From the Desk of Girl Friday

I am so happy to report that tomorrow, May 16th 2008 is International Virtual Assistants Day! Yes my friends, this does call for celebration!

It astounds me how fast this industry is growingand how more people are opting out of a typical J.O.B. and becoming entrepreneurs! At the same time, I find it hard to believe I still get that confused look from people when I tell them I am a “Virtual Assistant”! I believe though, with continued growth and awareness, eventually EVERYONE will know the basic definition of a Virtual Assistant.

In celebration of this fantastic day adn to our success as entrepreneurs, I raise my glass in a toast and read this song to you…I hope YOU dance!

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they’re worth taking
Lovin’ might be a mistake
But it’s worth making
Don’t let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you’ll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

*Lee Ann Womack

Wishing you Much Success!

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars!

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

How many of you knew that today May 14th, 2008 is National Root Canal Appreciation Day?

Yes, it is true, you heard me correctly! Please excuse me while I sit here and look completely dumbfounded.  Though this topic isn’t exactly business related…I couldn’t help but share my two cents.

Perhaps I am the only one, but when did root canals get a special holiday? Apparently I missed something and the world has decided to celebrate such an…er…uncomfortable or unusual experience?  I realize that not everyone “hurts” after having a root canal, and with technology now adays, it is a simple procedure.  But come on, when was the last time you needed to have a root canal and became so excited, that you called for a celebration?  If there is anyone that falls in this category, I would love to hear from you!

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars,

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassisant.com

Tomorrow, May 14th, is the Official Donate a Days Wages to Charity day.  I have decided to take part in this special day and donate my wages from tomorrow to the Autism Canada Foundation . 

Autism Canada Foundation was inspired by a group of parents with a common objective:

To help find a cause and a cure for autism

“We want to ultimately change the way that autism is diagnosed and treated by the professional community. By promoting research and scientific dialogue that examines autism as a “medical” condition rather than just a behavioural problem, we will work towards a cure. We support research aimed at the discovery of the underlying cause of autism.”

Autism Canada’s aim is to shift the paradigm from living with Autism Spectrum Disorder to actively treating it. (excerpt taken from www.autismcanada.org)

In 2006, I was taking a Social Service Worker Diploma at my local college. Part of my diploma required me to complete a practicum experience. I picked my daughters school as my practicum as I have always enjoyed working with children.

I met a little boy in kindergarten who is Autistic.  At the time, I had never heard of Autism or the convoluted symptoms of the disorder.  I was so inspired by this little boy and other autistic children I would meet at the school, that I later decided to go back to college to study Autism.

I am a person who needs answers. I want to understand, to comprehend whatever it is I am learning. Thus, I ask questions, complete research until I understand.  The crazy thing is…the more I learned about Autism, the less I truly understood! This disorder is so complex and affects each child differently. Though, I didn’t find answers per say…I did open my mind to the disorder and have a better understanding of the disorder and the multitude of symptoms.

I encourage you, as business owners big and small, to donate your days wages to your favorite charity. I look forward to hearing from you and learning about the special charity you picked and why.

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars,

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

In celebration of Mother’s Day, I’ve decided to write a personal post.

A little tribute to my Mother…

Ma,

You’re the epitome of what a Mother should be,

And I want to thank you for being there for me.

Though thick and thin you’ve been at my side,

You’ve taught me to love, respect, to trust and confide.

You gave me strength when I lost my way,

And were my sunshine on a rainy day.

Though I don’t say it as often as I should,

I love you Mom, through and through!

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars!

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

Did you know?

…May is the National Prepare to sell your Home month?

As the warm weather approaches, many people prepare to sell or buy a home.  Therefore, it brings me great pleasure to introduce one of my favorite clients to you - Domenic Manchisi!

Who is Domenic Manchisi?

Domenic Manchisi is a top producing real estate agent located in Milton, Ontario.  He and his wife Jody, successfully manage The Manchisi Home Selling Team.  The Manchisi team offers a uniqueteam system and clients receive innovative consumer programs.  Domenic and his team go above and beyond with their specialized knowledge and leading edge technology.

So, what sets Domenic Manchisi apart from the rest?

Domenic’s accomplishments, dedication and expertise are key factors in his success:

• The Manchisi Team sells 98% more houses then the average agent
• Contributed to the National Association of Realtors Expo and Conference in Las Vegas
• In ALL of Canada he rated 3rd
• Achieved top 2 position in Ontario with Prudential Real Estate
• Participated in the RISMedia’s 18th Annual Leadership Conference in New York

Unlike most agents, his “client first” philosophy is what makes Domenic and his team consistently exceed his client’s satisfaction.

“In my experience as a Milton real estate professional, I’ve found that providing the very best service is essentially about putting clients first. This means keeping myself accessible, being a good listener as well as a good communicator, and responding quickly to your needs.

This “client first” philosophy has always been my approach and it requires me to continually improve my skills and ways of doing business.

In addition, I’ve found that the latest technologies are enabling me to do everything I’ve always done, only much more quickly and efficiently.  They’ve also helped me to extend the range of services I provide to my clients.”

Why should you partner with the Manchisi Home Selling Team for my real estate needs?

When you hire Domenic Manchisi, you get Domenic PLUS  his team of specialist.  They have the manpower, team of agents, and resources to aggressively market your property and see your transaction through every step to successful completion.  Their innovative team offers you many things other agents simply can’t!

How do you contact Domenic Manchisi and his team of specialist?

To find out more information about The Manchisi Home Selling Team, visit them on line at www.domenicmanchisi.com or simply contact them today!

Don’t just take my word for it; listen to what their clients have to say!

CHECK OUT THE MANCHISI TEAM IN ACTION!

