Rate Your Customer Service

I had an interesting conversation tonight with a gentleman, probably in his late 70's. Mr. Barnes comes to all my son's baseball games. He does not come just to watch my son, but to watch all the boy's play. He is a true Mineola Yellow Jacket baseball fan. He loves to share stories of his past and bless his heart - sometimes tells us the same story, but we listen with care.

Anyway, tonight he was upset with a local merchant and as he told me the story I thought the only problem with this merchant was they do not know customer service.

One thing I offer each one of my client's is my full attention and it is my goal to ensure the client is happy - at no cost! Yes, there are times you just have to say - I have done my best! And if you can honestly say this and you still cannot make the customer happy, then you need to find an alternative solution. Because your reputation is on the line and you need to keep it clean you might offer to find another vitual assistant to work with them or send them the names and let them do the work in finding the best person to fit their needs.

This is one of the first things I cover in my coaching program and as I tell my client, customer service is not like it use to be in the past and it is something that can really set you apart from the rest, so no matter what services you offer your client it is important that you offer the best customer service possible.

One thing I am very proud of is my clients appreciate my caring attitude and tell me constantly that they appreciate my goal is to make sure they are 100% happy with my service, if not more. If they are not, I tell them to let me know and we will work together to make sure all the expectations are meet.

In today's world you do not see the vendor, merchant, etc taking those couple of minutes to say "how can I help you?" Most of the time they ignore you and feel you are a waste of time. Therefore, when building your virtual assistant business make sure you give the customer what they want, with a smile on your face and in your heart! By doing this you are making a name for yourself, because you are offering something that is not seen in the real world very much anymore.

Real Estate Calculator

I am always looking for products to enhance my real estate clients websites. Even though I do not design websites, I do maintain many real estate template websites such as Number 1 Expert, Advanced Access, Agent Image, Real Pro Systems, etc. I also maintain and write articles for my clients blog. The below website offers a cool little gadget for your real estate client or mortgage broker client. This can go on their website and their blog.

Real Estate Calculator

Check it out to see if your real estate clients would be interested in using it.

And, if your client is looking to create a customized website, please let me know. I have a guy that is great, creative, patient and is Google SEO Certified!

Have a great week.

The Latest In Search Engines

Ok, this is pretty cool. Go to www.searchme.com and sign up to use the beta version of this very neat way to search the Internet.

It is a virtual search engine and from what I hear from those in the know this is the new way to search the web.

It has played havoc on my website - www.kimhughes.com - I am not even in the top 20 even though I have bee in the #2 spot on Google, MSN, Yahoo, etc for over 3 years now. But, I have my web designer and SEO expert on the job to get me ranked higher.

Check it out - it reminds me of the screen that is similar to the iPhone. :D

Make it a great weekend!

Official Google Reader Blog: Reader and ARIA: A new way to read

Official Google Reader Blog: Reader and ARIA: A new way to read

IRS - March 29, 2008 A Day To Get The Help You Need

I don't know about anyone else, but my son who is 21 and for the first time filing a tax return on his own is very excited to know that when he files his 2007 tax return this will make him eligible to receive the $600.00 check from the government. With him returning to college after taking a year off "to find himself" he sure will need it. Not to mention the IRS Tax Refund check he will receive from his tax return. He is very excited and I think it really has helped him to do all this on his own - He is getting a dose of what it is like to be an adult and responsibilites this title holds. LOL!

If you are like him not knowing which return to use, not knowing what deductions to take, etc., then are you in for a treat!

The IRS has set aside March 29th "Super Saturday" just for you! You can get the help you need - finally.

There will be approximately 320 IRS offices providing FREE help in preparing a simple 1040A for those who are filing solely to receive their stimulus payment.

Even IRS partners will be opening their doors to offer you FREE help as well.

If you are a new virtual assistant or small business owner and do not have the resources to have a CPA do your tax return then you should take advantage of this offer and let the IRS help you to determine which form is right for you, what deductions you can take, etc.

My first year of business as a real estate virtual assistant I hired H&R Block to help me and it really paid off. Now, I have a bookkeeper and a CPA to make sure my finances are in order and IRS approved.

You can get more information on Super Saturday at http://www.irs.gov/. - These are your tax dollars at work - so take advantage of it or if you know someone that needs help tell them!

