ACS News January 2004

[Home] [Bookstore] For those who work at/from home. [Business Partners] A list of complementary businesses to our services. If you would like yours listed, please let us know! [Case Studies] Wondering how we could assist your business? [Membership] For prospective virtual secretaries. [Newsletters] Read our previous issues. [Rates] Kathie's service rates. [Services] A sample list. [VA Directory] For a full list of our team. [Search] Search our site for further information. If you received this newsletter by regular mail, have an email address and would like to receive this online, please either subscribe at our website, or contact our office with your email address. Feel free to pass this newsletter onto a friend! www.asecretary.com.au Why are you on this list? You could be any of the following: a client we've swapped business cards member of MBN, BNI, NSAA or another networking group that I participate in. How to get on or off this list: Send a fax or write me if receiving this by post and wishing to update contact details, or be removed. Or, if receiving online please click here to subscribe or unsubscribe. PO Box 2918, Cheltenham, Victoria, Australia, 3192 Ph: +613 9583 8359 Fax: +613 9585 3785 kathie@asecretary.com.au	Celebrations
	All around the world Office Professionals, Administrative Professionals and others celebrate their profession. It used to be known as Secretaries Day but to keep in line with changes in the office and the technological needs, as many are now called office professionals, administrative assistants, executive assistants and many other titles the day is now known as National Office Professionals Day. Included of course, are Virtual Assistants. In the USA this celebration takes place in the last week of April but because Easter is often closely followed by Anzac Day the day is now celebrated here in Australia on the first Friday in May (7 th May), although some areas might hold it on another day in the first week of May. It is the time when corporations and smaller businesses have the opportunity to acknowledge the support provided by administrative, office and virtual professionals alike, to help their businesses run smoothly.	It is also a time when Florists, gift hamper providers and chocolate stores are kept busy, providing suitable gifts for those who want to show appreciation for the support they have received. If you are in an office that is shared with others and have administrative support, make sure you show your appreciation to them this year and mark the date of Friday 7th May in your diary to give a card, send flowers or shout them to the celebration breakfast. If you are an administrative/office professional perhaps you'd like to attend the official breakfast being held in your state? Don't forget to take your boss or other work colleagues with you. Details on breakfasts in your state can be found at www.aiop.com.au . Perhaps you run a business that supplies the gifts and other items for special days like this? If so, again you can contact the breakfast co-ordinators in your state at the link above to see how you can get involved – or give me a call!
	Another celebration.....
	“A Clayton's Secretary”® celebrates its 10 th year in operation on the 24th of this month. That time has gone by so quickly. I can remember waiting to get past the 1 st year, then the 3 rd , then the 5 th – all seemed important milestones in the life of a young business. And the statistics we're constantly fed show that more and more businesses drop away as the years progress. Well 10 years is yet another milestone and in celebration of this achievement we are holding an event for Virtual Assistants on 24th March at the Kingswood Golf Club in Dingley. We have speakers coming from both interstate and locally in Victoria to give insight to the following topics for those who are thinking of going into business, or already are but need advice in these areas: ABN & GST – a speaker from the ATO (definitely not boring either!) Computer support and advice Insurances for home based operators Merchant card facilities Networking for your business and word-of-mouth marketing Office support when the paperwork gets too much, and much more.	There will also be trade tables set up to offer attendees the opportunity to promote their various businesses and meet other business operators. So bring your business cards, flyers and product samples (if appropriate) along for the day. The seminar runs from 9.00am to 4.30pm and the investment is $99.00 per person. If you're not in business for yourself but you know someone who is/or are planning to, then please forward this newsletter to him or her or tell them about the seminar. Speakers from the following organisations will be in attendance that day: ABBi ATO BNI Computer Troubleshooters Quikscribe Stratapay It is essential* that you get your registration in as soon as possible to ensure you get a place, and secure at trade table if you would like one.* A registration form can be posted or emailed to you, or get a copy from www.asecretary.com.au/seminars.htm.
	Seven Character Traits of Successful People
	1. They are hard working. There is no such thing as easy money. Success takes hard work and people who are willing to do it. 2. They are honest. Those who are successful long-term are the honest ones. Dishonest people may get the first sale, but honest people will get all the rest! 3. They persevere. How many success stories will go untold because they never happened? And all because someone quit. Successful people outlast everybody else. 4. They are friendly. Have you noticed that most successful people are friendly and people oriented? This endears them to others and enables them to lead others to accomplish the task. 5. They are lifelong learners. Successful people are people who stretch themselves and grow continually, learning from all areas of life, including from their own mistakes.	6. They over-deliver. The old statement of under-promise and over-deliver became famous because it made a lot of people successful, including the richest man in the world - Bill Gates. 7. They seek solutions in the face of problems. Problems are opportunities to do the impossible, not just complain. Successful people are the ones who find solutions. Chris Widener is a popular speaker, writer, and President of Made for Success and Extraordinary Leaders, two companies helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams. Join subscribers in over 100 countries around the world! Visit his websites at http://www.madeforsuccess.com and http://www.extraordinaryleaders.com . Copyright 2002 Made for Success. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
	Must Read/Must See….
	Each month we’ll write about suggested books to read and websites to visit that may benefit you personally or in business. If you have any suggestions, please send them in! They would be most welcome. I'm also happy to accept a small review with a link back to your site or email address.	Book: Personality Plus by Florence Littauer If you deal with people on a daily basis you will have experienced many challenges with others not responding in the way you thought they might. This book provides great insight into the various ways people think and respond and will give you a greater understanding of those around you. Definitely a worthwhile book to read. Website: TheLogoCompany – excellent value for quick turnaround logo design. They have several pages of designs for you to look through to ensure they can do for you what you want.
	About Our Organisation…
	What is a Virtual Assistant? It's a term for home-based secretaries, administrative and secretarial support, and others who supply remote or virtual support. We are as close to you as your computer and can do almost anything traditional support staff do - except virtually. You don't need to provide office space, equipment, software or furniture - we have our own!	Location no issue as the work is carried out 'virtually' no matter where you are!


March 2004 Volume 10, Issue 3	ACS News