Monitor trends in your niche to make sure you include all related products and services in your offerings. Research which items are big for Christmastime and other holidays.

Sticky notes are something that businesses can really benefit from. Sticky notes are great for jotting something down quick and also leaving yourself reminders.

When you first start your business, send out an email or post about it to family and friends. You can get a few customers and let them know what you are doing. Offer discounts or freebies to your business get going. Ask them to tell others about your enterprise. Word of mouth is one of the most effective means of advertising, especially for a new business.

Don’t mix your personal chores with your home business time! Don’t do laundry or other chores while talking to clients or working on projects. Devote time to regular business hours. If you try to do too much at once, it is likely that you’ll make mistakes in your work.

It is easier to start a home business than you might think. Several simple business models can be launched from home, resulting in huge savings. What products do you not have access to in your local area; consider their demand and the cost of production.

Selling used books for a home business? You can sell books on many websites for profit. It is a good idea to sign up with a few. Rate these sites by their reliability, ease of use, and quick answers to seller questions. Just because books are cheap doesn’t mean they will sell. You may pay a bit more for a site that has higher quality service.

If you’re thinking of working with a partner for your home business, it’s vital that you choose someone who is trustworthy. While the most obvious choice of business partners may be your significant other, that is not always the best choice. Finding a reliable partner is never an easy job, but it will be an extremely rewarding process.

Set up a dedicated telephone line that is just for business. You can even write it off on your taxes! You can deduct these calls from your home phone bill if you do not want to set up a
.

Make sure your financial records are complete and accurate. If the IRS or another authority ever audits your business, you want to ensure that you have sufficient information to prove your expenses and income. Good records also help you determine if your company is succeeding or failing.

The information found here will help you keep ahead of your competitors. Keep in mind that you must keep learning to stay on top of things. Get as much knowledge as possible, and create winning strategies. virtual office assistant

Do you wake up every morning with a smile on your face, and feel excited about opening a new chapter of your life, and looking forward to a great future??

Or do you want to continue doing what you are doing with the same day to day activities and job you have now, the same stresses of a life you are now experiencing? Or would like to see things improve the way I did?  What will change to give yourself a great future….with the freedom to do what you really want? Do you really want things to be different this year?

NOW is the time to take action!

Here at our Women’s Dream Team, we can assist in the process.  If you are tired of the 9 to 5 grind, tired of the commute, the office politics,

and would rather be working at home in your cute pajamas, and making the income you deserve…

Start dreaming of a better life!!

www.OurDreamBusiness.com

Does that sound like you? Updating your business plan is the key to continual growth in your business, but only if the updates are actually working towards that growth.

Whether you’re a retail store, a professional, an online business, a contractor, restaurant or cafe – every business is unique. Except in one important way: every single business needs help with the day-to-day operation of the business so the owner is free to work ON the business.

Depending upon your business, you may have to hire employees. You may need to have a receptionist greeting your patients or clients; if you’re a brick and mortar retail store, you need sales associates to assist customers that walk through the door; if you’re a restaurant or café owner, you need employees to cook, clean, and serve your customers. That’s a clear choice that an owner needs to make – hire employees because the owner of these businesses would certainly not be able to do all these tasks.

But what about the backend of a business? The bookkeeping, the website maintenance, social media strategy and maintenance that’s so necessary in today’s world, marketing, calendar management, purchasing, customer relations – the list goes on and on. And this is where business owners tend not to see the clear choice: that they need to hire someone to assist them with these tasks as well.

I believe that the backend of a business is where some business owners feel they should be working. But the clear decision is to look at how a large, successful corporation is run. Do the CEOs do any of those backend tasks? No, they absolutely do not. Successful CEOs know that delegating all other tasks except for growing the business is a necessity. CEOs are the face of the business, the strategists of the company and are solely responsible for the growth of the company.