Be Your Best As A Real Estate Virtual Assistant

Are you sitting there wondering what you can do to improve your business as a real estate virtual assistant?

The first thing to do is look at your client base. Are you offering them the best services as possible? Review your clients programs to make sure you are using everything possible that program offers and let your client know what you are doing.

Whether you are a virtual assistant or a real estate virtual assistant you should have your clients using all the FREE programs possible. Here are some of those programs your real estate clients should be taking advantage of - right now!

Point 2 Agent- This program offers a FREE standard site. You can create a home page, etc., but the cool thing about the program is your real estate client can advertise their properties for free - unless a paying real estate agent has purchased the neighborhood.

You can do handshakes with other agents so their listings show up on your clients site.

As a virtual assistant specializing in real estate this is a tool that your clients will love and their sellers will appreciate the additional exposure.

Postlets - This program is free as well. As a virtual assistant you can create a flyer - so to speak - for your real estate agents listings and then submit it for free to various real estate submission sites - such as Trulia, Google Base, Zillow, Oodle, Backpage, Vast, Hot Pads, Kijiji and most important - Craigslist.

You can also take the mini postlets - shown below and add to the real estate client's newsletter, blog, etc.

As a real estate virtual assistant you can also set up and monitor your real estate agents blog. Blogger is a free program and so is Word Press.

As a virtual assistant, if you don't have a blog - you should, so when you have time - post a blog on your business.

Have You Signed Up For Earth Hour!

On March 29, 2008 at 8:00 PM you can be involved in taking a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced – global warming.

Get involved in this world-wide event by turning off ALL your lights for one hour. This means turn off everything! Computers, modems, monitors, outside lights, inside lights, etc.

Get your community or business involved – you could make a huge difference and at the same time be part of something we all agree on. Just think when you turn off your lights someone in Melbourne is doing the same thing. If you think about it – that is kind of cool!

At this writing over 12,000 businesses are involved.
At this writing over 189,456 individuals are involved.

Sign up NOW!Want to learn more about Earth Hour?

Want more information - go to http://www.earthhour.org/.

Are You Going Green?

In today’s society we are hearing more and more about global warming and that we must take action now in order to save the earth for future generations.

As research has shown we have a small window to make a difference and we need to act now. We live in a society that does not look into the future, we live in the present. This is a known fact. So, if we are a society that does indeed in live the present, then we need to challenge ourselves to begin looking into the future, if not for us but for our children and our children’s children.

By just making a few changes in our life style we can each make a difference and if each one of us just choose one or two things to help the global warming problem can you imagine what a difference we can make together? HUGE! So, take a few minutes to visit the following links to see how you and your family can begin the process of Going Green.

By teaching the children of today, they will develop compassion to make it a priority to keep our earth safe for future generations.

Interesting fact:

Virtual Assistants are going green everyday! How do we do this?

We do not pollute our air with carbon monoxide
Spend money on gas commuting
Save trees by using electronic files as opposed to paper files
Use artificial lighting
Use recycled materials
Travel is not expected

Little did we know that we were already helping our precious environment by going Virtual!
Visit the following links on more information on global warming and to learn how to GO GREEN!

Global Warming
Fight Global Warming
The Day After Tomorrow
How To Go Green
10 Tips To Go Green
10 Way to Go Green at Work
Go Green Program for the workplace
iGo GreenGo Green Shopping
GMC Goes Green

It's a Great Time To Be a Virtual Assistant

When you listen to the news lately all they talk about is how bad our economy is right now. They always want to make everything sound so bleak.

I am hear to tell you, being a virtual assistant now is the best time! Those companies that are downsizing still need assistance and when they work with a virtual assistant their overhead drops and so do their expenses.

If you are considering the virtual assistant industry as a career you would be smart to get going now. On an average it takes 12 months to launch your business, land the clients and to get established.

The start up costs is minimal and rewards are wonderful!

This afternoon, I left my office at 2:30 to go watch my boy's (16 and 17) play their first district baseball game. I had my day planner and PDA in hand. Checked the PDA in-between innings and was there in mind, body and soul to cheer my kids on to a 13-1 win! Go Jackets!



