JERPAT Virtual Professional's Newsletter

JERPAT's Virtual Professionals Newsletter

February,  2009

 

Check out our past issues @ http://www.everywomansnorthstar.com/archive.html

 

Hosted by JERPAT
Editor - Patty Benton

(866) 960-8840

editor@professionaladminteam.com

 

Check out our blog at

www.fromawomansheart.com!

 

In Every Issue:

 

This Month:

 

Monthly Message from the Editor

 

[fname],

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.  Are you doing something special with your loved one?
 
I’m excited with all the upcoming events in February and March.  We are offering 3 complimentary workshops, starting next week with the Fundamentals of Your Coaching Business – Are You Missing the Mark and the Sell? Along with this new teleseminar, in March we roll out another new complimentary teleseminar Working in a Virtual World – Successfully.  We are also kicking off our first Advanced “Failure is NOT an Option” Live Group Coaching Program in March.  This coaching program for Virtual Assistants created to help established Virtual Assistants build the business of their dreams.  We have opened up early registration.  For newsletter subscribers who want to get in on this group that is limited to 10 participants, I am doing an early registration discount of $50 off, so get registered by February 18, 2009.  Be sure to read how to get this special discount in the Upcoming Trainings, as this is not a publicized offer.
 
For those of you who are passionate about working Virtually, we have started a new FaceBook Group http://groups.to/virtualprofessionalsnetwork/.  Virtual Professionals Network was created to help support and connect Virtual Professionals in their business. Our goal is to support you in all areas of developing and building your business by having weekly discussions on a topic revolving around working virtually, providing special discounts on some of JERPAT Training & Coaching's workshops, and more.
 
As always, please feel free to send me your story ideas, questions and comments at editor@professionaladminteam.com. I’d love to know how things are going for you.

 

To your business success!

 

Patty BentonPatty Benton
Editor, BA, Certified Life Coach

Patty is the owner of JERPAT Virtual Assistants and JERPAT Training & Coaching.  She is also the co-founder of A.C.T. at work.  You can learn more by going to her blog at www.fromawomansheart.com.

 

Recommended Resource – Grow Your Business, Grow Your Life

 

 

Last July, I attended a weekend live workshop that changed how I view growing my business and marketing.  With so many of us struggling with marketing, I had to share this amazing resource.  Grow Your Business, Grow Your Life led by Michael Charest.  I am taking his year-long marketing class.  He has live weekend workshops across the States, as well as a great monthly membership program BGS Business Growth Club for just $19 per month.  I’m pretty tight on what I recommend for memberships, and I believe this is an amazing resource.  You will gain so much insight into marketing, motivation, and lots of laughs, as Michael is authentic!  Check out all that is available by going to http://www.jerpatvas.com/resources/GYBGYL.html



 Past Suggested Resources

Healthy Computing - As Virtual Professionals we all spend long hours at the computer. You get so wrapped up in what you are doing, that you forget to take care of your health. The health hazards of long-time computer usage are many times not reversible. find some ways to ensure you are keeping yourself healthy and avoiding long term injuries.


SendOutCards - To learn more about this amazing service that will help you get a handle on your follow-up campaign, as well as keep you current on your personal communication, visit www.sendoutcards.com/jerpat and send out 2 cards at no cost to you!
 

iContact - Start a newsletter for your web site or business today with one of the most affordable, easy-to-use newsletter services I have worked with.

 

Failure is NOT an Option! Guide to setting up your Virtual Assistance practice SUCCESSFULLY by Patty Benton - "Yours is the first "manual" I have found that goes through every aspect of the Virtual Assistant business (with references and links)..."

 

Instant Email Scramble - Detour spam by eliminating email harvesting on your website.

 

The [n]aked desk by Sue Brenner - Get your desk and office organized with this simple-to-implement book.

 

"The Magic of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz - For those of us forging through the virtual jungle, this book gives us the extra strength and confidence to be the pioneers of the future virtual world. A must-read for all business owners.

 

Quotes

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.
- Francois de La Rochefoucauld

There are people who, instead of listening to what is being said to them, are already listening to what they are going to say themselves.
- Albert Guinon

It is the province of knowledge to speak and it is the privilege of wisdom to listen.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes

 

Upcoming Trainings


Complimentary Teleseminar Fundamentals of Your Coaching Business – Are You Missing the Mark and the Sell?
 You have an amazing coaching service to offer that will be life changing for your clients, yet you are missing 3 key components that can keep your potential clients from signing with you. Therefore, you are denying them your amazing service, and yourself the joy of helping them. Oh, did I mention the huge loss of income? So what are these 3 key fundamentals?  Join Patty Benton on February 19, 2009 at 12 pm EST where she will share the answer with you, as well as some great techniques to get them in place before you lose your next potential client!  http://www.everywomansnorthstar.com/bizfundamentals.html

