Virtual Harvest

Joint Venture Partnerships

Gal69VA — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:11:00 GMT

As I have been taking the time the past couple of days to read up on some articles and review some training, I have learned about a very effective marketing and networking strategy called joint venture partnerships. Joint venture partners are people who have the same type of customers as you do, but they are not competitors. For example, an effective joint venture for me would not be a virtual assistant that provides the same services as I do. Rather a profitable joint venture for me would be with small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and independent professionals that provide other services to other small business owners, solo entrepreneurs, and independent professionals.

A healthy joint venture creates complementary services and solutions to their mutual set of clients. As I thought more about this, the largest of companies have joint ventures that feed off each other. For instance, a potato chip company needs sandwich shops to help sell their product. Or restaurants need beverage companies to help their customers enjoy their specialties.

As of today, I have added it to my marketing strategy to further identify, research, network, and market joint venture ideas. I have had one in place with Shari of Smart Solutions as mentioned in a prior article. We just were not thinking in these exact terms. Today my client, who is also an author and speaker, attends various networking functions. ...

Beware of Scams

Gal69VA — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 20:05:00 GMT

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A Unique Business Partnership - Smart Solutions

Gal69VA — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:48:00 GMT

Shari Shipman and I first met in an online virtual assistant training course three years ago. We became instant business partners exchanging services. We have yet to meet in person, but we have been able to correspond effectively through instant messaging and conference calls.She is very creative and I have been completely satisfied with the logo she developed for Virtual Harvest. She was very sensitive to match the design to my expressed thoughts. She has applied her talents to develop images for me that I have been able to utilize in numerous other forms of documents and electronic distributions. She has been meticulous in thinking through the details as we have worked together in our shared projects. She is an excellent project manager with great interpersonal skills. She is very organized and has worked with me to accomplish my goals.Shari is very professional and dedicated. I know I will always be able to count on her to assist me in my marketing and promotional needs. She has written the following testimony about my work:I have known Carla Still for three years, when we took an online course together in Virtual Assistant Business Management. Even though we have never met face-to-face, a very close business relationship has developed between us. Carla has an extremely conscientious and professional work ethic. Her ability to find the best solution to solve a problem or make a process work better is a rare gift that she uses without hesitation. This talent has been ...

Computer Crashes Lessons Learned

Gal69VA — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:39:00 GMT

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Specialization in SOP & Client Development

Gal69VA — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:18:00 GMT

A remarkable specialization has naturally evolved in our business services. A common thread in my work with clients this past year has been developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This skill began while I was working with the federal government. There was a need to have all the specific procedures and processes in writing.

Why is it so important to have a developed SOP? What if the time came for me to move on to another opportunity and into another position? All the other secretaries, executive assistants, and I working with the federal government understood the importance of coverage and supporting each other. What if one of us had a medical or family emergency? How would we know how to fill in and properly provide the assistance to the staff they supported? Of course, in general, we answer the telephones, arrange conference calls, set up travel, serve as timekeepers, provide the necessary assistance with training, sort mail, and other administrative duties. However, what is often misunderstood is the fact that each office has a different personality and set of preferences.

While a generic SOP of contacts and general procedures can be copied, it must be properly detailed and tailored to the needs of each specific office environment and supported staff. What are the travel preferences? What are the routine ...

Craigslist Type Sites

Gal69VA — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:42:00 GMT

Craigslist has been in the news recently in a negative and adverse way due to a recent slaying (http://tinyurl.com/craigslistoncnn). As a result, the advertising site has become very controversial. It’s a very diverse classified listing site, and just like most anything can be misused for wrongful purposes. I am glad they are restructuring and monitoring the ads more closely. I have found it to be a very responsive tool for marketing. The diversity generates a tremendous amount of traffic and users benefit in numerous ways – both in business and personal capacities.

There are a few other minor down sides to posting ads. I am encountering a limited amount of spam, scam mail, and phishing off sites like Craigslist. I have reduced it by "disguising" my email through an anonymous and appointed email address through Craigslist. That way they can monitor and help fight the spamming. My Web site is listed on my ad, so potential clients can view my Web site and email me directly that way. With ...

From Me to We

Gal69VA — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:52:00 GMT

Business is booming!!! Praise God! The time has come for me to turn the "m" upside down to "w" - from me to we. Can you relate? I have partnered with a number of other other qualified virtual professionals with additional skill sets and availability. Together we can harvest a greater crop! I am excited about what this business development can mean for all involved.For more information on how we can assist you, please click here. You'll also find a tool you may be able to utilize to contact me via instant messaging. If my skills and availability do not directly match yours, perhaps one of my partnered associates will match your project needs. After gathering more information, I can send you the applicable resume and Web site for your review. ...