Depending on the business itself, hiring more employees may be the answer. Before you decide that hiring more employees is the only course to take, ask yourself a couple of questions:

1. Do these tasks need to be done in an office I provide for an employee(s), where I must purchase and maintain equipment for the employee(s) and pay benefits, payroll taxes and expect there will be sick days and time off?

OR

2. Are these tasks that can be done virtually – from someone else’s office with someone else’s equipment?
Almost everything that is done in the backend of a business can be done by an experienced, professional virtual assistant. Better than that – a team of experienced, professional virtual assistants!

Imagine having your own personal virtual assistant proficient in everything that you need help with, available to work with you whenever you need it. And the absolute best part? You pay them for exactly what it is that they do for you – you’re not paying someone to sit there all day and hope that the tasks you have for that person happen within the 9 – 5 realm (if you can find someone that is proficient in everything).

Welcome to Virtually Yours, Virtually Everywhere!

As business owners, we are responsible – solely – for our business. That creates control issues in a good percentage of us and we try to do too many of the things that we should be delegating to others. Once we learn that delegation has nothing to do with losing control of our business, life gets easier very quickly, and it frees us up to grow our businesses.

I’ve seen that a lot of entrepreneurs plod along until they get stuck: their business plans that they keep updating aren’t looking very updated and they are not attaining their goals. The smart, driven entrepreneurs get a coach to help hold themselves responsible as well as help identify and work toward the goals they’ve set. And almost every time, that coach will tell them that they need to delegate certain tasks to someone else so they can expend more energy working toward their goals. Most don’t want to spend the money to get help; the successful ones know that you need to budget money for all essential parts of their business such as marketing, website design and maintenance, administrative tasks, bookkeeping, social media … and other tasks that may be unique to their individual business.

And let’s not forget work/life balance. If your family doesn’t remember the last time you were home and not working, you need to delegate. The one thing in the world money can’t buy and you can’t get back is TIME.

Why not give me  call and see what we can do for you. Life is too short not to get the help you need.

http://vadarlenefriend.wordpress.com/about-me/

My About Me page.

Read more to learn why you should. Don’t want to miss.

One of my favorite Top Producers Edge coaching clients is also one of the top producers in his field in the state of Alabama. (We’ll call him Bill.) Before beginning coaching, Bill came home one day before sunset. His daughter said to him, “Daddy, why are you home? The sun hasn’t set yet.”

Ouch! That will break your heart!

Bill decided that something had to change. As with many parents weighing out decisions, he knew he couldn’t let his income drop but somehow needed to start spending more precious time with his children. Like most top producers, Bill understands the value of coaching so he joined our program.

Even with him seeking our assistance, it still wasn’t easy to convince Bill to hire an assistant. Like most people, he had previously BAD experiences with others, so he was hoping there would be another road he could try first. Since a prerequisite of joining our coaching program is that you agree to be COACHABLE, COMMITTED AND READY FOR A CHANGE, Bill let me walk him through this 10 step process to hiring the most amazing, the most incredible, the envy of all other bosses, Administrative Assistant.

I am THRILLED to report that today, just 1 1/2 short months after hiring his Assistant, Bill is working fewer hours, production is up and he took a full day off of work to take his son fishing. This is something he has never been able to do!

Are you ready for this experience yourself? Here you go:

