Randi Leifer's Diary

:: Class 19: June 3, 2008 ::

This was our last class. We did a review of what to expect of the VTP final exam to be sure we are as prepared as possible. We discussed what happens after the VTP, including graduation, the Registry, certification, and the many resources available only to AssistU alumni. We also did some final housekeeping. Most exciting was my direction to the auto responder to access and sign the Assist University Definitions and Standards of Excellence, Ethics, And Practices Pledge.

I have been dreaming of this moment since October, and now it's here. This most definitely qualifies as the mother of all WOW moments. I take so much away from this journey; I don't know where to begin. I am grateful for this opportunity to be all that I can be, and the friends I have made.

Right now, I have my sights set on completing the VTP final, and passing it.

I am posting this diary entry *before* class, as I am going away for a few days. I am anticipating that the bulk of the class discussion will cover mistakes and blame, as that is the major content of the learning module for class 18, and it is the only one left! (pretty clever, huh?) Immediately, two quotes come to mind:

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
- Albert Einstein

"If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down, but the staying down."
- Mary Pickford

This was one of my favorite learning modules to read, as it contains so much useful and insightful tips for everyday life. What are my thoughts about making mistakes and blame? you ask. Blaming has no positive effect at all, nor does trying to persuade using reason and arguments. That is my experience. No blame, no reasoning, no argument, just understanding. If you understand, and you show that you understand, and the situation will change.

This class was about the importance of always investing in one's self. Cindy masterfully drove home the very powerful reminders of:

* The #1 asset of VA is being a lifelong learner; always wanting to improve,
and always being awake to positive things around us.
* Continuously remove tolerations.
* Take care of yourself.


We also focused on the fact that listening is one of the best and most important investments a VA can make in a relationship with a client. And it is important to listen for content with your ears, and context with your heart.

I was doing just that, as I picked up on the bittersweet tone of the class, as we all spoke about our feelings regarding the VTP coming to an end.

Class 16 was dedicated to role playing. I was anxious at the beginning of class, but as usual, Cindy put us at ease. It was a practice session, where Cindy threw out hypothetical conversations with potential clients, and we were to respond appropriately. We all did surprisingly well.

The bottom line.......(as per Cindy)

"Stick to your standards, don't have conversations on the fly (schedule an appointment), don't be afraid to take the lead in the conversation, know why the PC should hire you, and be comfortable with your skill set. "

Cindy has prepared us well, and continues to instill and reinforce the much needed confidence to go out into the world as NEWBIES.

Thanks, Cindy!

Class 15 covered every possible aspect of having conversations with clients and potential clients. When I began the VTP, I thought as most people do, that when I was ready to launch my practice, I would be "hungry" to fill my practice. I never would have imagined that I would be trying to send clients on their way. But my new perspective, as a result of being introduced to and subsequently embracing the concept of abundance, has lead me to a comfort zone, where I know that I will only allow ideal clients into my practice.

I have been given a gift from the VTP experience: that is to *know* that I am unique and that my clients will choose me more from *who* I am, than for *what* I do. And, that there is more than enough to go around. Next week, we are devoting our class to all sorts of role playing. I am not quite sure what that is going to be like, but I am sensing it will be fun!

Most of class 14 was spent in discussing partnerships. It is amazing to see how far we (my classmates) have all come. So many great questions are being asked about the practicalities of operating our practices. We are all confident in our capabilities, and the promises that being a successful VA holds for our future. We have been empowered to talk about our dreams, because they seem real enough to touch.

As for me... I see that all the effort that I have invested in the VTP is almost ready to be put to use. My wise self is telling me that this is not the time to quietly sit on the sidelines, because I am just about ready for the my debut.

At the start of the VTP I wasn't quite sure where I was headed, but now:

Dear Future:

I am coming to meet you. And I am not afraid.

-Me.

Class 13 was all about relationships. The relationship between the VA and her client is the most crucial piece of a VA partnership. As an AssistU VA, we are more than *just* a VA. We are in a collaborative relationship, and a partner with our clients for our mutual success. I submitted the final version of my business plan, early, I might add. I also received a very positive 12-week evaluation. I must admit I am very proud of myself.

Participation in the VTP has been a life altering experience for me, in many ways. Thankfully, I have been successfully meeting the challenge.

Class 12 was all about different ways to market our practices. Now that we are able to visualize exactly what and how we are going to be doing for the rest of our professional lives, it is important to stay on track by promoting ourselves with the many different ways to do it. This class was a lot of fun, and very interesting! I am going to apply some of the concepts covered in class to my marketing collateral pieces, so I can get the best results.

