How to Underline Blank Spaces in a Microsoft Word Document
September 30, 2009
I finally found out how to underline blank spaces in Microsoft Word 2007. It’s been driving me nuts for months and the support site just wasn’t helpful. I did this all the time with my 2003 version. Last resort (which should have been my first stop) was to Google my question and quickly went right to the answer on the Microsoft site. Here’s the secret no one wants you to know 
You can underline blank spaces by pressing SHIFT + HYPHEN (-).
That’s it! Earth shattering, I know. I do understand there are other ways, even considered better by Microsoft, but when all I want to do is a few quick, fast space underlines … voila! I was so relieved to find this today.
Email Marketing Gets Better With 1ShoppingCart
September 8, 2009
If you haven’t heard, 1ShoppingCart launched it’s improved email marketing system recently. My fellow virtual assistants and I have been anxiously awaiting this update to check out the now-included newsletter templates for broadcasts or monthly ezines. There are several well-designed format choices available depending on the type of message to be sent out:
- Welcome – clean and simple format for a quick message
- Invitation – single column format for a quick invitation to an event
- Single – single column format
- Right – right sidebar with a main column for articles
- Left – left sidebar with a main column for articles
- Coupon – used for product promotions and announcements
- Promotion – used for product promotions and announcements
The nice selection of templates are ready to use but can be easily customized for client branding, if needed. Here’s a great short video demo to learn more about all the updates … even more reasons why I love working with this shopping cart platform. Go see for yourself!
It’s Official…I’m Master Cart Certified!
July 17, 2009
As a Virtual Assistant, I have learned that the growth of my business truly relies on my ability to continue my education. When I review my goals and budget throughout the year, I incorporate training that reflects those goals for growth or expansion into complimentary areas.
Last year, several of my clients requested shopping cart and affiliate management assistance for their online businesses, as a companion to their bookkeeping tasks. I decided to educate myself beyond my self-starter adaptability and enrolled in several cart courses. I am proud to note that I have now completed Practice Pay Solution’s Cart Strategist and Cart Technician training to become Master Cart Certified in the 1ShoppingCart brand system. I am happily displaying their logo!
And very shortly, I will be even prouder to display another cart certification … but I’ll leave that a surprise. Go ahead … toot your own horn, and let me know what you have in the works.
Has Your Client Asked You to Charge Less?
June 26, 2009
This is a comical video for anyone who has ever had a client request that you lower your rates.
As business owners, we do need to be able to identify areas where deals can be negotiated, but it is much more important to be able to identify areas where scrimping can actually hurt your business. Spend your money where you will receive the most value, whatever that may be: increased productivity, improved time management, or greater quality of life. The benefits to move your business forward will far outweigh the cost. Watch and learn. am5nr293hu
Intuit Small Business Town Hall on Using Social Media
June 23, 2009
I am happy to say Intuit, makers of QuickBooks software, is continuing to improve. They are building their Small Business Community with town hall events, webinars, training, conferences, Ask the Expert events and more. This Thursday, June 25 at 9am PT (12pm ET), the Town Hall topic will be Using Social Media to Grow Your Business. Join Michelle Long, CPA and the following guests as they discuss how to use social media such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, for effective marketing.
- Scott Wilder – Small Business Group at Intuit
- Chris Kim – Senior Marketing Manager with Intuit
- Dante Layton – Owner of Dante Layton, Inc.
- Ruth Perryman – Owner of the QB Specialists
Cost is free and there will be a Q&A session following the discussion. Hope you can make it!
Adding To My Ideal Client Profile
June 22, 2009
Have you started developing your ideal client profile? It is important for every business owner to identify who that ideal client is and create a list or profile. At first, this was a challenging concept for me to grasp coming from the corporate world where I really had no choice in who I worked with. As a Virtual Assistant, I work with many different clients and have been continually learning who meshes with my personality. When our partnership is successful, I make note of those characteristics. Having this profile has helped me initiate conversations with potential clients as well as feeling comfortable letting clients go if our styles don’t blend.
Most recently, I added a very key characteristic to my client profile. A potential new client noted that she was direct. A bell went off in my head because I am too, but I hadn’t identified it. As a bookkeeper, I find this works very well with several of my extremely busy clients. I like to be quick and to the point in my emails. My questions are small and words few but there is no love lost in the directness of my message or their quick reply. We are not ego involved in the communication.
I struggle with email because fluffy writing does not come naturally to me. In fact, I normally don’t charge for my email time because I know this. I must carefully craft emails writing and rewriting sentences to get my message across. Just this past month, a client let me know they prefer email over phone contact and it proved to be more than challenging. I was told I spent too much time answering an email. Initially I felt discouraged but now realize that had I relayed my direct communication style to this client ahead of time, I may have been able to spend less time crafting and worrying if I was going to offend her in some way. Adding directness as a core characteristic to my client profile will definitely encourage me to seek such partnerships with my future clients. What characteristics would you include?
