Lauray Walsh's Diary

My name is Lauray Walsh, and I am SO excited to be a new AssistU student in Desiree’s October class! My mission is to keep the Student Diary, and I hope you enjoy it.


:: April 10th, '06 ::

The Last Class.

Such mixed emotions . . .

A rush of accomplishment and fulfillment.

A sense of exhilaration that I won't have homework anymore!!!

A moment of panic. What now???

A peaceful calm settles over me, and I know that all is well. Because AssistU is still there for me. And always will be.

I'm signed up for Internship. And I'll be doing New Grad Coaching with Stacy. And there are fabulous New Grad Classes including Marketing. And the New Grad Sig. And the INCREDIBLE AssistU Portal.

Thank you AssistU for this amazing experience!

This week I am so thankful for all of Assist U's incredible opportunities.

As our class comes to a close, I'm finding myself with a big case of "heebie-jeebies."

It's all one thing to talk about, and theorize, and strategize, and make big plans.

But now it's time to actually do it!

So I was especially thankful to Judy, my AssistU buddy, who scheduled a phone conversation to help me work through a couple of areas where I was feeling stuck. She is so wise and wonderful. Talking with her about the nitty gritty details - and realizing that "yes! I really can do this!" - was so encouraging.

Also helpful this week, was a recent AssistU graduate, Karen Schatz, referred to me by my instructor Desiree.

Karen has an excellent chart on her website comparing the salary and benefits of a part-time employee, to the services of a Virtual Assistant. Very much an eye-opener, because it really brings to light for me the concept that a Virtual Assistant is actually a wise business choice - not just an expensive assistant that only a select few can afford.

Thanks to Lynda Otte, our Newbie Sig Call Coordinator, for putting into words how I was feeling, assuring me she was there too, and giving me some very tangible details about the life of a VA. She is calm and professional, and an inspiring role model.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention my excellent instructor Desiree, and my virtual sisters, (classmates), Franni and Jenny. They've been with me every step of the way, for 18 weeks, encouraging, hopeful, and always there to cheer me on.

I am truly looking forward to my internship - which I feel will be a significant stepping stone from attending class to opening my virtual business doors.

What an awesome experience this has been, and will continue to be.

Marketing Materials finished!

These turned out to be much bigger than I ever imagined - for instance, designing a business card. Desiree said we did not have to worry about the "design" aspect as much as the content. But when I started researching, I went off on several tangents having to do with what type of paper, what color of paper, what type of font, what color of font -and even what these colors mean! :)

I realized I need to have a consistent theme to tie together my choice of colors, tag line or slogan, and services.

I'm thinking it will have something to do with time, which is a treasure that we just don't seem to have enough of. I want to create a serene, centered, spacious sense of time for my clients.

I also designed a Client Welcome Packet, of materials that will get our relationship off to a strong start. And I wrote a letter to my friends describing my new business. Thankfully, AssistU provided excellent templates that we can adapt to our needs.

This week I was able to participate in another coaching call with Stacy. She reinforced for me some things that make me unique, and the specific ways I will be able to use this in my practice. I feel so very fortunate for her insight, patience, and experience.

My classmate Franni was extremely helpful as well. Sometimes you get a blind spot about what you have to offer - and it's so interesting to see how others perceive you.

Is it true - only 3 classes left??? I'm feeling lots of anxiety, which my virtual sisters have assured me is normal.

I think I was putting too many expectations of what was "supposed" to be accomplished upon graduation. Maybe I will enjoy some time after class to get organized, learn some technical skills, and do my internship.

I love the opportunities and support AssistU provides, with regards to our professional and personal growth.

Last week I had the chance to participate in another "Newbie Special Interest Group" to discuss the issues we are currently facing. I really enjoyed sharing with other students our questions and concerns. Lynda does a fabulous job guiding the call and coming up with interesting discussion topics. Her "real life" examples are both enlightening and encouraging. She is truly an inspiration.

In class tonight, Barbara, a seasoned AssistU VA for 10 years, joined us, to help us practice our interviewing skills. It was extremely intimidating at first - but proved very helpful. It gave us a chance to see how far we had really come and how much we already knew.

Likewise, she lovingly pointed out areas we needed to work on. I say lovingly, because she came from a place of caring and it was in the "safe" environment of our class.

I really liked this practice, although it brought me face to face with some of the apprehension I have been feeling as our classes comes to a close. I have most of the broader concepts down - but am still not feeling clear on how this is all going to work for me, specifically.

