Just a quick one to let you know that EHOCC has a new home! Although you will find us here until 1st April 2011 we have already settled in at our AngelPages... That's right, my favourite IT team have got me on the move!
It is the 6th year for OIVAC's online 3 day event for aspiring, new and experienced VAs and it's looking set to be the best yet!
This year’s theme: Pathways to Virtual Success: Moving Your Business from 1st Gear to Hyper-Drive…is sureto
help you oil your business gears with little to no effort. And with the
lineup we’ve planned, you’ll be reaching the finish line in no time
flat.
With a stellar array of speakers and technology, OIVAC 2011
is designed to help you unlock a potential you didn’t know you had so
that you’ll have your business in overdrive, be far ahead of the pack,
and heading down the home stretch.
New this year, “make it and take it” sessions, a “hard core” training event
presented by various training and technology companies. Designed to
cover a consecutive four-hour stretch, you’ll not just be “sitting in
on” the session you’ll actually be “doing” in the session so that at the
end you’ll leave with your very own working project/product, which you
can use immediately in your business. Plus the popular Hot Seat VA, VA Trainers andSuccessful VAs Panels will be in place, as well as Introduction to the VA Industry, UK VAs sessions and the first time held African VAs session.
ALL OIVAC
sessions are entirely on the Internet, as “live” events. Which means, you
can participate from a location that’s most convenient for you, whether
that’s in your office, your home, your car, or in the park; it’s
anywhere you might put your laptop, your desktop computer, your mobile
phone, or other hearing device.
An Online Convention such as this is the latest in convenience and
costs-savings. Attendees share easy access with minimal strain on the
budget and have no travel/airport expenses. Further, with no hotel
bills or other hidden expenses, you “arrive at” and leave the Convention
refreshed, and without travel worries.
It’s so simple… If you want to interact with the
Kyle Pettys, the Danica Patricks, the Darrell Waltrip, the Jimmie
Johnson, and the Jeff Gordon-like leaders of the Virtual Assistants
speedway, you can easily slip from first gear into hyperdrive and
explore your potential. So come get behind our “pace car” and claim
access to our championship presenters and the information they’ll be
sharing with you.
At the end, we’re looking forward to seeing you in the “winner’s circle”!
Had to share this with you! Remember I mentioned the wonderful team at Angel Revolutions who helped bring my new website 'idea' to life? (www.yvonnebltd.com) Well, they have been super busy creating a real buzz around what they do and it's no surprise they are being rewarded for all their hard work. So here's something special for you from them:
Need a website - A better one
Do you have a website? Does it regularly get you leads and sales?
If not this is a great one-off chance to get one that does - at:
Half the cost
Twice the quality and functionality
In half the time
Four times the value in half the time - low cost - Guaranteed!
We are acknowledged leaders in 'The New Marketing'. Social Media and getting sales online and via websites working with leading organisations including the Chamber of Commerce (see AngelRooms.biz/MoreSales4Sheffield ).
Through January, to celebrate the launch of our breakthrough new MoreSales: Programme, we are building 'show-sites' in a wide range of niches and industry sectors including
Recruitment
IFA & Financial Services
Coaching & Training
Virtual Assistants
Audio & Video
IT Support
Printing and Publishing
Estate Agents
Technology Companies
Telecoms
Charities
Accountancy Services
Law
Your Sector!
One of these could be yours. This is a one-off opportunity to get a great professional site that actually works to get you leads and sales - really fast. One that you will love - Guaranteed!
Made by the same highly skilled team who created AngelRooms.biz
I love to recommend great products and services. Of course the easiest time to do that is when I've experienced it! So, you heard it here first, this product is GREAT! Not only the product but the customer service support that goes with it. Don't miss your chance, pop over now:'show-sites'
Okay, what is IVA Week I hear you ask? It is the FIRST EVER one week international celebration and education event for new and experienced Virtual Assistants.