I did realize that the hour drive I would have benefitted by having a voice recorder, so called hubby who was coming home from a business trip and asked him to pick me up one, so I could record my ideas and thoughts while I travel with the team. It will be great! Alone in my car with my voice recorder. Now, I will never forget that wonderful idea I had then forgot it! I am a true example of what a virtual assistant is and loving every minute of it!

Virtual Assistants 5 Tips to Success

Are you new to the virtual assistant industry? Really trying to figure things out can be tiring on the brain and since I have walked in your shoes I am offering you a FREE report - 5 Great Tips Every Virtual Assistant should know and use when starting or building their business.

Don't let your business work you - You need to work your business. Get it today! You will be glad you did and hopefully you will thank me for it!

Have a great day!

Great IRS Information

Good morning to everyone!

I subscribe to a great FREE newsletter from the IRS. It offers some very good tips for your business and keeps you informed of the latest tax issues. Check it out:

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154820,00.html

Today I received my newsletter and it offered the following article: Hopefully, you will find it valuable.

SALE OF YOUR HOME

If you have a gain from the sale or exchange of your main home, you may be able to exclude all or part of the gain from your income.

Individuals may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of capital gain, and married taxpayers filing joint returns may be able to exclude up to $500,000 of gain each time you sell your main home, but generally no more frequently than once every two years.

To qualify for this exclusion of gain, you must meet ownership and use tests.

Ownership Test: During the 5-year period ending on the date of the sale, you must have owned the home for at least 2 years.

Use Test: During the 5-year period ending on the date of the sale, you must have lived in the home as your main home at least 2 years.

If you and your spouse file a joint return for the year of the sale, you can exclude the gain if either of you qualify for the exclusion. But both of you would have to meet the use test to claim the $500,000 maximum amount.

If you do not meet the ownership and use tests, you may be allowed to exclude a reduced maximum amount of the gain realized on the sale of your home if you sold your home because of health reasons, a change in place of employment, or certain unforeseen circumstances.

Unforeseen circumstances include, for example, divorce or legal separation, natural or man-made disasters resulting in a casualty to your home, or an involuntary conversion of your home.
If you can exclude all the gain from the sale of your home, you do not report the gain on your federal tax return. If you cannot exclude all the gain from the sale of your home, or you choose not to, use Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses, of the Form 1040 to report it.

For more details and information see IRS Publication 523, Selling Your Home, available at IRS.gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).

Remember that for the genuine IRS Web site be sure to use .gov. Don't be confused by internet sites that end in .com, .net, .org or other designations instead of .gov. The address of the official IRS governmental Web site is http://www.irs.gov/.

Links:
Publication 523, Selling Your Home (PDF 194K)
Schedule D, Capital Gains and Losses (PDF 136K)
Tax Topic 701 - Sale of Your Home

The First Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook

I am just tickled PINK to announce that my new eBook called The Real Estate Virtual Assistant Handbook is now available!

If you are in business now as a Real Estate Virtual Assistant or if you are considering a Niche in Real Estate Virtual Assistance then this is the Handbook you need!

The FIRST Real Estate Vitual Assistant Handbook offers you some of the most detailed information on what it takes to work with real estate agents! Including 15 sample forms! Why re-create the wheel – It is all in this ebook!

This is the FIRST and ONLY ebook that is dedicated to helping you understand what a Real Estate Virtual Assistant can do and the expectations of real estate agents!

Anna Baron of The Virtual Link had this to say about Kim Hughes:

Kim Hughes is one of the most well-known and well respected real estate virtual assistants in the industry. She's like the E.F. Hutton of the real estate virtual assistant industry - when Kim talks, VAs listen!

Get it TODAY!

Happy Holiday's!

I cannot believe the holiday's are here! 2008 is right around the corner and I for one am ready! 2007 has been a great year for my business. Each year it just gets better, so I cannot complain one bit! I am very blessed and am thankful everyday. But I also realize that everything that has happened this past year did not just fall in my lap, it come from hard work, determination and a goal to succeed!

I have to admit I am drivin and I knew from a very young age that if I wanted something I better figure out a way to do it because I was the only one that knew how bad I wanted it!

I never expect anyone to do it for me so I always make a plan and set a goal and make it happen. This comes from alot of how I was raised.