Complimentary Teleseminar Using Subcontractors to Take Your Business to the Next Level

Have you wondered what the benefits of using a subcontractor in your business would be, how to put subcontractors in place, or even how to let go of control? Well now you can ask your questions about utilizing subcontractors in your business in this f*ree one hour teleconference with Patty Benton, who has built a successful virtual assistance practice using subcontractors. Upcoming presentation scheduled for March 4, 2009 at 12 pm EST.  http://www.everywomansnorthstar/subcontractorsworkshop.html

 

*NEW* Complimentary Teleseminar Working in a Virtual World - Successfully
With the invention of the internet, we are now able to not only connect with people all over the world, but work with them from the comfort of our own offices.  With the amazing opportunities that open with the virtual doors, there are as many ways to make mistakes that can close those doors.  Learn some key strategies to make sure your virtual business is a success by avoiding some common mistakes.  March 12, 2009 at 12 pm EST  http://www.everywomansnorthstar.com/workvirtually.html

Advanced "Failure is NOT an Option" LIVE Group Coaching

Our advanced program goes beyond just teaching you how to set up your business, but delves into how to make your established business successful by exploring client relations, communication, and much, much more!  http://www.everywomansnorthstar.com/nofailureA.htm   Begins March 25, 2009 at 11 am EST (for 8 weeks)  (To receive your early registration discount only offered through the newsletter, register for the class.  In the box that says "Is there anything else you feel is important for us to know?" put that you are taking advantage of the newsletter offer.  Also, if you are interested in taking advantage of our Economy Booster Payment Plan, just note that.)


 Individual Coaching
Not everyone's missing piece fits perfectly in the puzzle, and sometimes you may just need support and guidance on an individual level. We make this affordable to all Virtual Professionals! Click here for more information.

 

Sponsor – Virtual Professionals Network on Facebook

Virtual Professionals Network was created to help support and connect Virtual Professionals in heir business.  We are here to support you in all areas of developing and building your business.

 

We will:

  • Have weekly discussions on a topic revolving around working virtually.

  • Host complimentary teleseminars targeted at supporting Virtual Professionals

  • Provide special discounts on some of JERPAT Training & Coaching's workshops.

We encourage you to join and start meeting other Virtual Professionals! http://groups.to/virtualprofessionalsnetwork/

 

Article – The Importance of Framing Business Discussions!

 

We’ve all experienced it… jumping into a scheduled discussion – whether we’re leading it or just participating – and before we realize it, things have moved to feeling like a freight train out of control. How did things get so unwieldy and just when did the discussion fall apart? Well, quite frankly, control was lost way before the scheduled discussion. The first time you experienced this painful process was hopefully the last because you quickly realized the, oh, so important need to frame business discussions.

Everyone appreciates the flow of a well-orchestrated meeting because it means the objective of the request or need was understood – and care was taken in letting the participants know their time was valued. But providing an agenda does not an effective meeting make. There’s a lot of preparation involved in having something appear so effortlessly efficient. Once you get a handle on the “before, during and after” elements involved, you’ll have built yourself a consistent roadmap to be followed for every discussion, whether with a large group or in one-on-one, casual meetings.

Here are the things to keep in mind for your framing process:

  • Understanding Needs Prior to Scheduled Discussion – Prior to a formal meeting or discussion, take the time to understand the needs of the person requesting your time or services. What do they need? Why did they contact you? What do they expect? How are things working for them today? What are their immediate needs? What do they see as long-term requirements? What’s their budget? What else do they want you to know so you can make this an effective meeting for everyone involved?

    Yes, it may feel like 20 questions, but it’s imperative to ask these questions to make sure you understand the requestor’s needs. And… you’ll need to frame this preliminary discussion. “Thanks so much for your call, Ms. Prospect. I appreciate your getting in touch regarding our services. In order to make the scheduled discussion with our team productive, I’ll be asking some preliminary questions now so we can come to the meeting with valuable information specific to your needs. How’s that sound?” Always be sure to get agreement from the prospect/client before moving on.

  • Rallying Internal Troops Prior to Scheduled Discussion – If you’ve invited team members to participate in your discussion with a prospect or client, make sure you all are on the same page with knowing specific roles in the discussion. This means having a preliminary meeting with them as well to frame the upcoming scheduled meeting. “We’ll be having a discussion with a prospective client. I’ll be leading the meeting and would like you to participate as well because of your expertise. This is how I see your role… This is when I’ll ask for your participation… I’ll handle timing and budget questions… Please don’t interject or offer things without my guidance or request in the meeting.”

    It’s imperative you set the stage with your team prior to the scheduled discussion. Nothing is worse for a client or prospect to experience than lack of organization or communication when you’re trying to sell the value of your service.