So what's the purpose? Even today people are still asking what a Virtual Assistant (VA) does. And where to find one! So some of the top VAs and supporters of the VA industry are coming together to create a platform no business owner wants to miss. Seriously, with the economy set for a very long recovery business owners need to get out from behind the pile of paperwork and start servicing their clients in a much more personable way. For them to do that of course they need to have a reliable team to manage the paperwork and that is where VAs excel!
By promoting the industry and the wide range of business skills available to business owners it will not only put some of the outdated questions to bed but it will provide easy access to the best VAs in business.
I will be hosting an event along with Julie Hinge of i2i Virtual Assistant on Monday 16th May at the Hilton Hotel, Reading (details here: www.ukvac.org.uk) with a host of professional presenters set to help the attendees raise the bar in their own business. There will be meet up groups during the course of the week (register here for details: www.ivaweek.com) as well as the 3 day OIVAC online education event for VAs, now in it's 6th year, run by Sharon Williams (www.oivac.com). Other major participants include Carmen McDougall of VACT, VA training company and Caroline Wilson of the Society of Virtual Assistants Network (SVA).
We are going to ROCK the business world for 7 days and have fun doing it. Be sure to revisit the sites above for more details and if you are an entrepreneur or solopreneur, you will be able to find the 'right hand' you need to help make your business grow!
I just watched Derren Brown's recording of a show that was broadcasted on Channel 4 on 8th September. It was titled: Hero at 30,000 feet and I imagined Derren doing one of his outlandish acts from up high. What the programme turned out to be was the story of a young man who had a head full of dreams but who was going nowhere with them... fast! He spoke of the career he wanted, the kind of life he desired but got up each day and let life happen to him. Step in Derren Brown...
For 30 days Derren used his psychological prowess to change this young man's life into the one he talked about. Now whether you are a fan of Derren's or not what he managed to do for this individual purely by helping him to identify opportunities every day was remarkable. It wasn't magic, it wasn't other worldly, it was opening up the mind, realising that the only thing that stops you moving forward into your bigger life is you.
Check it out on 4OD online TV and ask yourself a few questions:
Do you want to keep on doing what you've always done in the hope that things will change?
Are you going to create your life or let life control you?
Are you ready and willing to open yourself up to new opportunities?
Will you be a hero in 2011?
I sincerely hope we all strive to be hero's in 2011, that we all start living our dream, seizing opportunities and taking risks. After all, isn't that what we are here for?
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas & a Hero's 2011!
Spreading the word of getting out and getting networking!
I really enjoy going to events but with a tight schedule it is essential that I pick and choose where I am likely to get the best results... and by that I mean interesting, worthwhile connections as well as inspiring presenters that encourage me to step out and step up!
And so it was my absolute pleasure to attend the Millionaire Bootcamp for Women held in Charing Cross, London from 26th-28th November. The presenters, many that I had not heard of, came with stories to rock your world and actions to get you to where you want to go. With the likes of Tracy Repchuck, Marie O'Riordan, Debbie Allen and Marie Claire-Carlye to name but a few, it was a winning event.
Two that particularly inspired me were Tracy and Marie. Tracy has been an entrepreneur since the tender age of 19 and now lives in Hollywood... but the 'golden nugget' was that her 3 children, aged 13-16, are all enrolled in online schooling (and are straight A students!) and all have their own income generating businesses/careers (online marketing, acting and modelling). This is just fantastic and proves that being great role model parents can inspire children to reach for the stars, knowing no limits and always believing 'I can'...
Marie on the other hand started her career in Media at the even more tender age of 13!!! She is a media 'go to' personality and has a string of golden moments, not least that she was the last person to interview Mother Teresa. Energetic, fun and totally passionate about what she does she opened my eyes to even more possibilities... wonderful woman.
So my advice to you; get out, get talking, start sharing, build your team and rock the planet! See you on stage soon...
Well, I said I'd let you know when my other site was up and ready to go... and it is! I am delighted with the work carried out by Barry and his team at Angel Revolutions, they certainly exceeded my expectations and for a customer service freak that is not always so easy to do!
