How to Avoid Overwhelm When Starting a New Project
You’re just back from your conference, and boy, are you excited! For the past few days, ideas for new projects and collaborations were flowing, and on the flight home, you filled several pages with notes about a new product you want to launch.
You arrive back in your office, and your desk is covered with notes, messages, and things that need doing…NOW! Just how do you keep this big new project of yours off the back-burner, and NOT get overwhelmed?
Here are a few ideas:
1. Harness your momentum. You’re excited about this new idea NOW. Take an hour to write down your goals for the project as soon as you arrive home. Post them in the most visible spot in your workspace to give the project priority status.
2. Tell your team, your family, and colleagues about your project to signal your commitment to the project a nd make it “real.” Once people know about your plans, they exist somewhere outside of your own head – the first step toward making it happen!
3. Create opportunities for “quick wins.” Think about your project as a series of easily achievable goals that lead to your desired end result. Take your big goal, and divide it into manageable action steps to complete each day/week/month, then address them one at a time.
4. Get a new perspective. Sometimes it is helpful to start with your end result and plan backward. This new view can help you see the big picture, while shedding light on details you may otherwise overlook.
5. Enlist help. Get your team on board! Determine what their responsibilities will be, create an action plan for each, and schedule regular meetings to stay on track and address a ny issues that happen along the way.
6. Use technology to stay on track. It’s easy to use a web-based project management and collaboration tool, such as Basecamp. It allows you to upload and share files, track to-do lists and milestones, and communicate effectively throughout the course of a project.
7. Make it fun. It’s easy to be excited about a project when you’re just starting out. Over time, you are bound to hit snags and stressors here and there. Rally your team with incentives, social outings and rewards for meeting goals throughout the course of the project – not just when it’s completed. And once it is complete, reward yourselves again for a job well done!
Donna Toothaker is CEO and founder of 1st VA the highly sought-after online marketing and consulting company. 1st VA specializes in providing online marketing support and services to entrepreneurs and solopreneurs who wish to effectively build or improve their online presence. To discover how 1st VA can help your business – visit http://www.1stva.com.
K.I.S.S. Tip – Best Places to Market Virtual Assistance Services.
Recently I was asked, “where are the best places to market Virtual Assistance services?”
This varies by niche, industry and what your personal interests are. The real question is:
Who is your ideal client?
- A corporate executive?
- A local business?
- Chefs/restaurants?
- Real estate professionals?
- Non-profits?
- Fitness professionals or “Fitpreneurs” as I like to call them?
- Women entrepreneurs?
- Travel organizations?
- A specific trade industry?
- Anyone that understands the value of a virtual assistant?
The possibilities for industry focus in the virtual assisting industry are endless. And as we approach 2010 and remain in economic turmoil here in the U.S., I’m guessing our industry will be gaining even more exposure and interest from organizations that want to work with highly skilled professionals while not having to endure the traditional hiring process; especially if a full-time employee is unnecessary.
Again, where to best market virtual assistance services is going to vary from one virtual professional to the next. My ideal client is not necessarily your ideal client. My comfort level with certain networking situations is not the same as others; to be honest I hate high-pressure situations…so organizations where leads are a requirement are not best for me. But I thought I would share where I communicate with others about my virtual marketing & PR services:
- local networking organizations
- chamber events
- business card exchanges
- Twitter
- online forums
- the gym (if the topic of work arises)
- LinkedIn groups and networks
- special holiday networking events
- moms groups (if the topic of work comes into play)
This list is not all inclusive and may not jive with your interests. It’s just to give you an idea of potential outlets for growing your business connections and building interest in the virtual assisting industry.
Where do you market your virtual assisting services or the industry as a whole? Please comment and share.
And if you have any questions you’d like answered here on the IS blog, send them my way – tchberger@InnovateServices.com.
Copyright 2009 Teresa H. Berger & Innovate Services
Creating Positive Buzz: The Online International Virtual Assistants Convention
Since 2006 the Online International Virtual Assistants Convention has grown by leaps and bounds. Not only can attendees learn from experienced professionals, but also have the chance to network with like-minded individuals from all around the globe.
As a virtual business owner and Virtual Public Relations Assistant, I will be attending the 4th Annual Online International Virtual Assistant Convention (OIVAC), held this year from October 1-3, 2009.
The list of tangible and non-tangible benefits associated with hiring a VA is extensive and all-inclusive. The biggest advantage is the elimination of the accumulation of costs associated with providing employee benefits, paying taxes, purchasing furniture and equipment, the additional costs often associated with training opportunities, and the burden of overhead for additional office space. “As Independent Contractors and Entrepreneurs, Virtual Assistants are responsible for paying their own benefits, insurance, taxes, and other associated costs.
“A VA works from a fully-functional, furnished office, and provides their own equipment, technologies, software, etc. VAs are paid only for time spent on a task and utilize time-tracking software that records duration and billing information associated with the assignment. As a result, the client is not charged for downtime, breaks, lunch, or time away from the office when emergencies occur, etc.” shares Sharon Williams, OIVAC founder. It’s clear that small business owners can experience significant savings both in time and money by hiring a Virtual Assistant.