1. WRITE OUT a Top TEN list of the Characteristics you ABSOLUTELY need in your next assistant.
   1. Take the time to think this through thoroughly. You don’t need to settle for less. If you don’t know what your ‘Must Have’s’ are, then how will you know when you see it?
2. Write out a list of Basic Questions  and Follow-Up Steps that will help you weed out your first level of applicants. Use this list for your OVER THE PHONE first interviews.
   1. Basic question example: Why are you leaving your current position? How proficient are you with Microsoft Word? Outlook? Accomplishments at previous positions?
   1. Post 1st interview Follow-Up Steps examples:
      1. Take a typing test and email the results to me.
      2. Send your vcard to me via Outlook.
      3. Send a Thank You card so I can see a handwriting sample.
      4. Write a couple of paragraphs about why you think you would be a good assistant in Microsoft Word, attach it in an email and send it to me.
3. Write out the list of 2nd Interview Questions that will seek more details about their work habits, ability to work well with others, ability to work under pressure, or any other things that you feel you need to know to ensure they fit into your original Top TEN List.
4. Start tracking everything that you do during the day and then, in the evening, write out Step-By-Step EXACTLY what to do in the order it needs to be done. This will become your Policies and Procedures to help in QUICKLY training your new Assistant.
5. Write out the ad you will run and RUN YOUR AD.
   1. For an Administrative Assistant, you will typically get plenty of applicants if you run your Ad on Craigslist or with your local newspapers online classifieds section.
6. If at all possible, find someone else who can vet the resumes you receive by comparing them to the Top TEN List you give them. If they can also do the first interviews and ask for the follow-up steps for you, then that will help you a ton.
   1. You should receive at least 50 resumes. Narrow those down to 20 who will receive 1st Interviews. 1st Interviews can be as short as 10 minutes.
7. After receiving the follow-up assignments, select 3 to have in for 2nd Interviews. Have another friend or colleague do a 3rd Interview with the final 2 to 3 candidates so your views are partial or jaded.
8. After selecting your candidate, invite them in for a “Selection Conversation”. This conversation is basically letting them know what 3 to 5 things that they can count on from you and the 3 to 5 things that you will need to be able to count on from them in order for you to have a good working relationship. If they agree to these things, then you can offer them the position. Have them sign a sheet that lists the job description and expectations for your position. If you think it is not acceptable for them to take personal calls, check FaceBook or answer personal text/email during the day, then NOW would be the time to cover it.
9. Have a Welcome Party the first day on the job. Show them around the office for introductions and to get the lay-of-the-land. Go over the STEP-BY-STEP Policies and Procedures you have written out for each task they will be responsible for.
   1. Be careful not to overwhelm them with too much responsibility all at once. After showing them how to do something, let them do it and then do a check to ensure they are understanding the task EXACTLY as you would like to have it done.
10. Schedule regular and frequent times for you to meet with your new assistant for Policies and Procedures review. This will enable you to check for understanding and delivery. These meetings can get fewer and shorter the longer your assistant is with you, but you should always maintain a meeting at least once a quarter for a Policies and Procedures review.
    1. The #1 Rule for happiness in delegating these responsibilities is to remember that YOU are the boss. YOU hired them. YOU are responsible for explaining the task to them completely and ensuring that they fully understand. If they mess something up, don’t get mad with them. INSTEAD, ask yourself, what did I not teach them that would have made this better. IF you do this, then you will find in a very short time that you have the best Administrative Assistant that is the envy of all bosses. Just like MY AMAZING Assistant Hazel!

    

With Potential to Become Full Time Administrative Assistant

This unique growth opportunity is ideal for a college student planning to graduate in May or December of 2013, or potentially looking for full-time employment. It can be structured as an internship if desired, with opportunities for increasing responsibility. There is potential for it to lead to a full time position as an Administrative Assistant starting around the fall of 2013.

Hours: Flexible, 10-20 hours per week

Term of employment/internship: To be determined; likely minimum of 3 months. If structured as an internship, additional months of part-time employment may be offered before or after internship term.

Wage: $10-12/hour depending on experience

Primary Responsibilities:

• Data entry and manipulation
• Basic internet research
• Preparation of mailings
• Possible Additional Responsibilities:
• Document editing and formatting
• Filing and file organization
• Database development
• Presentation layout

Desired Attributes:

• Attention to detail and precision
• Speed with data entry and other administrative tasks
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new skills and functional areas; fast learning curve
• Aptitude for understanding systems and procedures
• Flexibility and strong communication skills

Requirements:

• Previous experience with administrative or clerical tasks of some kind
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel, especially data sorting and filtering functions
• Experience with databases and/or CRMs a big plus
• Reliable transportation to our New Berlin office
• 3 references upon request (later in application process)

To Apply: Email diana@conradschmitt.com with the subject line “Data Assistant position” and attach a cover letter and resumé in PDF format. No calls or walk-ins please.

