Nadja Crouther

:: Class 19 – June 1, 2010 ::

My journey as an student of AssistU has come to an end, today was the last class. I am calm. I think it is the calm before the storm (a.k.a. the final exam). I don't know what the future holds for me, but I am optimistic. What I do know is that it is time to study and reflect on all that I have learned during the training program. I need to focus on what I have learned about myself and what I have learned about becoming a successful VA. I hope to see all of my classmates on the other side as AssistU graduates. ;-)

Time is really FLYING!!! I can't believe that I've completed 18 weeks and classes. I have 1 class remaining until the final exam. Instead of focusing on my final exam jitters, I've decided to clear my mind and enjoy the upcoming holiday weekend. This weekend is dedicated to enjoying the company of family and friends. I will resume worrying about the final exam on Tuesday. I hope everyone has a safe and happy weekend, I know I will.

OMG...There are two classes remaining, I'm happy because training has been overwhelming at times. There are two classes remaining, I'm excited because I'm closer to becoming an official VA and starting my practice. There are two classes remaining, I'm afraid. I'm afraid of the final exam and what comes next. My journey to becoming a VA is nearing the end. My journey as a practicing VA is about to begin.

LOOKOUT WORLD, HERE I COME!!!

This week I am at a loss of words. I had my wisdom teeth pulled so I am refraining from talking until the swelling goes down. Even though I have limited speaking ability the VTP goes on. Ironically, this week's class was a Q&A session between the trainer and the students. When it was my turn, I mumbled through the answer and thankfully the trainer understood what I said (even though my classmates didn't). Overall, it was a very informative class.

I've been communicating with my AssistU buddy, Dona Krebs, who is a practicing VA. She has openly shared her experiences with me and I truly appreciate it. I really like communicating with an AssistU VA who has recently graduated and knows firsthand about the VTP. She's always willing to offer support, motivation, and a simple, but much needed ‘Hello'. Thanks Dona for taking the time to reach out to me.

Can't wait to see what next week holds. :-)

I believe every new VA is excited and nervous about their first client call, myself included. You see, the interview process is extremely important. The anticipation and possibility that the person on the other end of the phone may be my FIRST client can be overwhelming. However, once the excitement passes, fear starts to creep into the picture. What if I stumble over my words? I may forget to tell the potential client something, I may not sound confident, or I may not ask the right questions.

If the interview process is done correctly it can result in a perfect fit and a long term partnership. However, if done poorly both parties may become involved in a short term partnership where neither party is happy. Since this is such an important step and the beginning of a potentially long term relationship it's important to be prepared. It's really not that different from selecting your friends or even your spouse.

It's important to be selective, have standards, and ask questions that give insight into who the potential client is and is not. At this stage in the training it seems to be easier said than done. It's something that I must practice and become comfortable with so when the time comes, I'll be ready.

This year is flying by; I can't believe it's almost May. I've learned so much from everyone, including my classmates. I'm really glad that I have training with them because they have questions and concerns that I don't think of. The cases we discuss in class act as a catalyst for good conversation and different perspectives. My classmates are a part of this journey and I am enjoying learning and growing with them. Thanks ladies!!!

Busy Busy Busy!!! I don't know any other way to sum up the past week. Our business plans are due next week and I've been working hard to finalize mine. I've written all of the content and all that's left for me to do is the formatting. I feel really good about. It's a major accomplishment and the foundation to my VA practice. I have literally taken everything that I have done at AssistU and compiled it into one document. Only 6 more weeks left and now that I've completed my business plan the pressure is on. Soon it will be time to step out of training and step out into the real world. Regardless of how bittersweet that is I'm glad to know that my AssistU family will be there every step of the way.

Social networking has become massive. What started out as a simple way for college students to stay connected has grown into a huge network that individuals and companies use to connect with each other. I have been postponing social networking for business purposes simply because I didn't feel as if I was ready to start promoting a business that was not fully functional. However, I have created a business profile for myself on several social networking sites including Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Already I'm starting to feel consumed by it. I feel like I am obligated to post something for the few friend connections I have made thus far. However, I haven't posted anything thus far. Next week I am going to establish a social media marketing plan that includes establishing connections with others, marketing myself and sharing myself with the friends that I do have. It really isn't that difficult but for some reason I feel a little intimidated. I'm faced with doing something that I have rarely done. I'm working on being AUTHENTIC but not TRANSPARENT. It's a little scary yet exciting and freeing at the same time. However, it is a challenge that I am up for.

