Becoming a Virtual Assistant

Becoming a Virtual Assistant is not a decision to be made lightly, but rather a journey within yourself. It all started when I quit my full time administrative job with the intent of finding a part time job that would allow me more time at home. Soon after I quit, I found myself pregnant, very sick and unable to go out and search for part time work. I had no idea there was any such thing as a Virtual Assistant at the time, I only knew I needed to help with the income of the household without sacrificing staying at home as much as I could.

I searched extensively through home-based businesses trying to figure out what I could do to help out with the family income. It wasn't until several months of trying various “work at home” businesses that I stumbled onto a website that introduced me to the idea of a Virtual Assistant. I thought the Heavens had shined on me at that moment! To think I could have a career doing something I was already skilled at, enjoyed, and stay at home? What luck! That’s when I knew I had to figure out a way to make it happen.

During the process of learning about what a Virtual Assistant was and what they did, I realized there were some important questions I had to ask of myself. Why did I want to be a VA? Why did I want to start my own business? Did I think I could really do it? The answers came pretty easily. I wanted to be a VA because I really did enjoy doing administrative work. I enjoyed the creativity of the work and pride I felt when I finished a project. What I did not enjoy was feeling like I never got any recognition for all my hard work and accomplishments. I wanted to start my own business so that I could share my passion for the business and problem solving skills with the world. I wanted to take on a new challenge, to grow as a person and to achieve independence. I knew it would be difficult starting a business with no prior experience, but backing away from a dream has never been my style. I knew I had the drive, the desire and the skills, I just needed guidance.

The more I researched the Virtual Assistant industry, the more I realized that it wasn’t just about starting a business or having a career. It soon became apparent that Virtual Assistants have a set of ethics behind their work that I didn’t expect. They don’t just go out there trying to make a buck; they want to help others with what they know. They want to encourage, to help succeed and to give knowledge to the world. VA’s aren’t just administrative assistants working from home; they are nurturing, creative, spiritual beings who give of themselves everyday. This is one reason why I want to be a Virtual Assistant. I want to use my knowledge and experience to help make this world better, one business at a time.

I really feel like becoming a Virtual Assistant is the perfect choice for me and my life. It will allow me to continue to perform the type of work that I enjoy doing while being able to make a positive contribution to the growth of not one, but many businesses. It will enable me to challenge myself to learn new skills so that I can be of value to many clients and grow my business. I want the freedom to choose my clients so I can work with those that will appreciate my input and hard work. And most of all, being a Virtual Assistant will help me to gain independence and control over my life so that I can make my own schedule and spend more time with my family.

I am very excited at the thought of having the opportunity to learn the many different tools that AssistU has to offer. I have already started on the venture of becoming a VA by getting a business license, creating a web site and marketing materials and participating in Virtual Assistant forums. I just need guidance into how to get my business off the ground, and growing it so I can become an asset to my clients and myself. I can’t wait to dive in to this program so I can get a great start to a new life, a new career and a great adventure!

Before I worked as an Administrative Assistant, I worked for several years in food service. I believe this experience gave me excellent customer service skills which are necessary when interacting with clients and potential clients. I learned to be friendly and courteous and always have a smile. I also learned the importance of having patience with customers when a problem arises because it makes it easier to solve the issue.

This is a document. You can use Word to create or view one of these.

This is "portable document format". You can use Adobe software to create a PDF format.

These are picture files. You can view these with a media program.

This is a compressed file. I am not sure how to view or create this.

This is an executable file. I am not sure how to view or create this.

This is a text file. I am not sure how to view or create this.

All my experience with the internet has been hands-on and self-taught.

Spam is unsolicited ads or email.

Two ways that you would be able to get a file from your word processor onto an email would be to either attach a document to an email or to copy and paste a document onto a page of an email.

A web browser is a software application such as Internet Explorer or Netscape that allows a user to the world wide web. A search engine is a system on the internet that allows the user to search for information on the internet.

