Virtual Views - The View From Here : December 2007

Being a Virtual Assistant and working, well, virtually, I've been called many things; a cartoon character, an entity, an invisible friend, a genie, etc.  And, at the risk of sounding like I'm tooting my own horn - an angel, a Godsend, a second self.  

I recently had the opportunity to meet 4 of my realtor clients doing business in Reno, NV.  What a treat!  It was so thrilling to get to meet face-to-face to prove that I actually do exist in the flesh; to discuss their virtual assistance needs and goals in a lively one-on-one over lunch.  By the way, if you're ever hungry in Reno, definitely go to Biscotti's at The Peppermill.  MMM-MMM!

I'm a great emailer.  I don't usually call because I don't want to interrupt my client's busy day.  Emailing allows them to answer me at their convenience.  What the meeting in Reno taught me, though, was that communication on every level is important.  While email is convenient, staying in touch via phone and other means is vital, too. 

I would love to be able to meet every client in person.  Since they are all over the USA, I'd be travelling non-stop.  Doesn't seem feasible, really.  I'll be going to Hawaii in the fall.  I'll just have to drop in and say hello to Robin.

    
 

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Pamela Cendejas

I've learned to cook.  Oh, I used to cook a hundred years ago when I had hungry children at home.  I even canned my own veggies and made my own jams.  Everything I cooked and baked was made from scratch; only the best for my family!  Well, I haven't had kiddos in the house for some time.  So, I figure if someone else has already gone to the trouble of making something and all I have to do is pick it up, take it home and eat it, yeah!  I no longer have a domestic bone in my body.  I think I broke it with all the aforementioned cooking, baking and canning.  I even kill air fern!

I was doing a little Christmas shopping last week and found a wonderful gadget - a crock pot!  I can get up in the morning, throw in some meat, veggies and seasonings and by dinnertime I have a feast!  It even tastes good!  It's the best thing since prepared mashed potatoes in a 32 oz. tub!

This whole experience got me to thinking - with the right tools, anything is possible.  As a Virtual Assistant, I have the latest and greatest computer, fax, phone system, laser printer, software programs, etc., etc., etc.  Without these things, my job would be absolutely exhausting.  I would spend most of my time trying to improvise and make do - something I'm just not good at.  My clientele would certainly notice the difference, too.

It's important to know how to use these tools.  I've taken many classes and am certified in many programs.  So, now what?  Cooking classes?

    
 

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Pamela Cendejas

On Sunday, I watched an interview with Wil Smith on 60 Minutes.  He said that he only had mediocre talent but he always had work because of his crazy, insane, over the top work ethic.  Although I don't agree with his assessment of his talent (I really enjoy his work), I absolutely, positively agree with the work ethic statement.

Whether we're virtual assistants, realtors or cow milkers, if we don't give what we do 100%+ of our gifts and talents to the people we serve, we are not going to keep working.  Imagine the poor unmilked cows!

Several years ago I worked as a Western Regional Director for a well-known non-profit health organization.  My job was to provide educational information and programs to the public, do publicity and PR work for the organization and it's volunteers as well as do an insane amount of fundraising.  Every year I would exceed every goal that was set before me.  However, after 4 years I suffered a tremendous amount of burnout.  I was so tired, my husband was driving me to Board of Directors Meetings so I could sleep on the way there.  I took a year off to recover.

That great experience taught me that you can have an insane desire to always do your best no matter what but you also have to have some balance.  We need others to help you accomplish our goals.  I'm very fortunate to have 3 absolutely wonderful associates that help me keep my clientele happy.  They, too, take pride in their job and work hard to exceed expectations.  They also afford me the opportunity to take time off; to leave the office at a decent hour.

The next time you're feeling that your life isn't quite in balance; that there's some things you just don't have time to do or want to do, I recommend looking into surrounding yourself with people who can make your life a lot simpler.  May I suggest Second Self Virtual Assistance? Just a thought. . .

    
 

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Pamela Cendejas