This morning I am thinking about how far we've come.
I say we, because I'm sure no matter where you were at 2 or 3 years ago, circumstances
have created changes which have affected your life one way or another.
I want this year to be different. For everyone.
We have a Convention coming up next month. I cannot tell you how nervous I am.
There is so much preparation required.
This is my first Convention where the Organization is the Exhibitor.
I've always imagined what it would be like to be on the other side of the Exhibitor table. I never imagined it would happen so soon.
I have always believed this would be a great career. I also knew it wouldn't be easy. Nothing worth having ever is.
Now that it's happening, I have to pinch myself.
I can't even begin to imagine what the remainder of this year will bring. I can only hope for good things to happen. For the Organization. For our Independent businesses.
And even though we run Independent businesses, we stand united as an organization.
Something that has been lacking for too long.
Wishing you overwhelming success!
Vikki
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Foundations
When you think of a foundation, what comes to your mind?
The foundation of my home comes to mind. When we first bought our home 11 years ago, the first thing I wanted to know was it on a solid foundation?
Turns out, that it was. To this day, it gives me peace of mind that the foundation to our home is as solid today as the day we bought it.
The first AAVBA training completed its session last week.
I applaud those who committed to give two weeks of their time to attend the training. I respect other peoples' time. I know we live in a hectic world and to be able to commit two hours each night for two weeks takes a lot of commitment and discipline.
The members who joined the AAVBA from the beginning are a special group. They have been given the responsibility of representing AAVBA.
AAVBA stands for support and service to the VBA. From its' inception, AAVBA strived to be a First Class membership organization.
We expect as much from our members. The individuals from the first training session are considered "founding members of AAVBA".
When we attend the NACBA Convention next month, we will be representing the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant industry. We take this responsibility very seriously. We know that our actions, our demeanor and our presentation are a reflection of the members of AAVBA.
We will do everything we can to put our best foot forward for the VBA.
We expect good things to come from this Exhibit. We will be surrounded by Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys for 3 days.
When the Convention is over, we hope Attorneys everywhere will realize the important role and function of the VBA.
Our goal this year is to have 80% working VBA's. We are committed to doing all we can to edify the VBA Industry in a positive and First Class image.
The individuals of AAVBA come from varied backgrounds. Some have legal experience, most have Corporate experience, all have life experience.
When an attorney hires a VBA, they get an individual who has experience dealing in real world situations and will contribute proactively with the attorney.
It's a WIN WIN situation.
Vikki
The foundation of my home comes to mind. When we first bought our home 11 years ago, the first thing I wanted to know was it on a solid foundation?
Turns out, that it was. To this day, it gives me peace of mind that the foundation to our home is as solid today as the day we bought it.
The first AAVBA training completed its session last week.
I applaud those who committed to give two weeks of their time to attend the training. I respect other peoples' time. I know we live in a hectic world and to be able to commit two hours each night for two weeks takes a lot of commitment and discipline.
The members who joined the AAVBA from the beginning are a special group. They have been given the responsibility of representing AAVBA.
AAVBA stands for support and service to the VBA. From its' inception, AAVBA strived to be a First Class membership organization.
We expect as much from our members. The individuals from the first training session are considered "founding members of AAVBA".
When we attend the NACBA Convention next month, we will be representing the Virtual Bankruptcy Assistant industry. We take this responsibility very seriously. We know that our actions, our demeanor and our presentation are a reflection of the members of AAVBA.
We will do everything we can to put our best foot forward for the VBA.
We expect good things to come from this Exhibit. We will be surrounded by Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys for 3 days.
When the Convention is over, we hope Attorneys everywhere will realize the important role and function of the VBA.
Our goal this year is to have 80% working VBA's. We are committed to doing all we can to edify the VBA Industry in a positive and First Class image.
The individuals of AAVBA come from varied backgrounds. Some have legal experience, most have Corporate experience, all have life experience.
When an attorney hires a VBA, they get an individual who has experience dealing in real world situations and will contribute proactively with the attorney.
It's a WIN WIN situation.
Vikki
Monday, April 7, 2008
Monday, Monday
Personally, I love Mondays. Some people don't. I'm not sure why.
Is it because it's the beginning of the work week?
Or could it be we're sad the weekends go by so quickly?
I work from home. My office is a room in my house, so there isn't much distance between me and my work.
If you work from home, as many VBA's do, you know that discipline is the main factor in running your business from home. First, you need discipline to stay out of your office on weekends. Second, you need discipline to lock up your office or desk when the work day is over. Third, you need discipline to start your work day at the time you specify on your website (if you advertise a start time).
When I first started my business, I worked all the time. I was in my office at 7:00 a.m. and didn't close "shop" until 11:00 p.m. I think it's because I was just starting out and I wanted to make my mark in the Independent Contractor industry. Plus, there was so much to do. I believe it's true for all new Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) businesses.
But once I found my rhythmn and created a "work day schedule", I found more time to spend with my husband. And my dogs. Although our son still lives at home, in our back house, we never know if he is here unless we look out the window and see his car parked out in front.
So now, I start work at 7:00 a.m. and end my work day at 6:00 p.m. For a lot of people, that may seem like a long work day. The way I see it, I cut four hours from my original work day. That's a lot.
During my work day, I take an official lunch hour. I take three breaks a day. I schedule time for phone calls, answering business emails, and taking care of incoming and outgoing mail.
