reasonable pricing.

If you would like to know more about how a virtual assistant can help you with your personal blog or other businesses needs, you can contact me for a personal and a free consultation.

Should I - Shouldn't I.....Why Blog

2008-04-04T21:18:19Z

If you are reading this, you are obviously aware of blogging; but you may not have your own blog because you're not quite sure what to blog about or have the time to blog.

Let's discuss why you would want to blog in the first place.

First, there is the advantage of Search Engine Optimization. For this reason alone many realtors have started blogging or are considering doing so.

Secondly, there is the advantage of target marketing. You are in the business of real estate and as in any business you need clients and customers. Blogging allows you to talk to people who are interested in real estate. People who read real estate blogs are currently in the market to buy or sell or are thinking of about it.

Thirdly, the internet is becoming more of an influence in people's daily lives; especially in those of the young professional types. 80% of buyers and sellers are using the internet to gather information about real estate in general, the marketplace in their area and finding their prospective agent.

More than search engine optimization the world of blogging allows you to speak to a whole world of people about your area of expertise. This should be your focus when blogging. Blogging allows people to see you, as someone who is knowledgeable, professional and real. By blogging you are not just a website, you are a real person giving information about their community and profession.

When blogging you can talk about anything. Blog about what you know: you and your community. Write about one of your funny real estate experiences, people love humor. Write about your community from local leadership to your favorite restaurant. Write about you so that your reader will feel like they know you as a real person. Write about real estate from a featured listing to real estate advice and tips.

Now, let's discuss why you wouldn't want to blog

First, there is the time element. Blogs should be written on no less than a weekly basis. Consistency is important if you want a loyal readership. You already have a long list of things to do and adding another is probably not very enticing. Blogging can be time consuming. You must research to find a subject, then thinks of ways to express it, now write the blog, post it and respond to comments. Another 3 or 4 hours added to your schedule!

Secondly, writing skills. You may not feel your writing skills are your best asset.

Consider a real estate virtual assistant to assist you with your blog. Virtual Assistants, because of their expertise in the field of real estate and their skills in content writing, do not spend 3 or 4 hours per blog but can do it in less than half the time. All you have to do is reap the advantages.

Don't Miss The Boat!

2008-03-28T19:37:23Z

Awhile back, I scheduled a relaxing three day cruise. I left 24 hours in advance for the trip so I could spend the night at a hotel and avoid a tiring long drive to the docks. As I leisurely drove across the desert, I received a phone call from the couple my husband and I were meeting asking me where we were. Much to my surprise, we were late! The ship was leaving that day, not the next!

Well, so much for leisurely drives and hotel stays. My husband pushed on the gas and turned our car into a jet plane (all within legal speed limits of course).

So what has this got to do with you and your business? If you are not answering your emails promptly, you may miss the boat.

Since you are using the internet to promote your business, I am going to assume you know that over 80% of Internet buyers begin their home buying search on the internet. Did you also know that most of these buyers also chose their agent via the internet? A recent survey reports that 92% of Internet buyers found their agent through a website and 63% by using a search engine. 0% found their agent via traditional marketing such as yard signs or mailers.

A deciding factor for many when choosing their agent was how that agent responded to their emails. Promptness and relevant content are a must if you are not going to miss the boat. The time gap between when an Internet buyer begins their search and the time they are ready to buy is longer; but once they make the decision to buy, the time gap between actively viewing homes on the market and writing a contract is shorter.

Internet presence, Contact Management, Emails - a must for today's real estate professional and just a click away is a virtual assistant waiting to help you with all of them.

Spring Is In The Air...Eggs Are On The Lawn

2008-03-21T11:46:49Z

Spring is in the air, the sun is shining. Easter is early this year and the eggs are on the lawn, the chocolate bunnies are in the frig. My spring cleaning is done. Life is beautiful!

UGH! Computer crash!

Horrible words for a virtual assistant or for anyone who uses computers for their business, which is almost everyone these days.

The mother-board is dead! I want to hit something! No, wait! Help is on the way. Actually, in this case it was good forward thinking. I had my laptop on hand which had been synchronized to my desktop, my backups were current, my virtual assistants were there to lend a helping hand! So while things were not great, everything was handled and my clients never knew there was a problem!