Every Best Selling book on business that I have ever read has had a large portion of it dedicated to Marketing; because of this I am inclined to believe that to be a successful business person, it is essential to be skilled in Marketing. As I've struggled to accept this fact it occurred to me that Marketing is more than what the textbooks make it out to be; Marketing in its truest form it simply the creating, building, and nurturing relationships. When a person sets out to market a product or a service (in our case a service) they must connect with their clients. If you form a connection with a person or group of people you are in essence creating relationships. How you develop your relationship is basis of marketing. If you think of personal relationships, it's easy to see that they require care and maintenance, marketing works the same way. You cannot pass out a flyer or create a website and think that your marketing is complete; to complete the marketing circle, you must get to know your clients and potential clients, embrace their wants and needs, and ensure that your business responds accordingly. Once you have succeeded in getting their attention and have established the relationship, you must continue to develop it. To be successful and not have “one hit” relationships, the key is to have your marketing (relationships) grow with your clients; stay in tune to their changing needs and be there to assist and grow with them. Marketing is not the monster in the closet, it can be your winning asset; embrace it and learn to make it work for you.

I am officially half way through the program. I've come so far in only ten weeks, but I know that I have further to go. I could spend months just going back and reading all of the suggesting books and websites. There is so much information out there!!! Sometimes I feel like my brain is going to explode. AssistU is more intense than I anticipated but I am thankful for every minute and everything that I am learning.

For the past few weeks I've been struggling with the idea of selling vs. marketing. I keep asking myself how am I going to get the word out. How do I convince people to utilize my services. The last class I have learned that I don't have to. I don't want to work with anyone who i have to convince that they need me (or a VA). I want to work with someone who knows they need help and are looking for someone to partner with that they can trust to handle business tasks that they simply do not have time for. There are clients out there who need help. However, they wont know that I can assist them if I don't market myself. I am not looking to do a mass mailing and get clients who need piece work here and there. I am looking to use the laws of attraction to find clients who I have a natural fit with. There is no pressure, no selling myself, no mass mailings or door to door sales. There is only me being the best me that I am and putting myself out into the world. The rest will come.

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Once you make a decision, the Universe conspires to make it happen." I now know exactly what he means.

I've been ignoring a few thoughts that are telling me to rid my life of things that don't belong. However, it's difficult. It's hard to let go for fear of not knowing what's behind the next door. I think I'm afraid that it will be worst that what I already have. Or maybe it's because I've convinced myself that what I have isn't bad. I'm not sure if I'm lying to myself or just blind. Either way, I need to really listen to my intuition and focus on the Law of Attraction (LOA).

The LOA is a lesson everyone should hear and take head to. For those of you who have not discussed it in class you have something to look forward to. Stacy discusses the LOA in the Community Class Library and it is defiantly worth listening to. It applies not only for business but for life. Eliminate the things and people around you that you have no real attraction to. Don't allow anyone in your life and space who doesn't deserve to be there. For those people items thoughts are only taking up space and draining you. Fill life with things that uplift you focus on being happy. Surrounding yourself with people and things you enjoy will add to your own joy.

I believe that many times we are our own worst enemy. We say yes to the people and things we really want to say no to. We ignore our own intuition and do what others say we should do. However no one knows you better than you. Listen to your intuition and follow your heart.

Life is about progression and moving forward.

Sounds so easy to do...but it takes time. Learning and growth do not occur overnight.

Life is full of distractions and recently TV has become mine. I've found that when I don't allow myself to get distracted by the TV, phone, or some other time wasting activity I can be really productive. So I've decided to treat television as a treat once my work is done (there are only 2 - 3 shows that I care about). I've started to realize that I keep the TV on even when I'm not watching it. It watches me more than I watch it. I think I was using it so I wouldn't feel so alone. The people inside of the TV keep me company when I'm alone or bored. Now instead of turning on the TV I turn on the music. It's much more relaxing and enjoyable and creating new music playlists is really fun.

I'm looking forward to the newbie call this week, where I can talk with other VTP students. It's always good to bounce ideas off of others. Even when I don't have much to add it's always nice to hear others perception and methods for getting through the training and establishing their practices. I really want to know how other VA's have begun networking and attracting clients. In class this week we worked on networking, speaking to clients and focused on elevator speeches. Each week were taught a different skill or lesson and this is one that I am not afraid to say that I really need to work on. Being a virtual assistant doesn't mean that you get to hide behind a 'virtual' veil. The reality is that clients will see you virtually, some you will speak to on the phone, and others will see you face to face. Because VA's can't hide behind a virtual veil we must always be presentable no matter how we meet a client. This means that networking skills should be in place when speaking to clients and potential clients. After all networking and word of mouth is a huge part of marketing. I'm a naturally shy person which can be a weakness if I allow it to be. However, I've got to learn to become more comfortable speaking with people who I don't know and educating people about who I am and what I do. So I will spend the next few weeks introducing myself and practicing my elevator speech to friends and family until it becomes second nature. A few weeks from now I WILL be able to do this in my sleep.

