Get cozy with “Mozy”
What if…
What if…you got up one morning and your computer wouldn’t come on! Or it came on but all you saw was a blue screen. What would you do?
Well, aside from that?
If you’ve been faithfully taking care of your computer by backing up your data on a regular basis, you won’t be faced with an “Oh, phooey!” moment! However, if you haven’t been disciplined just so, I’ve got an idea for you!
Recently, I discovered a really great, online/web-based backup system called “Mozy”. Mozy comes in two versions; “MozyHome Free,” which is “2 GB of 100% free backup space”; their “Mozy Home” also has “Unlimited backup for $4.95/month”. Pricing for their other version, “Mozy Pro (for businesses) includes additional $$$$ for “Licenses: $3.95 each per month, and Storage: $0.50 / GB per month.”
With Mozy, you can choose when and what to backup. A comparison of the Options is included in their “Comparison Chart at their site: Mozy.
So, paraphrasing the words of the now infamous “Mikey”; Try it, you might like it!
What Are You Doing To Give Your Virtual Assistant Business Immortality?
I was so excited when Heather and Becki asked for people to join in helping out at the REV blog. I can honestly say that I owe the success of my business to two things:
- A lot of really hard work on my behalf
- The support and information I have received from my REV membership
A number of my successes have come from the encouragement I have received from the REV members to “go out on a limb” and try things that are outside of my comfort zone. If someone had told me before I joined the REV that I would be an author and a Success Partner with CVAN I would have probably laughed in their face, but it all happened.
When I post on the REV blog, I will be providing you, the VA, with lots of tidbits and information on how to have a thriving VA Business. The first in my series of articles is one that I have already written, but from here on out, I am hoping to have fresh content which you will read first on the REV blog!!
So here is the article:
If something disastrous were to happen to you tomorrow, what plans do you have in place to make sure your Virtual Assistant business continues to operate? The motto “Be Prepared” may be used by the Boy Scouts, but it is just as important in our daily lives as it is in our businesses. Should a disaster occur, by creating contingency plans for your business, you eliminate the worry and stress caused by trying to come up with a solution in the thick of the situation.
Before a Virtual Assistant can truly figure out how they would handle an obstacle thrown in their path, it is important to take a step back and think about what possible disasters could occur. This is a very unsettling task for many Virtual Assistants, but for those who have taken the time to map out how an emergency would be handled; the success rate of overcoming that emergency relatively unscathed is much higher. The biggest hurdle for most in writing contingency plans is determining which areas are most important. Perhaps rather than trying to look at the whole picture and trying to think about every conceivable “what if”, the best way to handle this almost impossible task may be to break it down into 4 main considerations – political, economical, sociological and technological.
Consideration #1 – Political Considerations
Political considerations include such things as legislation and how these changes might affect your VA business as well as the businesses of your target market. For example, what impact would there be on your business if tomorrow your municipality decided that you could no longer run your business from home? If you decide that you want to hire employees, what employment laws are applicable? By determining the impact each possible change might have in your business you can take precautions to plan for these changes.
Consideration #2 – Economical Considerations
The economy plays a large role in business. Will a recession negatively impact your Virtual Assistant business or do you think that it will encourage other business owners to utilize Virtual Assistants more as they downsize their workforce?
Consideration #3 – Sociological Considerations
Today’s marketplace is affected just as much by our political and economic culture as it is by fads. As society ages, people are becoming more technologically savvy, what impact will this have on your Virtual Assistant business.
Consideration #4 – Technological Considerations
Staying on the “cutting edge” in today’s society can sometimes be a tricky proposition. This is perhaps the biggest consideration that Virtual Assistants must be aware of and plan for. As technology advances, it will be important to remain on the “cutting edge”, not only through purchasing up to date software, but also through on-going training. Staying on top of those changes and advancements will play a huge factor in whether your business will thrive or not.
As most Virtual Assistants have started their business to allow themselves the opportunity to be there for their families, perhaps the ultimate contingency plan will include a plan to ensure if our family needs us we can drop everything to be there for them. By establishing a Procedure Manual for your business now, you will position your business to allow others to “take over” during absences to allow us to truly be there for our families. It will be then that you will have created the ultimate contingency plan. All other obstacles can be faced head on with the knowledge you have worked diligently towards creating your own thriving business.
Taking a leap…
Leap and the net will appear.
- Julia Cameron
How apt are you to leap, in anything? You personal life? Your business life?
Are you a leaper or are you more cautious, waiting for the net first?
I’d like to call myself a leaper, but the reality of it is, I’m not. I worry, I stress, and most often, I’m looking for the safety net before me.
Take for example the simple matter of a Christmas tree.
You see, years ago, we had the great Christmas Tree Incident of 2003 as I now refer to it.
Since then, I’ve feared putting up a tree.
Silly fear? Absolutely. But a fear, never the less.
The net (in my mind, a man) was not going to appear for me to put this tree up. So, I went looking for the net. I secured someone who would help me put the tree in the stand.
But something happened within me.
All of a sudden, I got this urge to try again.
And off we went in search of our Christmas tree.
The net appeared at the tree lot. Not only were there friends there who encouraged me, they recommended a tree stand that they knew I could handle.
My tree was up within 10 minutes of being home, and I swear it’s the best tree we’ve ever have. I know part of that lies in the fact that I didn’t let failure stop me again. I tried to let it, but in the end, I over came the fear.
Now I tell everyone who witnessed or heard about the Great Tree Incident 0f 2003 what I did this year, and I beam… “I put that up all by myself.”
What issue are you waiting for the net on? Why not take that leap now?
Until next time…
Heather
Revolutionary Spotlight — Patty Dost
Welcome to our latest bi-weekly feature where we introduce you to are Revolutionary Members. This week, we have Patty Dost from Time is of the Es-Cents.
http://www.timeisoftheescents.com
Owner: Patty Dost
.jpg)
1. How long have you been in business?
Honestly, with an actual client, 13 months.
2. Why did you start your business?
I wanted to be at home for my family.
3. What types of businesses do your service?
Virtual Assistants mainly, but small business and coaches also.
4. What is your niche? (Your specialty?)
Newsletters, submitting press releases, proofreading/editing
5. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since opening your virtual doors?
You have to keep pushing yourself to learn more and keep trying.
6. What resources can you not live without?
My computer, Virtual Assistant Revolution (VAR), Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA), and Skype (to “talk” to my friends in the box).
7. What’s the best part about being a VA?
Being home for my family, learning new things, and “meeting” wonderful new friends all over the world.
8. What’s the greatest thing you’ve done for your business? (Hiring a web designer, coach, etc)
Met some wonderful VAs to assist me in gaining knowledge and giving me the opportunity to show others what I can do.
9. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself making $50-$60K per year in my business.
10. What the biggest obstacle you face in your business? How did you overcome it?
My biggest obstacle is getting clients. I’m still trying to overcome it 
11. In your opinion, what’s the best feature of the Revolution?
The people.
-
Please Join Us...
-
Revolutionary Products
