Valentine’s Day – a History

 

It was first established by Pope Gelasius I in 496 AD, and was later deleted from the General Roman Calendar of saints in 1969 by Pope Paul VI. It is celebrated in countries around the world, mostly in the West, although it remains a working day in all of them.   The day first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. By the 15th century, it had evolved into an occasion in which lovers expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as “valentines”).

-Wikipedia

OR

The Legend of St. Valentine

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?

more …

However the day started or its history, Valentine’s Day today is a day to let the people you love know that you love them.  But then again, shouldn’t you do that more than once a year?

However you’ll spend today, enjoy, and above all, love yourself.

“A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others.”   Anonymous

“Where there is love there is life.”   Gandhi

Do You Love Cool Tools?

Not unlike Chris Grundy on DIY’s Cool Tools, we Virtual Assistants LOVE cool tools – it’s just that ours are virtual!

And as Virtual Assistants, we’re always top of the best tools to make it easy to work with our clients.  We’ve listed below fax and online screen sharing tools for you to check out or just ask your VA which service would work best for you.

As you may know, a Virtual Assistant, also known as a VA, is an independent contractor that provides business support to clients from their home office. Clients include businesses, entrepreneurs, startups, executives and individuals. Professional virtual assistants establish their own business based upon their years of ‘corporate’ experience, education and/or sharp business savvy.

Fax Service

Faxing is still a way to get paperwork to your VA safely and promptly.  If you don’t have an external fax machine, following are some of the most popular and respected online fax services on the market.

RingCentral Fax features a toll free or local number, dedicated fax number, receives faxes on your PC, via email, or with our mobile application, sends faxes by email and from your PC from any application.

MyFax allows you to send and receive faxes through your email, the web, or smart phone. It also features a local or toll free fax number, no software download required, saves sent and received faxes online for one year and can personalize your faxes with your logo. MyFax provides the capability to fax from up to 5 different email addresses.

eXtremeFax is an online fax service that uses technology developed by RingCentral, Inc. You can choose a toll-free or local number to send and receive faxes from around the world. eXtremeFax also allows you to send and receive faxes by email, either from your PC or your phone, receive notifications by SMS, email, and on your PC, whenever you get an incoming fax.

Nextiva Fax highlights includes sending and receiving faxes by email,  directly from Microsoft Apps and by cell phone. Nextiva also allows you to keep your fax machine for convenient sending of paper based faxes.  In many cases you can keep your current fax number.

eFax is an internet fax solution offering the largest selection of local and toll-free fax numbers in over 3,500 cities and 48 countries around the world.  It features lifetime storage, local and toll free numbers, enhanced security, to send or receive faxes as email attachments and fax from up to five email addresses.

TrustFax’s monthly plan includes a US local or toll free fax number, capability to send/receive 250 pages per month, free account setup, faxes sent to your email, digitized signatures tool, secure online fax storage and international faxing.

Screen Sharing

Below is a list of popular tools used for screen sharing.

Skype allows you to share your screen with anyone on Skype for free. There is also group screen sharing but it is currently only available to Skype for Mac.

Join.me is a simple screen sharing tool perfect for impromptu meetings. This free tool gives you the ability to share your screen with up to 250 views.  You may also share control, chat and send files. For additional features you can upgrade to Join.me Pro.

Vyew (pronounced “view”) is a free and easy online collaboration and web conferencing service with unlimited use with up to 10 people. It is an ad supported service. Vyew allows you to meet and share content in real-time or anytime. You can also upload images, files, documents and videos into a room. Users can access and contribute at anytime. It is compatible with PC, Mac, and Linux users.

CrossLoop is a free easy-to-use software application for desktop sharing with unlimited sessions. It is also available in 21 languages. CrossLoop is simple, safe and quick.

QuickScreenShare is the simple and free way to share screens with anybody with no registration required. There is absolutely nothing to install. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows you remotely control the mouse and keyboard.

FreeScreenSharing is a free online meeting service designed for screen sharing, web conferencing, product demonstrations, webinars and more. FreeScreenSharing features free unlimited meetings with up to 96 participants, audio conferencing and your own lobby.

How Having Your Own VA Saves You Money

We have already established that VA’s are business owners and  not employees. They are responsible for their own operational expenses and taxes – and should carry professional liability insurance as well.  You do not pay for any employee-related taxes, equipment-related expenses, benefits or insurance, and VA’s work from a fully equipped home office.  Although many virtual assistants work on retainer basis; others offer services on a project or an as-needed basis. This allows you to pay only for the time used for that specific project or task.  Others look to cultivate long-term working relationships with their clients and bill at an hourly rate.

Working With a VA Saves Time

Another great benefit of working with a VA is saving time by delegating tasks that you lack expertise or do not enjoy. Saving time with a VA allows you to dedicate time to other priorities such as running your business, networking and family. As we say in the industry – we give you back the time to work ON your business – not In it!