Jump over and take a look and feel free to let me know what you think (be kind please!): Click here
On top of that I have been a busy bee travelling around! I worked with a new client this week in Wiltshire and had a great time. She was delightful and we got on like a house on fire (a phrase I'm not so sure I should use flippantly!). Anyway she sent me a glowing testimonial and that really put a smile on my face and is already on my other site.
A new VA umbrella brand was created today with some of the UK greats; Julie at i2i Virtual Assistant, Caroline at Virtually Sorted and our US comrade and founder of OIVAC, Sharon at The 24 Hour Secretary. It will be used to promote a week long celebration with self development and meet up events for VAs in 2011 and hopefully for many years thereafter. Watch this space for more info...
Oh well, another week over and the weekend is waiting for me so I better go enjoy it! Catch up again soon...
Hello! It's been a while but here's a quick post on reflection of the past couple of weeks...
I was recently contacted via my website for some assistance around call handling. I must say that this has got to be one of the most required services for SMEs and the provision isn't always that great. I managed to find the right source for the enquirer and that was very satisfying. Actually it wasn't one of the VAs in my network that the work went to; the better fit was another company that I knew had a good reputation and provided the right level of service to suit her needs.
It was a reminder to me that when in business and wishing to provide great customer service (and that should always be the case!) it's not just about what 'I' can offer but also what I can recommend if I know another service best suits the customers needs.
I have certainly experienced being told 'sorry we don't do that' and that's it; no effort to recommend/refer or assist further.
So if you want to be 'great' in your field in terms of customer service remember to go the extra mile. Even if you don't get the business you get to build a great reputation and that will drive business to you in the end...
And talking of great customer service. The wonderful team at AngelRevolutions have completed my main website and I am very pleased with their service... Check it out here
Having just recovered from a busy week on the road delivering training in London I am getting ready for an even busier week ahead with both London and Leeds on the cards... but I love it! I have the best time doing what I love... My dreams are coming true. Are yours?
Are you approaching each day thankful for what you have, for what you will experience, for the lessons you will learn and the people you will meet? Are you purposely creating the life you desire? If not, it is time to do something about it!
Whatever you have been putting off - book time in your diary to do it
Whatever goals you have been holding in your head - get down on paper and start planning the way forward
Whatever business support you've been looking for - get it!
Whatever you have learnt - take note
Whatever you have to be grateful for - acknowledge
'Putting off' these things is procrastination and it won't get you over the finishing line.
So start dreaming out loud and get into action... I dare you!
Okay, back on the 29th September I mentioned this new funky software called AngelRooms and invited you to take a look at a couple of rooms I was experimenting with. Well the truth is the team of Angels have been super busy since, creating more fantastic add-ons. Admittedly I haven't added them to mine but that's because they are building me a suite of whizzy rooms!
So what are AngelRooms? They are quick and easy online presence sites that are far better than a single page site and have built in CRM so that you can welcome visitors and keep in contact with them providing they leave some very basic information. The rooms can have text, documents, videos as well as social media add-ons and take as little as 20 minutes to build (yes, I've seen it done!)
As noted above the rooms are great for getting an online presence (and extremely low cost - great value for money if the Angels take any!) and can be used for new arms of a business, a launch of a book/product, information centre and/or article library for your business. I think the potential is unlimited!
Why do I love it? Well, it features all the tools I need to keep in contact with my clients and site visitors. With built in 'Biz Casts' I don't need to have a separate newsletter account and all my contacts can be located from one place. It brings all your social media together so you can tweet, LinkedIn and send as soon as you have updated the site with a new article, video or anything else - I just love that!
It even has an auto-responder for new visitors and I hope that feature is developed further to include free downloads and follow ups (I'm sure it's in the pipeline!!) It would be an asset to be able to create designed colour pages (only because I am not a fan of too much white space); that will definitely add to its credibility of being 'the' online presence to have.