So, while doing your spring cleaning and spring planning for the busy days ahead, add a computer checkup to your list and put your backup systems in place so that your clients will never know there was a problem.

To end on a light note, here are some fun Easter Facts:

>Over 90 million chocolate bunnies will be consumed
>95% of chocolate bunnies are eaten ears first, the remainder are eaten feet first
>16 billion jelly beans will be eaten on Easter
>700 million Peeps bunnies and chicks will be consumed this Easter

I Can't Find You - Are You Out There?

2008-03-14T14:24:50Z

A few weeks back I had a real estate agent call me about enhancing their website.

To consult someone on the enhancement of a website, I need to be able to look at it. In order to look at the site, I need to be able to find it. I tried to bring up the site using various search criteria. I put in the city, the agent's name, and even the company name to no avail. Obviously this site needed a lot of enhancement.

The only people who were able to find the website were the people the agent had given her website address to. Giving out your website address to your clients and those you meet along the way is great; but what about those you have never met. It is more important now than ever to have a strong internet presence.

70 - 75% of sellers are now using the internet when considering selling their home. 80 - 85% of buyers begin looking for homes using the internet. It is no longer enough to impress someone by putting a website address on your business card. If you do not have a site that is easy to find and that gives valuable information, you are going to lose business!

A real estate professional I know of, would close one or two transactions and add several strong prospects (buyers and sellers) to her database every of couple months. Now, that may not sound like much but six - nine transactions a year does add up to a nice chunk of change. Every one of those transactions and additional prospects were a direct result of a quality website. The website contained community information and more importantly to the buyer and seller quality information; including photos on property in her area. However, none of this would have mattered if the search engines had not been able to find her website in the first place.

Most real estate agents do not have the time or the knowledge to maximize their websites. This is usually a job they prefer to delegate. Many agents use their teen-agers or someone they know that they feel is a "guru". This usually means the person chosen just knows computers a little bit better than the agent and nothing about real estate marketing or search engine optimization.

Let me suggest delegating this task to a professional that knows both real estate and search engine optimization, a Virtual Assistant.

For a private consultation and evaluation of your website, contact me. I will be glad to help.

I Am Not Your Competition

2008-03-08T06:45:09Z

The real estate agent lives in a highly competitive world and more competition is not something you need.

You've worked hard weighing the options of possibly hiring someone you know and risking a relationship or hiring a stranger and risking the unknown. You've probably had days of frustration training someone who had no idea how the real estate world really works. You've made room for them in your office. You've bought another computer, office furniture, and more supplies.

Another all-too-real scenerio - the office is running smoothly when your assistant tells you they are leaving. Another agent has made them an offer or they have gotten their license and will now be your competitor. To add insult to injury, they are using the knowledge that you gave them! Now you are back to square one.

Here is a solution for you:

Consider the advantages of hiring someone who is already trained in the real estate industry and can assist you with administrative, marketing, website, search engine optimization and special projects. Consider a virtual assistant.
Consider hiring someone who is not socializing on your dime and only pay for the exact hours and services rendered. Consider a virtual assistant.
Consider someone who will never become your competition. Consider a virtual assistant.

A virtual assistant is a self-employed individual who has found their niche in giving administrative assistance to those in need of their services and doing it well.

While your are doing all that "considering", consider Second Self Virtual Assistance, your Certified Real Estate Support Specialist.

Time Keeps On Slippin', Slippin' Into The Future

2008-02-29T13:58:21Z

This morning I heard that old song "Time Keeps On Slippin' Into The Future" and I thought of how time has changed for me since entering the virtual world.

Ever look at the calendar or the clock for that matter and think where did the time go? And then thought of all the things still left on your "Things To Do List"? .

Before, I entered the virtual world I had that problem many times. I have found that being a virtual assistant has added hours to my day. Oh, I am like you up early and in the "office" by eight and there is a long list on my "To Do" list but here in the virtual world I have the power to slow the clock.

When my schedule gets busy, my "To Do" list overloaded or I need a day off, I call on my virtual assistant(s). Our team works together to get the job done and give everyone just a little more time, including our clients.

Time may keep on slippin' into the future, none of us can stop the clock and the pages may still fly off the calendar, but as a virtual assistant and as one who uses the advantages of virtual assistance I find my time slippin just a little slower.

