My superstar clients constantly amaze and inspire me. A shining example of this is Andrea Patten’s latest course From Inner Critic to Inner Ally.

When you work alone from home like we do, it’s easy to give more weight to the insidious little voice in your head, whispering things like:

• “you’ll never succeed at this”
• ”’you’re not good enough”
• “no one will pay you what you’re worth”
• “who are you kidding – you don’t have what it takes to do this”
• “you have to do everything yourself and because that’s impossible, you’re going to fail”

Andrea has put together a course which is deceptively simple and pays dividends immediately. I think this testimonial from an email Andrea just sent me gives you a glimpse of how powerful the course is:

“Although I was skeptical at first, because most self-help books and courses let me down, I have to say, I was more than pleasantly surprised by From Inner Critic to Inner Ally. It beats the pants off of anything else I’ve ever done. One technique in particular I adopted allows me to instantly call upon my new Inner Ally. And that little guy has already earned his keep. Before taking the course, I was approached by a client about a piece of business. I knew they had $2,500 they could spare for it. At that fee, I’d be taking a big loss on the business. I didn’t want to jeopardize our long term relationship nor did I want to feel bad about accepting a too low fee. So the other day, armed with my new inner ally, I sent a proposal to the client with a $6,000 fee for that piece of business. They agreed the price is reasonable and are looking for the money in their budget. My Inner Ally got me $3,500 I wouldn’t have had otherwise. He’s turning out to be quite the little business partner!“ 

~ Annie Bartlett, Consultant, USA

Pretty cool, right? And it gets better….

As I was working on the course with Andrea, I naturally got to see the materials. And I learned some cool stuff, so I felt I benefited from the course. I also thought that my life was pretty darned good. Until one day it wasn’t.  And I mean it wasn’t in a big way.  Andrea urged me to ACTUALLY TAKE the course, and I did. I have just one thing to say….

O…M…G!

I was able to identify my inner critic (one I didn’t know I had), put her on mute, and teach her how to play nice! The joy and freedom I’ve experienced as a result is simply indescribable.

I have another confession. Where most people read novels, I read personal development books. I’ve pretty much read everything out there.  Honestly, I’ve never lacked for creating a vision and dreams, and setting goals.  I was thinking that was enough, but boy did I find out differently! The difference between everything else I’ve read and this is that From Inner Critic to Inner Ally gets to the ROOT of the problem. Everything else just shows you how to cover it up. But covering it up, didn’t really CHANGE anything for me.

By the time I’d finished the course, it was like a key falling in place in a lock. Things just clicked. Not only was I way calmer, but I have the energy that comes from releasing a big energy drainer in my life. Wah-hooooo!

I’m so excited about this I wanted all of my friends, clients and everyone I know to have access to this course. I asked Andrea if she’d let me offer you the course.  She said “Yes!” but only on one condition – that she be allowed to share some of the profits with me so I could plough them back into my business.  You see, Andrea – superstar that she is – has a policy of giving back. And remember – I’ve taken the course and personally recommend it, so my reputation is at stake here (and there’s NO amount of money that could make me damage that!)

To make the offer even sweeter, Andrea and I agreed to a price that’s more than 50% off.

Now, you know me -  I’m not one to promote others’ products like this, and I wouldn’t promote this one except that I know many of you solopreneurs have a trash-talking inner  critic. And since the little beggar won’t be ignored, it’s wise to learn how to deal with him.

So if you’d like to learn how to finally really deal with that downer of an inner critic that’s keeping you trapped, then click on over to From Inner Critic to Inner Ally NOW!

P.S. I should mention that I don’t really know how long I can ask Andrea to hold the >50% off price for you. So do yourself a BIG favor and click on over to From Inner Critic to Inner Ally before you get sidetracked!

“Maybe this time. This time. This time. This time! This time!

This…That is diabolical.”

~ Barry B. Bensen

Thinking about the New Year and the inevitable talk about resolutions has this little scene playing over and over in my mind from Bee Movie.  It’s the very last clip in the video below when a honeybee named Barry B. Bensen tries, unsuccessfully,  to fly out of a closed window, he keeps trying and trying and trying only to bounce off the closed window.  Sounds like most resolutions and goals to me.

We try with good intention to set amazing goals to move ourselves forward to the promise of a New Year, that “this time” we’ll make it happen, “this time” the New Year’s “magic” will work and we’ll achieve all our goals.  Then February comes and we are back to our old ways.  But maybe, just maybe “this time” it really will be different.  How??

Well maybe because you are here, considering how a Virtual Assistant (VA) can help your business…what will be different this year from any other year?  Maybe you’ve made a decision to take your business to that next level, and you realize that to be truly successful you cannot, should not, and don’t need to do all things yourself.  Maybe “this time” you’ll free yourself up to focus on the tasks that you do best, and delegate that which you really don’t need to manage, freeing yourself up for more parties, recruiting events, prospect coffees, team meetings and more.