Lastly... I am going to predict AngelRooms as being a genuine breakthrough for small businesses and I for one look forward to seeing how it develops... I'll keep you posted but check out the details for yourself here!!
Found this great site called Find Networking Events. It covers events across the UK and saves you having to search through the many networking groups out there... Love anything that saves time!
Did you know that: A woman living in sub-Saharan Africa is 23% less likely than a man to own a mobile phone, according to research.
This figure rises to 24% in the Middle East and increases again to 37% for a woman living in South Asia, found the study by the GSM Association.
In total, it found, 300 million fewer women than men in developing countries owned a mobile.
An initiative called mWomen proposes to halve this "gender gap" within three years.
The programme, championed by Cherie Blair, the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton aims to provide 150 million women around the world with access to mobile phone technology.
Information for report - click here to read in full
So why be concerned with women having a mobile? As we know more and more business is taking place 'on the go' and in order for these women to have better opportunities to build and develop businesses they need to have access to the tools of the trade. I think this is a great step forward and I'll be keeping an eye on the progress of it...
My friends at Angel Revolutions have been busy, busy, busy, creating lots of new software and I really have to share this one with you!
It's called AngelRooms (trademark) - 1 Hour Marketing. It takes 15-20 minutes to set one up (depending on how much info you want to put on of course) and provides you with a space to advertise either specific products and services or everything you do! I love it! Here are a couple of links where you can see it in action:
Well, there should be! We all have the same quantity of hours in a day. And although we have a multitude of responsibilities it is essential that we carve out time to do the things that are important for our business(es) well being and growth...
So when was the last time you did some pruning? Have you reviewed your marketing strategies lately? Do you have a strategy in place? When did you last update your clients with new products and services or news about your business in general? When was the last time you thanked your clients and perhaps sent them a card of gift to express your gratitude for their continued relationship?
Truth is if you're not paying attention to these things someone else will be! So take some time out to PLAN and take ACTION that will grow and develop your business. And if you need help to 'create' that time... utilise the services of a Virtual Assistant... Simples!!
In this high energy, fast paced, and engaging webinar, one of the UK's top entrepreneurs, and founder of thebestof, Nigel Botterill, will share with you '18 Secrets that Super-Successful Business Owners Know & Do...that most Business Owners either Don't Know or Don't Do'.
Nigel has built FIVE separate Million Pound Plus businesses - from scratch - in the last five years - so he knows a lot about what it takes to be super-successful.
His refreshingly blunt analysis and straight-talking style makes this webinar a session that you simply won't want to miss - whatever business or sector you are in - and it will help you loads. You won't just get great ideas but also tips and guidance that makes implementation easy. Nigel's webinars always fill up quickly so you need to book your place now to be sure of getting on.
Here's what other entrepreneurs say about Nigel's webinars and training:
"This was definitely the most beneficial training to actually develop the business rather than learning about the business. Completely practical stuff. Bloody Marvellous!" Angela Longmake AM Property Management, Reading
"I was a bit sceptical about this to be honest but WOW - it's great. You won't be disappointed and you'll learn such a lot." Christine Yates Fire Safety Midlands, Walsall
After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.
Further to my blog post dated 30th July, I wanted to give you another opportunity to watch this Not only is it super informative around the topic of marketing (something that is essential for business growth & survival!) there is also a great offer at the end that is a real no brainer. How do I know? I took the offer up myself and already it is adding value to what I am creating in my business.
If you are serious about developing and getting your brand out there you really need to hear what this successful entrepreneur has to say... it could change your business forever!
Ever stop to wonder why the phone isn't ringing as frequently as you'd like?
Truth is, when was the last time you stopped to review your business marketing plan? Have you even got one?
You need to put aside time to work ON the business... In order to grow you have to MARKET, even if you are fortunate enough to have good word of mouth referrals. Better to generate sufficient clients to have a waiting list than to wait for clients to move on and have to start from scratch!
Working IN the business = handling the day to day operations (delegate these!!) Delivering your service &/or products to your clients.
