Joi Turner's Diary

:: Class 4 - May 21, 2008 ::

Tonight, we had an in depth discussion about a relationship-driven business model, standards and boundaries. Boy, I do wish I had this discussion ten years ago! Reading Stacy Brice's words about the corporate business model, which is driven by results not relationships, put in black and white why the corporate environment felt so unnatural to me. I have always felt that money, though important and necessary, should not be the entire focus of your business. If you are following your heart, and serving others in the process, the money will come. Getting confirmation from the reading makes the difficult road of business ownership look a little smoother.

When I first started my business, I was prepared to do anything a client required, as long as it was ethically and morally sound. After our discussion on standards and boundaries (even a little before the discussion), I feel that I have permission to say no to the things that make me uncomfortable and yes to those that make me feel good and bring me joy. If I lower my standards or let someone overtake my boundaries, I have put myself an uncomfortable place, and my business will run me, instead of me running my business. I am in control of my future!

Each week I think, "This was a *really* important lesson!" And each week, I am correct. I just hope I can remember it all!!!

Last night, we had a very enlightening conversation about Image and Authenticity. It began with everyone defining the image of her business, and the use of the word "professional." I had never thought about it in depth; but when Antonette asked "What does *professional* really mean?" I realized that I was using a word with no substance! She also discussed that the word is a carryover from our "corporate boxes", and that it really symbolized conformity. She offered, instead, more descriptive adjectives like capable, articulate, intelligent, and competent. I like that, and I think I'll take her advice! :-)

When it comes to authenticity, I have always felt that I was very true to myself - at least when it came to my fun side! I admitted after doing my reading that I also have what I'd like to call a "stuffy" side. I can be uptight, especially when it comes to business, and that has been a hard pill for me to swallow. During our class last night, however, I wondered if there was anything wrong with that. So what if I'm a little uptight! That's one of the reasons that I will be good at what I do. So, I concluded that my business image should be one that shows off the fact that I'm stuffy, yet fun, caring, and competent!

One important message that I received from Class 2 is the importance of creating support systems: finding a business coach, accountant lawyer, etc. What I actually LEARNED was that I need to start depending more on my family. I usually try not to ask my family and close friends for anything, but they are the people who know me best and can anticipate my personal needs sometimes before I can. So, while I am wrapped up in the business of starting my business, they can assist me with my personal life. It really takes a load off to know that there is another support system to access.

I am also happy with the camaraderie that my class is forming, despite the fact that this is a virtual course. This is evidence of the fact that you can form strong, warm relationships using virtual means of communication.

A monumental event was my first Group Coaching Session with Stacy Brice. It is amazing to me how Stacy took my ^lasered^ question, deciphered the underlying issues and offered advice that applies to my personal life as well as my developing business. She is so practical and direct, yet gentle in her delivery - a perfect combination of characteristics for a coach. The coaching session also gave me the opportunity to hear what other upcoming VAs had to say. The ladies brought up some very interesting topics, and Stacy gave great insight that I'm sure will be helpful to me down the line.

About the homework.... I am *SO* appreciative of the preparation I received about homework before beginning the course. With the fieldwork assigned, I am realizing how LITTLE I know about Virtual Assistance and the concepts and tools related to the business! I am overwhelmed, I can say, but I am also enjoying the challenge and the discovery in completing the assignments. I am getting much fulfillment from the knowledge that I'm acquiring.

One recurring theme I've noticed over the past week is CHOICE!!! I have seen this word in relation to Destiny over 3 times this week. I guess it's a reminder that I alone carve my path in life.

"Destiny is not a matter of chance; but a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
- William Jennings Bryan

I always say that I don't know what I don't know until I take a good class! I have taken classes, in which I haven't learned a thing, but, with AssistU, that is not the case. I know that this is a good class, because in just one hour, I have learned the foundation of my VA business - from breaking out of the corporate box, to the definition of a VA, to learning ~ALL~ of the skills that I need to have a prosperous practice.

One observation that I've made is that I need to wipe my mental slate clean. The knowledge and wisdom that I am witnessing from the AssistU Virtual Training Manual and Antonette's experience are more abundant, more accurate, more practical * and * very different from any VA articles or books that I've read up to this point. I realize after tonight's class that I need just to forget it all, and only pay attention to what I am learning here. That is what's best for me.

Aside from the VTP, I actually got to participate in one of the DC Metro Chapter events! WOW!! I was surrounded by so many impressive women there, including Stacy Brice, Dawn Goldberg, and my illustrious trainer, Antonette Artiz! All of the ladies were so warm, and it was a good way to see the other side of VA life - enjoyment! And I thought it was all work, no play! :-)

I have had orientation, and I still haven't calmed down. I am so excited and in awe of this opportunity. I considered becoming a Virtual Assistant as much as 5 years ago. (I hate to admit it!) Now, what used to be a lofty thought became something tangible when I received my Orientation training materials! I was actually going to let fear and doubt stop me. I didn't believe that I would be admitted or get a scholarship, nonetheless, so I decided not to put my application in. I am so glad that I changed my mind! I did the application in 2 days, and submitted on January 31st for the February 1st deadline. It was tough, but I am so grateful now.

I was so excited before beginning the AssistU class, now that I have had a chance to participate in Orientation, I feel like I'm about to erupt! Just from the first impression of my instructor, Antonette, I am confident that I am in the right place to learn everything I need to know to build a polished, thorough, efficient, professional Virtual Assistant business.

I am feeling so warm and fuzzy about the opportunity to be a part of such an awesome community! I had heard from a previous student that everyone was extremely wonderful and supportive, but now I am experiencing it firsthand - from my buddy to my instructor to my classmates!

Mostly, I am so grateful to Laura for seeing something in me! I'm so glad that I took the step to apply! I can't wait to see where this journey will take me.