If you are feeling that your time is slippin' leaving you no time for a future because of the many things you just don't have time to do or want to do, I recommend joining the virtual world and surrounding yourself with people who can make time a little more managable. May I suggest Second Self Virtual Assistance? Just a thought. .

Reno Realtors Meet The Invisible Woman!

2007-12-27T17:45:40Z

Being a Virtual Assistant and working, well, virtually, I've been called many things; a cartoon character, an entity, an invisible friend, a genie, etc. And, at the risk of sounding like I'm tooting my own horn - an angel, a Godsend, a second self.

I recently had the opportunity to meet 4 of my realtor clients doing business in Reno, NV. What a treat! It was so thrilling to get to meet face-to-face to prove that I actually do exist in the flesh; to discuss their virtual assistance needs and goals in a lively one-on-one over lunch. By the way, if you're ever hungry in Reno, definitely go to Biscotti's at The Peppermill. MMM-MMM!

I'm a great emailer. I don't usually call because I don't want to interrupt my client's busy day. Emailing allows them to answer me at their convenience. What the meeting in Reno taught me, though, was that communication on every level is important. While email is convenient, staying in touch via phone and other means is vital, too.

I would love to be able to meet every client in person. Since they are all over the USA, I'd be travelling non-stop. Doesn't seem feasible, really. I'll be going to Hawaii in the fall. I'll just have to drop in and say hello to Robin.

The Right Tools - In My Case A Crock Pot

2007-12-12T15:10:33Z

I've learned to cook. Oh, I used to cook a hundred years ago when I had hungry children at home. I even canned my own veggies and made my own jams. Everything I cooked and baked was made from scratch; only the best for my family! Well, I haven't had kiddos in the house for some time. So, I figure if someone else has already gone to the trouble of making something and all I have to do is pick it up, take it home and eat it, yeah! I no longer have a domestic bone in my body. I think I broke it with all the aforementioned cooking, baking and canning. I even kill air fern!

I was doing a little Christmas shopping last week and found a wonderful gadget - a crock pot! I can get up in the morning, throw in some meat, veggies and seasonings and by dinnertime I have a feast! It even tastes good! It's the best thing since prepared mashed potatoes in a 32 oz. tub!

This whole experience got me to thinking - with the right tools, anything is possible. As a Virtual Assistant, I have the latest and greatest computer, fax, phone system, laser printer, software programs, etc., etc., etc. Without these things, my job would be absolutely exhausting. I would spend most of my time trying to improvise and make do - something I'm just not good at. My clientele would certainly notice the difference, too.

It's important to know how to use these tools. I've taken many classes and am certified in many programs. So, now what? Cooking classes?

Work Ethics - Think of The Poor Cows!

2007-12-04T15:05:59Z

On Sunday, I watched an interview with Wil Smith on 60 Minutes. He said that he only had mediocre talent but he always had work because of his crazy, insane, over the top work ethic. Although I don't agree with his assessment of his talent (I really enjoy his work), I absolutely, positively agree with the work ethic statement.

Whether we're virtual assistants, realtors or cow milkers, if we don't give what we do 100%+ of our gifts and talents to the people we serve, we are not going to keep working. Imagine the poor unmilked cows!

Several years ago I worked as a Western Regional Director for a well-known non-profit health organization. My job was to provide educational information and programs to the public, do publicity and PR work for the organization and it's volunteers as well as do an insane amount of fundraising. Every year I would exceed every goal that was set before me. However, after 4 years I suffered a tremendous amount of burnout. I was so tired, my husband was driving me to Board of Directors Meetings so I could sleep on the way there. I took a year off to recover.

That great experience taught me that you can have an insane desire to always do your best no matter what but you also have to have some balance. We need others to help you accomplish our goals. I'm very fortunate to have 3 absolutely wonderful associates that help me keep my clientele happy. They, too, take pride in their job and work hard to exceed expectations. They also afford me the opportunity to take time off; to leave the office at a decent hour.

The next time you're feeling that your life isn't quite in balance; that there's some things you just don't have time to do or want to do, I recommend looking into surrounding yourself with people who can make your life a lot simpler. May I suggest Second Self Virtual Assistance? Just a thought. . .