Working ON the business = building credibility and your brand in the marketplace. Finding new ways to generate more leads and work opportunities to support business growth.
Clearly you need to work in the business and on it, they go hand in hand. So make sure that when you are scheduling your work day you carve out time to grow as well as time to serve!
It is true that as business owners we need to be creative with our time. With so many tasks that need to be completed in and on the business it is essential that we plan. It is not feasible to hope that there will be enough time to get things done we all know what happens on that road!
In order to get ahead you have to set aside time to work on your business and in it. In order to gain some time it makes good sense to outsource some of the tasks you need to do but what ones? They might be tasks you don't enjoy, they might be ones that are time consuming but not money generating. If you can earn more in an hour than the work you are doing in that time then there is every chance you need a VA!
VAs will help you get organised and remove the unwanted tasks from your list (and possibly many more). They also offer an 'on tap' service so you only get their help when you need it... now that makes financial sense!
So take some time to analyze your business support needs, even create a time log for a day or week to see where your time goes and then get plugged into a VA service that meets your needs!
I love the summer, not least because people smile more and appear to be happier!! Have you noticed that too? Amazing how the sun can make such a difference to how people interact.
The truth is we can smile every day, sun or otherwise, and that one gesture might just make a difference to someone elses day/life... no exaggeration!
So whilst I am glad the sun is here when the colder weather returns make the decision to stay upbeat and happy... what a difference it'll make... Be someone elses sunshine...
Yes it's that time again when I have to dig out my trainers or trekking boots and get fundraising!
I have been supporting the Anthony Nolan Trust for over 4 years now, first and foremost as a donor and secondly as a fundraiser. I had such a great time at the Great South Run last year, the atmosphere was amazing! And knowing that every step possibly helped to save a life made it far more rewarding...
This year I am taking a somewhat 'easier' stance by trekking however it is 13 miles so really not feeling that bad that it is not a marathon... that'll come soon enough!!
There is no time like the present to start encouraging friends, colleagues, family and all other readers the opportunity to support the Trust by sponsoring me. Every penny counts... and I appreciate your support!
Nothing pleases me more than discovering the UK's best kept secrets... or maybe I have had my head in the sand (but I don't think so!!)
I received an email a couple of weeks ago from a business associate, Jerry Walsingham of MBoxesEtc.Bath, who had received an email from Entrepreneur's Circle - a business club he is a member of. Without going into too much detail I went and had a look at the site listened to Nigel Botterill's opening 'speech' to site visitors and liked what he had to say. He came across as down to earth, open and clearly successful. Yes you guessed it, I joined! Actually I got stopped by one of his team at the Start Up Event but didn't take up the offer on the day... Clearly our paths were meant to cross again - 2nd opportunity/sign maybe?!
2 weeks on I have already benefited from the membership having followed some of Nigel's advice around Twitter hidden in the members vault.
Highly recommended and I am positive there is much more to come so get over to Entrepreneur's Circle and see if there is something waiting for you!
Have an amazing weekend - the sun is gonna get us... yippeee!
The Christopher Howard team is hosting The Wealth Propulsion weekend in October 2010 - 8th-10th in London! Venue yet to be confirmed but having attended previous Breakthrough to Success weekends I can only look forward to this one with enthusiasm!!
One of the things I enjoy the most about these events is the atmosphere. The energy is high and if you are there to TAKE ACTION... you will! And for me the action isn't necessarily about spending 1,000's of pounds on training - although there is that option and it is an investment in self & business - it's about taking ideas away and implementing them, it's about networking with like-minded people and allowing yourself to be excited about the possibilities.
If you've never been to one of Chris's events then I highly recommend giving them a go... Hope to see you there!
I have found some great training and networking sites this week, joined both (not usual for me!) and already reaping the benefits!