Imagine what your business will look like when team newsletters get sent out on a regular basis, hostess thank you’s are mailed promptly, your follow-up reminders are scheduled into your calendar, reminders for team meetings are sent, it’s done…you don’t’ have to worry about it.  That’s what a VA can do for your business, and much more.

Think about how “this time” you’ll open the window and fly out of the cycle of hitting your head against the goal or resolution you set to move to that next level…”this time” you’ll make it happen, with a little help from a bee!

Since June 2011 I’ve had the great honor of being the “Delegation Expert” in a series of guest blog posts for Lisa Robbin Young’s Direct Sales Classroom.  Each month I share another step in the process of getting comfortable with delegation.

How to delegate?

Whenever I tell someone I’m a Virtual Assistant they generally want to know these three things:

• How does it work?
• How do you get the work?
• How do we work together…virtually??

Technology has made it easier than ever to provide this type of service.  Here are my top picks for HOW to delegate virtually:

1. Email – Nothing too high tech about email, it’s a fast, easy, uncomplicated way to communicate.  I tell my clients “email is always open” and my policy  is to respond to your  email within 24 hours.  You can email a task whenever you need to, even if it’s the middle of the night, knowing it won’t be an intrusion and, more important, won’t be forgotten.
2. Dropbox – This online tool is fast becoming one of my favorites!  Dropbox allows clients to share documents without having to email them, which is especially helpful when dealing with large files.  Once installed on your computer you save files to it as you would any other folder on your computer, and like “magic” they appear in the matching folder on my computer as well.  This allows for much easier editing and sharing of information.
3. LogMeIn – Sometimes there are programs that exist only on your computer, but the fact that some of the work is not online does not have to stop you from delegating.  LogMeIn allows me to remotely access your computer (with your permission) and work on your computer as if I was there in person.
4. Mail – Traditional USPS mail.  Yes, with flat rate envelopes you can affordably send your hardcopy documents to me to work on for you, and have mailed back to you when completed.
5. Scanner/FAX – If you prefer to hold on to your original documents, you always scan and put them in an email attachment, into Dropbox or fax them to me.

There are many, many other tools available to work virtually, these are just a few favorites.  As you can see, delegating to a Virtual Assistant can be either high-tech, low-tech or somewhere in between.    Where there’s a will there’s a way, and a VA has many tools available to help make the process as smooth as possible.  Don’t let the “virtual” part scare or intimidate you.

Put all the pieces together, WHAT, WHO and HOW and you have the first steps of plan to stop the overwhelming feeling  you get when  your tasks get away from you.  Get back to what you do best and delegate the rest!

Since June 2011 I’ve had the great honor of being the “Delegation Expert” in a series of guest blog posts for Lisa Robbin Young’s Direct Sales Classroom.  Each month I share another step in the process of getting comfortable with delegation.

Who to delegate to?

Last month we discussed “WHAT” to delegate, worked through a simple exercise and helped you create a list of tasks you might start to delegate.  So, grab your list and let’s take a look!

Review your list and think about the level of complexity and technical skill required to complete each task.  An example that comes to mind, and is most likely on your list, are both “mailing catalogs” and “entering product orders on the company website.”  To complete these tasks requires different skill levels.  See the difference?

Let’s start with the less “complicated” tasks…  WHO might be a good choice to (sticking with my example) mail out those catalogs?

Older children:  Do you have an older child in your home?  Many parenting experts agree: moving from an allowance to being part of a family business can be a great step for you both.  Being involved in my parent’s small business growing up had a big influence on becoming an entrepreneur.

Students:  If you don’t have kids the “right” age to lend a hand, there are probably some high school students nearby.  Many students are finding it harder and harder to find part time summer jobs, so even a few hours a week working with you will put a little cash in their pocket and add time to your clock!

Family members:  As much as they’d like to support you, they don’t always know what you need done. You’ll never know if they’re willing if you don’t ask.

Retirees: Lots of retirees find they miss work!  They might not miss going every day, but many older people miss both the paycheck and the feeling of contribution.  A “once in a while” job might work for both of you.

But who can support you with the work that requires technical skills?

College Interns:  I know one superstar who has had great success finding talent at the local colleges; many courses require an internship component. 

On-site Employees:  this one takes some careful consideration.  If you want to bring someone into your home office will their assistance outweigh their cost?  When doing your calculations, make sure you include all of the “extra” resources (space, computer, phone line, desk, coffee, etc)  needed to have someone come share your office.  Also be sure to determine what, if any, tax and legal implications this solution may create.  Always check with your accountant and/or lawyer:  you don’t want to run into an expensive problem later on.