My need is to be passionate about what I do, and to feel strongly that it is of benefit to others.

I know that it will all come together for me - in the perfect place and time. I just need to trust - that the universe knows - even when I don't. :)

The Business Plan is finished - yay!!!

A BIG sigh of relief.

However, a part of the plan that I feel I still haven't quite got a handle on is my "unique business proposition." I wonder if it's like my life long search for purpose? I keep thinking it will be just around the corner, and have yet to find it. Like a dog chasing its tail. There is a parable that says I should just relax and it will follow me where ever I go. :)

We had an essay due this week on ethics. I enjoyed doing the research, and thinking more about this often controversial subject.

For me, ethics is really one of the reasons I was attracted to starting my own business. As an employee of other companies, I have often had to put aside what I believed to be true - or the right thing to do - because the company did not agree. Often the company was coming from a place of fear or scarcity - not the attitude of abundance that is stressed at AssistU. And so they would set policies that reflected this outlook. For instance, standing behind what you promise. Which is worse - to honor a mistake that results in a loss of pennies in the big scheme of things - or to lose the good will of your customers, and perhaps potential customers they will tell? It seems pretty straight forward to me, but then - not to everyone it would seem.

Only 6 classes left! That thought both excites and frightens me!

Business Plan. That's all I can think about right now. Desiree, my instructor gave me much valuable feedback to ponder on my rough draft, and I was enlightened, but also a bit disappointed to find that my original plans were a bit unrealistic. So I really can't make $100,000 during my first year! (just kidding :)

At any rate, I've spent a lot of time researching and rehashing the figures and plans. Maybe I won't be able to quit my job as soon as I had hoped. :(

Truly, I am sincerely grateful for the knowledge, intelligence, and honesty of the AssistU staff. What a fabulous learning experience this is!

But then again, something keeps telling me to dream big - because what you think about, you bring about. And I'm "pre-paving" my path to success. And as my signature says, "The universe always supports affirmative action."

So - I'll find a happy medium between realism and intention.

My biggest challenge this week is: My unique business proposition. It's something that came up in the business plan. What can I do that no one else can? How will I differentiate myself to my target clients/markets? Why will they choose to work with me? What is my unique selling proposition that makes me different from my competition/other VA's?

I'm really struggling with this one - but feel confident that the answer is clear - and I'm just not seeing it yet. I am planning to meditate and really listen for my intuition as I focus on this in the weeks ahead.

I had *TWO* astounding opportunities this last week!

1. The Newbie Sig Call -

It was great to share with other students, and it was nice to get to know each other better. It was also interesting how much we all had in common.

We talked about many things, including how we would identify our ideal clients in an interview. By telling them how we like to work, up front - and asking them about their personal style, it will be obvious if there is a match.

We were asked why we chose to be a Virtual Assistant, and my answer was that I want to honor my values to serve the customer in the way I know is best - not based on someone else's scarcity or fear based model. I also want to do what I love and receive a great income. And I want flexibility and balance in my life. This opportunity provides all that and more.

We also had a chance to imagine our perfect day - which was a fun exercise, and a good way to intend the business we want. Things like having time to be with family, going to work with your slippers on, not dealing with morning and evening traffic, having time for self care, doing what we love - all came up.

Ending on a positive note, Linda told us to ALWAYS remind ourselves that we are good, and our clients are lucky to have us. :)

2. Coaching with Stacy -

Or shall I say, "Private" coaching - since no one else showed up, I had a "one on one"! I started with one challenge, (having two clients by the time I complete the VTP), but by the end of the call I had laid bare
all my thoughts, desires, concerns, hopes, worries and wishes. :) She was very patient and kind, considering she probably hears many of the same feelings over and over again.

I received lots of good feedback to ponder. . .

One of my concerns was bringing something "concrete" to the table - some "list" of tasks that I can perform. My talents seem a bit nebulous. Stacy said that the "gift" buried in this challenge is that instead of bringing out the "laundry list" of skills, I can go into the relationship with "Beginners Mind". Instead of preconceived notions about how we will work, I can be open to whatever presents itself. I can look into all the possibilities, and come back to the client with the newest and greatest ways to work together. And anything I am unable to do technically - I can refer them to someone who can, (our Team 100 List).

I loved how she told me to paint a picture for the client, and how I could virtually "walk them through their day" and by learning in this way what they do, I could tell them how I can assist them.