The internet is a collection of interconnected computer networks and the world wide web is a service that is accessible by route of the internet.

Two ways email makes my life easier is corresponding with another individual without having to pick up the phone and by being able to send documents through attachments without having to use regular mail or fax.

I feel that I am proficient in creating tables in Word, and creating word art and clip art. I have looked at the 2007 version of Word and I think that there are new features that I have yet to learn that I would like to.

I do like to shop on the internet on occasion, but I do not do it often enough to have any favorite sites. I have shopped on Target.com, Motherhood Maternity, and EBay to name a few.

Yes there is a Small Business Development Center in Towson, MD. I simply went to my search bar and typed in "small business administration, towson, md" and it was the first link to come up for that search.

To create a new folder on my computer I would go to "My Documents" and click on "Make New Folder". I would then name the folder and add whatever documents I wanted to it.

Microsoft Office Professional 2007 Trial
Microsoft Office Project Standard 2007 Trial
Adobe Reader 7.0.9
Adobe Shockwave Player
Adobe Flash Player 9
Express Dictate

I think the upside of downloading Microsoft Free Trials enables the user to try out the product before they buy it. That way the user can decide if it is a product that they want to purchase or not.

I have not bought a software program off of the internet. I have only downloaded the free versions of these programs and so far I don't see any downside.

The process of installing software is usually very easy. Most programs take you through every step you need to go through. You put the disk in your cd-rom, wait for the screen to load onto the computer, and follow all of the directions for installment. Afterwards you usually need to restart your computer.

If I were going to send a file attached to an email, I would go to the "attach files" link on my email, find the proper document for attachment, and then click on "attach file".

Personal research, networking, gaining knowledge, posting ads, creating a website, responding to RFP's, participating in group forums.

I am pretty comfortable with having difficult conversations. Sometimes these are just conversations that need to be had. I am an honest and upfront person who can admit when they have made a mistake. I believe communication is very important in life and in business. In the long run it actually can make things easier and create a healthy, more productive atmosphere. I also believe that admitting mistakes is an important part of the growth process.

I am totally comfortable asking for help. I like to be able to get things done on my own, but I have learned that there are times when it is just necessary to ask for help.

I am very comfortable asking questions. I am a firm believer that if you do not know the answer to something, that you should seek a way to find it. I do like to try to find answers on my own first, if I think I can. Otherwise, I will defiantly ask another if I know they have the answer.

I have always been a very independent person. I have taught myself how to use the internet and every computer program I know. I am a self-starter and highly motivated to get things done once I start.

I would start by setting up the environment that would be best for the production of the project. I would then start brainstorming ideas of how I wanted to go about performing the task. I would also do research to gain more information on the project I was doing. Once I had an idea of how I wanted to begin and what direction I wanted to take, I would get myself set up to work. During the process of completing the project I would make sure I got any questions answered and was free of any distractions so I could do my best work. When the project was finished, I would go over everything, correcting any mistakes.

No I do not see myself in the description of the type of people that keeps themselves from succeeding.

I sometimes question myself when it comes to making decisions, but I feel like that can also be a good thing. Without questioning things that come into my life and decisions that have to be made, I would not seek more knowledge. When I am unsure of a decision it leads to me research for an answer, and in that research I always gain more knowledge. I think it also keeps me from jumping into situations that may end up bad for me.

Beth Eckert
3334 Lowther Way, Antelope, CA 95843
916-879-6757
beth@virtualofficeexpress.com

Skills Profile

•Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel, & Access, Construction Partner, ADP, and Printshop 21.
Ability to juggle multiple assignments and meet deadlines under pressure.
•Strong written and verbal skills.
•Ability to work independently and as member of a team.
•Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
•Commitment to providing excellent client service.
•Ability to work effectively as single administrative support person in office.
•Ability to type 50 wpm

Work History

Sr. Administrative Assistant
M & M Electric, Sacramento, CA
July 2002 - January 2007