Further, says Williams, “The 4th annual OIVAC is an event held completely online that offers educational seminars, workshops, an international exhibition and networking opportunities for aspiring and veteran VAs. It also allows VAs to experience, first-hand, examples of how effective and efficient communication and use of technology can launch a practice.”
Worldwide, thousands of office support providers have joined the ranks of work-from-home, full-time, business owners. By attending the Convention, I have access to industry-recognized experts, as well as a wealth of knowledge, experiences and information specifically crafted to benefit me and my business. If you have questions, you’ll find the answers at OIVAC!
About Alliance for Virtual Businesses
Established in June 2003, the Alliance for Virtual Businesses™ is volunteer-directed organization, whose primary mission is to promote the growth of free enterprise between virtual assistants, entrepreneurs, small businesses, corporations, associations and other business entities. At the Web site client-related case studies, industry-related demographics, and a wealth of other types of information are available to facilitate learning about our industry. Visit the Web site at www.allianceforvirtualbiz.com.
About Online International Virtual Assistants Convention
The OIVAC is an online, interactive, “live” yet virtual environment Convention of Virtual Assistants, eager to “Enhance Their VA Practices By Using the Latest in Technology and Communication.” Visit the Web site at www.oivac.com.
Creating Positive Buzz: Two Women. 190 miles.
Carla and Caroline take on 190 miles coast to coast.
Philadelphia, PA – This past July Philadelphia area business women, Carla Wilson and Caroline Wright, trekked 190 miles coast to coast in England. Their journey began as a physical challenge putting themselves to the test and ended up as a unique way to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Carla Wilson and Caroline Wright, a native of England, set out on a 190 mile hike from St. Bees along the Irish Sea to Robin Hood’s Bay along the North Sea. Each day the hike was in the range of 15-20 miles and at times they hiked through non-stop hail and rain. Both are Philadelphia area business women and were able to take two weeks away from their businesses without skipping a beat. The goal of this trip was two-fold. First it started out as a life-long dream of Caroline’s to complete a long-distance hike and Carla was her chosen sidekick for the adventure.
The second goal only seemed natural to the two area women; raise funds for cancer research with each mile walked. For the 190 miles walked Carla and Caroline set out to raise $1,900 or $10 per mile. To date they are at 78% of their goal and are back on American soil. Carla mentions, “…my cousin passed away from cancer – specifically melanoma. And since I never followed through in making the donation in her name that I had wanted to do, I thought I’d set up a fundraising effort to raise important funds for research for the cure of this disease – and dedicate my walk to her and others. Unfortunately, so many of us know folks who are living with or have battled cancer. We need to help kick cancer’s butt.”
With cancer touching so many lives in various ways these days, it’s hard not to take notice of those putting their bodies to the test to raise awareness and funding. Carla and Caroline completed their journey and would love to help in the fight against cancer. For more information on their story and cause, please visit http://wrightsolution.wordpress.com/.
What do smores have to do with public relations?
I went camping recently and the yummy smores my family and I made by the camp fire are still on my mind. The fact that I’m a chocoholic doesn’t help either.
What do smores have to do with public relations? This may be a stretch but here goes:
1. Patience. Smores take patience to make because you have to first roast the marshmallows to the exact temperature of your preference. Some people like their marshmallows golden brown while others like them crispy on the outside and melted on the inside. Public relations, done properly, takes patience as well. Patience in crafting your message the right way to reach the right people. Patience in getting a response to your first attempt or follow up. Patience in the amount of time and frequency required to spend on generating buzz. You may not create positive buzz after that first or fifth press release or story pitch, but have faith it will come!
2. Organization. Crafting the perfect smore takes organization. You have to have your supplies ready at hand – the marshmallows, the graham crackers, the chocolate and of course a napkin or paper towel to keep the gooiness at bay. Crafting a simplified, yet effective public relations plan takes organization as well. Whether you’re developing an editorial calendar for your ezine or blog, or crafting a quarters worth of story pitches or press releases, your information must be organized. You should have the Who, What, When, Where and Why clearly mapped out and your contact information must be organized and easy to find as well. It’s also notable to have your follow-up plan and strategy for what happens once you generate buzz organized.
3. Slice of heaven. Smores (if you like them as much as I do) can be a slice of heaven. They can help you be in the moment, having fun with family and friends, and can remind you of fun times as a child. Generating positive buzz around you, your business, your events, products or services can be a slice of heaven. When you get noticed for the hard work that you do, or your community involvement you can be in the moment, relish it, be giddy like a kid and do your happy dance. It’s amazing when we get noticed after a lot of effort. It’s what life is all about. Being appreciated, being in the moment, appreciating others, and paying it forward.
Who knew smores and PR had so much in common!?
Is Being Authentic & Transparent on Your Biz Blog Bad for Entrepreneurial PR?
Recently there was a discussion in one of my business organization forums. The gist was whether or not sharing personal tid-bits of information on your business blog is acceptable. Some were for it; others against.