Conrad Schmitt Studios, Inc. creates and restores timeless interiors and fine works of art for buildings of architectural, historic and religious significance.

Posting Date: March 14, 2013

Michelle, my most recent AA, came into my office and told me what I already knew.  She was leaving.  I understood, expected it and accepted the fact that there was nothing I could do to change the circumstances of God’s clear leading in her life.

We chatted for a while and laughed a lot.  Our musings allowed us to relive some special adventures together.  They were fun days in our past partnership together.

I have never had an assistant who could win the favor of so many people so quickly.  She is truly a gift from the Lord.  Her impact will linger long after she is gone.

Whenever we had a briefing, she came into my office with eagerness.  ”How may I help?” was her standard inquiry.  Together we would work out a strategy and lay out a tactical plan.

She had a way of making me feel like I never had to give a project a second thought.  Once Michelle set her mind on a task it was as good as done.  Not only was it done but it was done with excellence.

God had given her an amazing history of experiences to equip her to make executives have freedom to go about their agenda.  The relief that she created with her skills and cheer are amazing.   More people complimented me when they interacted with her than any employee I have ever had the privilege of managing.

All of us who receive administrative help talk about the highest commendation of all: a servant-heart. She personifies this quality.  Regularly she looked for ways to make my duties easier, run smoother, have the resources to carry out my tasks and to make me and all those around me laugh and smile while we did them.

The day that our team gathered and heard the announcement of her resignation, I could see the sadness, sense the disappointment around the room.  Great people have that effect on others.  Michelle set the bar high for everyone in the office.

Everyone saw it, felt it and sensed it.  She had talent and skill.  Add that to her intentional heart to be a servant and the sum is excellence.

photo credit: brucefong cellphone photography

Studies show that when it comes to leadership in the workplace, teams made up primarily of women tend to share leadership roles better than teams dominated by men. Whether it is based on genetics or upbringing, women tend to be more interpersonally oriented and have higher levels of social sensitivity.

Women deserve to become whatever their dreams desire them to be. We are an online community of women from all walks of life who desire to get more out of life. We are passionate about each others success. We educate, motivate, inform and empower women, and provide them with the tools needed to become what they are destined to be.

Women who are serious about making a difference for themselves, their families, their communities and the world, please explore our site to learn how you can join us.

http://www.OurDreamBusiness.com

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT POSTED March 6, 2013
Position Title: Development/Accounting Administrative Assistant (Full-time)
Location: Memphis, TN
Reports To: Director of Development & Director of Finance & Accounting
Position Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Agape is seeking applicants for a Development/Accounting Administrative Assistant position to perform administrative, financial, and clerical functions associated with agency development, accounts payable and receivable. The best candidate for this role will be shared between two departments and will split time for both areas…50% for Development and 50% for Finance. The ability to multi-task and manage critical priorities for both departments and be a team player is a must.

The Development/Accounting Administrative Assistant will possess a willingness to compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete, will review invoices for accuracy and enter invoices for payment, process payable checks, mails checks, and file paid invoices. In addition, the Development/Accounting Administrative Assistant will assist with event data management, letter processing and other duties as needed.

Degree Requirement:
High school diploma (or equivalent) required. Training in accounting and bookkeeping skills preferred; two to five years of experience in a responsible position involving bookkeeping and accounting (or related); or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position. Candidate must be culturally sensitive with a passion for helping others. Must be computer literate. Must have a valid driver license and own a vehicle with proof of auto insurance.

FOR ALL POSITIONS: Send detailed résumé with references to: Agape Child & Family Services, Inc. Nichole Love, BBA, Office Administrator E-mail: Nichole.Love@AgapeMeansLove.org Or you may fax to: (901) 323-3640

Agape does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices because of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristic. Agape, however, is a religious corporation and as a result, the Agency has certain religious requirements for its employees. This is in compliance with applicable law since Agape is a religious corporation.