Need to find the right VA for you?  Go to www.TheRightVA.com and know you’ll be matched to an experienced, professional VA.

Nickey Hollenbach

Personal Touch Concierge Service, LLC

“Virtual Assistance with a Personal Touch”

www.ptconciergeservice.com

info@ptconciergeservice.com

How to Hold an Effective Meeting by Enforcing the No Laptop Rule

Today we welcome Roland Bonay from RC Bonay at Work  (@rcbonayatwork)  as our guest blogger.  RC comes up with a really great point – how many times have you been at a meeting and have had people typing away on their laptops – perhaps even smiling (not at you).  They may be taking notes of the meeting, but then again, they’re probably not.

RC:

You’ve probably noticed that more and more people are using their laptop computers during meetings.  As a result, more and more people have become detached during these meetings.  As a result, more and more meetings have become less effective.

I recently learned a simple yet powerful technique that will get even the most detached individuals totally tuned in during your meetings. All you have to do is enforce the

“No Laptop” Rule.

Enforcement of the No Laptop Rule will reign in the totally detached.  I don’t know how many times I’ve heard someone shout a person’s name to get their attention because they were engrossed by something on their laptop screen or they were busy typing away on their keyboard.  I’ve been on the receiving end of the shout once or twice and it’s embarrassing.  It also shows disrespect toward the speaker.  I’ve been in meetings where everyone is looking down at their laptops and not paying any attention to the poor soul giving the presentation (I’ve been that poor soul and it’s very discouraging, especially when you’ve put a lot of effort into your presentation).

Enforcing this rule may seem difficult, especially if you’re a junior employee in a room full of managers and/or people who have more experience than you.  I’ve learned a simple way that will get everyone in the room to abide by your rule and, assuming that you run a solid meeting, respect you as a person and as an employee.  What you have to do is lay down your meeting rules in a reasonable way.  Before you get to the agenda, tell your audience that you have three expectations:

• To start on time
• To find a solution to the problem
• To finish on time so they can all get back to work

Tell them that in order to accomplish these objectives, they must honor one request; no unnecessary use of their laptops during the meeting.  Tell them that if they need to do something with their hands they should feel free to “doodle” on the back of the agenda that’s being passed around.

Here’s what I have printed on the back of the agenda:

• Doodle (doo-dill) (v) to scribble or draw aimlessly, esp. when the attention is elsewhere • 

A study (published in Applied Cognitive Psychology) by psychologist Jackie Andrade of the University of Plymouth in southern England indicates that doodlers actually remember more than non-doodlers when asked to remember details presented during boring meetings and/or lectures.

See also this article on doodlers!

So if you want to increase the effectiveness of your meetings, try enforcing the No Laptop rule.  You may meet a little resistance at first but they’ll all come around when they realize how tolerable (and effective) your meetings are.

Roland C. Bonay is an engineer in New Jersey with a passion for writing and drawing. He started reading comic books at an early age and soon discovered he had a flair for telling stories of his own. As he grew, he dreamed of following in the footsteps of his idol, comic book legend, Stan Lee. His passion ebbed and his dream faded as it became necessary to pursue a more traditional lifestyle in order to raise his growing family. The dream was rekindled in early 2009 as the youngest of his four children blossomed into young adulthood. Roland’s vision is best summed up by his motto; “the world would be a better place if we all just learned to draw.”

Roland is also passionate about relationship building. He writes about it on his blog at  The RCBonayAtWork Blog.

Great post, RC!  I think the next step should be no phones and texting at meetings, personally!  If I could stop doing that myself, that is…

Nickey Hollenbach

Personal Touch Concierge Service, LLC

www.ptconciergeservice.com

5 Tips to Making Great Snow Photos with Your Point and Shoot Camera

I’m excited to announce a guest blog today from Teri Klinger – from Teri Klinger Photography.  Teri shares some tips on how we can all take better show photos this coming winter:

Whether you like it or not, the white stuff is coming!  And depending where in the country you live, you may have already been covered in snow.  I’m not a fan, but I’ll suffer through it to get to the nice, warm days of summer.

If you’ve ever been frustrated with your snow photographs, here are 5 quick tips to help you keep your snow white, and your winter photos looking good.

1.  Correct Setting

There may seem like too many different settings on your camera, but they are there for a reason.  Most point and shoot cameras come with a SNOW setting.  Some may also say BEACH/SNOW.  In either case, make sure to turn your dial to that setting or else your snow photographs may come back looking grey instead of white.

Because your camera’s sensor perceives the snow to be too bright [or white...like snow is supposed to be], it tries to turn your image into 40% grey.  Grey snow looks dull and drab, so turn that dial.