She also encouraged me to apply for internship after completing the VTP, which is another fabulous resource I will definitely be applying for.
This allows you to work with another VA, to see the types of work performed, and to gain experience, which provides a much needed boost of confidence.

I am still digesting my notes and feel that our time together was a gem I want to treasure.

Aloha!

Lauray

I missed a coaching opportunity with Stacy Brice last week, and felt devastated by it. Such an opportunity wasted! Well not wasted. . . my classmate Franni had a private session with her - how cool is that?

The thing is, I used to be so organized, but with my current job, it just hasn't been as necessary as it once was. So I've gotten a little out of practice. I keep a daytimer, and it was dutifully noted there, but the problem was, I didn't even open it all weekend! As a Virtual Assistant, it will be important to reacquaint myself with my organizational skills. :) My instructor suggested a palm pilot which you can carry everywhere, and has a little alarm. Definitely worth investigating.

Otherwise, all is going well. I absolutely love my class. My primary issue still seems to be finding the "time" to do everything. I feel excited about starting to do some technical training, building my website and engaging in some marketing. But between working full time, living a balanced life, and doing my homework - I don't seem able to do much else.

I'm listening to Stephen Covey's "First Things First" Audio Book, and love his common sense about time management tools - and how they all try to convince us if we work smarter, faster, or more efficiently, we will be able to do it all. He says that is a fallacy, and we can never do it all. At least not at once. There is a time and a season to every purpose. Like the song. I felt encouraged by this.

Our Marketing Tip this week has to do with being ready for business opportunities, wherever and whenever they choose to present themselves. Such as sitting next to someone on a plane, who wants to know what you do, when you're going on vacation and don't want to think about work. I have to confess, I usually try to separate business and pleasure. It is always an attempt to "protect" my precious time, as I believe in not "working" when it's play time. But this provides a new perspective. Now that we are in our own business, anyone and everyone we meet could be important to our business in some way. And when you are in business for yourself, at least in my experience, you are usually so passionate about your work that it's easy to want to talk about it. I am thankful to AssistU for showing us these new ways to look at things.

I'll tell you, there is absolutely NOTHING the Virtual Training Program doesn't think about. And I'm only half way through!

This week was spent finalizing our financial statements as part of our business plan. Wow - I was actually quite pleased at what my forecast looks like! It's so encouraging to see an actual Marketing Plan, and a very positive cash flow - even after just one year!

It's amazing how everything is starting to come together. I'm feeling my niche and unique skills becoming clearer. And feeling confident about the attraction marketing principles.

In fact - as part of my plan - I am going to start telling everyone I know about what I do. If you think how about how many people you know - and how many people they in turn know - and how many people they know - it can just explode into a huge potential customer base! Word of mouth is a powerful marketing tool.

Our Training Manual has a wealth of marketing ideas we'll be studying for the next couple of weeks. Several are very appealing to me, and feel completely comfortable. I am actually excited about starting my marketing!

And I better get busy. According to my Business Plan, I will have at least (2) customers already waiting for me to open my "virtual" door upon graduation of the Virtual Training Program!

February already - where did January go? I'll be done with this class before I know it!!!

It's been exciting thinking about transition plans from my current employment, and just intending that it will all work out in the perfect time.

I LOVE our AssistU Portal - I am learning so much from other VA's. I was just referred to a newsletter for VA's - where I was able to get great tips on taking care of my computer. I also found some excellent marketing ideas.

I'll be meeting with an accountant this week, who offered free consultations, to go over my financial statements - which is a part of our business plan due next week!!! AssistU provided some great templates to use - I just need help filling them in.

I LOVE the "Attraction" approach to marketing we are learning this week. It is not a new concept for me. The law of attraction is taught by Abraham-Hicks, a philosophy I have been studying for the past few years. It basically says, "That which is like unto itself is drawn". Another way to describe it is to think of yourself as a magnet, attracting what comes into your life by your thoughts.

What does all this have to do with marketing? By applying these Attraction Principles, your thoughts and actions will be conducive to manifesting whatever it is you want in your life. In this case, the right clients!

It was apparent to me when I applied to this program that AssistU lives by this philosophy also, which was one of the things that attracted me to this program. And my perception has not changed throughout the application process, and my training. Just look at the caliber of AssistU's students, instructors, and online community. It's simply amazing.

