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Diary Of A Novice Blogger Part Four - The Confession

Results Of Virtual Assistants Holiday Gift Survey

Organize Your Mind BEFORE You Organize Your Office

Organizing Your Office For The New Year

VIRTUAL PARTIES - Utilizing Webinar (On-Line Seminar) Rooms To Host Your Own Virtual Party

Holiday Gift Survey For Virtual Assistants

Business Owners Survey - Holiday Spending

New England Virtual Assistants

Business Survival And Growth For 2010 - Consider Hiring A Virtual Assistant

Diary Of A Novice Blogger Part Three

Diary Of A Novice Blogger Part Two

Diary Of A Novice Blogger Part One

A Small Business Owner Learns The Importance Of Social Media

Welcome

THE RESULTS ARE IN

FOR THE VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS HOLIDAY GIFT SURVEY!

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:06:00 GMT

Ok, I must confess, I committed one of the biggest no-no's of blogging and I know better! Even though I am technically still a novice blogger, I read enough about the subject to know a major no-no when I see it.

What did I do? Shamefully and sheepishly, my head hanging down, I own up to the fact that I haven't blogged in 89 days! If you are going to blog, you have to blog regularly. Obviously, I have turned a blind eye to my blog for quite a while. In my defense, though, it was not done maliciously, I was so busy working on my business, that I ignored the cardinal rule of blog, blog, blog!

Now I cannot blame my internet skills for lack of readership, which is what I was doing before. And, I cannot blame my old and tired eyes.  I can no longer blame my currently short list of things I think I should write about. I do enjoy writing, but I think I was so concerned about no one reading my blogs, that I just subconsciously decided I should ignore the entire process. If you don't attempt something, you cannot fail.

My new motto from now on is  "if you do not attempt something, you cannot succeed."

What changed this attitude finally? One thing was definitely a webinar I watched from Dr. Terry Paulson. Very motivational. After watching it, I felt that I haven't really been challenging myself enough with things I like to do, such as writing.

So the challenge is on Claire! Do this for yourself and no one else! (OK, Miss Cheerleader, tone it down a bit!)

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 17:15:00 GMT

First of all, thanks to all of the busy Virtual Assistants who took the time to fill out my officially "unofficial" survey. It was very interesting to see that the answers are as varied as we are as Virtual Assistants.

I received 17 responses, and each and every one was thoughtful and helpful for any Virtual Assistant who is debating whether or not to give gifts to their clients and anyone deciding upon whether to become a Virtual Assistant. Although the spirit of the season is to give, as with any business owner, a Virtual Assistant needs to determine if gift-giving will be part of their marketing plan and/or budget.

How many of the responders are solo VAs, and how many are Multi-VAs?

Out of the 17 responses, 13 are solo Virtual Assistants and 4 are Multi-VA businesses.

How long have the responders been in business as a Virtual Assistant?

The length of time in business was more varied:

Less Than 1 Year:        4 VAs: 2 are Solo VA businesses, and 2 are Multi-VA businesses.
One To Three Years:    10 VAs: 8 are Solo VA businesses, and 2 are Multi-VA businesses.
Three To Five Years:    2 VAs, both of whom are Solo VA businesses.
Over Five Years:          1 VA who is a Solo VA business.

How many of the responders sent gifts to some or all of their clients, how many wish they could send gifts, and how many don't believe in sending gifts?

As with the length of time in business, the answers as to whether or not these Virtual Assistants sent gifts to their clients this Christmas was more varied:

There is no column for Multi-VAs in business 3-5 years, as there were no responses from that group.

There is no column for Multi-VAs in business over 5 Years as there was only one response in that category, and the Virtual Assistant is a Solo VA Business.

What are the best gifts the responders ever received themselves as a Virtual Assistant?

Out of the 17 responders, 3 chose not to answer this question, and 4 have not received any gifts as of yet.
One received a new home with dedicated office space, a lovely gift from family who evidently support their efforts, which in itself is a great gift any time of the year!
One Multi-VA business owner enjoyed receiving an "easy" button, which helps her to relieve stress...and less stress is always a great gift!
A VA in business for 3-5 years stated that paying her/him on time is gift enough.
A VA in business 3-5 years who has received many gifts appreciates a Thank You and Merry Christmas the most.
Additional gifts received by the Virtual Assistant responders were a Staples gift certificate, a digital camera, a $50 check, a wine basket with local wines, an external hard drive, and Amazon gift cards and gift certificates.