This past month I have been faced in watching my grandmother get older and that I have to face the reality that she will not live forever. I don't want to think about it and I won't talk about it much with family. She is my hero and I love her dearly and I really cannot imagine my life without knowing she is there.

I've also been faced with a situation that is very stressful to me and that is my long lost father may not live much longer. This is also tough since this is a man that choose not to be in my life and now that he is dying he wants me there. His wife and two son's who one I have never met, his wife I just recently have talked to for the first time since they have been together - 30 plus years I think and then the one that I have met and have spoken to a couple of times on the phone. I do not have any anger towards my father, no resentment and I do care about him. But I also feel that I do not owe him anything, but I had to make a choice and the choice I made was I would be there for him and would do anything I can to make his life easier. I realized that even though he made the choice not to be a part of my life it had nothing to do with me or that he loved me any less. That is just the path he choice at the time.

So, I will go visit him in the hospital and will go knowing that he may or may not recognize me, but for me this is closure and even though he was not a part of my life I want him to know that I grew to become a caring, responsbile, loving mother and I must say GREAT wife and my life is complete.

I also feel that we are put on this earth for a reason and regardless of how we are raised we are responsbile for who we are and how we get there. I feel that I am a stronger person, determined to give my children the life I never had and that I have been given the opportunity to give my children the love and security they deserve and if I had not had the childhood that I had I may not have appreciated what I have now and that is a wonderful husband and three amazing boy's who are growing into these awesome individuals.

In addition, I also believe my professional life is a result of my childhood and realizing at an early age I had choices - good or bad - and I always choice the good! Why, because I wanted both of my parents to be proud of me and when the day is over I know they are!

So, as we bring in 2008 - ask yourself - Are you the best person you can be? If you honestly cannot answer this question then you need to ask yourself - what can I do to become the best person I can be and then do it!

And, remember - if you are going to have a pity party just think someone else's life is harder than yours - then you realize you don't have the right to have a pity party! :D

How Does One Benefit From Coaching?

A few years ago when you heard the word "coach" you might have thought of someone that worked with in the athletics field. Now days when you hear the word "coach" you ask "What kind of a Coach are they".

You can find a coach for just about anything from a life coach to a business coach. Why do you need a coach, you might ask. Well, I have found coaches to be very beneficial to me in my business and personal life. About a year ago I seeked out a life coach to help me get my priorities in order and even though I am pretty organized I found her coaching to be of great help to me. She helped me look at my personal life and work on the areas that I was weak and enhance the areas where I was strong. Then I hired a organizer coach to come to my office to review what I was doing and help me improve my systems. This was a great benefit to me even though I was very organized she was able to help me focus on things that I thought were minor, only to discovere they were not. As a matter of fact after 2 hours of sitting with me she told me I really did not need a coach for organization, but I explained I always am looking for ways to improve and I always appreciate another person's opinion.

the other day I decided to do a Google to see how many coaches in particular fields there were and I was amazed at the results. In my discovery I realized anyone can be a coach. A little training here, a seminar there and so on and BAM you are now a coach. Don't get me wrong it takes a special person to become a coach, but in addition to their training they have to have the knowledge and experience to offer their clients to get them on the right track, whatever that may be.

A couple of years ago I realized that I offer something that others could benefit from and that is the knowledge and experience of a virtual assistant. I already was helping people to become successful in their business and obviously what I was doing was working because those that seeked my adviced were making it work.

I have been a virtual assistant for 7 1/2 years now and still love what I do and one of the greatest things I enjoy doing is helping other succeed in their business and in their personal life.

Being a mother of three active boy's, a wife and a successful business owner I have the experience to offer another person who has the same desire to become successful. The first thing I require from anyone I coach is to have the desire to succeed and the passion to make it happen. Once you realize that you to can succeed and have the confidence to believe in yourself you can do it!

If you would like to know more about my coaching and how it will benefit you, please let me know. I want to help you take those babysteps and overcome those obstacles to become the most successful person you can be.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

As we get to close to the end of the year, it is that time again to get organize so we can start the new year fresh and ready to go.

I suggest you start now getting your tax information in order. The earlier you take care of your taxes the better off you will be.

This past year I have found some great programs to make my life easier and I would like to share them with you. I hope each program benefits you in some way in making you life easier and more organized.