I feel this "attraction" philosophy will be extremely helpful to me as a Virtual Assistant. I WILL attract the perfect clients for me. It is law! :)

Feeling sad, at the end of a wonderful visit with my sister. What a bittersweet feeling. David, my fiancé said he has never seen me laugh so much. Sometimes though, I wonder if I "keep my distance" because it doesn’t hurt as much. Being intimate is joyful - but can also leave you open for pain. But relationships ARE the very stuff life is made of.

That’s exactly what our reading was about this week - developing soulful relationships. Aren’t our most cherished memories and blessed times, those we share with loved ones? But we use excuses why we can’t get too close - because we are afraid. As I keep this timely lesson close to my heart, I intend to nurture the close relationships in my life right now.

We have been very busy in class - learning how to start a partnership with our clients, setting our fees, dealing with record keeping, and working on our Business Plan.

I love the resources section in our manual, which refers us to a virtual goldmine of fabulous reading material from finance, and business, to marketing, self growth and spirituality. How I would LOVE an extra month to do nothing but read!

It seems the biggest challenge I am facing now is all the technical issues I seem to deal with every time I sit down at my computer. I’ m dealing with a new email program (the second one). And then there’s the backup issue - how and which program? Then it will be bookkeeping software. I’m embarrassed to admit, I can’t even get the MP3 player I got for Christmas to download my audio books from the library. But I’m working on it. It’s just the time involved to do the simplest things these days truly boggles my mind. No wonder people need VA’s!

Deep breath . . .

At least by the time this class is over, I will probably have encountered every software and hardware situation a client would need help with! That’s comforting.

Just one more thing to share - from our reading this week:

In the Talmud it says, "In the world to come, each of us will be called to account for all the good things God put on this earth which we refused to enjoy."

So I’m going for a walk - to enjoy the smell of the plumerias - and watch the dragonflies - and regain my sense of balance.

Our assignment this week was a real challenge for me. We are learning how to create a strong introduction for ourselves - in various situations.

And while I understand the importance of this, I really struggled with it. Clearly, it's a powerful marketing tool, to be able to say what you do with assurance and clarity.

As I think about it - my struggle was probably because this project confronted me with the fact that I had not solidified in my own head yet - just WHAT this business will be for me. That is the beauty of this opportunity - but also the conundrum. It can be whatever we want it to be! Each class I get closer and closer to my unique business purpose - but I just wasn't there yet. . .

I finally realized, with the help of my classmate Franni, and my buddy Judy - that I was too hung up on the details - like the exact tasks I might be performing, what my niche might be, or who my preferred clients are. Now I realize that all that can come later, when they express more interest. For now, I just need to give a general overview.

And so I did. It really was an excellent assignment, as I feel now as if I can tell others what I do! (I still need to use my notes though . . . )

Once again, I am just astonished at the quantity and the quality of support I am receiving in this class.

From my wonderful instructor, Desiree, who answers a million questions with consideration and enthusiasm. When I expressed an interest in learning more about maintaining websites, she sent me a quick start crash course and several links to places where I can learn and practice this skill.

From my classmates, Franni and Jenny who are so kind and supportive. It’s helpful to know we are all feeling so many of the same things. Franni always sends helpful information she finds and Jenny is so caring to keep our class notes.

From my buddy, Judy, who keeps in touch with positive messages. And who gave me a fabulous lead to an entire wellness community on the Big Island!

From the Newbie SIG phone call – which I am looking forward to participating in again this month. Lynda’s professionalism and encouragement are so appreciated.

And now, I am reminded that I am eligible to receive coaching from Stacy TWICE a month while I am a student! This is just extraordinary. I fully plan to take advantage of this. But to participate, I need to have a valid challenge or opportunity. Hmmmmm – well I think I might be able to think of a couple.

And best of all, through all this, I love the open sharing in our virtual community. Desiree doesn’t feel threatened that I want to learn to specialize in the same area she does, because she knows there is plenty out there for all of us. And Judy doesn’t worry that I will get contacts and leads that could have been hers, because again, everyone is thriving in the spirit of abundance.

We are discussing how to set our fees in class this week – and I have to say, I am certainly glad AssistU has this philosophy of abundance and supports the law of attraction. They are helping me not only realize my worth, but to feel comfortable asking for and receiving what I want in my business.

My sister is visiting this week and I haven’t seen her in a long, long time – so I will be signing off for now.

See you next week!

