Happy 1st Anniversary, VACOC

A year ago this month, the Virtual Assistance Chamber of Commerce (VACOC) was created by Danielle Keister, owner of The Relief. She had a vision of providing virtual assistants with a place to gather and share ideas, knowledge, challenges and successes.

Last night, we had our 1st Anniversary Party and it was so much fun. With the advent of the Internet, there are so many things you can do that I never would have thought you could do. We had a party over the Internet. (Actually, we did this at Christmas also, but I digress.) Who would have thought five, three, even two years ago that you could have a party with people from all over the world, and no one has to travel? We had people from the U.S., Canada, and Argentina, and the cost – FREE!

We really had a good time. We played games, we laughed, we gave out awards, we shared our ups and downs over the past year. We got to know each other. We talked about our families, our businesses, our lives. I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, people I may never meet, people I never would have had a chance to get to know, except for the VACOC.

At the VACOC, we make the journey together. We share each other’s triumphs, we cry with each other’s pain, we are there for each moment in this wonderful thing called life. What I have gained can never be measured in words! I have learned and grown and come to understand what this thing called a “VA” is truly all about. I thank you, VACOC, for showing me what I can be and helping me to become.

So to the VACOC, I say, Happy 1st Anniversary. I look forward to many more exciting years, full of fun, friends, education, training, all the things we look for in a networking organization. You are that, and more!

Vickie

Referrals – Key to your Business Growth

Where have your clients come from?

I’ve found that the best source for new clients is from referrals – word-of-mouth. There is nothing like a glowing report from someone you’ve worked with and who are happy with your services. Referrals are the key to your business growth and that should not surprise us.

Look at how we live our daily lives. How do we find accountants, bankers, car dealers? Most of the time it’s through someone we know who have used their services. And we decide to try them out because we trust our colleague or friend or family member. We want to get the same service they received.

Referring should be a two-way street. If there is someone you deal with, or have dealt with, and they were professional, accurate, quick, thorough, tell your friends and business associates about them. They will be excited that their services are sought after – but they will also think of you the next time someone needs what you provide. It’s a win-win situation.

So the next time you talk to someone and it sounds as if they’re searching for a service provider, maybe a life coach, maybe a marketing coach, maybe a consultant, or maybe a virtual assistant (that’s me!), be sure to spread the word about those you’ve come in contact with, those who made your life easier, those who helped your business grow. You’ll see that it will come back to you!

That old saying, “What goes around, comes around,” is true. Try it out!

And one last thing – be very careful about referring people or services you haven’t tried. How can you make a referral when you don’t know how their service is? Your name is the one they will remember, so make sure you know what you’re talking about.

Vickie

Happy Easter

I just wanted to take a moment and say to everyone, Happy Easter!

With taxes just around the corner, Spring popping up everywhere which gets us in the mood for Spring cleaning, allergies going hay-wire, it’s easy to forget about Easter.

Take some time to think about what your blessings are in life. Visit a church. Spend time with family. Have an egg hunt with your children. Enjoy the day with friends, family or your favorite someone.

In this time of being so busy, let’s take just one day, and really concentrate on what’s important to us, what sustains us, what makes us happy. And just think of the frame of mind it will put you in to start out your work week.

Have a glorious Easter!

Vickie