Virtual Assistants:  The beauty of a VA is that she is an independent contractor.  A VA will provide their own equipment and are responsible for their own taxes and legal issues.   The potential downside is that different VAs provide different services and that can make finding the right “match” feel a little overwhelming.  Here are some tips to help:

• Ask friends, and fellow leaders for recommendations
• Check social media, VA’s are… well… VIRTUAL meaning that much of their work is online.  It’s fairly easy to get a sense of someone via their Facebook pages and Twitter conversations
• Before you hire someone make sure you have a least one phone conversation to make sure you “understand” each other.  If it doesn’t “feel right” let her know that you will be talking to some other VAs before making a final decision.

Remember, it’s ok to ask for examples of their work, referrals, and to start out with one small project before handing off your entire To Do list!  I always suggest starting small, delegating is not an “all” or “nothing” process.   So do you have some ideas of WHO you can start delegating to?

Next month we are going to explore the HOW to delegate, now that you know WHAT and WHO it’s time to figure out how to get those items off your list and gain more time back for what you do best!

That’s sort of how these things go, I didn’t even realize it was coming.  I was blindly going along with my “Super Woman” cape on, leaping tall buildings, driving the kids to and from school, supporting my Superstar clients, coordinating benefits for my son, cooking dinner, grocery shopping, helping with homework, on and on…until it hit me.

SMACK!  BANG!  POW!!

I lost it!  My super human Mommy power drained out of me and I became a whimpering pile of mush!!!  I found my kryptonite and it turns out that I actually cannot do everything….at least not without help!

YIKES!  ZOINKS!  ZOWIE!!

Yes, I found out the hard way… not only am I human, but I’m only one human trying to do the tasks of several.  This is how a break down became a break through, when I found out something that made me swallow my tears and get back to faithful, focused ACTION…

As I sobbed and said “I can’t do it, I just can’t do it all” someone said to me “Yes you can, but you need some help”

SCREEEECH!! 

That’s right, when I had given up faith in myself, my best friend looked at me and said, “I believe in you and I will help you.”

I know perfectly well that nobody can do it all, not alone, after all that’s why I started my business: to help women who are building their dream businesses to get the help they need so they can do what they do best — and not feel overwhelmed.  My greatest joy is helping my clients breathe a little easier knowing they don’t have to do it all themselves.

My conversation with my best friend made me realize I had to give up some control and accept some help from the people who love and support me.  In order for me to truly reach my dream, I needed to take my own advice and do some delegating myself.

What I forgot (and you may, too) is that people don’t really know we need help unless we tell them “we need help”.  When I spoke up (0k, sniffled) about my overwhelm, my darling husband (who happens to be my best friend) said, “We will make changes so that you can get it done.”  But, like all good delegation, it didn’t stop there.  We got very specific and worked out a plan so that he would help with homework, school pickup and eat peanut butter sandwiches for dinner.  He said he was willing to do whatever I need to help support me to make the dream come true, so that we can all breathe a little easier.

Peanut Butter sandwiches never tasted so good!

Since June 2011 I’ve had the great honor of being the “Delegation Expert” in a series of guest blog posts for Lisa Robbin Young’s Direct Sales Classroom.  Each month I share another step in the process of getting comfortable with delegation.   This post is the first in the series, I will be re-posting the series each month for you here, but if want to get up-to-date on these and other great guest bloggers visit Lisa’s site the Direct Sales Classroom.

Delegate:  To entrust (a task or responsibility) to another person

If you’ve ever wondered, “What, to whom, how or when do I delegate?” or  “How do I know what to “entrust” someone else to do?” you’re in the right place.  Delegation does not need to be a complicated or overwhelming process, but in order to grow and succeed in your business it does need to happen. 

What to Delegate:

What do you delegate?  When you look at your to-do list, if you have one, do you dream of handing the entire list over to the first person that walks by your paper-filled desk?  Step back and let’s look at that list a little more carefully, or, if you’re beating yourself up for not having one, let’s create a to-do list.

What tasks make up your business?  Which ones are the most time-consuming?  What tasks do you “dread” doing? Do some seem “tedious” to you?

When doing this exercise together, some of my clients list items like these:

• Sending customer or team newsletters
• Sending birthday cards
• Entering orders
• Tracking inventory
• Updating contact information
• Maintaining a database
• Sending invites
• Managing customer service follow-up

These are just a few examples, and your list may be different.  No worries.  Bring your list along as we move to the next questions:

• Do YOU personally need to handle each of these tasks?

• Does the activity on your list require a skill or knowledge that you alone possess?

For example, you may like to include a personal note in each of your birthday cards, because you have a strong connection with your customers and you like to express that.  That’s great, and it’s true that only you know what to include as a personal message.  But is it important that you also personally write, address, stamp and mail that card?  Are you sure?

