E-Suites Blog
There used to be a time in my life when I skated along and thought I was bored. Although I cannot remember exactly when that was, I remember I used to feel that way. At least once every summer my kids will stir up that memory in me when they come up with "I'm bored. What can we do?". It always makes me smile. I have to admit I am jealous of that feeling at times. Not necessarily of being bored but of knowing what is going to happen from one day to the next. Of being certain that life is pretty care free.
There are of course things that I know will happen every day, there is some sort of resemblance to a routine. But inside the framework of each day I can bank on anywhere from organized to true chaos. Not knowing who will call, email or text and what issue will come up during the day that will cause me to not even be able to open my notebook with my "to-do" list in it, these are the tip of the iceberg. Each day is like that. Not for a short burst of time, but each working day.
This used to make me uncomfortable and crazed. I cannot say this feeling is welcomed with open arms, but it is now my friend. I cannot pinpoint when this happened either, but it is here. Most days, I almost even like it. I know I am blessed in many, many ways. I also know that I have become comfortable in my life with not being comfortable. How great is that.
There are of course things that I know will happen every day, there is some sort of resemblance to a routine. But inside the framework of each day I can bank on anywhere from organized to true chaos. Not knowing who will call, email or text and what issue will come up during the day that will cause me to not even be able to open my notebook with my "to-do" list in it, these are the tip of the iceberg. Each day is like that. Not for a short burst of time, but each working day.
This used to make me uncomfortable and crazed. I cannot say this feeling is welcomed with open arms, but it is now my friend. I cannot pinpoint when this happened either, but it is here. Most days, I almost even like it. I know I am blessed in many, many ways. I also know that I have become comfortable in my life with not being comfortable. How great is that.
I recently had the fantastic opportunity to speak with Dave Ramsey about creating an effective elevator pitch. One that can concisely say what it is that E-Suites and Virtual Office Advantage does. While I feel I now have that under control, I sometimes feel that I get a blank stare when I say that I am a virtual assistant, we offer administrative assistant services on an as needed basis for small businesses and non-profit associations.
Whatever term you use: Virtual Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Admin, Management Partner or Assistant, I have been showing people for 9 years what a benefit we are. Knowing that you can hire a professional who has the knowledge, work ethic, and takes ownership of the project to complete the task quickly and accurately gives not only a piece of mind, but frees up your time and makes you more successful in the end.
Whatever term you use: Virtual Assistant, Administrative Assistant, Admin, Management Partner or Assistant, I have been showing people for 9 years what a benefit we are. Knowing that you can hire a professional who has the knowledge, work ethic, and takes ownership of the project to complete the task quickly and accurately gives not only a piece of mind, but frees up your time and makes you more successful in the end.
Teamwork can be seen in some cool places! I have seen it both here at E-Suites but recently in gyms and in our front yard. It's so very cool to kids working as a team. Truly concerned for the betterment of the task at hand and towards that of the greater good. Cheering each other on, working together when it's not going as planned. 10 year old girls on the volleyball court or soccer field trying their best and giving constructive feedback to their teammates. 7 year old boys figuring out how to snowboard downhill on a regular sled without falling. In either case, they are paying attention to one another, helping each other with positive feedback, and giving it their all. They give high fives when they win or don't wipe out, and they hug and comfort when things don't go quite a s planned.
As I went through some files this week, a recurring theme passed through my mind. "No", "Nope, pitch it", "Not now". It was a really great feeling adding these papers I didn't need or no longer wanted to my shred bin. Not all of these files were past events or inherited papers clients. Some of these were collected in a folder labeled "Pending". I'm not usually a fan of a generic label like this because what happens is exactly what did happen. "Pending" quickly becomes "Accumulated pieces of paper and Post-It notes with thoughts that are long forgotten about".
The thought of saying "Yes" when I want to say "No" makes me feel resentful throughout what I've agreed to do. Between the negative thoughts and stress, how much energy would I have saved by saying "No" to begin with? How much more could I do that I really want to do, how much more excited could I be, how much less stressed could I be? That's one powerful little word. Beginning today, I will say no.
The thought of saying "Yes" when I want to say "No" makes me feel resentful throughout what I've agreed to do. Between the negative thoughts and stress, how much energy would I have saved by saying "No" to begin with? How much more could I do that I really want to do, how much more excited could I be, how much less stressed could I be? That's one powerful little word. Beginning today, I will say no.
If you are looking for a way to start your year off right, I would suggest reading the book "Time Traps" by Todd Duncan. I was given this book in a leadrship class, but have to admit it took me a while to pick it up. It is one of those books that each person who reads it will take away something that will not only be interesting but will implement an idea.
Since June 2011 I have used the system the Author calls the "Nifty Fifty" system and even as a career administrative assistant, I can tell you the benefits it has given me. The principle is very simple. 50 hanging files divided as follows: 4 purple folders labeled Family, Fitness, Finances and Fun. 31 green folders labeled fomr 1-31 for the days of the month. 12 yellow folders labeled January through December. 2 blue folders labeled with the current year and the following year. Lastly 1 red folder labeled Improvements and Surveys.
Since June 2011 I have used the system the Author calls the "Nifty Fifty" system and even as a career administrative assistant, I can tell you the benefits it has given me. The principle is very simple. 50 hanging files divided as follows: 4 purple folders labeled Family, Fitness, Finances and Fun. 31 green folders labeled fomr 1-31 for the days of the month. 12 yellow folders labeled January through December. 2 blue folders labeled with the current year and the following year. Lastly 1 red folder labeled Improvements and Surveys.
2011 has been a year of growth for E-Suites and myself as an Entrepreneur. I have learned what it realoy means to transition from Virtual Assistant working alone for 8 years to leading a true team. I have a fantastic assistant, whom I trust fully and who I feel I am empowering to know that I stand behind her and the decisions she makes. Our team is blessed with the co-owner of E-Suites that is a technology pro. He has the gift of making technology and its language very user friendly. We are now running as a unified team.
As the new year approaches, E-Suites continues to grow. I look forward to watching my team as we move forward with servant hearts to better serve our clients and our friends. There are many resolutions that come to mind for me, but the one that stands out for me is to continue to grateful. To know our story, the history of the team that led us to our victories and gives us hope when we face obstacles in the future. Every step of our story has been filled with gratitude and it will continue to be. I look forward to sharing that story over the coming years.
As we ring in 2012, I again want to say thank you to everyone we have had the pleasure of working with either via E-Suites or Virtual Office Advantage. We are greatful for the opportunity. Happy New Year!
As the new year approaches, E-Suites continues to grow. I look forward to watching my team as we move forward with servant hearts to better serve our clients and our friends. There are many resolutions that come to mind for me, but the one that stands out for me is to continue to grateful. To know our story, the history of the team that led us to our victories and gives us hope when we face obstacles in the future. Every step of our story has been filled with gratitude and it will continue to be. I look forward to sharing that story over the coming years.
As we ring in 2012, I again want to say thank you to everyone we have had the pleasure of working with either via E-Suites or Virtual Office Advantage. We are greatful for the opportunity. Happy New Year!