Aside from the beautifully scenic drive up, Merrickville gives off an old town feel, it is littered with buildings from the early 19th and 20th century that have been converted into shops, stores, pubs, restaurants, artisan galleries, hotels and homes. I find that I only intend to spend a small determined of time browsing and shopping but I always end up making it into a day trip. There is just so much to look at and so many friendly people to talk to that you can’t help but stay and hang around.

You will also find that there are numerous events, fairs, and special occasions that happen throughout the year. Most of them center on art, creativity, theater, music, history and township celebrations. This is really great because you can always find something to do whether its with your family, with your friends or on your own.

Merrickville is most active in the summer since it is along the Rideau River and is part of the canal system. This brings out boaters, boat enthusiasts, tourists, observers and the like. The canal is right off the main road which is right beside a nice park where people can get together and have a barbeque or a picnic.

Overall I think it is one of the best places to visit to meet new people, to experience an artisan culture and to enjoy the day!

• Experience in an office support role
  • (Construction office experience preferred);
• Excellent communication skills;
• and a B.S. degree or equivalent hands-on experience

Click here for more information, or reach Charles H. at cdhammond@integrityaclm.com/212-608-6700.

With a VA you are not bound to conventional office hours. Depending on the terms of your contract with your VA you can expect to hand over the work and have it completed by the agreed upon deadline. You wouldn’t dream of asking your Office Administrator to input data after 5:00pm, in order for it to be available before 9:00am the following day. A Virtual Assistant doesn’t close the office at 5. There are VA’s available during regular business hours but many are available to work nontraditional hours providing flexibility with no added expense. The virtual assistant is quickly becoming the more practical business solution.

The way we do business is evolving and traditional models don’t fit all businesses anymore. A VA is a great way to manage your business. The new conventional office allows a business owner the function of a full office with less responsibility and a lot more flexibility.

Hogy Lure Company has grown significantly over the past few years and they have sold their unique lures to over 22 countries.  Their success has not affected the way they design their lures.  Hogy Lures are American made and only top grade plastics and their  hand poured method are used to create their soft bait lures.

For more information on Hogy Lure Company, their products and fishing in general visit their awesome website at www.hogylures.com. To check out their ongoing specials visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000808507450&sk=wall. Fish Big. Fish Hogy.

Hello again, fellow bloggers! Happy Tuesday! Are you getting ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? I must say, my coworkers look dashing in green! We decided to give you a little present, a new job opening! Hopefully, since we are hiring for the position to start immediately we can get you a job so you can enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in style with your first paycheck!

Administrative Assistant

Monday-Friday 1-6pm

General office duties and to assist the owner in running the office. Taking sales calls, filing, data entry, accounts receivable/payable, etc.

Located in Erie, PA

If you would like to apply, we only operate by appointment so call us and ask for Don Hathaway or Chalise Bayletts at (814) 866-5777. We only go by appointment because we try to get everything you need to complete in order to be our actual employee in one visit. We don’t want you to have to worry about making 100 trips here to see us if we place you somewhere! I am also reachable by email mcornell@apsstaffingjobs.com if you would like to send your resume to me!

I also wanted to remind our faithful followers that once you apply with APS Staffing, you are eligible for all the positions we have open!

Qualifications:

• 60+ college credits, Associate’s degree, specialized training or certification in related area, or five or more years of related and commendable work experience.
• Demonstrated advanced working knowledge of finance procedures and systems.
• Outstanding analytical, technical, multi-tasking, time management, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.
• Exceptional data entry and processing skills.
• Proficiency in automated financial/records management and document processing systems, i.e., MS Office Suite of Applications.
• Work well independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment, follow through on assigned tasks, and maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to professional development.