PRWeb Webinar

Gal69VA — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 15:19:00 GMT

https://admin.connectpro.acrobat.com/_a754148897/p63466681/ This past week I listened to a great Webinar that discusses a number of tools in a jammed packed one hour session. The session is very concise and informative for the small business budget. You can listen too by clicking on the above link. Three gentlemen (Ryan Hinricher, Steve Mullen, and Greg Smith) speak on search engine optimization (SEO) for your business Website, to writing press releases, to researching and getting to know your customers. You learn the importance of link gathering and unique content creation. A huge emphasis is on blog writing. They explain how to get started and offer “The Blogging Formula”. There’s a discussion on writing press releases and how it can build your business. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of getting to know your customer through proper research. I found the connections in the instruction on social media very enlightening. The connection was made for podcasting through audio files like iTunes. You can create these files simply through http://www.talkshoe.com. Likewise, video files are like YouTube loads that can be developed using a basic camcorder. Podcasting and video casting are on the rise and it is important technology in relating to your niche client base. ...

June 2008 Colorado VA of the Month

Gal69VA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:07:00 GMT

I am honored to announce that I was featured as Colorado VA of the Month for June 2008. To read the feature click and open the /files/36314-33716/June_2008_CO_VA.pdf">pdf file. You may also visit the Colorado VAs Web site. ...

Approaching Two Years

Gal69VA — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 23:24:00 GMT

Wow! It's amazing how time flies. I have been busy developing my relationship with another major client. It has been very exciting. Virtual Harvest is approaching two years in business.I have expanded and now offer services that involve: Microsoft Access data entry Microsoft Publisher document development FrontPage Web site content development Outbound calling Please contact me if your project needs include these programs. Upon request, I can also send you an information packet that includes my resume. For more details on my other services and how I may be able to assist you, please see my article on: "Why Hire a Virtual Assistant versus an In-House Secretary?" I am also building a team that can assist me in these services as needed. Please remember that I am connected to organizations that offer an even wider range of specializations. I would be happy to extend or find referrals for you. Plus... I am excited to announce that I have open and flexible business hours both day and evenings out of the Eastern Time Zone. ...

Keeping Up With Technology - Part 5 - Speeding Up Your Computer

Gal69VA — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 03:50:00 GMT

As technology advances, so do our expectations for our computer performance. The average life a computer is only three to four years. What can we do to maximize the speed of our computer as it ages with the speed of these advances? The following is a troubleshooting checklist:¨ Run disk cleanup and defragment the drive. The disk defragmenter is located on PC's under the Control Panel. Click on Administrative Tools then Computer Management. The disk defragmenter is under the Storage option. Disk cleanup can be added as a Scheduled Task. Scheduled Tasks are located also under the Control Panel. ¨ Run a full anti-virus and anti-spyware scan. The computer picks up changing types of viruses through the Internet. It is vital to the computer's performance to maintain an updated anti-virus and anti-spyware scan software on the computer that serves as it's immune system. Just like human viruses, computer viruses mutate and change to penetrate computer systems. These viruses can cause a range of damages from simply clogging up the computer to causing a complete crash of the computer's hard drive. For this reason, it is encouraged to backup the computer frequently for easy restoration and to minimize the loss of data.¨ Delete old network connections. To find out if the computer is attempting to connect to shared hard drives that may no longer exist, go to the Windows Explorer. Click and delete on any ...

Happy Holidays! :)

Gal69VA — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 21:28:00 GMT

I have just wrapped up my projects with a major client. My availability has opened up. Please contact me about more information on how I can help you with your projects.I have also relocated to Georgia. One of the greatest advantages of a virtual business is that you can operate from anywhere. The following is my new contact information:PO Box 1562Blue Ridge, GA 30513303-330-1104 Check back in the coming weeks as I am working on additional articles to post. ...

Virtual Harvest Turns One!

Gal69VA — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 01:16:00 GMT

Virtual Harvest is celebrating it's first year in business!

The past year has been a wonderful learning experience setting up and getting Virtual Harvest started as a virtual assistant business. As the business owner, it's been a great experience so far and I am only looking forward to growing more with Virtual Harvest. I am restructuring temporarily and only accepting short term job opportunities.

Please feel free to contact me and check my availability. If I am unable to help you, I can refer you to someone that can meet your needs. ...

Keeping Up With Technology - Part 4 - Networking Online

Gal69VA — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 16:45:00 GMT

As small business owners and independent professionals, sometimes we get so focused on meeting the needs of our clients that our business marketing and networking needs fall to the back burner. It is very difficult to figure out the right formula of time between the needs of clients and business development. With an online business, it is important to stay consistent with blog entries and networking with others online. I am learning just how easier said than done that is! I continue to build my online networking avenues. It can be overwhelming to learn them all and stay active in them all. It is taking some time to figure out which ones are the most effective and worth my time. You can explore them with me and see which ones may help your business the best. The first few are very similiar in their setup and what they have to offer. They offer free classifieds along with a networking community. You can set up a profile and chat in online forums. You may get bombarded with emails to connect with others in the community. You also have to be careful as some may want to sell you their product or service, but that is why is it called networking. AdlandPro DirectMATCHES - the Business Space version of My Space. BizPreneur Other networking sites: LinkedIn - free site ...

Why Hire a Virtual Assistant versus an In-House Secretary?

