New eBook Launched

In late August 2008 I completed my first eBook. As someone who moved to Microsoft Office 2007 in 2006, I've had plenty of opportunity to work with the big four: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Are you about to make the switch?

The big news in Office 2007 is what Microsoft calls the Ribbon. The Ribbon replaces the old menu / toolbar system in earlier versions of Office, and forms what is now called the Microsoft Office Fluent User Interface; I know, a real mouthful! There are a number of things worth considering before making the plunge--and if you're thinking of upgrading I think you should make the plunge. One of the largest considerations is the issue of program and file compatibility. I cover these, and much more, in the eBook. This eBook is for you if you are considering spending money on the new Office system; it will help you make an informed decision. Click here for details on the eBook.

Ready, Set, Write!

In June 2008, through to the first week of July, I took a writing course offered by my friend Dawn Goldberg, the owner and Chief Writing Officer of Write Well University. The course was called Ready Set Write. It's a course of strategies (over 40 and counting) to help you 'put pen to paper' and start writing. In truth, it inspires you to not only start writing, but to keep writing. My weekly class was small in number, but large in ideas and encouragement. And Dawn's encouragement is infectious and always positive. If not for this course, I may not have 'put fingers to keyboard' and begun in earnest the new eBook I'll soon be offering on this website. Dawn's company offers several writing courses … I encourage you to check it out!

IVAACast

In the June 2008 edition of the International Virtual Assistants Association's (IVAA) online newsletter, there's an article by Jacqueline Simmons entitled Men as Virtual Assistants: Changing Assumptions, Changing Perceptions. Myself and five other male virtual assistants were interviewed (we're quite a diverse group, really, in terms of geography, career history, and nichés). In addition to being IVAACast's Review Editor and one of its Staff Writers, Jacqueline owns her own company (The Write Business). Her questions were wonderful, and in some cases very challenging. Truly, other people tend to make a big deal about a VAs gender--it's almost a non-issue to me--but I think you'll find if you check it out that all VAs have similar challenges and hurdles. Thanks, Jacqueline, for including me as one of your interviewees!

IAAP Panel Discussion

On June 4, 2008 I was a panel member at IAAP-Toronto's monthly meeting. The topic was IAAP Panel Discussions – The Administrative Role. I represented myself and my VA practice. The panel was well-represented, having on it, in addition to myself as a VA, an administrative assistant, a contract worker, an executive assistant, and a resource manager. It was well-moderated (thanks again Marcia). Each panel member was allowed 5-10 minutes to present her or his take on their chosen profession. I talked about what I was doing before training to become a VA, what my definition of a virtual assistant was, what VAs did in their practices, and who our clients were. If you're interested in obtaining a copy of my 1-page handout, please drop me a line!

Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA)

A few days ago (it's late May 2008 right now), I joined the VA Networking Association. In the world of virtual assistance, this is a large organization (over 8500 members), and one that has been around for a few years; it was founded in 2003. Whether you're someone who is interested in becoming a VA, someone who is already a VA, a potential VA client, a vendor who VAs might be interested in, or just curious about this rapidly growing industry, VANA is a great place to start. There are tons of resources and goodies in their free membership, but premium membership exists in the form of the VAinsider Membership Club. It offers even more for VAs, and is something I'm considering doing.

Hollywood Bound (Virtually)!

One of the main directions in my original business plan was that I wanted to work with clients in the entertainment industry. That could mean movies, music, television, or stage. I am now implementing that part of my plan; I'm open for business! If you're a director or producer, an actor or musician, or anyone in the wide world of entertainment who desperately needs more time (and is willing to pay for expert help!), please get in touch with me. I am a trained, professional virtual assistant (VA), but I understand I may need to stretch in some new directions to accommodate new clients' needs. I'm ready!

Existing clients will not be affected by this change in Delphian's direction. But I hope everyone visiting will enjoy and benefit from some of the new changes you'll soon see on this site. The changes will include a revamped resources page (listing my associations, affiliations, and industry links). Late in the summer, I'm looking forward to launching a new products page, beginning with my first eBook.

Forum on Virtual Assistance (FoVA)

Over the first weekend of May, 2008 I attended the Forum on Virtual Assistance. Held right here in Toronto, Canada, it was attended by VAs from all over the province, country, and even from the United States. Wow! More than just bringing virtual assistants together, FoVA offered workshops on everything from running a multi-VA business, to effectively using e-commerce techniques on your website, to marketing to nichés.

Things started out Friday night with a reception and networking, and that was followed by dinner. Saturday was a full day of workshops, then a night out at a comedy club for those interested. On Sunday, I was part of a panel that examined training, certification and standards in the VA industry. Following the panel discussion, three vendors demonstrated their products and services for us. And following that, the official closing. Phew. My thanks to Barbara Lang, a fellow AssistU-trained colleague, and the organizer of the event.