Essential Function:
Within established department procedural guidelines, the incumbent performs advanced or complex administrative support functions to complete assigned duties and ensure compliance with University policies and external/governmental agency regulations, Essential job functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plan and coordinate office workflow to meet departmental performance objectives and ensure operational efficiency.
• Perform advanced data and document processing functions in automated systems.
• Prepare and distribute financial reports.
• Respond to walk-in, email and telephone inquires and resolve related issues.
• Maintain an organized office and protect sensitive/confidential information.
• Access, retrieve and store records according to established file systems.
• Perform general business and banking transactions, i.e., manage cash receipts, prepare bank deposits, purchase orders, account reconciliation, and accounts and receivables.
• Compile and analyze financial and/or statistical data.
• Prepare and distribute general correspondence and financial reports.
• Complete special or cyclical projects and additional tasks that reflect the nature of the actual work assignment.

Working Conditions:
Work is primarily performed in a university campus environment and requires a flexible schedule including evening and weekend work. Travel for administrative work is expected. The employee is subject to inside environment conditions: protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

Physical Demands:
Moderate lifting up to 20 pounds as frequently as needed to move objects; dexterity to write and manipulate computer keyboard and mouse; ability to hear and speak clearly; and body mobility to stoop, kneel, bend and reach.

Application Information

I think my favorite part about working here is that you can’t look out a window without taking a second to appreciate all the nature that surrounds the house. I’m also really excited to see how Heritage Blvd transforms into a neighbourhood with the houses that are already in line to be built! Some very interesting concepts in home design both interior and exterior that capture the whole idea of building a custom home from the ground up.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT, MOREHOUSE COLLEGE, ATLANTA, GA

Job Summary:
The Executive Assistant will provide high-level administrative support to the College’s President and CEO.  Responsibilities will include the following: activities related to Board members and key constituents associated with the College and the greater community; calendar management and scheduling; managing correspondence and records, telephones, travel logistics and other special events and duties as needed.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage President’s calendar and ensure President is informed and updated regarding items on calendar.
• Prepare and edit correspondence, communications, presentations and other documents
• File and Retrieve documents
• Make travel arrangements.
• Manage the Executive department’s budget and complete expense reports.
• Provide additional assistance and support as needed.
• Coordinate and manage logistics for meetings: handle event details, manage attendance, assist with document preparation and distribution, provide additional assistance and support as needed to the President.
• Train and supervise other clerical support. 

Preferred Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an executive administrative role. 

Skills and Abilities

• Must be a self-starter with the ability to make decisions and work effectively in a fast-paced setting.
• Must have a professional demeanor.
• Skilled in multi-tasking and organizing resources to accomplish goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with a variety of people.
• Must have superb communication skills and be able to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail are required.
• Ability to work under pressure with a broad spectrum of personalities.
• Must demonstrate ability to work in confidential manner

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint required.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems and prioritize needs in a variety of situations when standardization may be limited.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Reference No: 020113-EA

Closing Date: March 8, 2013

To Apply: Via e-Mail: please send your cover letter and resume to jobs@morehouse.edu

We were recently ranked as one of the most innovative TEAM turnkey systems in the world with Work-At-Home Solutions.

Whether you are looking to work part time or full time, one thing we can assure you is that this is a revolutionary business model that will allow anyone to succeed – from any walk of life, any age or any level of experience.

This is a limited time offer. Request information TODAY at http://www.OurDreamBusiness.com by filling out “Hitch Your Wagon to a Star.”

Links are the way to go when trying to get people to visit your company website. You should put links in your tweets so that when your potential customer reads that you have a new type of wood flooring they can just click on the link right in the tweet and it will redirect them to your website with a picture of that flooring. By getting them to your site, you have gotten one step closer to that person buying your product or telling a friend about it.

One other thing to remember about twitter is that it is all about who is following you and who you are following. If you don’t have a good ratio of followers to people being followed by you, twitter can actually delete your account. It also doesn’t look good to potential customers if you don’t have a lot of followers but you are following everyone under the sun that has anything to do with your business.  A good rule of thumb is that if you are going to follow someone they should follow you back. There are exceptions to that rule though, for example if you are following a tv show don’t expect them to follow you back.

Follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/mccluresolution