A New Year! Full of hope and promise. . . New Year has always been my favorite holiday. I go to the beach, and just watch the ocean, reflecting on what was good about the last year, and creating new intentions for the next year.

I don’t get hung up on what it’s called – some people really dread the term “resolutions.” And I don’t always have an exact agenda or format either. Sometimes I use a plan I’ve seen recently, that sounds like it might be good. Other times I just wing it.

But the process always leaves me feeling positive and enthusiastic about the year ahead. And - as we have heard before - I always find that the simple act of writing down my hopes and dreams, allows what I want to manifest in my life. It might not be the exact way I originally intended – or in the same time frame - but it always unfolds perfectly.

This year I intended a host of wonderful and successful clients, all waiting at my virtual business door, for me to graduate so we can start working together! J And clarity in my business purpose, which AssistU is helping with, by assigning the Business Plan project. And a way that my work, by supporting those who uplift the lives of others, will be meaningful and fulfilling.

During our winter break, I had the good fortune to meet my "buddy," Judy Segawa in Honolulu. It was so enlightening to be able to "pick her brain" about the various aspects of her business. And to know she is really succeeding in it! She has several retainer clients and is earning a great income. Meeting her was such a blessing, and her warmth and friendliness were so appreciated.

Not only did I get to meet Judy, but I was introduced to two of her clients at the "Law of Attraction Workshop" we attended. Judy’s relationship with her clients was so full of love and enthusiasm, I was truly encouraged. I want to be just like her when I grow up to be a “real” VA.

I LOVE the class material this week. It’s all about setting our standards and boundaries so we honor ourselves – and the reasons we went into this business in the first place – be it freedom or money – or doing what we love – and by doing so we attract the perfect clients.

This is so in line with my philosophy of the universe providing exactly what we want if we merely ask. So often we don’t know – and therefore don’t ask. Joseph Campbell said, “The universe always supports affirmative action,” and so when we define our ideal clients, working conditions, and work, we attract this into our life.

How smart is that? The other night my fiancé and I were bemoaning the fact that a restaurant we have wanted to dine at, is closed on Sunday and Monday – which are our only nights off together. And he said, “Well, they chose the good nights to have off.” And I said, “Of course!" That’s what our lesson is talking about. They are setting their standards and taking the days off that they want – and they are doing just fine! In fact they are thriving - and are attracting those who are available within their preferred hours. Sadly for us, we can’t be a part of it – but they are succeeding without us. And we aren’t the type of clients that would go regularly anyway.

I had a MUCH better week, taking time with friends to relax and unwind. I am very much looking forward to our Winter Break. While I intend to work on my Business Plan – I also will be taking time for “me”. And, I am looking forward to meeting my buddy, Judy Segawa at the Abraham-Hicks workshop in Honolulu in a couple weeks! She is so supportive and understands what it means to work full-time and be a student of the VTP. Somehow, her kind and timely words let me “know” with certainty that I WILL make it though this – and succeed!

To be perfectly honest - it wasn't a very good week. I found myself in tears a couple of times - feeling like "all work and no play" :( And that I don't know how I'm EVER going to get it all done. Working full time while doing this class is certainly possible – but can be intense!

I AM getting through it. It’s just been a very hard week. Maybe haven’t seen my friends in too long. And my family. They’re all having a birthday party get-together in Oregon - without me! Which made me miss them so very much. And I didn’t do something fun for me this week. I can really feel it when I don’t take time for me. I will make sure tomorrow is for fun – whether I’m done with my homework or not!

In spite of it all I know, "This too shall pass".

I DO have a fabulous instructor who always knows the right words of encouragement and can steer me in the right direction when I get off track. I also have a wonderful fiancé who cooks dinner for me when I get to studying too late. And who gives good hugs. And family and friends who love and support me.

And then – I turned to the reading in my manual for the next class and find this:

“All beginnings are somewhat strange; but we must have patience, and little by little, we shall find things, which at first were obscure, becoming clear.
– Vincent De Paul

How true! And what timing for me to hear this. All the things that were baffling me last week – ARE much clearer now. I have a much better understanding of ISP’s, the new email program I installed, routers, and domain names!