•Answer incoming calls on 10-line phone system.
•Create databases, spreadsheets, workbooks, etc.
•Data Entry.
•Experience with Accounts Payable (Construction Partner Software & Quick Books)
•Filing.
•Formatting and proofreading documents.
•Greet, direct, and assist clients.
•Input Payroll.
•Knowledge of all basic office equipment.
•Maintain databases.
•Maintain OSHA log.
•Maintain Workers Comp files.
•Open and distribute mail.
•Order all office supplies.
•Order concrete & other related material to be delivered to job sites.
•Preparing certified/negative payrolls.
•Preparing insurance & subcontract bond certificate requests.
•Preparing & sending meeting notices.
•Preparing union reports.
•Proficient in many computer programs.
•Responsible for hiring and maintaining janitorial account.
•Started as File Clerk and moved to Front Desk Coordinator within 6 months.
•Took several paper files and created databases and files on the computer.
•Used Print Shop to design business cards.
•Write letters, memos, transmittals, etc.

Stay-at-Home-Mother, Sacramento, CA Sept. 1998 – July 2002

•Stayed at home to raise my family.

Waitress/Hostess,
Mums Vegetarian Restaurant Sacramento, CA Jan. 1997 – Sept. 1998

•Greet & direct clients.
•Cash handling.
•Answer phone.
•Take orders/serve food.
•Clean workstation.
•Started as dishwasher, within a few months moved up to waitress.

Cashier/Food Prep
Famous Burgers, Sacramento, CA
April 1995- Nov. 1996

•Greet clients/take orders.
•Answer phone.
•Prepare & serve food.
•Clean workstation.

Customer Service
Burger King, Sacramento, CA
Nov. 1994 – June 1995

•Greet clients/take orders.
•Answer phone.
•Prepare & serve food.
•Clean workstation.

Education

Sacramento High School
Graduated
1994

The information that would really make this experience powerful for me is to learn how to market my business, to create strong client relationships, and to set my own standards of running a business so I can stay true to my beliefs and get the right type of client.

What I really hope to get from this training program is a good solid foundation for my business, the skills necessary for running a VA business, and the knowledge of how to market and grow my business.

What matters most to me in life is my family. I am married and have three sons and they are my whole life. I want to be able to be there for them and to take care of them, because their happiness enriches me.

I like helping people and working with other people. I have always been a people person and taken great pride in knowing I have done a job well done to help another out. I especially like taking on projects and having the responsibility to do them on my own; to know I am trusted to do a great job and have a finished product that reflects my skills and abilities.

What I liked least about working in a support role was never receiving the recognition for all the hard work I did to help keep the company running smoothly. I always felt under-appreciated and under-valued for everything I did, and that really felt bad.

I have four 1/2 years of administrative support experience with M & M Electric as a Senior Administrative Assistant. I started as the file clerk, and over the years I was able to learn just about every office function that was necessary to maintain daily workflow.

I think that these three individuals would only have good things to say about the work I did for them and their company.

My home office space is set up in a corner of my living room. I have a computer desk with my HP Pavilion a705w computer, an HP Photo smart 8450 printer and a Brother laser fax machine and a space to keep my filing, books, and important documents.

My computer has the following specifications:

Base Processor: Intel Celeron(P)340 2.93 GHz
533 MHz

Memory: 256 MB

Hard Drive: 40 GB Ultra DMA
5400 RPM

Modem: PCI K56kflex data/fax modem

Other Specs:

CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive
USB Interface
9-1 Digital Media Card Reader

Internet: Comcast Cable High Speed Internet with Internet Explorer

Virus Protection: Norton Antivirus 2007

Software Programs: Microsoft Office XP Professional - Version 10.0.2627.01

Quicken 2004 - Version 13.00.0000

QuickBooks Simple Start 2007 - Free Starter Edition

QuickTime - Version 7.2.0.240


I currently have no professional training.

