A True Story... I had a client who was scheduled for 30 hours of department meetings a week. His first question was "When are we supposed to do our work?" Organize your meetings with these tips and everyone will get more out of every meeting.

Accountability Matrix If you walk away from any meeting without deciding and documenting who, what and when of all action items odds of them getting done in a timely way are greatly reduced.

Use an Accountability Matrix for every meeting. If there is someone who takes follow-up notes, ask them to add Matrix to distribution. If not, use it yourself, to track your action items and/or action items for which you are a 'Check-In'. A client who uses Matrix in meetings has already spread it to five departments in his company.

Now everyone on team knows who is responsible for what and when it is due. That is first step in accountability. Don't worry about getting others to do their job -- unless you're team leader of course!

1. How does Client/VA relationship work?

Professional VA's provide administrative, technical, creative, and financial support in short- or long-term collaborative relationships with their clients. Advances in technology make it simple to conduct business over Internet, and via e-mail and telephone without need to meet in person. You contact them when a need arises paying by hour or on a daily/weekly basis when you have an ongoing contract for a minimum amount of hours per month.

How you work together will depend largely on your project and your preferences. It is unique in each circumstance. You will establish initial contact with a detailed conversation about your company and your project, and between you and your VA you will develop a style that is comfortable for both parties.

2. How do I submit my materials to you?

When projects are initially discussed, a plan will be established for best method to transmit materials. For instance, you might simply need a document typed or formatted, in which case you can submit it via FAX, e-mail, regular mail (USPS) or expedited delivery (FedEx/UPS). It is typed, saved in finished format you requested, and returned to you. Your VA delivers finished goods in many ways depending on needs of each client.

3. I don't have a project, per se. What I DO have is a project/company that's out of control. Can you help?

Yes! VA's are experts at providing an objective perspective to help you find your way out of an unruly project or situation. They will listen to your needs, ask questions, prioritize, and reformulate your approach. They can develop a better way for you to do what you're already doing. They resolve issues of all shapes and sizes!

4. I have been in business for many years. I need a "fresh" perspective on my approach to dealing with certain aspects of my business. Is that something you do as well?

Absolutely! VA's are creative, and have been involved in many facets of business for years. Based on that experience, they will definitely have suggestions for you. They can guide you toward what will work best in your situation, and suggest more efficient ways to go about doing business.

5. I have a list of projects that need attention! Can you help me prioritize and motivate me in direction of actually getting things accomplished?