Greetings all,

I’m long overdue for an update but I’ve been working on some new business plans and burning the candle at both ends.  It’s almost time to unveil the whole works so check back and see what the holidays will be bringing.

Until the next leaf falls,

~Ruth

Tis the season to reflect on all of the things we’re thankful for and this year is plentiful. So, here’s my condensed list:

• for a loving, supportive husband and son who encourage and treasure me
• for friends that always have a quick minute to catch up when I’m having a “need to connect” moment
• for the Refresh ladies who are faithful in their attendance and sharing
• for my Skype buddy who allows me to pop in whenever I feel the need
• for my Lunch friend who enjoys those impromtu 1 1/2 hour lunches out as much as I do
• for my awesome clients
• for my incredible VAcommentators team
• for the virtual friendships of other VAs, even though we’ve never met in person it doesn’t lessen our friendship

Wishing each and every one a blessed Thanksgiving season!

Until the next leaf falls,

~Ruth Martin, MaplewoodVA

When people consider you to be generally trustworthy or competent, they confer credibility upon you — you become the “expert.” It’s at this point that the messages you say or write will demonstrate your expertise in knowledge, experience, and pride in a particular product or service.

Your messages should first say something about the product or service and the reader/listener will weigh it on desirability, exclusiveness, and believability. An ideal message should be distinct in that it does not apply to every brand in the product category. Most importantly, your message should be believable.

A study conducted by Flanagin & Metzger in 2000 in the US noted that newspapers were rated as the most credible medium. In comparison, the Internet, tv, magazines, and radio were perceived as less credible; however, the differences were only marginal. Of the information types provided by these media, news, reference (factual information) and entertainment information were perceived to be more credible than commercial information. There is a perception that the printed word is more reliable than the spoken word or words presented in electronic form. (A validate reason to write and submit articles to build your credibility.) The Internet was perceived as a relatively credible source of information that may supplement newspapers and other media. Factual information was perceived to be equally credible in the Internet and in the printed newspaper.

So, when it’s all said and done – when people consider you to be generally trustworthy or competent, they confer credibility upon you — you become the “expert.”

Until the next leaf falls,

Ruth Martin, MaplewoodVA

Your actions, or lack of actions, can speak louder than words. Please be aware of the message that you are sending. Do you wear your professional hat with regularity? Are you leaving the impression that you want?

Several months ago I contacted someone about services for my business. All seemed fine and I thought we were going to begin. Some additional information was requested from me, I sent it, and never heard from the person again. I sent several emails and even phoned to get no response. I was truly disappointed because I believed this individual definitely had the talent to do the job and I was willing to pay top-notch because of this expertise.

I send many emails for my clients and myself. It truly amazes me when we have a bit of exchange and then the other person just seems to drop off the face of the earth. A polite reply or any other response would be most professional. Or, I get an email signed with only a name and no business name or website link. Sometimes, I simply don’t recognize the name and will ask for help jogging my memory to where I know you from.

When I have these interactions (or lack of interaction) it really makes a less than favorable impression. If answering simple emails is falling through the cracks then I wonder if an actual project would be handled with the same level of detail.

Please don’t be a fair weather professional. You never know if the contact/impression you just made may influence a networking venture later on.

Until the next leaf falls,

Ruth Martin, MaplewoodVA

If you ever watched the tv show Cheers then instantly you’ll remember Norm – the fellow that was greeted as he walked through the pub’s door with a hearty cheer of his name. “Norm!” With a smile and a wave Norm took his favorite stool at the end of the counter and then did what he did best. Sip, talk, nod, and become memorable in the minds of so many viewers.

Are you memorable? Does everybody remember your name, occupation, or the reason why you’re the person for the job at hand? It’s now time to make the change. When you meet someone take the time to get to know others and make a good impression. When you’re first meeting someone extend your hand and introduce yourself with both your first and last name. Tell the person a sentence about yourself or your company to associate your name to something. You can even hand them something tangible to remember you by – a visual reminder can’t be beat.

Another way to be memorable is to remember the special moments in other’s lives. When someone mentions an upcoming milestone take a moment to jot it down and send a note of congratulations or acknowledgement. My friend, Sue, is superb at sending notes and cards. She keeps a special binder filled with everyone’s special dates and probably keeps the postal service in business with all of the stamps she uses.

Develop an identity brand if you don’t have one. I recall a neighbor that always gave shiny pennies away to all that he met. As a child it was such a treat to see ‘Mr. Neighbor’ on the way to the post office. After exchanging pleasantries and before we’d part he would always reach into his pocket and pull out a shiny penny. He’d say, “Here’s a little luck coming your way!”