  • Frame, Frame, Frame in Scheduled Discussions – There are elements that should be a natural part of your discussion: Greeting the participants on your call, providing introductions for all who are there, clarifying your role and the roles of the participants.

    Then, based on the pre-discussion that you had with the client/prospect, give an overview of what you’re going to talk about. Ask the client if there’s anything else they’d like to add. (If there is, you’ll need to quickly determine if that can be “rolled” into this conversation or if it’s better served at another time.) You can address that by saying, “Thanks, Ms. Prospect. I’d like to save those points until the end to determine if it’s been addressed in today’s talk or if we need to schedule additional time later this week. Does that work for you?” Talk about what you agreed to and when you’ve finished, give a brief overview of everything you’ve talked about.

    If at any time it feels like things are starting to get off track, pull the conversation back in by getting folks on the right subject or gently steering them back to their appropriate roles. If there’s something that’s better discussed “offline,” let them know you’ll link back with them to do the necessary follow-up. Remember, your role is to make this a productive process for everyone – and you’re in charge.

  • Wrapping It All Up – When you’re done with the discussion, always end with an action item. That may be scheduling a follow-up session or a commitment from you to get the paperwork to your new client with a promise of a phone call on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. CT to button things up. Make sure you stay connected, even if it’s putting someone on your newsletter distribution.

    And, before saying goodbye, be sure to ask the requestor if there’s anything else happening that they’d like to discuss. We were once able to make a $70,000 sale by asking our client, “What else are you managing these days that you feel we should know about?” Not a bad return for a three-second question.

Remember… this is an opportunity for current and future clients to experience your work style in action and can be a determining factor in them staying with and hiring you. They’ll appreciate you’ve done the legwork prior to the discussion and that you value their time—and your own—to make sure the meeting is productive. Let them experience your framing process; it will let them see you understand their bigger picture.

 


Lori J. Clark is the Founder and Lead Administrator of Clark VA Solutions, www.clarkvasolutions.com, a virtual assistance practice delivering services based on a strong, 25-year professional foundation of administrative skills and practical experience. Clark VA Solutions’ niches include serving C-level and executive-level solopreneurs, writing services, corporate/business transcription, administrative planning and brainstorming/structuring service offerings for success.

© 2009


You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, as long as the text and byline remain unedited. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated.
 

Computer Tips from the Computer Guru


Windows 7: Model for Microsoft Reinvention.  Will It Save Microsoft?

I currently use Microsoft Office XP Professional as my operating system and it has been a very stable and reliable operating system, and I'm sure you to if you use this operating system, agree with me. You may even use Microsoft Office XP Home Edition, which is just as reliable and stable as XP.

As soon as Microsoft Vista Operating System hit the scene with all of its bugs, I was not going to transition to this operating system.

Microsoft is in the process of trying to redeem themselves and they have developed a new operating system called Windows 7. From what I read below, it sounds like they may have redeemed themselves, but don't be fooled yet.

If you are interested in this new operating system, please read on. The below information was obtained from: http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/118401

"The real difference is that Windows 7 Home Basic -- the much-reviled stripped-down version of Vista that was designed for bare-bones PCs -- is now being shunted to emerging markets only, though it will still exist. But to confuse matters, a Windows 7 Starter edition, which will run only three applications simultaneously, will also be available. This will definitely prevent me from transitioning to this product, which is the fact that it can only run three programs at one time!!!

Also a glimmer of hope: Home Premium will have most of the same features you're used to in Vista Home Premium, but the new Windows 7 Professional is a nice improvement over Vista Business Edition in that Windows 7 Pro will include all of the features from Home Premium (including Media Center and gaming capabilities), plus some other business-centric extras. If there's a bright spot in this news, it's that the Pro version finally looks enticing, unlike the neutered business version of Vista that was pawned off on workplaces two years ago."
See the full posting at http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/118401 for more details.

In my opinion, Windows 7 will not save Microsoft!!!

 

Jerome BentonJerome Benton is the owner of JERPAT Web Designs, http://www.jerpat.org. He specializes in web design and has partnered with his wife's virtual assistance business to give every company the quality services they need at an affordable price. You can read Jerome's tips at www.everywomansnorthstar.com.

 

Thank you!

 

We invite you to send us an email at editor@professionaladminteam.com and let us know your thoughts, opinions, questions, and ideas in regards to this newsletter.  Please be sure to reference which issue you are speaking about.  We will publish your comments here with your permission.  Thank you!

 

© 2008 - Current JERPAT www.professionaladminteam.com
To use any of the content presented in this newsletter, please contact the authors directly. All statements made in this newsletter are not legal advisements. All information provided in this newsletter is strictly opinions and suggestions of the contributors. JERPAT and the contributors cannot be held liable for any outcomes on behalf of the reader.