This is an online community for those wishing to build wealth through connecting and self development. Christopher Howard, one of my favourite Self Development speakers, has set this up and I know it is going to be a great resource for me having already made a couple of good contacts. Take a look here: http://www.wealthandachievement.com
A business associate contacted me regarding a potential opportunity that was coming up in one of his network circles. He thought it might be of interest to me for growing my business. Never one to miss a trick I was on the case! Even though the true value of this connection remains an unknown quantity, I have already learnt lots today - the best Twitter lesson I have received to date just by signing up for a 2 month taster membership and gaining access to The Vault. Worth it? Of course I am!! Visit: http://www.entrepreneurs-circle.co.uk
Business Start Up - visited on 21st May. Great turn out and found some interesting businesses. I also had the pleasure of meeting the Raw Network Team, in particular Suresh. What a great guy! He prompted me to write an email congratulating Bradley Chapman on selecting great staff, staff who know how to engage with their audience and make them feel good. Welcome back customer service! There is no greater pleasure than providing positive feedback...
Wow! It's amazing the buzz a room of inspired women (plus Barry - you know who you are!) can do!
The first UK VA Celebration Day is officially over and we had a blast! The attendees really got involved and made the day a great one.
We will be writing up on the event in preparation for next year's (yes, 16th May 2011 - get it in the diary now) but here's some of the feedback from the ladies that lunched and launched the event:
"Really useful and pertinent to the industry. Food for thought, most certainly. It was great meeting other VAs and I will take away the sense of community, some great contacts!" Heather Spencer Admin Works 4 U
"Very interesting and thought provoking. The presentations were both interesting and inspiring - the software tools will be very useful. I leave today with lots of ideas and new contacts!" Sarah Houldcroft Dolphins Don't Sink
"The day - all good, full of useful information. I go away full of inspiration and new tools (+ new friends)! Kate Bacon Kate Bacon & Pier to Peer Coaching
"Fantastic day! It was wonderful to collaborate and be part of a great support group and I can use some of the ideas generated in my business networking" Sally Ponton Virtual PA Executives
Yes folks, it's almost here! 17th May is THE UK VA Celebration Day and we look forward to meeting all of the VAs who have already booked to join us. There are a few spaces left so you stil have an opportunity to join us at The Hilton Hotel, Reading... Just click
here and book yourself in... And don't forget to register for OIVAC's 3 day convention - education, education, education and some great networking opportunities with VAs globally. You'd be mad to miss out!
Yes, UK VA Day is merely weeks away (Monday 17th May) and we want to have some fun! So come on all you UK based VAs, get signed up for some associate networking, 3 course lunch, business relevant presentations and fab prizes! Go to www.ukvaday.co.uk for more details and look forward to seeing you there!
The tour will be visiting EHO Coaching & Consultancy on 10th May 2010 so check back to find out the answers I submit about the VA industry and training...
Always on the look out for quality informative sites, I recently visited Smarta, a support site for business owners and entrepreneurs. Their blog makes for good reading as does the rest of the site content... visit here
I went to the Bath Business Show today in the hope of meeting some new contacts. Well, it probably didn't go quite according to plan however I stumbled across an interesting company 'essentiamail' and had a really interesting conversation with the owner. Definitely worth taking a look at... I also attended a workshop entitled 'What the Sex Pistols can teach you about marketing' - Grant Leboff. It was an enjoyable session that really opened my eyes to the way marketing has changed (or how it is delivered). Grant shared some great insights into the way 'we' the consumer use to buy products & services and how we buy them now. Visit his site here
Are you a VA looking for THE place to get educated in your business? Then you need to get over to OIVAC and sign up for the 3 day online event, 20th-22nd May!
Get signed up for the first UK VA Celebration Day - Monday 17th May 2010! Organised by Yvonne Bignall of EHO Coaching & Consultancy and Julie Hinge of i2i Virtual Assistant, the UK VA day forms part of a week long celebration of the VA industry, with the OIVAC (Online International Virtual Assistant Convention) 3 day event running from 20th - 22nd May. Go to www.ukvaday.co.uk for more details!