OH! I would like to offer you my new e-book for FREE! Click here to receive my 5 Grat Tips To Become A Successful Virtual Assistant. http://www.kimhughes.com/

Ok, so here are some of my favorite programs! Believe me they are worth looking into.

RoboForms is a great program to keep track of all your passwords. I love it even more to also store my client's passwords to their programs. Easy and trust worthy. I think you will find it a huge timesaver in your everyday business. Check it out!



I LOVE Shutterfly! Why, for several reasons, but one is if I need to store photos for my clients to capture the link for another program I can load the photo here for FREE. Easy!

I love to take photos of my family and post on Shurrterfly and then email to family members and friends.

When I have our family photo taken I go to Shutterfly to order my holiday cards and can create my own right online and then ship to me. This is a great time saver for me.

I order photos from Shutterfly and in multiples. Since I have scrapbooks on all three boy's I find it a time saver and very cost effective.

You must check them out and here is an offer for free shipping!

Anyone that knows me will agree that I love animals! I have 4 dogs and 4 cats and it can get expensive buy all their special items. I can go to Drugstore.com and purchase all my pet products and my families products in one location and most of the time shipping is free. Another great way for me to save time!

Time is money!

Have you ever wanted to have a confirmation that your email was received and read? Did it get forwarded to another person, etc. This is one of my favorite programs. Read Notify is a great program to have to ensure you have a confirmation on those ever so important emails.

If you only purchase one program this year, this is the one!




Now that I have shared some of my favorite programs and websites with you, make sure you check them out. There is more to come so stay tuned.

8 Random Facts About Kim Hughes

I have been tagged by Ann Baron so here I go with 8 random facts about me.

1. I always knew I wanted to work in the real estate industry. When I graduated from HS I went to my hometown community college and took some classes in real estate. Everyone thought I was crazy. When I moved to Dallas, at 19, on my own, I found a head hunter and told them to only put in a position to work with real estate. I paid that head hunter $600.00. My career started as a receiptionist for a mortgage banking company. Then I went from there to work for as an Executive Assistant to a Portfolio Manager with The Federal Asset Dispostion Association taking down S&L's. While working I went to college and earned my degree and worked as a part-time cocktail waitress.

2. After my first son was born, I went into Direct Sales with Mary Kay Cosmetics. I loved what I was doing and I will say this about MK - It taught me how to build a business, handle finances and be independent. Not to mention build my confidence. I think she is the one individual I respect the most outside of Barbara Bush! These two women are my hero's.

3. When I discovered the VA industry, I only know real estate and was the first to become a real estate virtual assistant. Anna Baron, my best buddy, coached me on how to build my business and saved me from a lot of mistakes. Michael Russer opened the door for me and the rest is history. Thanks Anna and Michael!

4. Another major step in building my business was to be invited by Kathy Drewien to attend an Allen F. Hainge CyberStar Summit. Another smart move on my part and without Kathy's invitation I don't think I would be were I am today. Thanks Kathy.

5. Howard Britton for inviting me to speak at his 2005 Star Power Conference where I was able to meet some of the most powerful Stars in the real estate industry.

6. Watching my mother struggle to raise her children in a time that divorced woman had a label, she was able to raise 4 kids without child support and only on 1 income, if you want to call it that, without any of us having issues. Seeing how she struggled everyday being abused not just physically, verbally and financially made each of us strong individuals and we learned life is not fair, so get over it and make the most of what God has planned for us! We all have succeed and I am very proud of my brothers! We all made it without the support of our father, without someone handing life to us on a plate. We all achieved our goals on our own.

7. I have three boy's - one in college, 2 in high school and to this day I have only missed one event that they have participated in and that was due to a family emergency. Thanks to my business I can work my family around my career. I have the best kids! I love each and everyone of them with all my heart! I hope that I have given them the foundation to be outstanding individuals and appreciate the life we have given them and they always strive to be the best, no matter what they choose in life.

8. I have been married to Paul for 24 years and we are best friends. He thought I had lost my mind when I wanted to start a home business as a real estate virtual assistant. And, even though he did not support my idea at first, he is now my biggest fan! I am very blessed!

