You’re part of the future. Everyone’s always looking for job security, especially in these uncertain times. Let your virtual assistant know that you have plans for growth and they’re part of it. So you have a new project planned… share it with them! Yes, most future projects may never really materialize, but it gives the VA hope. Yes, I agree that making money online can be very secretive and you have to be careful what you say before you actually launch, but I’m sure you can let some of it out without giving away too much. BTW, by now you should have a good level of trust with your VA, so keep them involved with the company’s progress.
Share future projects with your VA… hey, maybe their input will enhance your idea.

BTW, did you read my post about getting your VA to sign a non-disclosure and non-compete agreement? Use the search box above (top right) to find it… killer info!

Leave me your comments below, I’d love to hear your take on this and other posts.

Hey, how’s it going? And the family.. the kids? I’ve come to realize that North Americans will quicker ask you if you want to go out for a drink than ask you about your family. Off all the people I know, I think it’s only my friend Alleyene and Caron’s grandfather are the only 2 people who ever ask how things are and take to time to really ask about the people around me.

Think about it for a second. When’s the last time you asked your friend or coworker about their kids? Or how’s that business going? Or, hey you went on vacation recently..how was that?

Here’s a tip.. take a moment to ask your virtual assistant about them and their family. I know, you hired a VA cause you’re busy and don’t have the time. Frig..this person is your first line of defense.. take the time to ask them about them! Show that you give a crap, will you!

Don’t just ask and have the response pass you like a 100m Olympic runner on steroids. So their son is leaving for college soon. In a few weeks ask them “so how’s NAME liking college”. It will show that you care.. even if you didn’t give a crap.

So far we’ve covered…

- Say thanks and encourage.

- Say you appreciate their efforts and show that that you take notice.

- Ask about them and their family.

I hope you’re paying attention. VA’s need love too!

It’s now been about 7 months that I’ve been trying to read The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. I’m usually very busy with work etc, so I decided to take it with me on our last cruise in the fall. Nope got about 2 chapters completed on the flight to San Juan and another 5 pages or so on the flight back to Chicago. I take it with me to Dr appointments (after-all we know how doctors stick to their appointments).. shoot, I even take it to me when I take the girls for the dentist visit so I have something to do while the dentist plays with the wires on their teeth. Lately I’ve tried reading it while waiting for repairs were getting done on our car at the dealership and when I’m sitting in the back yard on the few warm days we had so far.

Here’s the thing…

The book is simply amazing and I’m sure you’ve probably already read it or at least know about it. Pages and pages of tips, tricks and lifestyle changes that leaves you wanting more. BUT… it may be that there is too much info? I find myself reading the book, then stopping every time there’s a new idea… to try and put it into practice. Maybe I should have just read the sucker to the end, then go back with my pen, notepad and post-it notes and take it apart chapter by chapter.

Can you relate? Was there ever a book that you just couldn’t finish? Have you heard of Stephen Pierce and his mind mapping technique? Check out this video…

Leave me your comments below.

Let your virtual assistant know how important their role is for the business and that you really appreciate them. When I worked for Mr. Ledoux, he always signed his email “I appreciate you”. I was on top of the world knowing that my boss (BTW he never made me feel inferior with the whole “boss” attitude) appreciated the work I was doing. There were the times when I did something a bit extra (maybe I turned a potential refund into a bigger purchase) and I didn’t think it went noticed. Nope! I got a message ..”Great job on that SAVE Chris and the new order - killer stuff”.

Yes, pay attention to the little extra your virtual assistant do and let them know that their efforts are not going unnoticed. Hey they’re helping you build this thing, so let them know that their role is very important.

Say Thanks! As you all know I started off as a virtual assistant when the term was not as common-place as it is today. Yes, I got paid well and I had the opportunity to make bonuses, but nothing was more rewarding than hearing my boss at the time say THANKS Chris! It was like a virtual pat on the back that went a long way when I had to deal with irate customers with abusive emails and wording that could easily be rated X. It meant that by saying thanks my boss acknowledged that he appreciated what I was doing and I wasn’t just another paid employee.

Now I’m in the position where I’m the “boss” but with a background working for others, I’m always quick to say thanks and say what a great job you’re doing.

Sure you pay your VA and weather it’s great compensation or not.. say thanks and always encourage them.