I am a member of the following Virtual Assistant organizations:

VANA
VACOC

I was referred by posts on the VANA forum where several VA's who have completed your program highly recommended it.

About The Author

Beth Eckert is Owner and President of Virtual Office Express, one of Californias premiere Virtual Assistant businesses.

Advantages for Using FrontPage... maybe this HTML editor has some hidden advantages

Ever since I've been doing SEO work, I've always griped and complained about FrontPage and all the extraneous code it puts in the section of the page, etc.

Then recently, I had the opportunity to visit with a group of advanced search engine optimizers, and I was shocked to find that many of them use FrontPage and love it.

FrontPage??!!

The first thing I learned is that there are ways to keep out the extraneous code! With FrontPage, you can remove the code, but it keeps comes back again and again and again. But, there’s a way to get rid of it forever.

How to Get Rid of Extraneous Code and Headers

Dave Barry, Webmaster of SmartCertify Direct (http://www.smartcertify.com), explains how:

FrontPage 97 or 98 users:

Click on Start, then Find, then Files or Folders. Search your hard drive (generally your C drive) for a file named frontpg.ini. Click on the file.

When it opens, look for a line that says, “Version 3.0.”

Add this line under Version 3.0:

HTMLREFORMAT=0

The next time you use FrontPage, remove the extraneous code and headers, and they won’t come back.

FrontPage 2000, 2002, or XP users:

Look at the menu bar at the top of the Open Web. Click on Tools, then Page Options.

You’ll see an option box. Under HTML Source, at the top of the page under General, you’ll have this choice:

When saving file(s):

Preserve existing HTML or Reformat using the rules below

If you choose Preserve existing HTML, and if you delete any extraneous code and headers, you won’t see the code or headers on your pages again.

(To view an example screen shot showing the above, click here: http://www.academywebspecialists.com/newsletters/fp2.gif)

Dave added:

“To disable the HTML changing of FrontPage 2000, a registry entry is also needed. This registry file (http://www.academywebspecialists.com/newsletters/noreformat.zip) will do it automatically. Just open the file with Notepad to verify its authenticity before using it.

“The attachment and registry entry must occur on the server.

“Or, if you want to edit the registry manually, here is the code:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Shared

Tools\Web Server Extensions\All Ports]

"ReformatHtml"="0"

Add-In that Generates META Tags

FrontPage also has an Add-in that will delete META tags without going into the source view. It’s called META Tag Maker 2002, and it will create and manage META tags through one dialogue box, without having to go into source view.

http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage/downloads/addin/searchdetail.asp?aid=80

In fact, the FrontPage site has an amazing number of Add-ins for FrontPage that are free for the taking. http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage/downloads/addin/def ault.asp

Some of the more popular Add-ins include:

Multimedia/Special FX, Windows Media Add-in, that will easily embed audio and visual into your Web pages;

Clear Teal Template, that is a 16-page easy-to-use Web template that lets you easily create a Web site;

Scripting/Database Tools, J-Bots Plus 2002 Trial. According to the FrontPage site, J-Bots components make FrontPage Web sites more customized by adding JavaScript-enabled features, but you don’t have to know how to write code or cut and paste. Simply fill in dialog boxes, click Generate, and the JavaScript is created for you.

Other Advantages for Using FrontPage

* Server side includes are easy with FrontPage. Before we go on, let me explain what “server side includes” are.

Server side includes (SSI’s) generate parts of Web pages dynamically on the “server side.” They allow you to add customization features to your Web pages, such as an e-mail form. Unlike other forms of dynamic content, or content that’s created on the fly, server side includes have a normal URL that’s easy for users to remember and doesn’t create problems for the engines.

In other words, SSI’s embed special commands into an HTML document that tells the server to perform specific actions when a user requests the page. The server then creates the Web page on the fly by merging files or inserting requested information.

How might you use SSI’s on your Web page? Let’s say you want to add a form to your Web site for your users to complete to sign up for your newsletter. You could create the form using SSI’s.