How do I spell relief? I g-o-t m-y b-u-s-i-n-e-s-s p-l-a-n d-r-a-f-t i-n o-n t-i-m-e! (VTP student joke). Writing my business plan, has been so time consuming (and stressful), but exhilarating. And, while a feel a huge amount of weight off my shoulders, I know Cindy will be sending her comments, and there is still more to be done. But that is just the way I want it. This opportunity I have been given will lead me to "my heart's desire."

Class 11 was all about standing for your clients, and some more on using attraction marketing in our practice. Change is difficult for everyone, but I must admit, living an attractive life, while a new way "being," does fit like a glove

Class 10 was all about marketing by attraction. The bottom line of it all: Be a better me so I am more attractive. If I am high quality, my life will be high quality, my business will be high quality, and so on. As I progress through the VTP, I am becoming a better me! By removing all of the negatives, I allow openings in my life that make room for something better. A result of my free will (Wise Self) at work. The course of events yet to come, will be determined by my attitude. I am applying new ways to perform old tasks now. When you think outside of the box and almost anything is possible.

So... I am going to be selfish (because Stacy says we should), and get back to my business plan draft which is due in just 6 days!

The entire class was spent discussing ATTRACTION. The implications of these principles are awesome! We learned the difference between selling and marketing, and I think that might just be the key to being successful in any endeavor.

I am getting the sense that there is magic all around us, if we know where to look. We need to keep our eyes and mind open, and we will start noticing what secrets the universe is setting out for us.

Just be open to letting that magic into our lives!

Most of class eight was delivering our elevator speeches, in a round robin fashion and getting feedback. It was really fascinating to see that all of us are in tune with our anticipated practices. Despite the anxiety regarding completing the VTP, and our business plans, we all seem to be extremely focused, and confident in who we are and where we are headed.

As a result of crafting my elevator speeches, I actually uncovered my USP!

Most of the class was discussing elevator speeches, and their importance in selling yourself and your service to potential clients. In addition to the rest of the assigned fieldwork, we are to create two versions of "our" speech and practice it with assigned buddies. This is to prepare us for our presentation to our class tomorrow night (class 8). Well, my buddies and I completed our practice session earlier today. It was fun! Hopefully, it will go as well in class.

I am really into the meat of developing my business plan now, and I do become overwhelmed, (at times) thinking about how much time it will take to complete it successfully. And, as I was told, at the onset of this adventure and now know, I cannot learn the next thing until I really get the basics. I have learned so much, and each day I become more comfortable, and confident in my efforts. But, I should not be as concerned with what's happening now as I should be with my long-term objectives. For now, I am just going to apply my knowledge, follow my instincts, and keep in mind that the final project, is not final...I will make necessary adjustments, as needed.

"We get to make a living; we give to make a life."
~ Winston Churchill

It has been said: "If you can imagine it, you can make it happen."

We have been determining the specifics of our practice, our ideal clients, and what "dream" career" we will have when we complete the VTP. We are in the thick of developing our business plans, the first step towards making this all a reality.

This "unknown" is so new to me, so I am depending on my Wise Self to lead me in the right direction. I have come to learn, over the past few weeks, that intuition is a strong ally because following traditional logic is not enough to take me where I want to go. This is quite an adventure!

My classmates have formed our own teleconference group one morning a week to work together on our business plans. The first one was on Thursday (3-6-08). It was great! We have become quite a cohesive group, and have formed a nice team.

I received my 6 week evaluation. Surprisingly, I am doing better than I thought. Although I need to revisit pronoun agreements!

I can't believe how fast this is going! We spent the bulk of the class discussing RESERVES. Truly fascinating. We learned so many ways that creating reserves in many areas of life can have a HUGE impact on a person, both personally and professionally. Bottom line... be true to yourself, your standards, and values, and you will create enough reserve to give you the ability to make choices, not simply react to circumstances that are beyond your control.

So far, it is all systems go! I have finally gotten the hang of call prep forms, coordinating my fieldwork with due dates, and Outlook. I realize this pales in comparison to what my capabilities will be by the end of the VTP, but for me it is HUGE!

I am doing a lot of work on my future practice, and myself. It has been said that you need to know what is broken before you can fix it. I didn't know I needed so many repairs. Oh well, better late than never, and I am in the right place, with the right support.

