When I started writing my blog, I started off full of enthusiasm, bound and determined to make sure I post regularly, but that enthusiasm waned quickly. Not because I didn’t have the desire, but because I just could not find the time to do it.
What this told me really was I really needed to get a handle on managing my time. Now, don’t get me wrong, when it comes to servicing my clients, I am VERY organized, but when it comes to organizing my time, there is some definite improvements that need to be made.
When reading other VA’s blogs, I see a consistent theme, and that is to be a success, you have to have superior time management skills. In just trying to build up clientèle, I find myself working ungodly hours–I mean, it feels as if I’m working 24/7, and truth be told, it might not be 24 (not quite), but it’s definitely seven!
I was ranting to my sounding board–my Dear Husband (DH), and he made such a simple comment that just really spoke to me. He said, “Evelyn, you have to treat this as if you are working for someone else, and 8 to 5. Consider what your “work hours” are going to be and stick to them.” Get up, grab your coffee, start your day, take your morning break, take your lunch break, take your afternoon break and clock out after nine hours.”
And you know what? He’s so right! If I am up at 3:00 a.m. working, there is no way in H-E double hockey sticks that I should still be sitting there working at 8:00 or 9:00 at night!!
Ideally, I’d like to schedule my day to begin at 6:00 a.m. and end by 6:00 p.m. and have Fridays-Sundays off. Now, I know there will be occasions, where I will have to adjust my schedule and work earlier, later, or weekends, as necessary, but for the most part, I’m going to try to make this schedule work.
So, I’ve made a new commitment to really schedule accordingly, not take on more than I can handle by myself, look into building a team of VA’s I can call on to assist me because I am actually great at marketing and getting the work, but although I love to think of myself as Wonder Woman, I’m not. I know I can’t do it all.
So, we’ll see how it goes and hopefully, I can, as I had planned to when I started the Emackulate V.A., post to my blog on a regular basis. I’ve only been an official V.A. for nine months, so this is all part of the learning curve. So, stay tuned!
Virtually Yours,
Evelyn “The Emackulate VA”
P.S.–I’d love to hear how you handle your workday scheduling issues!
Hi Evelyn – Time management is my biggest problem also, as I sit typing on Sunday morning and still have not completed my to-do list for Saturday. My goal is the same as yours – to have Friday through Sunday off. I’ll keep hoping…. Enjoy your blog, Nina
Excellent blog Evelyn! This is EXACTLY what I was talking to my husband about before finding your blog … (he’s my sounding board and cheerleader too
I’ve been in my profession for 25-26 years and have always contemplated setting up my own ‘virtual services’ consulting business (already with lots of ‘virtual’ experience, within the university (medicine), corporate, and large groups).
My opportunity came when I was recently laid off (corp. cuts) in April… and decided if I don’t go for it now I never would!
I am extremely organized too BUT … some nights after typing away until 1 or 2 am… I lament “what have I accomplished today??!!” or “What do I have to show for all the hours I’ve worked on this”
Don’t you just love the conversations with your friends or family members that go like this: “so, what do you do all day long?” or (in my case)… “you are STILL working on your website!?”)
I am building my own website, which has been very ‘labor intensive’ (ok, so I’m a perfectionist but your website/blog is your ‘public face’)
It isn’t only the technical part but equally or even more important is “content” (including graphics). Now I know why people get their sites done for them but I am a very determined person!.
The link I provided is to my business blog…which I *finally* launched last night (more like 1:00am something…).
I’m chipping away at the website and think (*finally*) I am seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel. Reading some of the entries today on this blog has been really useful!! It sure helps to be able to learn from others and realize you’re not alone in this endeavor!
I’m subscribed to some great copyright/writing blogs which have been extremely helpful for phenomenal tips and advice on ‘marketing’ your services and web or blog content creation. The tips and advice apply to anybody who has their business or services on the web!
I’d be happy to share them with anybody who is interested!
Back to the website, but for sure I’ll be visiting again very soon (and I’ll be sure to promote your blog as well!) If you get a chance, check out mine as well.
Best,
Karen