Virtual Friendships

The Internet is a crazy thing! When I was first introduced to a computer, I was like "what?" Then when I was introduced to the mouse I thought "I will never be able to use this darn thing!" That was 16 years ago and now I have my own business all based on the Internet.

I remember back in 1999 thinking only rich people had computers, and at that time they were. Then the more I read about them I begged my husband to let me take the IRS Refund Check to buy me one so I could figure out a way to make money and stay home with the kids. I was already a stay-at-home mom, but times were tough and I knew that I was going to have to do something and soon.

Ok, so he gives me the check and off I went to Dallas to buy my first computer. I paid $1,700.00 and I was so excited. Of course, had not idea how to put one together, but I managed. lol! Took me three days!

Once I was up and running I knew there had to be a way to build a business on Internet. I remember staying up all night surfing the Internet. When one day I came across a virtual assistant article. Then I went to a VA organization and joined immediately. Then I thought what was the best way to get information and that was to find another VA who would be willing to share their knowledge. Well, I found her and with one phone call. We talked for about an hour and I was so excited to meet someone that would share. You don't find that in Corporate America!

The person I spoke to was Anna Baron of the www.TheVirtualLink.com. Anna was so willing to help me get started. She taught how to set up my IM on MSN and boy was that a mistake. lol! I drove her crazy with questions. But, she was always there for me and no matter how stupid the question she answered it and then walked me through how to set everything up.

I remember her telling me to use Outlook. At the time I was on dial up with AOL and thought I was so smart. Well, once I learned how to use Outlook I was well on my way.

Anna and I have been friends for 6 years now and I know that I would not be where I am today if it had not been for her generous time to teach me how to start working from home.

We have shared so much with each other over the years - We share stories of our children, husbands, exteneded families and have been there for each other in our lowest - saddest times and in out most joyous times. We have shared our first born's graduation, which was the same year to crying over them leaving for college.

We have shared stories about our families that we probably would not share with anyone else. Knowing that the other would not judge.

So, if you don't think that a good friendship cannot be found on the Internet, think again. Even though we live 2 hours from each other our lives keep us so busy that we just can't seem to get together, even though I go shopping about once a month near her home.

Anna, your the best and I am so blessed to have you as a friend and mentor!!!!!

Are You Real Estate Virtual Assistant Material?

Have you heard of a real estate virtual assistant? Well, if not, where have you been? This specialized industry of virtual assistants is the hottest thing going and has been for about 3 years and I personally do not see this industry slowing down anytime soon.

If you are interested in becoming a real estate virtual assistant then you will soon discover the possibilities are endless. If you have the knowledge and the desire you can possibly start your real estate virtual assistant business immediately.

What do real estate professionals look for in a real estate virtual assistant?

1. Informative website with a great portfolio to show samples of your work.
2. Dependability. They want to know that they can put their trust in you to get the job done.
3. Honesty. You need to build a trust with your real estate client. Use their hours effectively.
4. Coaching. Yes, they look to you to know what is going on with the Internet and what are the latest programs and are they worth having in their business.
5. Availability. They want you to be available to them either by email or phone.
6. Knowledge. You need to know all the latest and greatest programs so you can advise your real estate client on what they need to improve their business and you must know how to use the program.
7. Personality. The real estate agent wants to build a long term relationship with you. Get to know your agent. Always be upbeat.

When you begin building your business you need to be organized. This can be tough, so you need to make sure to experience several methods of organization and ask your peers what they do and see if there is something you can do better.

You must have knowledge of the real estate industry. Ok, so you are an established virtual assistant and now you want to expand into real estate. Good for you! But, how do you accomplish that, you ask? www.CyberStarVA.com is the first real estate virtual assistant organization that offers you membership to join a great group of real estate virtual assistants. Here you will share, learn and advise. www.CyberStarVA.com also offers three training medthods and you can choose the one that is right for you.

This is truly a wonderful group of people who have the desire to strive for more and to build a business from home. www.CyberStarVA.com is not just a place to hang your hat. You will build friendships and great networking relationships as well. Just ask some of the members, they will tell you this is where they got their business off the ground.

Come visit us, I think you will agree - www.CyberStarVA.com is a great place to get started if you are looking to break into the real estate virtual assistant industry.

Where Does The Time Go?

Well, since my last post, I have been through alot. Some funny, some sad and some in-between.