Choose a task you are considering delegating, and the next time you work on it, use a simple kitchen timer (or an online one like http://www.online-stopwatch.com/) to see how long it takes you to finish.  Did it take longer or shorter than you thought it would?  Either way, I want you to consider whether or not if that is that the highest and best use of your time?  What else could you do with that time?

Staying with our example, even if it is NOT the most efficient use of your time, it may still be important to you to hand write all of the birthday cards.  That is FINE: this is YOUR business and, as the business owner, you get to determine how you spend your time.  However, if you add up the time it takes you to personally handle all the tasks on your list, does that time add up to what it would take you to host an additional party or two?  Or recruit a new team member?

Repeat this process a few times and see where your time is being spent.  Then carefully consider what tasks really require you to personally handle them.  Obviously, activities need to be assigned to someone you trust and we’ll get to that…. Next month…. When we discuss the “Who” of delegation.

As a Virtual Assistant for leaders in Direct Sales, I have the great honor and privilege of working with some of the best Superstars in the Direct Sales industry.  So I decided to share these wonderful ladies with all of you, so that you can see how they Shine On!

September’s Superstar Client is Diane Nozik

Company:  WineShop at Home

Website:  MyLittleWineBusiness.com

Blog:  BecomeAWineConsultant.com

Email:  dnozik@yahoo.com

How did you choose your Direct Sales company (or how did you get started?)

After trying (and failing) at several different direct sales and MLM companies I found WineShop at Home. I had always felt that I could be successful in direct selling I just hadn’t found a company and product I was comfortable with. Even though I have very, very little wine knowledge, I know that this was a company that was going to have mass appeal and I could do this.

What is your favorite product and why?

Whichever wine is open of course!

Please share your thoughts on working with The Golden Rule VA…How has it helped you?

I knew that to be my best and grow my business I not only needed help but I needed the help of a person with a skill set different then mine. I found The Golden Rule VA totally by chance and took a leap of faith after chatting with Melissa for thirty minutes. I had only worked with one other person before and I wasn’t getting enough of a benefit from it, being a VA wasn’t her primary focus. Once I jumped on board, I started by delegating the things that for me were the least likely to get done by me and yet when those things didn’t get done I felt the most guilty about. I figured if I was going to have help, it might as well make me feel good!”
So far, it’s just been a month but I already feel 20 lbs lighter and like I can focus on what’s important to me.

Tell us about you, hobbies, family, interests, whatever you would like to share

I’m a wine loving Navy wife, mom of two little boys (3 and 6 months), California native who was planted in Virgina 8 months pregnant and during a snowstorm snow.

If you would like to offer a “special promotion” as part of being Client of the Month please list all details here, including any end date for offer

I will comp the shipping on any order through 9/30/11, just message me for details

“Remember, you have a wealth of influence, and everyone you meet forms an impression of you by your words and actions.  So make the Golden Rule your way of life.”

~Mary Kay Ash

When you are a Superstar with your Direct Sales company, you may be asked to present a topic at convention or train a group of rising Superstars.  You may even speak at a networking event or local organization about your company or products.  Whatever the opportunity is to present, be sure you are prepared.

Here are five tips to help you shine at your next presentation:

1. Know your audience, check with the organizer to learn about who you are going to presenting to so that you can set the right tone for the audience.  If you are presenting to a group of your peers you may want to be more light and fun, while a group at your local church may need to be less casual.
2. Know your topic, make sure you’ve researched your topic, have your Virtual Assistant help.  Be sure you have current facts about any topic you are covering.   It’s ok to gather too much info, just be sure to whittle it down to the essentials for the presentation.
3. Paint a picture, no I’m to suggestion you bring an easel and paints, but be sure to use visuals to enhance your topic.  Everybody absorbs information in different ways; listening, reading or visuals.  Most people need a little of each style to keep them interested.  So present your topic with PowerPoint slides, or handouts that include bullet points and pictures while you speak, this will help keep your audience interested and engaged.
4. Do more homework,Yes, homework!  You want to be sure to check with the organizer so that you know what equipment will be provided.  If you are using PowerPoint slides will there be a projector?   Do you need to bring your own laptop?  Is there a microphone?  How will the audience be sitting?  Classroom style or at tables?  Get as much details as you can before you are at the event so that you can be better prepared.
5. Practice, practice, practice, make sure you are comfortable with the topic, use note cards or an outline to help keep you on track.  If you are using a PowerPoint presentation, make sure you know what you will be covering on each slide.  The more you practice the more you will feel at ease when the time comes.  Try it in front of a mirror, practice with your children as the audience, it may feel silly now, but you will feel confident when the day comes to shine!

Relax and have fun, consider this a bonus tip, but actually it’s an important thing to keep in mind.  Anything can happen when presenting in front of an audience, so be sure to pack your sense of humor, expect the unexpected, take a deep breath and be confident that you know your topic and that your audience is interested in every word you have to say, no matter what happens, that’s the best tip of all!  Have Fun and Shine On!