From Recipes to The Real Estate Corner

2007-11-28T11:53:56Z

My free monthly newsletter is making it's maiden voyage today. It's full of fun and interesting articles. You'll find Mamie's Sugar Cookie recipe, White House Tree, Real Estate Corner, Maintenance Checklist and Toy Safety Shopping Tips.

I would love to take credit for the articles but have to admit that this is a service provided through The Wise Agent. (It's a service we provide.) Just let me know if you want to learn more.

Enjoy!

To Blog or Not To Blog - So What's The Question?

2007-11-27T18:19:57Z

Blog. Who in the world came up with that term? Were all the good words taken? It reminds me of Blah. As a matter of fact, if you look at my website, you'll find a button called Blog Blog Blog because it reminds me of Blah, Blah, Blah.

Now I'm not saying Blogs are boring - well there are a few. They do serve a purpose, though. Like getting something off your chest - Aunt Matilda complaining about your dry turkey on Thanksgiving. I tried hard. I really did. If that turkey had taken better care of itself, I'd be getting rave reviews. But I digress.

Search engines love Blogs. With the search engine optimization I did on my new website, I was able to get a Google page ranking of 3 within a few months. Even surprised myself!

Blogs are great for social networking - the buzz word of the day. There's a lot of great and knowledgeable people out there willing to talk to you without even being paid.

Blogs are great for sharing information. Wish I could have found a good "How to Make a Succulent Turkey That Even Aunt Matilda Will Love" before Thanksgiving!

It's Thanksgiving - Time to Dust the Oven

2007-11-19T15:33:47Z

I don't cook. It's not my thing. My son's girlfriend, however, L-O-V-E loves to cook. She's good at it, too. So you can imagine the horror in her eyes when I told her that my cranberry sauce comes from a can, my rolls are bought prepackaged, my dressing comes in a box and I let Saralee worry about making the perfect pumpkin pie. I thought she was going to faint when I told her how excited I was to find prepared mashed potatoes in a 32 oz. tub!

This year we've been invited to her house for Thanksgiving! I've been asked not to bring anything. I guess I won't have to dust out the ol' oven afterall. I can't wait to see her reaction when I tell her how I prepare my Christmas meal!

In all seriousness, though, may you count your many blessings and make your many blessings count!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Thank you for being such a blessing to me.

Time For Work - What Should I Wear?

2007-11-13T13:59:48Z

When I started Second Self Virtual Assistance many years ago, I didn't set the alarm and I didn't worry a lot about what I should wear to work. It was a short commute from the bedroom to my home office. Just go through the livingroom, into the hallway, take a left and walk about 8' and there I was. Days would go by without having be "presentable" for clients.

Move the clock forward and today it's quite a different story. However, I now find that even though the alarm goes off at 6:00am and I'm settled in and working no later than 8:00am Monday - Friday, my wardrobe has taken some serious hits. This became quite apparent when I was going through my closet looking for appropriate clothes to wear on an upcoming cruise.

Okay, I have one dress, a few formals, 3 pairs of business casual pants, a few nice blouses and some pretty shoes. Hmmm. What are all these other clothes that are taking up the other 3/4s of my closet? They're jeans, sweaters, tank tops, sandals. Sandals? I don't even wear shoes to work!

Then I remember why I started working for myself. Why I left the rat race. I'll go shopping the next time I take a cruise. But, for now, I LOVE working in my home office.

What is a Virtual Assistant?

2007-11-05T14:32:22Z

When I get asked what I do for a living, my answer almost always gets the same response - a blank stare. Then the inevitable question, "What's that?". So, I've decided to start telling people I'm a cricket rancher. I may still get the same blank stare and asked the same question; but at least a cricket rancher is something that can be imagined.

What do you think of when you hear "Virtual Assistant"? Do you think of the Wizard of Oz hiding behind his curtain? Or, do you think of someone who hangs out somewhere in the universe? Or, someone's that's not quite real?

I prefer to think of us as your invisible friend. We all had them as children and it seems to me as adults we could use our invisible friend more than ever. What is it that you just don't have time for? Or, even more importantly, what do you least like doing?

I'd really like to hear what you think. What thoughts do the words "Virtual Assistant" conjure up in your mind? And, what would you have your Virtual Assistant do for you; something you don't have time for or would prefer not to do at all.