Georgetown, ON

I thought I would reiterate the importance of having a branded identity. For some, you may be thinking, "OK I've hear of branding but, what does that actually mean"?

A branded identity is your opportunity to shine. To put together a logo, colour scheme and design for your business that will allow you to successfully stand out about your competition.

You want your identity to be eye appealing, catchy and memorable. With successful branding, prospective clients will remember your name and be more willing to seek your services when needed.

Be sure to carry your branded image across all marketing material. Prospective clients need to see your name at least 7 times before they actually begin to remember you.

For help or suggestions with your business branding, contact Ness Lindsay today!

To Your Success,

Vanessa

Http://www.NessLindsay.com

I have been a stay-at-home mom since my daughter was born. It's hard to believe that was eight years ago! Throughout this time, I had done small jobs for family and friends but for the most part, I was devoted 100% to my children and family.

After the birth of my son in 2003, my husband and I began to talk about my returning to work once my son started school. I looked forward to the idea as I thought it would be nice to get back into the workforce and socialize with adults again. However, as my son got older, I began to have second thoughts. I couldn't fathom the idea of my children going to daycare. The thought of another person seeing a new milestone before I did was heart wrenching!

I had to come up with an idea that would allow me to work from home. This I thought was my only option. Since I had always completed jobs for family and friends, I decided I could try and put my skills together that would be the foundation of my business. Instead of doing the jobs for free, as I had in the past, I would charge people for my skills and creative talent.

I completed a year of research, and it was then I discovered the wonderful world of Virtual Assistants. I quickly realized I wasn't alone, but more importantly, I knew that I could do this! That was 2 years ago. I now run a successful Virtual Assistant business and have had my doors open (so to speak) since January 2007. I can do what I always wanted to do - raise my children while helping to support my family!

For me, opening my business wasn't the hardest part. It was in fact, creating a balance. Now I have two passions that I would love to dedicate all my time to. Yet, as I've quickly realized, it's just not possible! Self discipline has played a huge role in how I manage my time. I have learnt to carefully draw a line between my personal and business life. It can be so easy to forget ‘I'm not at work' when my computer is within arm's reach. Somewhere along the way, we as entrepreneurs need to set ground rules.

I have listed some steps that have helped me create my balance in life. Feel free to implement these techniques and adjust them accordingly.

1. Set a designated time for your office. For example 9 am to 5 pm or 7 am to 3 pm.

2. Set up your office in a specific place within your house. Don't have your office in your master bedroom or living room. Your office will be too tempting during family time.

3. At the end of your work day, turn off your computer, cell phone, hand held device and any other form of technology where clients contact you.

4. Do your absolute best to leave the burden of your work at your office. I know sometimes this can be easier said than done. But, you don't want to burn yourself out. When it is family time, do everything possible to focus on just your family.

5. At the end of your work day. Unwind before beginning your family time. Take a quick walk, go for a drive, engage in mental meditation, whatever it is that sets you at ease and gives you the ability to completely focus on your family.

"Balance in your life between work and your personal life is very important. Without balance, you eventually burnout negatively affecting your performance at work."
Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from What Are the Benefits to Me?

To Your Success,

Vanessa Lindsay

Http://www.NessLindsay.com

I am sure some agents have already thought of and practised this; I would be naive to think otherwise. However, I personally have never seen it done in my community and therefore, I feel it is noteworthy.

Most people want/need recognition. As humans, we love the idea of receiving tangible items for free and relish the idea of someone making an effort to appreciate us.

So, with that said, my proposal to you is to hold an annual client appreciation day. Your first thought may be ‘But I'm just a small company, I couldn't afford this'. BUT WAIT...here me out!

As a small business owner or a large company, you could easily pull this off with little to no cost to you. How? Simple...INVOLVE YOUR COMMUNITY! That's right. Contact local businesses in the area (be sure to give them enough time to respond) and explain to them what you would like to accomplish and when. You will be surprised at how many companies are willing to pitch in and help. For example, your local pizza company will probably donate some free pizzas. Teenagers from your local high school could offer to do face painting for the kids. Companies can donate small items to be won.

Are you wondering why companies would be so willing to offer assistance? Their main reason is marketing. Their business name will be displayed for them in front of all your clients for free in exchange for a nominal donation to your event. Plus, some of your clients are going to be new to the area, what better way than to allow community businesses to market to new area residents? While you're at it, why not contact your local newspaper and ask them to send a photographer over to take some pictures? Now, you have a free article in the paper which = FREE MARKETING FOR YOU!

Pretty exciting isn't it? You can easily hold a client appreciation event without having to break the bank. Whether your company is big or small, you can do wonders...You just have to think outside of the box!

To Your Success,

Vanessa

Http://www.NessLindsay.com

Have you ever wished you had more hours in a day? Or thought time sure flies fast? When was the last time you left the office at 5 o'clock?

Why not commit this week to simplifying your life? Give yourself the opportunity to stop being so caught up in everyday activities. Start taking time to truly enjoy life, your spouse and your children.

Designate a family day or ‘it's all about me' day. Make time to enjoy Mother Nature, the laughter of a child or perhaps give back to your community.

It's so easy to get wrapped up in your everyday life and before you know it - life has quickly passed you by. Try to delegate your extra work load, clear your desk and your schedule. If you don't wish to delegate work long-term, at least plan to delegate your extra work for this week or next. You'll be glad you did!

To Your Success,

Vanessa

Http://www.nesslindsay.com

In 2007, the National Association of Realtors released a survey that revealed 73% of prospective buyers that saw a home on the internet drove by/viewed the home of interest. 57% of people who viewed a home on-line completed a walk through of the home.

It goes without saying, being in the Real Estate industry, it is imperative to have a solid business foundation in all areas. 43% of buyers who found an agent were referred to by a friend while 11% used an agent they worked with previously and 8% found an agent via the internet.

With today's technology, the importance of having a presence in your local community as well as on the internet is so vital, especially when 89% of agents have a website!

Can you really afford not to have a website?

To Your Success,

Ness Lindsay

http://www.nesslindsay.com