For more information on creating SSI’s with FrontPage, visit: http://www.microsoft.com/frontpage/using/default.htm and click on FrontPage Server Extensions.

* Dave Barry, who recently created two major sections of the Dell Web site using FrontPage, manages 40 to 50 Web sites at SmartCertify, and he easily moves back and forth between those sites using FP. With that many sites, there is a lot of duplicity, and he can effortlessly share objects with FP or edit multiple Web sites. With FrontPage, you can cut and paste between the sites, use shared borders, and easily drag and drop files, thus saving a lot of time versus handling each site separately.

If you’ve ever wanted to experiment with Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), FrontPage also makes using them a breeze. You can even create DHTML using FrontPage.

Dave created a video on how to copy and paste, how to use Cascading Style Sheets, and how to use shared borders with Front Page:

http://www.smartcertify.com/seo/frontpage.asp

(Author Note: When viewing these videos, make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Windows Media Player. To download the latest version (7.1), click here (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q299321). Also, I found that I was unable to view the videos if my firewall (Zone Alarm) was running.)

* Another benefit to using FrontPage is being able to create virtual directories with ease. As you know, when you specify a home directory, all of the subdirectories beneath than home directory automatically become subdirectories of the Web site as well. However, you can also designate a folder located elsewhere on the system as a subdirectory of the site by creating a virtual directory out of it. A virtual directory is a directory or folder on a server that is not in the actual server directory structure.

Again, Dave created a video on how to create virtual directories using Front Page:

http://www.smartcertify.com/seo/iis.asp

* If you want to create a database, it’s no problem with FrontPage. It will virtually create a database for you and import data without any database knowledge at all. The program works with Access, SQL, Oracle, and ODBC, and you can set up an SEC-compliant database within 30 seconds and begin working with asp pages with no prior knowledge whatsoever.

Click here for Dave’s video on how to create a database using FrontPage:

http://www.smartcertify.com/seo/dwizard.asp

* To Lee Davies of #1 Internet Marketing (http://www.1-internet-marketing.co.nz), the main advantage to FrontPage is that you can so easily manage all your html pages from the folders section.

For example, “If you were to rename an image, which is something that needs to be done when optimizing, it will rename the links to the images from every page,” he explains.

* What I kept hearing again and again as I interviewed users of FrontPage is that FrontPage saves you time in creating Web pages, because it’s so easy to use. Don Hammond with DonOMite (http://www.donomite.com) explains,

“Straight HTML pages are a breeze with FP. I know a lot of programmers scoff at using it, but it means I can crank out a basic HTML page in seconds rather than minutes. And when I get paid by the job, it means more $/hr to me.”

* Dawn Rowlett with Web Submission Services (http://www.internetmarketingwebsites.com) explains further:

“From the first day that I was introduced to FrontPage, I was instantly able to catch on to some of the many features because it was so easy to use. I think the most beneficial factor to the program for me was that I was able to go in and design a page, knowing nothing at all about HTML. I could include hyperlinks, tables, images, change colors, backgrounds, insert text, create paragraphs, etc. with absolutely no background in coding. I was able to do all of this on my first day with the program!

“I remember one time in the beginning when I was involved in a discussion with a designer who was using another HTML editor and was completely stuck on the coding of how to create a simple table. My first thought at the time was, using Front Page, that is such a simple task.”

* Many professional SEO’s also like to use FrontPage because it’s a program that’s simple enough for their clients to use. So, when the SEO turns the site back over to the client, the client can easily make changes with FrontPage without having to know HTML. As Tom Altman with RSM McGladrey, Inc. (http://www.rsmmcgladrey.com) explains,

“Most of the folks already have the office suite, so they are used to using Word and the like. FrontPage is not that much different, and it lets them maintain their own site.”

Make FrontPage Work the way YOU Want it to!