All of the gifts received and gifts not received show the varied nature of our clients also. I know that all of the responders, and Virtual Assistants in general, are very thankful to receive just a Thank You, Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays, and to be paid on time or be paid period, as several Virtual Assistants stated. All of the other wonderful gifts are just gravy.

What are the WORST gifts the responders ever received themselves as a Virtual Assistant?

Out of the 17 responders, 4 chose not to answer this question, and again, 4 have not received any gifts as of yet.
Two VAs said they received bad candy. The author loves candy and assumes it must have been pretty bad!
One VA stated none off hand are remembered as bad, although some gifts were better than others.
One VA stated a picture rotator that sits on the shelf, although it is unclear whether it was digital or not.
One VA said that a house full of company while trying to catch up for the holidays was the worst present she/he ever received.
One VA doesn't think there is such a thing as a bad gift, and two stated they have never received any bad gifts at all!
One VA received pens as their worst gift, and the author can only assume they were "company" pens, and not the fancy writing implements we would all love to have.

What holiday gift ideas did the responders share?

There were some very good and useful gift ideas provided by the responders, and these gifts can be applied to any other holiday, celebration, and event. I've separated the gift ideas into two categories: gifts related to the Virtual Assistant's business, and other gifts.

GIFTS RELATED TO VA BUSINESS	OTHER GIFT IDEAS
1 Hour Free Work (or as many as you are willing to give)	Gift Certificate for a Massage
Homemade Holiday Breads and Cakes	Networking/Association Subscriptions
Homemade Cookies and Other Treats	South N France Bon Bons
Welcome to the New Year/Thanks For Your Business Card or Email	Wine Of The Month Membership
Discount on Next Invoice (can be included in the card or email)	Books and E-Books
E-Books the VA has written	Wine, Fruit or Candy Baskets
Original Poetry	Miscellaneous Treat Baskets
Homemade Treat Basket	Gift Cards to Out Of The Ordinary Places
Homemade Basket with Miscellaneous Office Supplies	Smart Pen
Calendar with your Business Logo	All-In-One Printer and Paper
(Calendar can include Handy Tips each Month)	FairyTale Brownies
	Software
	Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark
	Coffee Plant
	Enstrom's Toffee

Again, thanks to all the Virtual Assistants who responded! It warms the heart of the author, a Virtual Assistant herself, who is new to blogging.

If anyone has additional gift ideas, or would like to add something about best and worst business gifts they have received, please feel free to leave a comment.

About the Author:

Claire Zimmerman is a Virtual Assistant, and the owner/operator of CM Office Support. Claire's mission is to help individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and solopreneurs not only meet but surpass their goals. How does she do this?  CM Office Support accomplishes tasks and projects her clients would normally spend their precious time doing, but don't need to, affording them more time to concentrate on the bigger picture.  Claire also offers proactive, viable, and cost-effective solutions for streamlining work flow, organizing, and planning.

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 01:34:00 GMT

In order to organize your office and/or your business, you need to start with the basics. What are you trying to accomplish? Do you simply want to find things when you look for them? Do you want to be able to figure out a way to organize your time? Do you need to revamp your organizational or business systems, or come up with new systems altogether?

Proceeding with a large and time-consuming project before you really think it through will waste your valuable time and can lead to half-finished projects, added stress, and negative feelings. A new project should have a beginning, a middle, and an end. The end result must be something that leaves you feeling satisfied, happy, and ready to move onto your next challenge.

STEP ONE: Your first step is determining your ultimate goal(s).  Take a few moments to think about this, (a couple of deep cleansing breaths always help), grab a piece of paper, and write down a brief sentence or two for each of your goals. Don't get bogged down with things like "organize my files", "tackle the shredding", or "write 10 chapters before March".

Don't list what you need to do, list what you need!