I specifically liked the chapter in one of our assigned books, “Life is Not Your Work". It discusses how we have been conditioned to look at our work for meaning and fulfillment. The author says this is a setup because we are looking for "a life" in our work - and that's not where it's at. That was very profound for me. Seems as long as I can remember I have been trying to find my "purpose", and I ALWAYS have associated that with my career. "As soon as I am doing what I love - my life will have meaning." This was my thought pattern as I chased from one job to another. How interesting to think that my purpose and meaning and fulfillment CAN actually be obtained through other means outside of my work. I really need to ponder this one. . . it changes everything.

This week has been full of mixed emotions. At times I just know that I will succeed in this business – nothing can stop me! Everything is falling into place, and I know I’m good at what I do, and when I set my mind to something I can achieve it.

Then the next minute I’m saying to myself – “How is this going to work?” “How am I going to transition from a full time job?” “How will I even get clients if I can’t serve them every day?”

Back and forth I go. It’s somewhat amusing if you stand back and just watch these emotions in a detached way.

I’ve spent a lot of time this week working on changing my ISP provider to one I know I will have wherever I go and whatever I do. And this will involve networking my home computers which has been quite a learning experience. I am also setting up a new email program. When things get too technical – I just want to “shut down” – and I’ve really had to force myself to hang in there and get this done. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel finally.
Just a couple more glitches to work out!

To me – graduation and eventual coaching seemed so far off and not applicable at this time. But I can really see why it will be invaluable. After graduation – you really have to DO IT! Classroom is one thing. But going out into the real world and actually starting this business will be another. I am thankful I’ll have alumni coaching with Stacy for a full year after graduation!

Wow just read the latest Cheryl Richardson Newsletter which addresses EXACTLY how I’m feeling... It’s called “Successful Beginnings: The three stages of learning.” Basically it’s about how - when we decide to do something new and step into the unknown it’s daunting. This first stage is called“Consciously Incompetent.” She discovered when coaching clients, that the smarter they were, the more vulnerable they feel isn’t that interesting? I must be SO SMART!

The second stage is called, “Consciously Competent,” where we are starting to be able to breathe again, and becoming a bit more comfortable.

The third stage is “Unconsciously Competent,” where we now know what we don’t know and feel fine with it. Everything comes more easily.

I know this to be true in everything I have undertaken so I’m trying to take some deep breaths and “go with the flow.”

Going to the beach tomorrow should be a good plan!

Completed Class 1 and I’m learning about all the things that are going to be necessary to get my business “off the ground.” By the time I finish this course I won’t be wondering what to do with all this information in my head but will already have everything in place.

Later. . .

Getting to Know my Authentic Self: I think this stuff scares me a bit. I sat down to write my life story and got bored! I think I'll do it when I'm in a better place - because I know there's interesting stuff there somewhere!

I’m feeling very overwhelmed - just a very unsettling feeling that I worked at my homework and projects all day and just spun wheels. I hate that kind of day. So I sat down and made a list. What HAS to be done by the next class. What would be nice to get done by the next class. And now it doesn’t look so scary. I think I’ll go for a walk. Get some endorphins going.

So much to be grateful for

-getting married to the man of my dreams next year
-a flexible job with people I like, that will allow me to transition to the VA business easily
-feeling healthier than ever
-a yoga class I love
-flowers everywhere
-a home that is sunny, airy and comfortable
-And a wonderful new business opportunity!

Why this pervasive uneasiness? I think I’m just stressing about things that feel like they are piling up already - ISP’s, Email, Browsers, Virus Protection, Long Distance Service, Zoning Variance, dba, Domain Names it’s growing...

After my first week as a VTP student, I am overcome with a rush of warmth and gratitude and joy for what I am a part of! This organization has its act together!

In the days that followed my Orientation call, as I progressed through my homework, something that kept coming back to me, time after time, is that I love how I am held accountable for each process. In other words, AssistU doesn’t say, when you start your business, you need to have a “business appropriate” email (and they explain what that is), but they also expect you to do it - now not later. Each step has been that way deciding on an ISP, a stand-alone email, finding a Long Distance Phone Service (they even provide a telecommunications expert who is part of our community to give free estimates) EVERYTHING we are told is something we are actually expected to do. Does this make sense? In most classes you are just thrown all this information and then left to deal with it at the end “What do I do now???” But I can see how this will be a continuous, evolving process of actual accomplishments! So that I’ll really be ready to begin my business when the course is over. It ’s very encouraging.

I listened to the Newbie SIG Call on Thursday and was fascinated once again with all the support in place. Lynda Otte is a true professional and I feel fortunate for her support.