Gal69VA — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 15:38:00 GMT

Hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) versus an In-House Secretary can be beneficial to you in many ways. If you are a small business owner, independent professional, or entrepreneur, it makes perfect sense. I have already wrote an article on "Why Hire a Virtual Assistant over a Temporary?" for your short-term, office overflow, and other occasional projects. The following are my list of benefits you can have to hiring me as your VA: You'll Save Time - You can focus on the core of your business while I can help you with the more routine tasks. You'll Save Money - No need to worry about paying associated payroll taxes and benefits. Please open my /files/36314-33716/5_Virtual_Harvest_Cost_Comparison.doc">Cost Comparison Spreadsheet for more details. You'll Save Space - I work from a fully equipped home-based office. You'll Have Access - You can travel with your business anywhere and work with me using the latest telecommunications technology. My services are available across the nation and internationally. You'll Get Reliability - I will work hard to meet your needs efficiently, accurately, and professionally. If there is a task that I am not familiar with, I will either work to learn it or use my networks to find someone that can. You'll Get Availability - I have extended business hours for evenings and weekends for your convenience (Mountain Time Zone). This is a benefit to you as most ...

Keeping Up With Technology - Part 3 - Free to Low Cost Services

Gal69VA — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 01:20:00 GMT

In Part 2 of this series, I mentioned free services related specifically to blogging. There are numerous other services available for free to low cost out there that are utilized by not just virtual assistants - but everyone in the business world. I am not very experienced on most of these services, nor am I endorsing all of them. The following are just the results of my research. Please feel free to provide feedback in my comments section on your experiences and any other services you are aware of.Conference Calls: Free Conference utilizes long distance phone numbers. 1-800 numbers are available for a fee. You may also buy recordings of the conference call for additional fees.Press Releases: MediaSyndicate, PRWeb PRWeb provides you with the opportunity to make donations. The more money, the better and more widespread the release.Copyright: Copyscape allows you to obtain copyright information on your Webpage, etc.E-Newsletter: Constant Contact is an email marketing solution that is free for up to 50 email addresses. The fees increase to increase your email list.Web sites: GoDaddy.com As you can see, GoDaddy.com is hosting my Web site for free. I just have to put up with the banner at the top, which is perfectly reasonable for a start-up business. It cost me less than $10.00 to register my domain for a year. They provided template options for me to set up no more than ...

Keeping Up With Technology - Part 2 - Benefits to Blogging

Gal69VA — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:17:00 GMT

Blogging is becoming more and more popular at explosive rates - both in business and personal worlds. Churches and missionaries also use blogs to post reports and updates. It is a medium that is crossing generations. MySpace is one of the most famous and controversial sites. It is a way of staying in touch for everyone. There are a number of good benefits to blogging in the business realm. 1. Connecting with clients and customers. Blogging provides a place to post updated information on products and current events. It is a modern and electronic newsletter.2. Public relations and marketing. Blogging is a way to provide samples of work and products. It is an excellent area to express your expertise on topics related to your business. It can serve as a great place to post frequently asked questions.3. Increasing search engine optimization (SEO) and rankings. Search engines like Google and Yahoo gather and rank their information on sites that have current content posted. The search engines crawl your links and URLs connecting you literally to the world in the World Wide Web. There are a number of services that offer to "ping" the search engines to announce your update. A couple of free services include: Ping-o-Matic! and Pingoat. You can fill in your blog information, check off the search engines you would like to be pinged, and bookmark the page for ...

Keeping Up With Technology - Part 1 - Introduction

Gal69VA — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 18:07:00 GMT

The Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) definition of a VA begins with the statement, "A Virtual Assistant (or VA) works independently at an arm's length, via the Internet, utilizing the latest technologies..." During my University of Virtual Assistants training, I was amazed at what is out there and the advancements in technology. I was especially surprised to learn what services are available for free.Over the course of the next couple of months or so, I am going to explore the technology used by VAs more. Technology is an area that is always developing. It is an ongoing learning experience for everyone. The speed of technology is so fast that it is hard to ever really be "up to speed" on it. While it will take more experience for me to claim to be an expert, I will share in this series what I am learning. The technology that VAs are using is not exclusive to the VA industry as they help many types of professionals around the world.For some people, learning new technology can be uncomfortable as it takes them out of their comfort zone and presents weaknesses. For others, like myself, it can be exciting learning something new as it opens up more possibilities to work with others. As we become more and more of a global community and as our businesses expand more and more around the world, it is essential for better communication to use the latest technology ...

Happy New Year 2007! :)

Gal69VA — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 06:08:00 GMT

I am looking forward to this year and building Virtual Harvest. Stay tuned for updates and new virtual assistant services available. If you would like an information packet, please contact me. It is freshly updated with the logo and ready for mail out. The packet includes a brochure, menu of services, cost comparison spreadsheet, sample work-for-hire agreement, and my resume. ...

Check Out Virtual Harvest's Identity!

Gal69VA — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 03:47:00 GMT

I am excited to announce the logo for Virtual Harvest: I would like to thank Shari Shipman of Smart Solutions for all her creative help. Shari created an identity and look for Virtual Harvest beyond my imagination! She produced a high quality business card and brochure to help in my marketing efforts. Shari, thanks bunches! ...