Reading and writing skills are absolute needs in daily life. Texts are read from blackberries and iPhones as one brews coffee. On the way to work, when one is on the bus or driving, signs are read for directions and then noted so as not to miss one’s turns or stop. At the workplace, staff is expected to read, comprehend, and analyze market reports, summaries of meetings, and trend updates.

For a Virtual Assistant (VA) as well as for other professions, reading is equal to breathing. The two goals of reading are to find information, for example, procedures in electronic filing. Then there’s the other purpose of reading, the understanding aspect. These two occur at the same time so that the reader discovers or acquires something new. Getting the information and relating it is vastly different from having the information then being in a position to explain its relevance, where it is connected, and how it may impact the task at hand.

In the current professional environment, acquisition of new information along with sharp administrative skills is a foundation of success in the workplace. But this is also the era of information overload where choices have to be made on which reading materials take priority.

Whether immersed in fiction, non-fiction, annual reports and other reading materials, consider the following:

1. Reading contributes to improving writing skills. Certain authors can influence vocabulary and sentence construction. Successful authors of books such as The 4-Hour Workweek show concise writing that is easy read for audiences.
2. Reading is good training for focus and concentration. Multi-tasking is not possible when reading as it is an activity that requires attention.
3. Reading improves retention of information. In a novel, there are several characters and plotlines that must be recalled to keep track of the story. The same is true for non-fiction book reading. It must be noted that new memories that are created result in new brain pathways (new synapses).

Perhaps the best value in reading is found in Vera Nazarian’s words:

“Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.”

Written by Yoli P.- The Help

Researchers conduct surveys to discover trends, to find answers, and to base decisions on objective information. Resources are better allocated and market inclination become factors in moving a business forward.

In a company, self-evaluation is a year-end activity that allows management to feel the pulse of its staff.  Some employees do not take it seriously, missing an opportunity to interact with a manager or supervisor.

To begin, honestly look at strength and weaknesses. Write a list of skills and character pluses/minuses. Leave it for a day or two, come back to focus on where improvements are needed. For example, when waiting for a colleague’s Excel input on a report, exercise patience and tact. Think about the feedback on a finished assignment in the past.

Do some digging on what it takes to become successful. If future plans include acquiring programming or accounting skills, find out how to make it happen. Examine knowledge gaps, and take steps to get additional training.

To handle shortcomings, present them as focal points for development, as stepping-stones to learn more, as a goal to be in a position to better contribute to company goals. Document achievements such as streamlining workflow in recruitment and hiring procedures.

Most of all think in terms of career development as this indicates employee commitment to the company. Discussing a career future signifies willingness to take on responsibility not only for oneself but also for tasks given to team leaders or managers.

As much as surveys are tools to discover information, self-evaluation is a device to assess skills. Self-evaluation can be challenging since staff tend to minimize their accomplishments but it is an occasion to see oneself in a future scene.

“Where would I like to be in two years? In five years?” Self-evaluation grounds staff and provides management with insight into its employees’ goals and aspirations.

Written by Yoli P.- The Help

For a time, the now well entrenched virtual assistance industry suffered from some misconceptions. According to dictionary.reference.com, misconception is a mistaken notion. What are some of the misconceptions heaped on virtual assistants professionals?

The first is the mistaken idea that virtual assistants are not efficient. Although VAs sometimes work in their pajamas, they perform as well if not better than peers in an actual office. Streamlined companies rely on virtual assistants since they create company savings in many ways such as minimizing fixed costs, for example, on computer equipment.

Prospective clients and the general public have the impression that virtual assistants are expensive. In fact, VA’s are paid based on a pre-agreed rate that may change when they prove to be reliable. They’re affordable because benefits and workspace are not provided.

Another misconception is that VAs cannot be trusted with confidential information. However, VAs take pride in their trustworthiness, a trait needed in both the virtual and actual workplaces. Both small business and well-oiled corporations need additional help in operations, where confidentiality is a must.

Over the years, these misconceptions have been debunked through the hard work of industry pioneers. Former secretaries morphed into General VAs, SEO/Web Marketers, Web Developers, Graphic Designers, Content Writers, Video Editors, and Mobile App Developer VA. Because hiring a VA implies major savings on equipment, location, and benefits, many small businesses contracts with one who can handle many if not all aspects of operations.

All in all, the gradual growth of the virtual industry has given entry-level jobs to recent college graduates. It also allowed small businesses to flourish because owners and managers have free and available chunks of time to grow their businesses.

Misconceptions can deter some would-be virtual assistants from pursuing a career in the field. Over time, however, efficient and hard work will erase mistaken ideas about virtual assistants.

Written by Yoli P.- The Help

November starts with All Saints Day on the 1^st, All Souls Day on the 2^nd. It is the 11^th month, signaling that the year is about to end. In numerology, eleven is the number about balance; interpreted to mean vision, invention, and also refinement (whats-your-sign.com). But November is also about remembering, as is done with celebrating the saints and prayers for departed souls are offered.

Remembering is that process that connects the present to the past. Office best practices are connected by an event that happened five months ago to the current challenge. It is important to understand that continuity is preserved because of recall using diaries, recorded events, and conversations. Colleagues and managers leave, employee turnover happens, and love ones pass on but these changes are opportunities to appreciate the ongoing personal or professional learning over the years.

November is that time for taking stock of goals undertaken in the beginning of the year. Among those goals could be improving soft skills such as accepting feedback, adapting to new practices, or critical thinking. Perhaps having boundaries so that work does not encroach on family life is another.

Above all, November is the month for thanksgiving. Because work and its daily demands get the most attention, life’s many gifts may go unappreciated.

To begin the act of appreciation, write a to do list of three to five activities. Once the list is done, try and complete at least one every month. No pressure. For example, an activity could be taking photos with the iPhone. Catch the sun’s orange haze in an afternoon. Take pictures of family and friends. Create a collage; it will be a reminder of happy days past. Make an effort to talk to family and friends instead of emailing and sending a text.

But there’s no need to wait for November for appreciation. Looking back to having lived a day, there’s reason to look forward to the sun’s joyful energy and light, to try and accomplish more for one’s personal and professional life. Remembering can help sustain todays and tomorrows.

Written by Yoli P.- The Help

Healthy thinking that is translated to healthy behavior improve and minimize risks of disease. Incorporating good eating habits and exercise in daily activities will only produce positive results. With the support of family and friends, taking one or more of the action steps below will make staying healthy a reality.

• Regular exercise.

Regular physical activity is priceless; 30 minutes of walking will go a long way in one’s goal to stay healthy. Physical activity such as dancing is both a pleasure and an exercise. Invite friends to exercise with you to help stay on track.

• Weight control

Keeping your weight within a healthy range can be difficult. Losing pounds, if one has some extras, is the first step. A diet of vegetables and whole grains will make inroads in weight loss.

• Quit smoking

Stopping the habit of smoking is the best step for all who are keen on becoming healthy. There are quit-smoking programs and health insurance plans that can assist in giving up smoking.

• Start a healthy diet

Making red meat the smallest portion of food intake and focusing on vegetables, fiber, and fruits is fundamental in healthy eating. Consider beans for protein source and avoid processed food such as baked goods and junk food.

• Make time for screening tests

Getting regular screening tests can help catch cancer at an early stage when they can still be treated. Annual testing for breast, cervical, and prostate cancer is recommended. For colon and rectal cancer, testing every ten years is suggested.

Good health is key in maintaining a balance between the professional and personal life of an employee. It enables everyone to pursue dreams, complete tasks, and to start new projects. With a healthy lifestyle, everyday is a new page healthy living.

Written by Yoli P.- The Help