At the Microsoft FrontPage Server Extensions Resource Kit, you’ll find links to all of the possible ways to make FrontPage work for you, instead of the default values after installation.

http://officeupdate.microsoft.com/frontpage/wpp/serk/apndx03.htm

Take a Free Course in using FrontPage!

Dave Barry at SmartCertify Direct (http://www.smartcertify.com) created a free course in using FrontPage. Simply register at the following URL, and take the free course:

http://www.smartcertify.com/seo/register-seo.asp

In Conclusion

As you’ve seen, some very experienced Web designers and search engine optimizers use FrontPage as their “editor of choice.” Its ease of use and variety of ready-made templates make it a program that’s easy for beginners yet has the functionality that advanced designers need.

It also allows the designer or SEO to get a page designed quickly and easily, and time adds up to money for a busy SEO.

As Nancy Nelson with Search by Design! (http://www.search-by-design.com) said,

“Is it a perfect tool? Certainly not, but FrontPage combined with minor HTML knowledge can take you a long way...”

So FrontPage users, don’t be ashamed to admit that you use FrontPage! Some of the best Web designers in the industry use it, with good reason.

Special Thanks to Dave Barry

Dave Barry with SmartCertify created the videos, screen shots, and free tutorial available in this article. Plus, he gave me the work arounds for getting rid of extraneous code, and he verified the accuracy of the content. Thank you Dave – there’s no way I could have created this article without your help.

Copyright 2002 Robin Nobles and Dave Barry. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Robin Nobles, Director of Training, Academy of Web Specialists, (http://www.academywebspecialists.com) has trained several thousand people in her online search engine marketing courses (http://www.onlinewebtraining.com) and is the content provider for (GRSeo) Search Engine Optimizer software (http://www.se-optimizer.com). She also teaches 4-day hands on search engine marketing workshops in locations across the globe with Search Engine Workshops (http://www.searchengineworkshops.com).

Dave Barry is a professional Webmaster, Web designer, programmer, and search engine optimizer, all rolled up into one amazingly talented man who works for SmartCertify Direct. (http://www.smartcertify.com) He has also begun working with Search Engine Workshops to put on “hands on” training workshops at locations across the globe. (http://www.searchengineworkshops.com).

RobinN@acws.com

Chicago Schools Opens Its First Virtual Elementary School

The Illinois State Board of Education has approved the state’s first virtual public elementary school, the Chicago Virtual Charter School. The Board acted against State Superintendent Randy Dunn’s recommendation to disapprove the Chicago schools application, as well as against the opposition of the powerful Chicago Teachers Union, by voting a five-to-four approval.

Though virtual schools already exist in the United States, they usually are high schools. Several states, however, prohibit virtual charter schools, such as Indiana, Tennessee and New York. South Carolina goes one step further by prohibiting any home-based instruction at its charter schools.

Opposition to the Chicago schools’ new virtual elementary school stem from a variety of areas. Here are just a few:

• Computers will replace teachers and/or reduce their role in education, eliminating many teacher positions.

• The one-on-one attention that students may receive in a physical classroom setting will be lost.

• Virtual students in the Chicago schools will not receive enough social interaction, stunting their socialization skills.

Proponents believe the Chicago schools new virtual institution may give some children a chance to succeed, where traditional schools already have failed. The state board’s Chairman Jesse Ruiz noted that he received many compelling letters from parents, pleading for an alternative approach for their Chicago schools children.

Another issue that faced the state board is the current Illinois law on charter schools, which states they must be “non-home based”. It was for this reason that State Superintendent Dunn had recommended the new Chicago schools’ application be denied. This added more fuel to the Teachers Union’s argument against approving the school.

State board members and proponents argued that the charter school laws were enacted in the 1990s, before lawmakers could have anticipated the growth of technology that makes a virtual school possible. Chicago schools General Counsel Patrick Rocks told the board that the restrictions on home-based charter schools were from concerns that home schools would attempt to reposition themselves as charter schools in order to secure public funding.