2.  Perspective

Creativity adds interest – so get on your back and shoot up at a subject, climb on patio chair and shoot down [unless, of course, you’re on the ball and already packed all of your patio furniture away for the winter], or shoot through a snow covered branch.  Think out of the box and you’ll come up with some images that are eye catching and unique.

3.     Simplicity

You’ve heard of the cliche less is more.  I like to apply this to my winter photographs as well.  Don’t forget to get the large picture [the housetops covered inches of snow], but then take a couple images of something simple.  A small twig covered in snow.  Or a snowflake on a black glove.  Maybe a stray fall leaf peeking from under the snow.

4.    Black and White

Snow photographs look great in black and white!  If your camera has a black and white setting, try it.  The contrast between the white snow and darker subjects looks stunning.

5.     Up Close

Try taking a photograph up close and personal.  Sometimes I hold my breath when pushing the shutter in order to keep the camera as still as possible.  Back to the settings…if your camera has a MACRO setting, try it.  As long as your snow isn’t turning grey, you can give it a shot [pun intended].

Get ready, because the white stuff is coming!  With these tips, you’re sure to get whiter snow and fun photos.  If you have any other thoughts or questions, you can always email me at teri@teriklingerphotography.com or visit my website at www.teriklingerphotography.com

Thanks, Teri!  I have a great camera, but these tips will definitely help!

Nickey Hollenbach

Personal Touch Concierge Service, LLC

info@ptconciergeservice.com

VA’s are NOT “just secretaries”

Frankly, I can’t think of a more insulting title.  But insulting it is, on many levels.

First off, the term”secretary” is pretty much passé and has been for a long time.  Instead, the term has been replaced by Executive Assistant, General Admin, Personal Assistant, and a few others.  And I’d like to see most businesses succeed without this type of assistance!

But I’ve been hearing that some people out there are trying to liken the term “Virtual Assistant” to “just a secretary.”  Funny – but if you go to a site like IVAA (International Virtual Assistants Association), you will find just about any type of VA services out there which include:

• Accounting and Bookkeeping
• Architect/Engineer
• Association Management
• Author Support
• Coaching Support
• Concierge Services
• Contractor
• Desktop Publishing
• Editing/Proofreading
• Event Management
• Graphic Artists
• HR Support
• Internet Commerce
• Language Translation
• Legal and Paralegal Services
• Marketing and Advertising
• Online Business Manager
• Real Estate Support
• Research & Development
• Shopping Cart
• Social Media Services
• Website Design

In addition to admin-type services.

In fact, their definition of a VA is “Virtual assistants are independent contractors who (from a remote location, usually their home or office) support multiple clients in a variety of industries by providing administrative, creative, and technical services.”

So, the next time you hear someone or read something about the term VA being “just a secretary,” set them straight.  They’re probably just trying to sell you their latest book/course/”certification” or whatever they’ve come up with as an attempt to be the latest fad.

Nickey Hollenbach

Personal Touch Concierge Service, LLC

nickeyh@ptconciergeservice.com

Is Your Time Priceless?

“Time is free, but it’s priceless.  You can’t  own it, but you can use it.  You can’t keep it, but you can spend it.  Once you’ve lost it, you can never get it back.”

It seems we are obsessed with time: it flies by —  where did it go? — can you believe it’s the middle of July already?  I never have enough hours in the day…

We’ve all heard these statements – and have probably said them ourselves.  The one thing that is constant and unforgiving is time – you can never get it back or make more of it.  So the only way to manage time is just that – manage it!  Delegating is a fantastic way to manage your time, and it takes a strong business person to be able to delegate effectively.

Hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) is your best bet to delegate effectively.  Remember, the right VA will be a business person just like yourself and will understand that delegation is key to running an efficient business.

Here are just a few ways VA’s can work with you to return precious time:

• Manage your schedule remotely and follow up on appointments just as easily as an onsite employee

• If you’re spending loads of time formatting your newsletter, hand it off to a VA; they can manage your newsletter in a lot less time

• Manage your blog and post new content on a regular basis

• Keep your social media profiles updated

• Track and manage your company’s online reputation

• Database management

• Travel arrangements

• Prepare program materials for your next event

• Article Submission to Ezine and other sites

• Write the press releases and articles to submit

• You want to sell products on your website; a VA can set up a shopping cart and monitor sales reports

• No more wasting time with data entry and bookkeeping; have any report at your fingertip

• Your VA can also send out your invoices and help with follow-up and collection of those invoices

• Keep your website up-to-date and looking fresh

• Help you keep up with your personal life as well; i.e., finding the best plumber/electrician/handyman, etc., and scheduling an appointment; keeping track of and sending out birthday/anniversary cards; ordering flowers, gifts

I could go on and on …

There is the right VA out there for everyone, so don’t put off finding that VA any longer!  Contact me for your FREE consultation to see how we can help you – and if we can’t, we’ll recommend an experienced, professional VA just for you!

