Thinking ...

For the past 6 or 7 years, I have had an inspirational poem posted right beside my computer monitor. I see it every day, I read it every day, and I can recite it in my sleep. It is something that has inspired me throughout every day of running my own business, and I thought I would share it. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Thinking ..... by Walter D. Wintle

If you think you are beaten, you are
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you'd like to win, but think you can't
It's almost a cinch you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you've lost
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow's will
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are
You've got to think high to rise
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize!

Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the one who thinks he can.

What Can I Help You With Today?

Oftentimes, clients will ask me if I can help them out in ways that, at first, might sound a little obscure, if not downright outrageous. Most of the time, unless it involves activities that would be considered illegal, immoral or dangerous, I try to say yes. Although I specialize in the web design and database fields, I have done everything from recording tele-seminars to picking out paint colours.

A few days ago, a client asked if “I do that” to a number of tasks, and the answer was yes to all of them. I figure if I’m going to be working with someone, it makes sense to work with them completely, and not in bits and pieces. I decided to put together a list of things that I have done, will do, and can do for my clients. A handy little reference guide, if you will. So, the next time you’re wondering if I do that, just check the list!

· Web design and maintenance
· Search engine positioning
· Arrange webhosting
· Database development and maintenance
· Retrieve and review email and forward just the important stuff (human spam filter)
· Plan meetings and events, both online and physical
· Record voicemail greetings
· Send and receive faxes
· Research varied topics
· Ghost writing articles and reports
· Proof reading
· Copy editing
· Desktop publishing
· Newsletter writing and publishing (Internet and print based)
· Write marketing and advertising materials
· Business planning and consulting
· Brainstorming, idea gathering and general soundboard

10 Things I Love About Being A Virtual Assistant

Recently, I received a comment about one of my articles that suggested that being a VA was no so desirable, and even less lucrative. I think that the article might have been read a little out of context, but the fact that someone out there thought that virtual assistance was something they might want to do, and after reading my post, thought it might not be such a good idea, prompted me to put together a list of the top 10 things I love about being a Virtual Assistant.

10. Although I answer to my clients, the only boss I have is me.
9. I decide when and where I work.
8. My income level is determined by me.
7. I can work in my pyjamas.
6. The morning commute is awesome.
5. I have a corner office.
4. Insomnia is never an issue – if I can’t sleep, I work.
3. My days are filled with new and exciting things, not routine stuff.
2. I never have to ask for a raise.
1. The sense of self-accomplishment is worth more than its weight in gold.

CRM and Database Software Comparison

There are a great number of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), contact management and database software packages available on the market – it almost seems as though every month a new contact or database management tool enters center stage. And, although most of these programs are similar in their design, each system has their own unique qualities. The question is, how do you determine which one is right for you? What criteria do you really need in a database management tool?

We have put together this free comparison report with the hope that we may be able to assist you in choosing the right database management tool for your business requirements. We have also provided you with tips and tricks for using some of the tools to establish and build lasting relationships with your prospects and clients.

Download your free PDF report