Think in the broadest terms possible: "My office must be an organized, relaxing, and stress-free work environment.", or "My business requires a workable, smooth-flowing procedures manual to reflect my mission statement." Getting bogged down right off the bat in the minutia of each task you have to do can leave your head spinning. It won't put you in a positive frame of mind, and in fact, it can lead to self-sabotage. Don't worry if you can't think of every goal you need to accomplish. Start with the ones that pop into your head. Keep your goal list somewhere you can see it everyday, refer to it when necessary, and add to it as you think of additional objectives you'd like to meet.

STEP TWO: Take your best guess at how much time a day/week/month (pick one) you spend

                        a. thinking about everything you need to do
                        b. worrying about everything you need to do
                        c. looking for things you misplaced or lost
                        d. putting yourself down for not accomplishing more.

Right off the bat, you have found that there is time to achieve your ultimate goal or goals. This step is really just to get you thinking about how wasted time can be turned into positive and productive time.   After all, there are more important things in life than sorting through papers, deleting old emails, and searching for a pen that works. We just waste time on the wrong things, whether it's doing actual tasks without having a plan, having negative thoughts, or just never getting around to those many little projects that add up to one giant headache.

STEP THREE: Find a quiet, and I mean quiet place. Make sure you cannot be disturbed for these few minutes. No cell phones, no kids, spouse, pets or employees should be able to distract you. Reread your ultimate goal (if more than one, do each one individually). Close your eyes. Lots of deep, slow breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth will help you relax. Try to put yourself in the zone. This does work. Then, once you feel calm and your brain is cleared, try to visualize yourself having achieved that goal. For example, if your goal is an organized, relaxing, and stress-free work environment, see yourself walking into a room where relaxing music is playing softly, your desk is tidy and inviting, and you see objects that are meaningful to you....whether they be pictures of your family, awards or trophies you have won or objects you collected during your travels. If your goal is to have a policies and procedures manual, try to visualize yourself during the workday referring to that manual and finding all the information you need, keeping you organized and rolling smoothly through your day.

STEP FOUR: Once you can "see" yourself enjoying the fruits of your labor, you need to "see" what is stopping you from having that visualization become reality. While trying to achieve Step 3, you may have already had some insight into these things. If so, you are already ahead of the game. Using the same breathing techniques with your eyes closed, watch yourself functioning as you currently do. Using the example of the work environment, walk into your office as it is now. What is the first thing that makes you uncomfortable or stressed? Look around the room and try to note the things that bother you the most. Using the example of the manual, watch yourself try to move along through the day without having your vital information handy.

STEP FIVE: Now that you've seen where you are and where you want to be, it's time to make a plan of action. If you still feel daunted by the prospect of a huge project...don't be. Every goal can be broken down into small manageable tasks that each will give you a sense of satisfaction, aside from the knowledge that you will be one step closer to that dream scenario.

Make sure you have done all of these steps. It's important do declutter the mind of old habits that don't work and negative thoughts and fears. The best thing you can do for yourself to achieve your goal is to be in the right frame of mind.  Whatever your needs, I hope you will take heart and know it can be done. Once you have that positive frame of mind and you can SEE yourself already having accomplished your goal or goals, you won't feel inundated or overwhelmed by the tasks ahead.

In my upcoming posts, I'll be addressing ways to break down large goals into small efficient tasks. If you have any specific goals you would like me to assist you with, feel free to leave a comment, or contact me at info@cmofficesupport.com. I'll write entries for your goal(s), giving you concrete tips and strategies to help you make your dream scenario your reality.

About the Author:

Claire Zimmerman is a Virtual Assistant, and the owner/operator of CM Office Support. Claire's mission is to help individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and solopreneurs not only meet but surpass their goals. How does she do this?  CM Office Support accomplishes tasks and projects her clients would normally spend their precious time doing, but don't need to, affording them more time to concentrate on the bigger picture.  Claire also offers proactive, viable, and cost-effective solutions for streamlining work flow, organizing, and planning.

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 22:20:00 GMT

Let's face it...we all make resolutions for the new year. Whether you believe in doing this or not, naysayers and believers alike find themselves promising to do a myriad of things each and every new year.  I'm one of those non-believers, but I still found myself secretly exploring all the possibilities that 2010 would bring if only I would resolve to...oh, well, so many things!