I can't believe it's been nearly two months since I began training. Time is going by soooo fast! We have really begun to dig into the core business concerns. I've spent the first month or so focusing on learning who I am and how to convey that to potential clients. That is such a great way to start this program because I am the foundation of my practice. A business without a strong foundation is almost bound for failure. Now we are really focusing on developing the business. I myself have begun on my business plan and I feel less intimidated by it. I have really started thinking about the type of practice I want to build for myself and for my clients. I'm convinced that thinking about what you want is more difficult that actually putting it on paper. Once the idea is there the hard part is over, all that's left is writing it down.

Outside of classwork I have been working with Laura, the Admissions Director at AssistU. The work study program has been a big part of my learning. I feel like I'm getting a jump start and really learning what to expect when working with clients virtually. Despite all that I have learned I'm a little sad that my time working with Laura is coming to an end. She is stepping down as Admissions Director and will truly be missed. I have learned a lot from her and hope to continue my relationship with her as she will still be a part of the AssistU community. On the other side of things Sandra will be the new Admissions Director and I will begin working with her. She has an upbeat attitude and seems excited about her new role. I look forward to working and learning from her.

The more I read the more I realize that my life has been out of control for years and I was too blind to see it I spend a lot of my time doing things for everyone else but little time doing things that I actually enjoy. I spend 40 hours per week working, which doesn't include commuting to and from work. I come home and cook, clean, wash and fold clothes for my family, none of these things I enjoy (I actually like cooking but would rather do it because I want to not because I have to). I'd much rather spend quality time with my family. However, after I'm done doing all I have to do I'm much too tired to do things that I enjoy. I do try to squeeze a couple of hours per day or per week with the people who I love, which just isn't enough. I claim that I do all of this work for them and to support them but in the end I find myself feeling more and more distanced from them. The reality is that I spend more time working than I do with the people I love. Oh, and time for myself was virtually non-existent. If I can find an hour or two to put into myself per week I am lucky. I'm almost ashamed to admit that.

Well, things are about to change. I am taking back my life. This week I focused more on myself and my family and something great happened. My son began doing better in school and our relationship began to blossom. In just a week I can see a difference we both seem much happier. I've also been setting aside an 3 - 4 hours this week to go to the gym and I'm feeling more confident about myself (I haven't loss any weight but I'm just happy that I've made the effort).

All of this by simply eliminating or reducing the time spent on unnecessary tasks. Waking up 30 minutes early and planning my day and week allows me to maximize my time.

This book is a definite read and re-read. I can see myself reading this on an annual basis to see where I am and how far I have come.

AssistU has proven not only to be a school that teaches us how to be a VA but how to find time in your life for yourself. Becoming a VA is not just another job; it's a career and a step towards living the life I want to live.

I am cleaning up my life and eliminating things that are unnecessary in order to make room for things that are.

The reality of being an entrepreneur and owning my own business is now setting in. What once felt like a dream or an unreachable goal is now a reality. I am working to create, build and grow my business. The beauty of it is that I get to do it my way. I determine what and don't want. I can focus on work that I enjoy. I do NOT have to do any work that I dislike or am not comfortable with. If it's not a yes, then it's a no. It is as simple as that. What's even better is that the lessons I learn from the VTP are not just for business; they can be used in life. I am free to do what I want to do, make decisions about my business and my life that align with me. The reading has really put everything in perspective, causing me to look at all aspects of my life. I am removing the clutter, distractions, and noise in my life and making room for all the things and opportunities that I enjoy.

I feel like I am in a good place and it's only going to get better. I can't wait to see what the future holds!!!

Community has been the focus of the past week. It seems as if the more involved I get with AssistU, the more I realize what an asset it is. While I originally signed up for the training I've found that the AssistU community is as valuable as the training. Together the training and community fit perfectly together. Since I've been here I've established a community with my classmates, we even have a separate call for students only where we discuss our questions, concerns, experiences with each other. There is a new student community and monthly meeting for us to all meet and talk with each other. Town Hall Meetings open to all AssistU members to discuss what's happening in the AssistU community and any others topics of interest. There is even a call / game tomorrow, which focuses on accomplishing your personal or business tasks that have been put on the back burner. I'm really looking forward to group coaching with Stacy on Monday and I may be attending a lunch with other VA's located in Georgia. So much to do and so many friends made in such a short time.

By class four I have participated in the following AssistU events:

1. Weekly Training
2. Student call with classmates
3. Call with AssistU Director I am interning for
4. Town Hall Meeting
5. Group Coaching - (this call isn't until next week)
6. Contacted Local Chapter Members - Georgia
7. Contacted my AssistU Buddy (VA who has graduated from AU)
8. Forums

In addition to these calls there are several more that I plan on attending in the next month:

1. Local Chapter Meeting / Lunch
2. Newbie Call
3. If I Only Had An Hour (game)

There is always something going on within the AssistU community. So much that I almost feel as if I cant keep up. This is WAY more than I expected, I'm almost overwhelmed with the community and feel like I'm falling behind if I go more than a day without checking in. There are so many ways to learn here and it's not limited to the training. The training, forums, calls, and other VA's have a wealth of knowledge just waiting to be tapped in to.

