VAnetworking / Microsoft Testing

Lots and lots happening with Delphian (i.e., me!). In addition to my association with My Creative Assistant (which has given me an opportunity to do more writing, something I've been anxious to do), I've been very busy on the technology front. With the impending release of Office 2010, Microsoft tried a different tact: we had to apply to be beta testers. I feel fortunate in have been chosen as one of them. Then there's Windows 7. And very recently, I won VAnetworking's VAccolade award.

Months ago (maybe more), after years of writing for myself or for school or just for clients, I decided I wanted to write more as part of what I do. While not fitting exactly in the VA world, it fits into mine just fine! One of the first things I got to do was some copywriting for a person who is an expert on getting discount (sometimes free) travel. A great feeling as we progressed through the various edits to completion. And I hope to keep working with him on a major undertaking he's started.

When I applied to be a beta tester for Microsoft's upcoming new Office release, I wasn't really sure what the requirements were; only that (a) I wanted to do it, and (b) it would benefit my other major career focus (teaching computer/technology skills). After months of waiting, I got the green light. I've been working with Office 2010's beta release now for a month. With Windows 7 Ultimate, I was just being a typical techno-nerd! I got in on that beta just in time. I installed it alongside Windows Vista on one of our laptops. It has some very cool features, and I'm having fun with it. (In addition, I'll be using some of my newfound skills in working with a major textbook publishing firm, in revising or testing or proofing some of their lessons).

Over the years I've put a lot of energy into my virtual assistance practice, and spent a lot of 'spare' time participating in the community at large, and in volunteering for AssistU (the organization that trained me). None of this is done because I'm looking for rewards (the rewards in volunteering are obvious). So I was thrilled recently that someone put forth my name to VAnetworking, and further, that I won their VAccolade award. Thank you to colleagues, clients, and friends!

FoVA 2009

It's Saturday, June 13th. Last Saturday, we were in wind-down mode at FoVA 2009. I had just finished a delightful and interesting conversation with Stacy Brice, and was waiting to head to the final night's reception. It had been an interesting weekend. In addition to learning more about the industry (from expert panel members, and from various individual virtual assistants), I had the good forturne of the aforementioned conversation with Stacy, plus had lengthy conversations and connections with Dawn Goldberg, Barbara Lang, Pat Williams, and others. Great; all great.

What's the value in networking with virtual assistants? Incalculable. Immense. Most of all ... the personal touches. The Internet will never replace the people behind it, or those who populate it. Thank you, everyone. And a special shout out to those of you who took the time to attend my workshop on Windows Vista and Office 2007.

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.