This thought led me to muse about the home office and small business office dilemmas pertaining to the resolution to "get organized." We perceive a new year as a time to start fresh and wipe the slate clean. Everything looks brighter right before the new year, and for a few lucky folks, this good feeling even extends for a long period of time into the new year.  Most of us, though, peter out at some point. Our rose-colored glasses become scratched, foggy, and much less rosy.  Our enthusiasm dwindles as the "I'm Overwhelmed" feeling bullies us until we finally give up.

Let's begin with the seemingly simple, yet quite daunting task of just organizing one's home office, work space, and/or business office.

Of course we all want an organized office or workspace. Of course a homeowner wants to spend the least time possible sitting behind a desk after they get home from their job. Of course business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs want more business. Of course we all want to feel the relief and satisfaction of knowing we are on track, we all want to be able find what we need when we need it, and we all want to have more time for the pursuit of pleasure, happiness, and relaxation.

Some of us are neat and tidy by nature; others of us are not. Being neat and tidy does not necessarily mean we are organized, and conversely, not being neat and tidy does not necessarily mean we aren't organized.

The goal of being organized does not just include finding what you need when you need it, and having a tidy desk. It also means being able to prioritize tasks and meet the goals you have set for yourself, whether you are an individual trying to get your bills paid, a small business owner trying to sell a product, or an author trying to write your next book.

Take a look around your office. Do you have projects you've yet to start, projects you've started but haven't finished, or are you simply overwhelmed and don't know where to start?

As Julie Andrews sang so long ago, "start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start."

Organizing anything successfully begins with organizing your mind.

The Next Installment: Organize Your Mind Before You Organize Your Office

About the Author:

Claire Zimmerman is a Virtual Assistant, and the owner/operator of CM Office Support. Claire's mission is to help individuals, small businesses, entrepreneurs, professionals, and solopreneurs not only meet but surpass their goals. How does she do this?  CM Office Support accomplishes tasks and projects her clients would normally spend their precious time doing, but don't need to, affording them more time to concentrate on the bigger picture. Claire also offers proactive, viable, and cost-effective solutions for streamlining work flow, organizing, and planning.

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 20:40:00 GMT

Not only is hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA) a savvy new way of doing business and a way to save money and increase your profits, but all businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and professionals can learn a lesson from how Virtual Assistants run their businesses, assist their clients, educate themselves, and network with other VAs.

Since a Virtual Assistant must stay on the cutting edge of new technology and solutions, not only to run their businesses, but for their clients, a VA also spends quite a lot of time furthering their education by taking webinars, otherwise known as on-line seminars, or eseminars. Completing classes and entire courses on-line (and, of course, at local venues), VAs learn new software and necessary skills to expand their list of offered services. Some VAs who are niched in the social media field complete on-line business management courses to obtain certification.

Having taken numerous on-line seminars myself, I have been privy to observing the utilization of some of the webinar software and webinar services that others use. Also, networking with other Virtual Assistants, I have found many pros and cons of the different software, services, and service providers. That, in itself, is an entire blog, which I will write about later this month.

One of the best webinars I ever attended, was in fact, a virtual Christmas/holiday party held on December 14th, by the Virtual Assistant Networking Association, of which I am a proud member. They hold numerous seminars on every topic imaginable, quite many of them free for members, and they utilize their eseminar room to hold their annual "Deck The Offices" Christmas bash.

Founder Tawnya Sutherland, and her fabulous group of VAs, made each and every one of the over 60 attendees feel as if they really were at a Christmas party! This was my first virtual party, and I can tell you, being self-employed as a Virtual Assistant for my third Christmas season, this is the first time I didn't feel as if I missed out on celebrating Christmas and the holidays with fellow workers (although we are business owners, not employees).

Since VAs are a very giving group by nature, and a fun group at that, attending a virtual party full of VAs was quite the experience! Tawnya and her gang made sure we had plenty of laughs, played many holiday games, and enjoyed the camaraderie of a Christmas party that normally would be missed due to being a self-employed solopreneur. VA Networking also gave out some fabulous prizes, and many of us sang holiday songs over our microphones!

So take a lesson from the Virtual Assistant Networking Association and Virtual Assistants everywhere. Christmas, holiday, and other celebrations can be turned into a virtual party for any business that has telecommuters, on-line workers, or employees in other states or countries. Even if you are self-employed, who says you can't hold a virtual party for your vendors or clients? A virtual party is not limited to Christmas and other holidays, it could be held to celebrate a company milestone or any other type of important event.

