Thank you for visiting Jill of Virtual Assistants blog.

Tip for the week:  #WordJill Tip: Ctrl+N creates a new document in Word and across applications.

Affirmation for the week: To continue reinventing myself on this very exciting journey called LIFE!!!
 
Quote: 

Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step - Martin Luther King Jr.

Your Virtual Assistant, Arlene de Waal


So Far and Now So Near

March 2010


 
October 2010



Not to sure how most out there feel when writing their blogs but I just love to use illustrations when trying to describe a message, lesson learnt or get a point across.

When embarking on this new virtual business last year, everyone thought I had lost all my faculties, marbles and everything else people use to describe insanity. When I visited the Kruger National Park in March, I was going to get a re-awakening that made me sure I was on the right path and revisiting it again in October re-affirmed that I was still on the right path and that success was just over the horizon if I was prepared to weather the storm and take the risks. How many of us go into instant paralysis when faced with risk or adversity? We run for the hills ........... :-)

Some of the lessons I learnt in the beginning stages of my business are that there will be a sunrise representing new beginnings, opportunities and challenges each day. The zebra represents the different aspects you have to take into account when building your business like financial, customer, operations and learning, growth and development amongst others as you have to continue improving as you build the business. The zebra and deer represents sharing and caring and knowing that there will be people you need to rely on through all stages of your business especially those with extensive experience of the business. 

The tortoise represents the small business owner you will assist throughout the life of your business who will heavily rely on you to be a valuable business partner as they draw on your extensive skills, knowledge, skills and experience. The grasshopper represents the 'fly by night' client you will also encounter throughout the life of your business however as you become au fait you will be able to sniff them out upfront saving you a lot of wasted time, effort, money and resources. The crocodile reminds you that there will always be 'those lurking in the shadows' ready to steal an idea, piggy-back or showcase your work as their own. That's okay, it doesn't last long! The fire was amazing as it represents the continuous rebirth and re-invention of your business as it grows and develops to its full potential.

Visiting the Kruger National Park in October was a completely new and different experience making me realise just how close my dream of a successful business was turning into achievable goals. A dream is just a dream until you turn it into realistic goals. The rhino reminded me that you still need to nurture and grow your business and not become complacent. Marketing, marketing, marketing...... The buffalo reminds you to be strong despite all the hurdles and challenges you will encounter through the life of your business, how you handle it will make or break your business. Encountering the graceful and elegant giraffe, wow, reminds you to stand tall and maintain your composure through the difficult times as it will pass. The majesty of the gentle giant, the elephant, re-assures you that you can stand on the shoulders of giants and be noticed. The girls reminds you that you got to take time out to play and the setting sun that you must REST!

Hope you enjoyed reading the article and will leave a comment on your experience building your business.