Charter schools are part of the Chicago schools system and are given more flexibility in staffing, curriculum and other areas — similar in theory to home schools. They receive public funding per student, causing the lawmakers concern over a possible redefinition of home schools. Rocks presented board members with letters from several of the lawmakers who enacted the law that stated their intent was not to block Internet-based schooling.

After the vote, Teachers Union President Marilyn Stewart vowed to take “swift and appropriate” action to stop or block the opening of the school. Rocks noted that it was very unlikely that the Union could mount any viable legal challenge.

The Chicago schools’ new virtual institution opens September 13, 2006. Already about 300 families have applied for their children to attend, and the school can accept another 300 students, according to Sharon Hayes, head of the school.

Once enrolled, the Chicago schools families receive desktop computers, workbooks and other student materials. The Chicago schools students are required to meet weekly at a downtown Chicago learning center, located within DePaul University. The students interact regularly with teachers through emails, conferences and workshops, as well as interacting with teachers and other students at the learning center.

Chicago Virtual Charter School already scheduled to serve a wide variety of elementary Chicago schools children. They include gifted and special education students, as well as children who previously attended public, private and home schools. Their web site is at: http://www.chicagovcs.org.

About The Author

Patricia Hawke is a staff writer for Schools K-12, providing free, in-depth reports on all U.S. public and private K-12 schools. For more information on Chicago schools visit http://www.schoolsk-12.com/Illinois/Chicago/index.html

Creating Time the Virtual Way

Virtual Assistants are taking on those time-consuming administrative chores and special projects, and giving business owners more breathing room to grow, succeed and fall in love with their business again.

----------

Time.

As a small business owner, it's the commodity you covet most but never seem to have enough of.

If you had more time, you could complete all the administrative chores required to operate your business. With enough time, you could do more marketing, more networking, more planning and systemizing. If you had just a little more, you'd be a whole lot less hurried and stressed.

But how on earth do you create more time to do all the things necessary to run smoothly, build business, and create revenue?

The obvious answer is to increase your manpower. But hiring staff is not always an easy or affordable proposition for the small business owner. Fortunately, there's an outsourcing alternative - Virtual Assistance.

Virtual Assistants provide office support on an independent contractor basis. They primarily serve small to mid-sized businesses who have smaller workloads, need only occasional help, or who don't have the budget or space for in-house office staff, much less the time to train and manage them.

A Virtual Assistant (VA) works from their own office utilizing computers and other technology to deliver their services and communicate with clients. They provide just about any secretarial service you can think of: word processing, transcription, data-entry, database management, spreadsheet creation, proofreading – you name it. Many VAs offer additional specialties such as bookkeeping, web design, desktop publishing, writing and legal support services.

The savings can be huge compared to the cost of an actual employee because there are no payroll taxes or benefits to pay, and no extra office space or equipment needs. Not to mention that not all employee time is productive (think breaks, sick leave, vacations and other downtime). With Virtual Assistance, clients pay only for the time the VA spends working on their behalf. That's 100% productive time; you can't get more efficient than that!

The Virtual Assistance profession has been around well over 10 years now, and has its own industry associations and certification programs. Virtual Assistants operate their businesses as professional service providers. They come from a variety of business backgrounds, but the common denominator is that they are typically overachievers with extensive administrative experience and superior skill sets and training.

Virtual Assistants are not temps. They are highly-skilled entrepreneurs who love what they do and in business to provide consistently top-quality work to clients to whom they are committed.

Virtual Assistants are commonly interested in establishing long-term partnerships with their clients. As the VA learns about the owner and his or her business, supporting the client becomes more intuitive. The ideal is to achieve a very simpatico working relationship where the VA's support not only instills more efficiency and productivity, but is key to helping the client create more time to concentrate on the roles they love most while growing their business successfully.