Every business, entrepreneur, solopreneur, and professional should consider the advantages (and fun to be had) of throwing a virtual party. If you have no idea how to go about this, start with checking out the Virtual Assistant Networking Association. The site is chock full of information and resources for those looking to hire a Virtual Assistant, including the ability for you to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a specific job or project you need done. Also, VA Networking has a great directory of qualified Virtual Assistants, each with their own unique skills, knowledge, and ability to contribute to your endeavors.

I know that I won't forget the VA Networking Deck The Offices virtual party! Just think how beneficial it would be to you if your employees, clients, and/or vendors felt that way about your virtual party.

Thank you to Tawnya and her staff, and my fellow virtual assistants for a rip roaring great time!

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:13:00 GMT

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:39:00 GMT

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:42:00 GMT

Virtual Assistants are a unique group of small business owners. Not only do Virtual Assistants provide an array of services, support, expertise, and knowledge to their clients, but they provide each other with that same support, expertise, knowledge, and even services.

In a business that requires working alone most of the time, a Virtual Assistant (VA) can always count on other VAs to share their experiences, recommend tools to make work easier, and provide much needed moral support.

There are many great networking groups for working or aspiring Virtual Assistants, and those seeking to hire a VA.

One such group is New England Virtual Assistants Association. Founded by Monica Bentley and Sue Peel, NEVA is comprised of Virtual Assistants from all over the New England states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. A diverse group, these business owners offer a multitude of services for other businesses, professionals, and everyone in between.

NEVA members do everything from general administrative/secretarial work and bookkeeping to marketing and website and graphic design. There is no limit to what a New England Virtual Assistant can do for you and/or your business.

Members of NEVA continuously stay in contact through regular channels like email, but they also communicate, bond, and share during monthly conference calls, and quarterly luncheons.

The last such luncheon was held on November 7, 2009, at the Adams Mill Restaurant in Manchester, Connecticut. NEVA members drove in from all over New England, and enjoyed an afternoon of great conversation, both business and personal, a delightful meal, and experience sharing.  It is always a joy to put faces to the names of those we know and like, but have never met, or to meet up with those you don't get to see often. Also in attendance were several aspiring VAs who left the luncheon knowing they had found a wonderful resource for their soon-to-be fledgling businesses.

          New England Virtual Assistants Association Quarterly Luncheon
                                                        November 7, 2009

If you are interested in hiring a Virtual Assistant, check out the NEVA Membership Directory and see what a VA can do for you!

If you are a VA or an aspiring VA in New England, check out the NEVA Membership Requirements page. You'll be glad you did!

Author Claire Zimmerman of CM Office Support is an active member of New England Virtual Assistants Association, and thanks Monica and all of the NEVA members for their support!

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:21:00 GMT

The Problem

Today's economic climate demands viable, cost-effective solutions for businesses, entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and professionals, without sacrificing the quality of their brand or service. It is critical that businesses, professionals, and the like, not only survive but are able to turn a profit and continue to grow.  Without this growth we will continue to see the closing and ending of many businesses and solo endeavors, and this will continue to lead to the further decline of our economy.

A Great Solution

One of the best solutions is an alternative to hiring full-time, part-time, or temporary employees --- outsourcing to a Virtual Assistant, or even to several Virtual Assistants. Providing services from basic data entry to marketing, social media management, and website design, Virtual Assistants enable those who cannot afford to hire employees and those who are downsizing to continue functioning and continue the process of growing in a down economy. Virtual assistants are, themselves, business owners. They pay their own overhead, insurance, and taxes, and charge you only for the service(s) that they provide.  In addition, they work as a partner in your business growth by providing proactive solutions to streamline your work flow, handle delegated tasks, projects, and functions that must be done. Working usually from their homes, Virtual Assistants are well-equipped to work independently and with the least amount of intrusion into your valuable time. Most Virtual Assistants will provide a free consultation at which time they learn about you, your business, and your goals. They will think outside the box to determine what is
best for your business growth in terms of their expertise. Since they are not employees, but fellow business owners, they will go above and beyond what is expected in order to survive and grow in their own businesses.