It doesn’t take something huge to be memorable in the minds of those you meet, especially when you do it with sincerity. Just think about what you can do today to stand out from the rest. What will make you memorable to those you meet?

Until the next leaf falls,

Ruth Martin, MaplewoodVA

We’ve heard that old saying that “good fences make good neighbors” but can the same be said for business practices. I think so. Just because the guy down the street runs his business one way doesn’t mean its ideal for how you run your business. And, because I discount a certain percent to my customers doesn’t mean the next business will do the same. Or lastly, just because one form of payment is accepted at XYZ Business doesn’t mean that I accept that payment at my business.

As an entrepreneur you need to determine how you want to structure your business to function, the products and services you will be providing, and how you will handle your customer service.

Recently a client inquired about my services for a small project and after discussing the scope of the work we talked about methods of payment. I prefer utilizing the services of Paypal who will process payments from those having an existing account and those that do not – utilizing a credit card/debit card payment instead.  It’s a quick and efficient way to handle payments and easily recognized by most.

The client preferred to use another online method to which I don’t currently provide an alternative. I offered to provide information to contact another virtual assistant that may accept alternate payments. The client declined and decided to instead simply make payment via Paypal and secure my services.

So, do you set boundaries or bend the rules to accommodate the unusual requests? If you bend the rules for ‘this’, does it also mean you need to bend the rules for ‘that?’

I believe that businesses do need boundaries. Boundaries keep the lines clear and the office running smoothly. Everyone knows what is expected and how the pieces fix together to collectively produce the end result. It’s impossible to please everyone and any business that tries will surely flounder, if not fail. Not every request is profitable for the health of the business. That is why businesses often choose a niche service or product line that is more specialized rather than try to be the “be-all” to everyone.

If you’ve been hesitant to strengthen those fences or need to make any repairs to the holes between the pickets I encourage to just jump in and do it. You’ll be glad these fences are strong and when the time comes to test the strength of the “push” against your boundary line you will take comfort in knowing that it can withstand.

Until the next leaf falls,

~Ruth Martin, MaplewoodVA

Setting limits based on experience is smart. It avoids mishaps, confusion, and frustrations. Allowing experts in specialty areas to work their magic with these finer points always wins in the long run regardless if you’re available and willing to try something. You wouldn’t call the Maytag repairman to fix your garage door and so you shouldn’t hand off a project to someone less versed in the project specifics.

Until the next leaf falls,

~Ruth

I believe that volunteering is important, rewarding, and something everyone should get involved in. I’ve done much volunteering over the years and was a manager of 40 volunteers for a non-profit organization. With that being said, when Tawnya Sutherland of VAnetworking asked if I’d be interested in moderating a forum about Organizing, Efficiency & Project Management at the VAnetworking website I didn’t hesitate but said absolutely. 

I’m happy to give back to an organization that gives so much to virtual assistants worldwide; myself included. I’ve really enjoyed the friendships I’ve made, the networking connections, and being able to interact with colleagues near and far.  Whenever I’m searching for some interaction from the ‘virtual office’ this is one of the first places I head to.

So, if you have any questions about Organization, Efficieny, or Project Management then pop over to VAnetworking.com and we’ll get the conversation rolling. 

Until the next leaf falls,

~Ruth

PS: If you have questions about any thing pertaining to virtual assistance then also pop over to VAnetworking.com.  There are so many different forum topics including one specifically for general questions.  VANA is THE place to get an honest and straightforward answer.  Hope to see ya around the forum!

VAnetworking.com is celebrating their 5th Birthday in one gigantic bash for all Virtual Assistants worldwide! And if you are a Virtual Assistant or even just thinking about becoming one, there’s a lot to celebrate and a truckload of prizes to be won. RSVP at http://www.vanetworking.com/birthday.html to receive your special invitation to attend this party that will be celebrated over the next 20 weeks.

I’m attending, cya there! http://www.vanetworking.com/birthday.html

Until the next leaf falls,

~Ruth

If you’re like me you come across a variety of online resources that you want to explore and those that are favorites and you want to keep. But what to do with all of these website addresses? How do you keep them organized?

That’s where the “Red Hot Online Resource” book comes in. A simple 6×9 ring binder with alpha tabs and lined paper will set you on your way to organization in a flash. Simply jot down the URL and then when you need a source for online greeting cards, ebook covers, or social networking sites (or whatever) you have it at your fingertips.

Think of it as your very own customized directory of where to find it on the web.  If there’s a listing in an article just clip it and tape it on a page. You’ll never need to search again for that great website that so-and-so told you about and those little scraps of paper will become a thing of the past.

Happy organizing!

Until the next leaf falls,

~Ruth