Aside from petition preparation, I also continue to do Notary Signing, and Field Service Inspections. For awhile, I did translations for medical appointments.
When there are two or three petitions on my desk, I spend a lot of time in my office. For various reasons. If the assignment is back east, I need to make calls to the attorney early in the day due to the time zone. If the attorney back east wants something completed by the end of the day, that means it has to be completed by 2:00 P.M. California time.
Where adjustments are required, I make them according to the client.
I have days I dedicate to marketing my business. One or two days a week, I run errands.
If there is any advice I can pass on it's this; when you're setting up your Virtual business, remember, it's a business. Schedule your time as if you were going to the office everyday.
I spent a few years as a Notary signing Agent. Back then, I would be ready to go on an assignment at a moments notice. My briefcase was stocked with my business cards, pens, journal and Notary forms and I kept it nearby, my blazer hung on the back of my office door, my printer was filled ready to print Edocs.
With petitions, I don't require as much preparation except to update my software, if required. I still prepare myself to go on a moments notice. An attorney close to my home office might call. You never know.
Mondays are good days. I like Mondays. It's the beginning of a new work week. And for me, a new work week means possibilities. Possibilities for a new client, possibilities for a new assignment. Why not open yourself to the possibilities? Who knows, you might get that one contract that will bring in assignments to keep you busy for months.
Have a great Monday and a great work week.
Vikki
Is it because it's the beginning of the work week?
Or could it be we're sad the weekends go by so quickly?
I work from home. My office is a room in my house, so there isn't much distance between me and my work.
If you work from home, as many VBA's do, you know that discipline is the main factor in running your business from home. First, you need discipline to stay out of your office on weekends. Second, you need discipline to lock up your office or desk when the work day is over. Third, you need discipline to start your work day at the time you specify on your website (if you advertise a start time).
When I first started my business, I worked all the time. I was in my office at 7:00 a.m. and didn't close "shop" until 11:00 p.m. I think it's because I was just starting out and I wanted to make my mark in the Independent Contractor industry. Plus, there was so much to do. I believe it's true for all new Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) businesses.
But once I found my rhythmn and created a "work day schedule", I found more time to spend with my husband. And my dogs. Although our son still lives at home, in our back house, we never know if he is here unless we look out the window and see his car parked out in front.
So now, I start work at 7:00 a.m. and end my work day at 6:00 p.m. For a lot of people, that may seem like a long work day. The way I see it, I cut four hours from my original work day. That's a lot.
During my work day, I take an official lunch hour. I take three breaks a day. I schedule time for phone calls, answering business emails, and taking care of incoming and outgoing mail.
Aside from petition preparation, I also continue to do Notary Signing, and Field Service Inspections. For awhile, I did translations for medical appointments.
When there are two or three petitions on my desk, I spend a lot of time in my office. For various reasons. If the assignment is back east, I need to make calls to the attorney early in the day due to the time zone. If the attorney back east wants something completed by the end of the day, that means it has to be completed by 2:00 P.M. California time.
Where adjustments are required, I make them according to the client.
I have days I dedicate to marketing my business. One or two days a week, I run errands.
If there is any advice I can pass on it's this; when you're setting up your Virtual business, remember, it's a business. Schedule your time as if you were going to the office everyday.
I spent a few years as a Notary signing Agent. Back then, I would be ready to go on an assignment at a moments notice. My briefcase was stocked with my business cards, pens, journal and Notary forms and I kept it nearby, my blazer hung on the back of my office door, my printer was filled ready to print Edocs.
With petitions, I don't require as much preparation except to update my software, if required. I still prepare myself to go on a moments notice. An attorney close to my home office might call. You never know.
Mondays are good days. I like Mondays. It's the beginning of a new work week. And for me, a new work week means possibilities. Possibilities for a new client, possibilities for a new assignment. Why not open yourself to the possibilities? Who knows, you might get that one contract that will bring in assignments to keep you busy for months.
Have a great Monday and a great work week.
Vikki
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Peace of Mind
Good morning VBA's!
This morning I went through a few quotations and I wanted to share some with you.
Lately, with all the obstacles we've had with the AAVBA website and just getting started, I needed to read some "Peace" quotations.
My independent business is going well, thank goodness. The attorney I am currently under contract with has been a jewel.
When you get your first contract, I hope your attorney turns out to be someone who will guide you.
Here you go.
"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek but a means by which we arrive at that goal."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation."
Stephen C. Paul
"The poor long for riches, the rich long for heaven, but the wise long for a state of tranquility."
Swami Rama
It's all about peace, in your life and what you share.
Peace be with you,
Vikki
This morning I went through a few quotations and I wanted to share some with you.
Lately, with all the obstacles we've had with the AAVBA website and just getting started, I needed to read some "Peace" quotations.
My independent business is going well, thank goodness. The attorney I am currently under contract with has been a jewel.
When you get your first contract, I hope your attorney turns out to be someone who will guide you.
Here you go.
"Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek but a means by which we arrive at that goal."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
"Everything you do can be done better from a place of relaxation."
Stephen C. Paul
"The poor long for riches, the rich long for heaven, but the wise long for a state of tranquility."
Swami Rama
It's all about peace, in your life and what you share.
Peace be with you,
Vikki
Friday, April 4, 2008
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