Every business, entrepreneur, solopreneur, and professional should at least examine this alternative and whether it would work for them, rather than dismiss the idea right off the bat. Take a few minutes to check out some of these links to websites that will show you what a Virtual Assistant is all about, and how this profession would be an key addition to your business survival and growth. These websites also include directories of Virtual Assistants and information on how to hire a Virtual Assistant.

VA Networking

Virtual Assistant Forum

REVA Network

New England Virtual Assistants

International Virtual Assistants Association

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:07:00 GMT

Well it's been a bit of time since I last blogged...okay, I'll be honest with you. My last published blog was on November 2nd, and today is November 17th. In my defense (naturally, I am my greatest defender), I did start writing several other posts, but they are currently saved as drafts.

What have I been doing about this blogging situation since November 2nd you ask (and so do I). Since then, I have been attempting to submit my blog to various blog sites, and deciding upon whether I really want to blog enough to warrant upgrading my blog from a freebie site to a purchased site.

I must say, as a novice blogger, neither endeavor was...or should I say is...a walk in the park.

I'm still in the process of submitting my blog to various places, but I've made some progress. I was not aware of how many actual submission sites there are, and that if you want to submit for free, there are many sites for which you will need to sign up. Very tedious work for someone who just wants to write!

Although the free blog site provided by Go Daddy helped me have the gumption to at least write my first couple of blogs, I decided, after much research and dilemma (of my own making), that I would purchase the Quick Blog Cast upgrade. My business website is through Website Tonight provided by and hosted by Go Daddy. I used a blank generic template to build my business website (although they have many fine prepared and easy-to-use templates available), and I think that my blog site should be similar in nature. I am pretty proud of my website and will, hopefully, in a few days, be pretty proud of my blog site. Go Daddy has been very helpful since the get go, and surprisingly, they still take my calls! I thought by now I would be on some type of list like the doctors list Elaine from Seinfeld was on.

So that is where I am right now.....still a million little things to do to get my blog appearance the way I want it, more places to submit the blog to, and completing the entries I have started. I do have a list of other topics I want to write about before the month is over, and if you are reading this, I hope you stay tuned. Sign up to receive my blogs so that you can see my progress. It will help challenge me to get it finished...kinda like telling people you are going on a diet. If you have any doubts, check out my website at www.CMOfficeSupport.com so that you can see I mean business. Oh great, now I have to figure out why I can't get the link to my website to be the color I want it to be....hold on, gotta write that on the list. Ok, now it's a million and one little things to do, and in a few more days this blog site should look all prettied up and compatible with my website.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:46:00 GMT

Whew! That first real blog entry is now out of the way! That has to be the toughest part....it must get easier from here!

I decided to keep a diary of my experience as a novice blogger, along with other diaries about specific treks along the social media road. My intention is to help other newbies along the way, and of course, to entertain and delight everyone. As a small business owner of virtual assistant services, not only do I need to become learned about social media applications, but I must share my knowledge of these applications...once I acquire some, that is.

The first thing I found out is no one will be helped, entertained, nor delighted, if they can't find my posts! It's all well and good for me to type my blog address in Google and beam like an idiot at my fabulous blog page, but then reality hits, and I know that no one is seeing my journal other than me....except maybe my husband, and my dog. I'm not really even sure about my husband, and my dog, though very smart, has never been spotted reading a book, a newspaper, or magazine, never mind a blog.

I've got some key words in place (whether they work or not is still debatable, but I won't know until I move onto what, I am told, is the next step in blogging: finding places to put my blogs. That step, I am assured by all I have read, is very easy. Really, just a click or two and it's done!

I am excited, of course, to know that I am mere moments away from success! I have, after all, submitted my business website url to search engines, directories, and the like, so this blog submission thing should be a snap for me! I have been given the basics on pinging too, and that would be a good thing to utilize.

Once I have submitted my blog, it certainly can't take long for my key word searches to put me right at the top of the blog rankings....or at least on the first few pages anyway.

Ok, here I go! Soon I will be rubbing elbows with the more experienced bloggers!