I am also grateful for my buddy, Judy Segawa. When I looked her up on the portal I decided that maybe they assigned her because she lived in Honolulu and was in my general geographical area. But when I read further, I found that the way she runs her business has so much in common with my original, sketchy desires of what type of practice I would like to have; namely working with the wellness community. Then, what really blew me away is that she is a student of Abraham-Hicks a philosophy I have been learning about for the past several years. It’s just too coincidental all these similarities. I am truly impressed with the obvious care and time AssistU took to match me up with a buddy! We plan to meet for an Abraham-Hicks workshop in December!

ORIENTATION!

So glad it’s completed. There was a lot of stress leading up to it. I’m not sure why. Maybe just the fear of the unknown.

Well okay it kind of felt as if AssistU was changing my life around which they threatened to do, (you will not be the same person when you finish this course), but I felt overwhelmed with all the changes, Long Distance Service, ISP Provider, Email all of it which I have been completely happy with for years, needs to be evaluated and probably changed.

I can understand why I need to consider serving clients now - not just myself.

So my trainer Desiree lives in Dallas, and graduated from AssistU in 1999. She’s been training for a year and currently has two classes going on! She is married, doesn’t have children and likes to read, scrapbook, travel, and ride her Harley.

I was asked to tell about myself, and so, I am Lauray, and I am so VERY excited to have begun my VTP!

I live in Hawaii, which has been a life-long dream for me. I am an avid reader, and also love snorkeling, yoga, and hiking. I’ve traveled extensively throughout the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. I’m also interested in spiritual development, health and well-being.

What is so exciting for me about being a VA is the opportunity to do what I love while working with like-minded others. There are so many possibilities to make the business personally meaningful and rewarding.

AssistU’s philosophy which includes abundance, integrity, knowledge and balance are in line with my beliefs. What an honor it is to join such a positively dynamic organization!

My classmates are Jenny who has worked in the travel industry for 11 years, and who very graciously offered to take notes, (especially considering she has a 10 month old baby!), Franni who lives in New Mexico and has a background in technical writing, and Synthia who lives in Mississippi, working as an administrative assistant in an education center. I feel despite our varied backgrounds, that there will be much we have in common these next few months.

Desiree told us we will need to wrap up each call with a “Wow” moment - something that made us go “Wow” and I like that approach.

Probably my “Wow” moment for this Orientation class is that the 20 week program is a “Journey not a destination”. I know we’ve all heard this kind of thing time and again. But I want to really try to make this experience enjoyable, knowing that I am a life-long learner and I’m learning some really cool stuff.

A scary thing we touched on, is zoning laws. Apparently, we need to make sure we are allowed by our county to run a business out of our home and if not we need to file a variance that allows us to do this legally. One VA found out she could not - what does she do now???

So I leave you now to delve into my homework. There are 10 assignments before next class!!!

Continued reading my manual and had a short moment of panic, as I realized there were actual things I should be doing before Orientation!!! Yikes, I’m going to get to work!

I’m reading the Training Manual - About Assist U

The Blueprint for New Leadership inspired me to want to be a part of this organization from the day I initially saw it on the AssistU Website, and again when I read it today.

“Our word is our bond.” Yes it is. An old sales director of mine, Rena Tarbet used to say, “if you say you’re going to do something - then dadgummit do it!” And I agree. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I am promised something that isn’t delivered.

“When love is present, people give their best and find the ability to become more than they ever thought possible.” I once worked for a company that put too much emphasis on what was wrong and not what was right. If we made a mistake, the most important thing was “who did it” not “how can it be resolved?” Operating out of fear, we became less productive and made even more of the very mistakes they were trying to avoid.

“Balance - nothing in the world is so important that it can’t wait ‘til tomorrow”. Right on!

Received my workbook - impressive!

Savored the moment with feet on a pillow and a cup of tea. . .

I enjoyed looking over the materials... So far in the Introduction, I’ve already learned some handy tips to try. There’s even a section for creating my own web page!

Wow - I’m excited . . . and apprehensive . . .

What an awesome opportunity to be one of the few selected to embark on this journey towards the personal freedom I have been seeking for so long being my own boss!

But I’m feeling some anxiety - Am I going to have time to apply myself to this while working full time?

More importantly to the fun loving person that I am: Will I be able to have FUN after working full time and doing this class?
Hmmmmmm??? I guess the point is that I will be having FUN for the rest of my life doing my own business - yeah!