Nickey Hollenbach

Personal Touch Concierge Service, LLC,

a Multi-VA Company

nickey@ptconciergeservice.com

484-919-0637

Book Signing Event with Elin Hilderbrand!

CBCC Women in Business Committee is producing an Exclusive Book Signing to Benefit the Women in Business Scholarships

June 22, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
At Aldie Mansion
Old Dublin Pike, Doylestown
 
New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand will speak about her latest novel, “Silver Girl.” A book signing will follow.
 
$30 is the cost of the book and admittance.
Doors open at 6 p.m.
 
Sponsors
Fulton Bank
Booktenders’ Secret Garden
& Heritage Conservancy
 
Wine is Courtesy of Chaddsford Winery
 
Ellen Mager, of Booktenders’ Secret Garden Children’s Bookstore & Gallery, is providing very special courtesies in support of this significant program.
 
Just In:
People Magazine gave the book three out of four stars and named it their choice for BEST SUMMER READING!
 
Elin Hilderbrand, the New York Times best-selling author with nine wildly popular novels to her name, returns this summer with SILVER GIRL (Little, Brown and Co., June 21, 2011). Called the “Queen of the Summer Novel” by Kirkus Reviews, Hilderbrand’s last novel, The Island, debuted at number 10 on the best-seller list. Hilderbrand also penned the critically acclaimed books The Castaways, A Summer Affair, Barefoot, Summer People and The Beach Club. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the graduate fiction workshop at the University of Iowa, Hilderbrand traveled extensively before settling on the beautiful, windswept island of Nantucket, where she lives with her husband and three children. The island is the backdrop for her works of romantic drama and illuminating insight into human relationships.
 
Pre-paid reservations are required:
http://www.centralbuckschamber.com/calendar.htm.  No books may be brought to the event.

Are You Running Your Business, or is Your Business Running You?

We, as business owners, run our businesses. We tend to protect it closely as if it were one of our children, and may truly believe that no one can do anything in our business as well as we can.
If this is ringing true with you, chances are you are performing tasks in your business that you should be delegating to someone else. If you are allowing your business to run YOU by not delegating, you may become one of the many businesses that fail because the business owner becomes burned out.

I know, I know – it’s hard to let go! But let yourself dream for just a second … what would it be like if you had a trusted assistant – on call – that you could depend upon to complete the tasks you don’t have time for, you don’t particularly like doing and are keeping you tied up when you should be growing your business?

Feel free to contact me to discuss how a VA can help and AND your business.

 

Nickey Hollenbach

www.ptconciergeservice.com

484-919-0637

@Nickeyh

Are You Stressed?

     Did you know that

     “Stress has been called ‘the silent killer’ and can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, chest pain, and an irregular heartbeat.”

     Knowing that, and knowing the stress involved in running your own business – or for that matter working for a company that’s stressful – you would certainly want to alleviate that stress, right?

Enter the Virtual Assistant. 

     Virtual Assistants are a cost-effective way for businesses and entre¬preneurs to ensure that they have the help they need to successfully run and grow their business. With no payroll taxes to pay, no benefits to provide, no office space or equipment to purchase and maintain, it’s a wise choice for today’s busy and stressful world.

     An experienced, professional VA takes your business as seriously as her own, and your business’ success is her business’ success. VA’s work with solopreneurs, small to mid-size businesses, and even large companies are jumping on the bandwagon and using Virtual Assistants. 

     Virtual Assistants have been around for more than 10 years, but the industry has grown exponentially in the last 4 years.  The important thing to remember is to find an experienced, professional VA — someone who is taking theirVA business seriously and not doing it as a hobby.

Next post:   Tips on how to find an experienced, professional VA

 

 

Nickey Hollenbach

Personal Touch Concierge Service, LLC

info@ptconciergeservice.com

Another New Year’s Day

Every single year on New Year’s Day I try to do everything right; I clean, exercise, eat right, work a little, and do everything I feel I should as a way to ensuring a great year to come by doing everything the “right” way.

Today I woke up feeling less than well.  You know, the typical sick, body aches, stuffy head hoping we have some Nyquil in the house for tonight.  I did manage to walk the dog, go through some old mail, read some old Newsweeks, look at my email once – missing a client request – and made soup.  Other than that, I slept most of the day.

Briefly I went through the head trip – oh no!  I didn’t do everything perfect today – what will that do to 2011?  You know what it will do?  Nothing.  Nothing I don’t do this one day will change how well this year will go for me, my family and my business.  It’s what you do every day – every day when you wake up and decide that today will be a GREAT day and you will do everything you need to do to improve your life.  Every single day is a new day and you have the chance to improve your future – and that’s what I will do – starting tomorrow.

Nickey Hollenbach

Personal Touch Concierge Service, LLC

info@ptconciergeservice.com