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:44:00 GMT

On this fine sunny day, with my confidence level high, fresh from a good night's sleep, and my hair looking particularly snazzy, I decide this is the perfect time to dive into the blogging pool. It's a Saturday, and I have no pressing client projects on the schedule. Earlier this month, I had dipped my foot into that pool by setting up my blog site, figuring out how blogs work on the web, and typing my first entry...just sort of a hello looking forward to doing a blog sort of thing. The next step is to take the plunge, and being that everything feels right in the world today, it's a sure bet the thoughts will just fly off my fingers and onto the keyboard.

7:00 a.m.

I look at the computer screen as if it is my new baby. I think to myself, I will tackle today's entry with zest and verve! I decide I will write savvy, pithy, and insightful prose that everyone will want to not only read, but forward to everyone they know, talk about it around the water cooler at work, and even print this fabulous blog entry to keep (probably in a binder) to muse over for years to come. I jot down a few general ideas for the day's entry.

7:15 a.m.

First things first though...the coffee needs to be made, teeth need brushing, and the dog needs to go out. So I complete these chores with a song in my heart (the hills are alive...with the sound of blogging) and my mind churns away with great thoughts. What a multi-tasker! My first cup of coffee kicking in, brimming with pride, chores completed, and chomping at the bit, I rush to my computer.

7:45 a.m.

Faithful dog by my side, and my hands poised at the ready over my keyboard, I realize my coffee is a tad cold and I must top it off...after all, every great writer needs a good cup o' joe or a stiff drink at hand while they come up with great literature. Darn, I was so exited about my blog that I forgot to check my email!

8:30 a.m.

Boy, lots of emails today! Alright, I determine, enough dilly dallying. It's time to get serious. Hands now re-poised over the keyboard, ready to immortalize my great thoughts, I hear my husband milling about the house. It's his day off, and I should spend some time with him.

10:30 a.m.

Back in the office, as I get ready to start typing, I think, that was nice! I got to have some quality family time, and it's still fairly early in the day...plenty of time to work on this blog entry. Hmmm....speaking of family, I realize that I haven't spoken to my parents in a few days. I should call them. After all, your loved ones are the most important part of your life.

12:00 p.m.

That was fun catching up with Mom and Dad! My eyes glance at the clock. Wow, it's noon already???? I have to have lunch, as being on a diet requires that you eat regular meals, and I have been so caught up with blogging, that I forgot to have breakfast!

6:00 p.m.

Glad I had lunch, it helped me have energy to do that impromptu project for one of my best clients! I mean, naturally, my clients take precedence over the blog. And, it was great to read that email from a friend I haven't heard from in a while...good thing I responded back right away, with all of this blogging, I wouldn't want to forget her! Gee, I just realized, I have to make dinner, and the house needs cleaning. Working on my blog will have to wait till the morning. I won't be tired, and I'm sure I can whip that out that entry in a flash!

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:48:30 GMT

For any small business owner, the newest and most important aspects of marketing is social media. A recent phenomena, social media encompasses such applications as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, to name but a few of the ever-growing tools for personal and business exposure.

I am a small business owner myself, a virtual assistant who is just starting to learn the ins and outs of social media.   I have read up on the subject, taken webinars, and incorporated social media into the marketing portion of my business plan.

Now I am ready to embark on this magical journey: creating a blog, learning to Twitter, and building a Facebook business page...these are just the tip of the iceberg. Heck, if Oprah and all the celebs can twitter, so can I. I mean, really, how hard can it be?

The answer is very, that's how hard it can be.  I have spent so much time planning, fearing, and just not starting, that I feel like I am almost behind the times already.

But NOW, I am ready to rock and roll.

This blog entry is just to introduce you to me...the novice small business owner foraying her way into the world of social media. I'm sure I will learn a lot and in the process make some mistakes, but in the end, I will have met this challenge head on.   True, I won't change the world in any way, but, for this small business owner, social media will open up a whole new realm.

I hope you will take this journey into social media with me!

TO GIFT OR NOT TO GIFT

Solo
Less
Than
1 Year

Multi
Less
Than
1 Year

Solo
1-3
Years

Multi
1-3
Years

Solo
3-5
Years

Solo
Over
5 Years

Yes, Sent Gifts To ALL Clients.

Yes, Sent Gifts To SOME Clients.

Wish I Could, Maybe Next Year!

No, I Don't Believe In Sending Gifts.

TOTALS

claire@cmofficesupport.com (Claire Zimmerman) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:58:07 GMT

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.