Virtual Zen

Are You an Information Junkie?

I am - can't get enough of the stuff! It's like the more I learn, the more I need to know. Lucky for me, this addiction isn't fattening or unhealthy; just habit forming. So how do I satisfy my need for knowledge?

First of all, I challenge myself to take a new course whenever possible. After completing the VTP with AssistU, I went on to train with AuthorSmart. Right now I'm taking a course on Shopping Cart Secrets with Christina Hills. After that, who knows. 

These courses get expensive and time consuming, though, so I have to limit them. But that doesn't mean I have to stop learning. What then?

I'm constantly finding free teleseminars full of all kinds of interesting tidbits to attend. Sign up for free newsletters on topics of interest (another great free info source), and you'll usually end up on an invitation list for these teleseminars.  If I only pick up one tip or piece or inspiration at a time it's worth it. Many of these, once you are registered, you can even download the audio if the time of the actual call isn't convenient for you. Plus, I have just started sitting in on free Q&A sessions with groups such as AuthorSmart and the National Association of Women Writers (NAWW) which helps me find answers to real-time questions.

The point is, I love learning new things and challenging myself to think differently.  One tip for anyone who wants to learn more about a particular subject but has limited time and funds available, is to set up a Google alert on that subject.  That way, whenever anything in the news or on a blog shows up on the internet about that subject, you'll get notified.  What I do when I get alerts, is scan them for anything of interest, read the article/blog, and if I think it would be useful later on, save it as a PDF and keep it in my "ideas" file for future reference. It's fun - try it!

Learning new things gives me energy and satisfies my craving for knowledge. Of course, like all cravings, this craving never really goes away -  it just keep me searching for my next information "fix".

Proof that Self-Publishing Works - A Success Story!

Yesterday, the Boston Globe printed a wonderful article about an author who chose to self-publish her book and ended up with a HUGE book deal! Her book was so popular that it fetched a $2mil price tag at auction. While this is an unusual circumstance, it can happen - self-publishing isn't just a last resort for new authors anymore - it's a viable way to get your book on the streets and could even lead to bigger and better book offers from publishing houses. Read the article here.

As the author points out, however, self-publishing isn't for the weak of heart, it's a tremendous amount of work. For those brave enough to take it on, don't go it alone. To help guide you through the process, you may want to find yourself a VA who has been trained as an Author's Assistant.  One great resource is AuthorSmart.com; they train VAs and provide a directory of qualified assistants. For those authors not prepared to take on the challenge of self publishing, you may want to stick with traditional publishing and find yourself a good literary agent.

The Beauty of Networking

Has this ever happened to you ... you decide you need to get out there and attend a networking event to promote your services, and when you arrive you realize that there really isn't anyone in the room with whom you would likely do business? Not that they aren't all wonderful and interesting people, they just don't fit your carefully-crafted, ideal client profile. You have decided that you will work with authors or maybe web entrepreneurs, and the room is full of real estate brokers, attorneys and cosmetic distributors. All very successful people but not the ideal clients you are seeking.  What do you do?  Do you politely excuse yourself and go home?

No! You relax, enjoy, and get to know the people around you, the challenges and obstacles they face, and take the opportunity to spread the good word about virtual assistance and how it can rock the world of entrepreneurs in need.

This happened to me not long ago while attending a luncheon with the Women's Referral Network (WRN) of Chester County PA. Seated at my table was a woman named Delia. I enjoyed talking to her and learning a bit about her business. Since she distributes earth-friendly nutritional and cleaning products I tuned in (I love that stuff!). A few days later she contacted me and we set up a time to chat on the phone; she didn't really think she was the stage of her business where a VA was needed but wanted to learn more about what I do. She then told me about her company and some of the challenges she faces, like getting educational information  out on a regular basis to more than just her own email list.  I suggested a blog, outlined the process to set one up, and gave her the link to Typepad. Not long after that, she sent me the link to her great new blog - and she's been having fun developing it ever since! I then decided I wanted to try out some of her cleaning products so I placed an order through her (the products are great!). Nice story, right?  It gets better.

A while after that, Delia was attending another networking function with eWomen and happened to be seated with a woman who mentioned that she is looking for a VA. Guess who Delia thought of? She passed along my name and that woman and I have since  been in touch.  We think we may be a great fit and will likely work together soon, but even if we don't, in speaking with her I now have another significant contact to add to my rolodex (she owns a PR firm). Like my VTP trainer Antonette always said, "the VA with the biggest rolodex wins". Because as VAs, we don't know how to do everything, just get everything done.

This is the beauty of networking - it's not so much about who your meet, it's about the impression you leave them with so that they think of you later when they make new contacts.  It's like that Herbal Essences shampoo commercial from the 70's ... I told 2 friends, and they told 2 friends, and so on, and so on, and so on!