Deprogramming myself is the goal for this week and many weeks to come. I know change doesn't occur overnight and I expect that I have quite a bit of self evaluation to do. I don't want to change who I am, but rather who I've been.

All I can remember hearing is go to school, get your education so you can get a good job. Learn how to be professional, learn to deal with the office politics, adapt yourself to meet the needs of your employer so that you fit in with their corporate culture. Be nice to your boss so that he will treat you fairly and give you the promotions and raises that you deserve. Or even worse continue to be nice to the boss even if he doesn't give you the promotion and pay increase that you deserve. Suffer silently, smile, be positive....etc

I learned in class this week that I am being fed a dream and lie (at least I think so). I have been taught to conform myself into someone that I am not and in doing so I am loosing or have lost who I am. Through the time I have adapted and have learned to be the 'work Nadja' at work and when I come home I can be 'regular Nadja'. I can be myself when others are not around.

There is only one problem...the 'work Nadja' and 'regular Nadja' are not always able turn on and off like a light switch. Occasionally when I am home, work Nadja is still on and when I'm at work vice versa. I am now so accustomed to being serious and "professional" (whatever that means) that I sometimes am too serious when the situation calls for me being more light hearted. I feel like I have multiple personalities. I've always felt this way only now I can actually say it out loud.

So that brings me to where I am today. I am relearning who I am. Not who I am at work but who I am period. I thought the business plan and actual in class work would be most difficult part of AssistU but this has been the most difficult task thus far. Everyday I now ask myself who is Nadja? Not who do other people want Nadja to be but who is Nadja? I'm learning to be more authentic or as my friends and family say "keeping in 100". Simply put being real and true to yourself.

Dr. Seuss said, "Be Who You Are and Say What You Feel Because Those Who Mind Don't Matter and Those Who Matter Don't Mind."

Today I am thankful. This is life changing!!! This week I had a chance to meet with the senior staff member that I am working with. I cant imagine what is a better learning experience than not only training on becoming a VA but also being a VA/intern to someone who knows all about the business.

In class we got down to business. The class spoke about building relationships with clients. I learned that clients don't hire us, instead clients partner with us. The goal is to build a strong long-term relationship with the "right" client. VA's work with clients as a trusted member of the business / company not like a temp agency with a revolving door. The picture is becoming more and more clear!!!

I am also learning to step away from the corporate box and not to allow it define who I am, my abilities, and growth potential. I've always felt limited in corporate America and now I feel like I am finally breaking free of the corporate chains and running towards my freedom. While listening to the radio today, I heard song that touched me. The song 'Strength, Courage, and Wisdom' (by India Arie) expressed everything I've felt today and this week. Hope it touches you as much as it did me :-) .

Inside my head there lives a dream that I want to see in the sun

Behind my eyes there lives a me that I've been hiding for much too long

'Cause I've been, too afraid to let it show

'Cause I'm scared of the judgment that may follow

Always putting off my living for tomorrow

It's time to step out on faith, I've gotta show my faith

It's been illusive for so long, but freedom is mine today

I've gotta step out on faith, It's time to show my faith

Procrastination had me down but look what I have found, I found

Strength, courage, and wisdom

And it's been inside of me all along,

Strength, courage, and wisdom

Inside of me

Before Orientation:
I've had butterflies all day. I've done all of the household chores and cleared my schedule in preparation for orientation. I've read the class materials and put the class dates and times in my calendar. I'm ready, I've prepared myself for this. The journey to becoming a VA starts today. I still find myself a bit nervous but I guess that comes with the territory. I think it's fear of the unknown. I don't know what to expect. I don't know if I will like my trainer, if she will like me, or if this will be too overwhelming. What I do know is I'm going to start with a positive attitude and work to maintain my positive attitude and sanity during the entire training program (and after too). I know anything worth having is worth working for and I am ready to put in the work!!

After Orientation:
I called into the first training session five minutes early just to ensure that I would NOT be late. First impressions are everything and since I can't meet my trainer face to face I can at least make a great first 'virtual' impression. After orientation my butterflies have settled and I feel much more at ease. My trainer Desiree is nice and has a lot of information to share, I can definitely learn from her. My classmates all seem eager and ready to learn as am I. Overall the class was great. I was able to dial in with no problems, my son didn't disturb me during the call (we discussed it before the call), and everything is off to a great start. We have homework already but I expected that. I've completed several of the assignments but still have a few more to do before the next class. The AssistU portal is HUGE and there appears to be a wealth of information available, it's truly a virtual community. I can now say I am a part of the AssistU community and I know without a doubt that I am on the right path!!