| Feature: How to Make the Most Out of Hiring a VA |
 One of the situations we come across quite often is someone who has recognized their need for an assistant, but does not know how to start with one, or get going with the one they have already hired! We hear so many reasons as to why folks don't accept help or don't know how - do any of these sound like you?
- It will take too long to train someone else...
- I'm a control freak!
- I don't know how to delegate, help!
- My desk is such a mess; I don't know where to start!
- I've never done this before - how do I show someone else how to do what I do?
If some or all of these sound familiar to you, not to worry - there is a solution! The "secret" - and no, we're not talking about the latest book or DVD showcased by Oprah - is to delegate. Delegation is the key to maintaining a busy executive's sanity...Here are a few tips on using the principals of delegation to hire (or keep on) a VA:
- To start, take 15 minutes to review your tasks. Break them into 2 categories - administrative and executive. Remember: only do this for 15 minutes at a time so it does not become overwhelming. Set a timer, it helps!
- Start giving those administrative tasks to your VA! Use a brief 15 minute call or take 15 minutes to write an email listing the tasks. Make sure to highlight what the task is, what the due date is, and any follow-up that will be needed. Be brief, remember a good VA is used to doing administrative tasks, so lengthy initial explanations are usually not needed.
- Be open to questions and be flexible. Any new endeavor takes a little bit of give and take - think of it as a partnership and you will become more comfortable in handing tasks over to your VA - especially once you note how this frees you up for bigger and better things!
Need more help? Click here... |
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| It's Not Too Late...Plan Your Summer Trip Now! |
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 Worried that you won't be able to take a summer trip because summer has already started? Don't be - there are plenty of weekends of sunshine left for you to take advantage of!
If you have a favorite spot in mind and a weekend in mind - let us know when and where it is and we will scour the internet for you and look for the best deal.
If you prefer to go on a last -minute trip and have a sense of adventure (i.e., you're not terribly picky about the locale, you just want a beach!), there are even some sites that will give you great deals if you book within 2-3 weeks of your trip.
Just let us know your preferences in travel (resort, B&B, all-inclusive, off-the-beaten path motel) and we'll do the leg work for you! Ready to book? Click here |
| Fun Foods For the 4th |
 Everyone is familiar with traditional BBQ fare, but if you are craving some new twists on grilled items - try these on for size:
Lip-smacking corn on the cob dressing courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis - but instead of boiling the corn, grill it! Turn your gas grill on high and drizzle your husked corn with a bit of extra-virgin olive oil. Put the corn directly on the grill for about 10 minutes, turning as needed. Make sure and keep watch over it so no one spot gets over-charred. Once the corn is done (some kernels will be slightly blackened), pour the parmesan mixture over the corn. Messy, but delish!
Grill your dessert! Try some Grilled Peaches on for size - cut your ripened peaches in half and remove the pit. Sprinkle with sugar to taste on the cut side of the peaches (or use some baking Splenda if you are watching your figure). Let peaches stand for about 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves. Place peaches on your grill, cut-side down. Grill until heated, and sugar caramelizes (5 minutes, give or take). Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fat-free whipped topping for a sweet summer treat...
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Can you believe it? The year is half over! Are you where you thought you would or want to be? We hope so - but if you aren't we can help you get there...this time around, our quarterly newsletter features an article on hiring a VA, as well as some great tidbits on how to make this summer pleasurable and productive...