Here’s my take:
We’re all human beings with feelings, families, interests outside of our businesses right?
To be truly whole and fulfilled I believe we need to be well-rounded people. And as well-rounded people and entrepreneurs, we can be more buzz-worthy. It takes a leap of faith to share our true selves and come out from behind that curtain of who we think we should be. I, for one, at the age of 30 have decided there will be no more hiding; no more pretending I have to be someone I’m not (I’m more comfortable in my exercise gear than a suit, but that doesn’t mean I can’t rock my clients’ PR & editorial needs).
Editors don’t always want to hear the dry, boring story of another certification obtained or another service offering. They want juicy, well thought out stories. And at times, your personal tid-bits may be the fuel to light the fire of creating positive buzz around you AND your business.
So consider this:
What do you have to lose by sharing tid-bits of your personal life on your biz blog? I’m not talking about sharing the new recipe you got the other day or what your kids did at day care, unless of course you can tie that into your line of business. Isn’t it more human and honest to be real?
What’s your take – to share or not to share the personal tid-bits?
Creating Positive Buzz: Simplified Public Relations & Marketing Support
People are often visually driven…images motivate and communicate.
Innovate Services partners with virtual assistants, fitpreneurs, mompreneurs, and solopreneurs to help them get their message out authentically; creating positive buzz for their businesses. Our passion is helping spread the word; through avenues like press releases, story pitches, ghostwritten articles, social media, philanthropy and more.
Does our video below help communicate that or are we missing the mark?
Feel free to let us know…business and life is an ever-lasting opportunity to learn and grow. And I’m always up for enlightenment and growth!
Copyright 2009 Teresa H. Berger, MBA & Innovate Services PR|Editorial
Professional Virtual Assistants – Does PR Have a Role in Your Business?
Recently I’ve been toying with the idea of developing something (product…book…seminar) that would help promote the use of authentic, simplified Public Relations in business; especially for the virtual assistant / virtual professional industry.
Over the years, I’ve seen many a company (large and small) throw money into fruitless advertising campaigns that didn’t fully communicate the voice and philosophy behind the company. Sure there is a time and place for advertising, but you cannot put all your eggs in one basket and expect the leads to flow in. And it is so easy to choose advertising over developing a sound public relations and grass roots plan because it can be less time consuming.
With public relations you have to answer at minimum the “who, what, why, when, where” questions readers, editors and other media contacts will be asking. But that is not enough. You have to delve into what your ideal clientele or target market want to hear. What is their interest these days? How does your news tie into their needs or wants? What does your philanthropic act have to do with them? Why would someone want to read about your new joint venture, e-book, certification, etc. It takes a lot of thought, creativity and putting yourself in others shoes to develop a strong PR plan.
So virtual assistants / virtual professionals inquiring minds want to know…
Does PR have a role in your business?
If you are willing to take 1-2 minutes of your time and help us out, please take our survey.
Click Here to take survey
Copyright 2009 Teresa H. Berger, MBA & Innovate Services PR|Editorial
Work Earth-Friendliness into Your Business – Tip #5
Love Your Library.
Do you read a lot throughout the year? As entrepreneurs and business owners we work hard to keep our skills current and offer value to our clientele. That being said, much of that knowledge comes from printed books. Consider the manufacturing process and all that goes into printing and shipping just one book to a big chain book store. Could you get that same book about generating leads or finding passion in business at your local library? Or if you live far from a public library what about an online book swap where you mail a book and get a book in return? I found Paper Back Swap, http://www.paperbackswap.com/index.php, pretty simply by just Googling “book swap”. Of course if you’re like me maybe you enjoy marking up your books with highlighter or taking notes in the margin, so you’d have to transition to taking notes on your recycled paper notepad or even better in One Note. Consider your local library as an option…it’s typically free and you can get books in print or on audio. And it’ll give you an excuse to take a walk, bike ride or if need be hop in the car for a few minutes away from the office.
Copyright 2009 Teresa H. Berger, MBA & Innovate Services PR|Editorial
simplified, consistent public relations | copy editing
Work Earth-Friendliness into Your Business – Tip #3
Have a Green Host
Ever heard of a “green” website host? It’s worth considering for your business needs or your clients needs. Environmentally friendly hosting services like eco web hosting (http://www.ecowebhosting.co.uk/) provide their customers low cost hosting options with an ethical twist. Eco web hosting packages for example are 100% carbon neutral and they’ve planted well over 100 trees to help neutralize the carbon emissions of their business operations. If you’re considering a transition to a green host, just do your due diligence and spend some time researching and comparing. You want to be sure customer service is not sacrificed and the organization is walking its talk.
Copyright 2009 Teresa H. Berger, MBA & Innovate Services PR|Editorial
simplified, consistent public relations | copy editing
Innovate Services & Client Media Mentions…
http://www.business-opportunities.biz http://blog.cristinafavreau.com http://www.ivaa.org/pdfs/latestcast.pdf http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/blog
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