Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One! Written by Janet Barclay
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You can even give a gift certificate for VA services to someone you know - you'll both save time! Of course, Virtual Assistants can be an asset to your business any time of year! Many entrepreneurs, especially those working from home, find that business ownership is not as rewarding as they expected, either personally or financially, because administrative tasks are keeping them from work they are truly passionate about. By using a VA for your word processing, spreadsheets, database development, mailing list management, research, or other administrative tasks, you'll have more time for work that you enjoy and which increases your bottom line - and isn't that why you started your own business in first place?
Janet Barclay, Organized Assistant, is a Professional Organizer, Virtual Assistant and Time Management Consultant. For more resources to enhance your productivity, visit http://www.organizedassistant.com
| | The Top Mistakes Executives Make in Leading Their OrganizationsWritten by Don Wells
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Lack of people skills: Remember that your employees are your most valuable assets and can give an organization its competitive edge. The ability to listen, be consistent and evoke trust is crucial in managing a team and creates an atmosphere of commitment and pride. Be sure to avoid asking for feedback from employees and then doing nothing about it. Not investing in your people: While most executives see return on investment in maintaining and improving equipment for their company, investment in one’s employees through providing career development and coaching opportunities pays off even faster. Missing such opportunities to improve morale and ensure retention can eventually damage a manager’s credibility. Wasting time on insignificant: Use your employee resources and trust your key people with decision-making responsibilities. Giving more autonomy to responsible staff members will free you up from putting out fires that can be handled by others. Also, remember that planning months ahead rather than being caught up in day-to-day details lends itself to effective leadership. The old adage still applies, ‘Criticize in private, praise in public.’ A good leader coaches constantly, not just during yearly performance reviews, and is constantly acknowledging great things employees do while being able to recognize and discuss areas for improvement along way.
Don Wells is the senior vice president and general manager of leading career services company Lee Hecht Harrison's Los Angeles office.
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