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars,

Girl Friday
www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

Mother’s Day is fast approaching…

If you haven’t already purchased something for your Mother for May 11th…you should probably at least start thinking about her special day now so you will have lots of time to find the perfect gift to say Thank you!

Here are 10 suggestions:

1. Diamond Earrings

2. Watch

3. Massage and Spa Treatment

4. Flowers

5. Gift Basket

6. Perfume

7. Home decor items

8. Necklace

9. Home Spa Products

10. Dinner at a fancy restaurant

Whether you wish to purchase something extravagant or simple, invest in something memorable for your Mother and honour her on her very special day!

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars,

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

Do you find yourself thinking about the negative aspects in your life? Do you tend to focus on what you don’t want in life, rather than, on what you do want?  Do you realize by focusing on your negative aspects and dwelling upon your stressors, you are affecting your mental health and productivity?

It’s true! As long as we continue to be worry warts, we hinder ourselves from reaching our full potential!  Your mental health should always be in the forefront of your mind.  If you’ve never given it much consideration, you should start now! Since May is the National Mental Health Month, I can’t think of a better time to start reflecting and making changes!

Here are some steps to review and begin increasing your mental health:

1. Eat and Sleep right.  Just like your car needs gas to operate, you body needs food and rest for you to reach your full potential.

2. Build your self acceptance, self esteem and confidence. If you don’t believe in yourself how do you expect others to?

3. Learn to manage your stressand everyday stressors.

4. Seek advice and network with others. You will realize that a problem you’re facing isn’t as bad as it seems.

5. Find constructive ways to express your emotions. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you and prohibit you from successfully sharing how you are feeling.

6. Be happy and content with yourself.

7. Engage in fun and stress free activities. Make time to have fun, life isn’t just about working and making money.

8. Create a balance in your life.

9. Accept and ask for help from others. I realize some of us can be controlling.  We want to do everything and see each project through to completion.  But lets face it…we are not superman or wonder woman, it is OK to ask for help!

10. Make time for yourself! Do something that you enjoy, carefree and exciting.

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars!

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

 Picture taken from http://www.the-pundit.info

Here is a recipe that will be sure to indulge your taste buds!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika

1 tablespoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 pinch red pepper flakes

1 pinch cayenne pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

6 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness

To see more recipes visit http://allrecipes.com

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars!

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

May is Family Wellness month and I wanted to share my thoughts on creating a balance for the typical stay-at-home-mom.

I have been a stay-at-home mom since my daughter was born.  It’s hard to believe that was eight years ago!Throughout this time, I had done small jobs for family and friends but for the most part, I was devoted 100% to my children and family.

After the birth of my son in 2003, my husband and I began to talk about my returning to work once my son started school.  I looked forward to the idea as I thought it would be nice to get back into the workforce and socialize with adults again.  However, as my son got older, I began to have second thoughts.  I couldn’t fathom the idea of my children going to daycare.  The thought of another person seeing a new milestone before I did was heart wrenching!

I had to come up with an idea that would allow me to work from home.  This I thought, was my only option.  Since I had always completed jobs for family and friends, I decided I could try and put my skills together that would be the foundation of my business.  Instead of doing the jobs for free, as I had in the past, I would charge people for my skills and creative talent.

I completed a year of research, and it was than I discovered the wonderful world of Virtual Assistants.  I quickly realized I wasn’t alone, but more importantly, I knew that I could do this!  That was 2 years ago.  I now run a successful Virtual Assistant business and have had my doors open (so to speak) since January 2007.  I can do what I always wanted to do - raise my children while helping to support my family!

For me, opening my business wasn’t the hardest part.  It was in fact, creating a balance.  Now I have two passions that I would love to dedicate all my time to.  Yet, as I’ve quickly realized, it’s just not possible!  Self discipline has played a huge role in how I manage my time.  I have learnt to carefully draw a line between my personal and business life.  It can be so easy to forget ‘I’m not at work’ when my computer is within arm’s reach.  Somewhere along the way, we as entrepreneurs, need to set ground rules.

I have listed some steps that have helped me create my balance in life.  Feel free to implement these techniques and adjust them accordingly.

1. Set a designated time for your office. For example 9 am to 5 pm or 7 am to 3 pm. 

2. Set up your office in a specific place within your house. Don’t have your office in your master bedroom or living room. Your office will be too tempting during family time.

3. At the end of your work day, turn off your computer, cell phone, hand held device and any other form of technology where clients contact you.

4. Do your absolute best to leave the burden of your work at your office. I know sometimes this can be easier said than done. But, you don’t want to burn yourself out.  When it is family time, do everything possible to focus on just your family.

5. At the end of your work day. Unwind before beginning your family time. Take a quick walk, go for a drive, engage in mental meditation, whatever it is that sets you at ease and gives you the ability to completely focus on your family.

“Balance in your life between work and your personal life is very important. Without balance, you eventually burnout negatively affecting your performance at work.”
Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from What Are the Benefits to Me?

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars!

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com

May is National Correct Posture Month. Though I am a day early with my post, I figured what better time to work on your posture then now? I don’t know about you, but, sometimes while working at my desk for a long period of time, my back aches.  My feet will fall asleep and my neck gets sore.  I then realize I am slouched at my desk or not sitting with good posture.

What does good posture look like?:

Having good posture can:

1. Increase your stamina

2. Improve your circulation

3. Give you greater confidence

4. Improve your productivity

5. Improve your breathing

The next time you’re at your desk and feel stiff, make sure you complete an assessment to ensure you are sitting correctly.

Shoot for the Moon and Land in the Stars!

Girl Friday

www.girlfridayvirtualassistant.com