Last night was class four, and the major topic was selecting the ideal client. This is really a complete reversal of any other business planning process I have ever participated in. Not only do I have the opportunity to create the ideal career, but choose who I will work with. Amazing! I guess the operative word there would be choose. My trainer Cindy, my buddy Barbara, and everyone else at Assistu I have dealt with, have been soooooooooo supportive. While I see all the possibilities before me, to me it is still the unknown. But these wonderful ladies, consistently confirm: THIS IS HOW IT WILL BE. I cannot wait to get there. But I am not going to rush it, because I want to enjoy every moment and experience along the way.

Our trainer, Cindy, is an intelligent and skilled VA who is the most wonderful guide through this journey. She is so understanding and helpful, that I can't imagine doing all of this without her. And.my classmates: each and every one of us has our own story, issues, and distractions, but we seem to have formed a cohesive caring group already. What a wonderful group of ladies!

I am finally getting into a groove. Each new task, is a natural extension to the previous one, and I am getting comfortable in making appropriate selections, based on my new found knowledge.

This is going to be a great week...I am going to develop standards, for the life I WANT, and then create boundaries to ensure I get it! This program does much more than develop a career; it actually is helping me develop myself!

The last two weeks have been a little intimidating, but I am beginning to conceptualize my practice. Yesterday was great! I participated in my first group coaching session with Stacy Brice. She is really inspirational. It was like having been granted a session with the Wizard of OZ. It is comforting to know that I am following a path created by Stacy.

We have been learning about the many types of business structures, accounting systems, licensing requirements, zoning ordinances, and sales tax issues, the list goes on. I now understand that all of this "stuff" is actually pieces to a puzzle: "what I am going to be when I grow up." It truly is a lot to learn, but as each new assignment, reading, essay, and website visit is completed, I am able to chart my course....MY WAY, as I understand what the choices are, and how to select the best one.

This week we have been learning about the standards, boundaries, intuition and the "Wise Self." So, I am taking my lessons and figuring out which obstacles I am ready to face -- and overcome them.

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." -George Bernard Shaw

Okay, I admit it: I am overwhelmed! There is so much new information to incorporate.

The VTP really gives you so much to think about (and do). I am excited about all of the possibilities that are now available to me as a result of becoming a successful VA. We have all been warned, by Stacy and other VAs that we probably will find other ways to do things once we are graduates and on our own. But we need to learn, and practice things, as per the VTP now. Outlook vs. Eudora, plain text instead of html, find an ISP, hmmmmmmmm, who knew? I may be overly optimistic now about what I will be able to accomplish. Self-confidence is better than low self-esteem, but it may be luring me into "playing around" with all of the new programs and processes I have been recently introduced to. I feel like a child on a shopping spree in a toy store. Perhaps I should be conserving my energy, and focusing. My vision for the future is quite clear now and while it takes quite a bit of struggle/work, I am confident I am up for it. We all have heard and read about how much work it will take to successfully complete our business plans ..I've got my seat belt fastened and am delving into this new world.

Finally, it was January 22nd, the scheduled date for my Orientation! As usual I sat down to read my morning e-horoscope. It read: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) "A work-related social gathering will be the place where you spark your quest for achievement and recognition. A chance to redeem yourself in the eyes of an authority figure will arrive in a sudden manner - be prepared. Make new friends in the process."

It appears that the stars are aligned for my becoming a VA! I needed a few days to absorb and incorporate all of the new information I have received. I certainly want to show the utmost appreciation and respect for this amazing opportunity by doing well.

My orientation was amazing! My trainer Cindy and all of my classmates are great. To be continued...

Due to an unexpected medical condition, and severe physical restrictions, working from home is my only opportunity for a career. I have had the time to explore my inner landscape, and I discovered untapped imagination and unique talents that may have remained invisible to me because I took them for granted -- or because I did not know how to express them in a tangible form, in a VIRTUAL platform.

I found AssistU during one of many web searches to find a solution to my dilemma. I inquired about applying and a possible scholarship. I completed the application process and submitted an essay explaining why I should be selected for a scholarship. I was praying for this opportunity. On Oct 25, 2007, I opened my e-horoscope. It read: "Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) You are on the edge of something big, even if you don't yet know where it will lead. You'll need to have faith and take the leap into the unknown, for you must initiate any change that will happen now. Remember, there's no need to hang onto your old goals if they no longer have as much significance anymore."

I then opened my next email:

Subject:-Welcome to AssistU!

Congratulations!!!!!! Welcome to AssistU! I'm also happy to inform you that you have been awarded a full scholarship for the January VTP!

I was thrilled! AssistU provides "The Art of Possibility - the capturing of passionate energy and transforming it into a true force for self development and fulfillment.....for life is a path of infinite possibilities." ~ author unknown

For this I am truly grateful.