I’m Excited About The Way WordPress v2.8 Handles Widgets
June 12, 2009
How exciting! WordPress version 2.8 is now available with many cool new features to simplify and improve our user experience. Notably, it is now possible to browse the theme directory like you can the plug-ins directory, all widgets are multi-instance widgets which allow use more than once, and screen options appear on every page to adjust for varying monitor sizes.
My favorite new feature is the ability to drop widgets into any one of your theme’s sidebars in a single screen, inactivate them, and save their settings. I know this would have come in handy when my blog page crashed this week because I used a one-time only widget that was suddenly invisible.
Watch this video for a nice overview of the new WordPress version 2.8.
I know it’s enticing to see that dashboard message “WordPress 2.8 is available! Please update now.” but do not select that link until you back up your database, widgets, your pages and posts and any customization you’ve done. Then, by all means, click away!
Home Based Tax Savings Courses
June 8, 2009
Last month I finished Dr. Ron Mueller’s Tax Savings Basic Essentials Course with the hopeful goal of saving a few thousand dollars on my taxes this year. I was not disappointed in his thorough review of tax deductions and simple record keeping requirements. I was able to read through his book “Home Business Tax Savings Made Easy!” in 2 days. Dr. Mueller arms you with the knowledge and confidence to take those known tax deductions without fear of the IRS. I’ve never written off my home office but now that I understand the IRS tax code requirements better, I will realize more tax savings this year.
Ron explains better than I can, so here is his message to all of us! The BIG bonus is that I am now armed with the IRS tax code to share with my clients This course will seriously pay for itself by the time you have finished it. Let me know what you save.
Carbonite is My New Best Friend
April 13, 2009
As a self-employed virtual bookkeeper, my system data and files are the life of my business. I decided it was wise to keep 2 backups: an external hard drive backup and an online backup to cover both internet or local emergencies. After much discussion among my fellow virtual assistants, I changed my online backup of choice to Carbonite. It’s been finished for less than a day and I’m thrilled with it already!
What makes Carbonite so much better? First off, it updates my backup automatically and absolutely works in the background, without having to change to low priority internet usage. It took a quick 2 days to create my initial backup and I love the little colored status dots displayed on files and folders letting me know which files are complete (green) or still scheduled for backup(yellow). This is in sharp contrast to my previous backup system, with system stopping usage, scheduled backups that canceled themselves, and a 5 day initial backup. Managing backups manually defeats the service’s purpose, but in my previous service’s defense, my older laptop has been struggling with system conflicts.
I decided to jump right in without the free trial and purchased the program using an internet coupon that left me paying under $50 for a year of service. My next step is to restore the laptop’s files onto our new desktop and I feel extremely confident that the process will be a piece of cake because Carbonite is my new BFF!
[tags]resources, web & technology, kellywilliamsva, kelly williams, carbonite, online backup, virtual assistant[/tags]
The Importance of My Network
April 7, 2009
After several years of owning and operating my small bookkeeping business from home, I have to say the most important key to my success has been the value of my networks. Being connected with various virtual assistant organizations such as IVAA, VANetworking, and A Clayton’s Secretary, has given me the amazing opportunity to interact with seasoned industry veterans and fellow newbies, alike. The discussion forums are full of advice, resources, and answers to any question I can imagine. As a work at home professional, I realize how important it is to cultivate relationships bigger than myself. In reflection, if I had started my business today I would’ve been much smarter in my organization because of what I have learned. I still believe I am better off with the knowledge I’ve gained in trying different phone/fax services or online collaboration sites, for example. But the difference today is that I have confidence in the tools I use daily, and the benefit is that I am increasing my productivity.
When reaching out to a network, it’s important to remember local organizations that can also provide support and knowledge on a more personal level. Our southern California VA group has monthly lunch meetings and the camaraderie that has been built is truly unmatched. Relationships will blossom and trust is developed. I am so thankful that our founder, Paula Farthing of Admin at Your Service, has stayed committed to this non-profit group. Just this week, I sought her advice about purchasing a new computer system. Her input is invaluable to me as is her willingness to stop what she is doing and offer assistance. Remember that you are not an island! Feel free to leave a note about what you are doing to combat this in your daily work life.
[tags]social networking, ivaa, vanetworking, a clayton’s secretary, bookkeeping, kellywilliamsva, kelly williams, resources, virtual assistant, web & technology, admin at your service, paula farthing[/tags]