Sad - In November my husband lost his brother at the age of 48. How sad to watch someone die because of drugs! What a wasted life.

Sad and Funny - Then right before Thanksgiving my husband was in the pasture counting the heads of cattle and he ran over my big black dog - Duece! OH! She is fine, but dislocated her hip and had to have it popped back in. Scared me to death. She is such a big dumb dog, but I love her to death! She was born in our garage on Thanksgiving Day 3 years ago and she has been here every since. She is the sweetest thing and would not hurt a hair on your head, but boy does she have a bark and when the courier guys show up they are scared to death of her - she is black as well and standing on her hind legs she is 5 feet and 5 inches. But, I tell them the worst thing she would do would be to lick them to death. lol! So, she is fine now and happy as ever.

Just plain funny - Ok, so we have Thanksgiving and right before Christmas my grandmother got so mad at my grandfather she threatened divorce. They are in the late 80's! Can you imagine. lol! Of course, she was all talk and the next day she was fine, but we all drove to their home to figure out what made her so mad. HA! She could not remember the next day. Go figure! God I love them so much and they just make me laugh at the situations they face right now and I know I don't have much more time with them. I should find time to spend the day and help them more.

Happy, Sad and ??? - So, Phillip comes home from college. Eric and Stephen are out for the holiday's and life is good. Then BAM! We find out that Phillip did not do so hot in his first semester of school. From the way I see it - it is a learning experience for freshman that first semester and they have to figure out their priorities and take responsibility. I think he has it now, but the other blow was that he wants to change his major! WHAT? So, now he wants to coach baseball instead of go into broadcasting. Ok, I know it's his life and I am really trying to keep my mouth shut! :D

Of course Happy - Eric and Stephen enjoyed being home for the holiday. Sleeping late, hanging out with friends, etc.

Funny - Then New Year's Eve - Eric had some friends over and they brought in the new year! How fun to watch a bunch of 15 year's celebrate.

Happy - Now everyone is back in school and it is nice to have the house to myself again during the day so I can concentrate on my clients. I stayed up many night during the holidays to work, but that is my choice and I am so thankful to have that choice to make.

Happy - OH! I also just returned from the Allen F. Hainge CyberStar Summit in San Antonio a couple of weeks ago. GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT ORGANIZATION!

Happy - And, finally - Paul took Eric, Stephen and myself to see Bon Jovi in concert in Dallas! WOW! What a great time that was.

Back in the saddle again - So, now I am settled and working hard, but preparing for baseball season. Eric will start JV this year and it is going to be exciting! I already have laptop, aircard and cell phone ready for traveling.

Happy New Year!

Basic Organization

Well, another summer gone by! The kids are back in school, football season has started and the routine is back in order! In my previous blog I mentioned my oldest son was heading to college! YEP! We survived and everything is going great! I can't tell you what a proud moment it was to actually see a dream come true for our son! He received so many scholarships that is has paid his entire tuition, dorm and books! What a great feeling this was!

Now, how did we accomplish this, you ask? By organizing and starting early! You are probably wondering what does this have to do with Virtual Assistants? Well, a lot! We had a dream, researched what needed to be done to make that dream come true and organized our thoughts and followed through. The rewards were more than we expected!

I thought that I would offer some great organizational tips for this blog! So, here I go....

1. Get a 2" 3 ring notebook with erasable tabs (mine are white). Name each tab by your clients last name and behind the clients tab you will want to include:

a. Web programs with username and passwords
b. Client Information Sheet
c. Agreement
d. Any other important information

Now, you also want to have a file on the client so that you can keep other information that you do not need on a daily basis there, but you want to keep the notebook on your desk so you can easily refer to it during the day. Mine stays open and I can just flip to the clients tab when needed.

I can easily put this in my laptop bag when I work on the road, in another part of the house, etc. It is a great way to keep up and have it accessible at a moments notice.

2. Use a time tracking program. I use www.traxtime.com and love it! You can keep track of billable and unbillable hours.

3. Organize your desk to make it work for you. Regardless of the space - utilize it!

I hope my tips are helpful and if you have one, please let me know. We can all learn from others!

Have a great week! Make it count!

Kim Hughes
www.kimhughes.com
www.cyberstarva.com