Although Virtual Assistants are able to serve clients from anywhere in the world, you can find a VA near you by referencing your local Chamber of Commerce directory, or searching the Internet using keywords Virtual Assistant or Virtual Assistance + your city or state. There is also a great Virtual Assistant directory sorted by country and state located at:
http://www.mediamage.com/links/pages/United_States/

About The Author

© Danielle Keister, The Relief

Danielle Keister is the owner of The Relief, a virtual assistance practice located in Tacoma, Washington, that has been delivering expert, personalized office support services to businesses large and small since 1997. She has over 20 years administrative management experience in both the private and public business sectors. Her areas of expertise also include bookkeeping, desktop publishing and web design. For more information, visit www.TheRelief.com.

service@therelief.com

Top 10 Xbox 360 Games Your Kids Want For Christmas This Year - Guaranteed!

Xbox 360 was the number one smash hit for Christmas gifts last year. The reasons are obvious: more visual effects, better console, incredible action, and excellent game choices. This year again teens will be playing Xbox 360 games with their friends, comparing games at school, and buying, renting or swapping the new Xbox games out this year. Here are some of the top picks for Christmas 2006, in a variety of categories, such as action, adventure, shooters, sports, and role-playing. Something for everyone.

1. Gears of War - Shooter

Now this is what next-gen gaming is all about! I've logged over 13 hours of game time so far, and haven't even finished it, but that's because I'm milking this baby for all it's worth. The campaign experience is one to be savored, as there probably won't be anything like it again for quite some time. Gears of War is one of those titles that comes around every couple of years and raises the bar so high that it almost spoils every game released in the next six months.

This third-person shooter thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the earth.

Gears of War is about teamwork in a big way. All game modes, levels and scenarios are designed specifically to encourage cooperative play, whether it be with A.I. partners or human players (with A.I. teammates designed with specific strengths, weaknesses and personalities). Also, voice recognition will be available for players, and voice chat to discuss strategy with your friends.

2. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter - Shooter

The face of war has changed with Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Enemy lines are blurred and there is no clear opponent. New enemies and threats require a new type of warfare and a new kind of soldier. Enter the Ghosts.

In 2013, the U.S. Army will implement its Integrated Warfighter System. IWS combines advanced weapon systems, satellite communication devices, and enhanced survivability features into a fully integrated warfare combat system. Equipped with cutting edge weapons and communications systems, you will find yourself, one of the Ghosts, immersed in a detailed universe which is warfare of the future.

One gamer exclaimed, "This game is a pure showcase of next gen gaming. the graphica are downright gorgeous and this actually helps to immerse you into the story. and the story is riveting enough to actually make you care about mexico city... do your self a favor and buy this game."

3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - RPG

Like earlier games in the Elder Scrolls series, Oblivion is designed to present a living fantasy world that gamers experience on their own terms. The game is populated with over 1,000 NPCs, each leading a fully realized life, following regular schedules according to their individual wants, needs, and positions. Players are encouraged to interact in the world as they choose, as noble heroes, greedy villains, or anything in between. The game's main story and its sidemissions provide plenty of fast-moving adventure.

Advised one fan: "This Game Is Like Crack. Massive enivornment; Beautiful graphics; Great ambient music and sound; Totally engrossing gameplay. This game is unbelieveable. If you like RPG's in the SLIGHTEST, buy it."

4. Fight Night Round 3 - Sports

Easily beating the competition, Fight Night Round 3 brings the most intense boxing videogame experience ever to the virtual boxing ring. Film-quality graphics establish Fight Night Round 3 as one of the best looking and playing Xbox 360 sports games ever produced. The graphics feature devastating punch impacts unparalleled in any game or film.

Outside of the ring, gamers can establish intense rivalries through pre-fight events and trash talk, putting more purpose and passion behind their every hit. The visuals in Fight Night Round 3 are so excellent that they actually enhance the gameplay. The gameplay has been revamped from what was already an excellent experience in Round 2.

5. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent - Action

The bestselling Tom Clancy's "Splinter Cell" game takes on an entirely new direction. You play as a double agent for the first time ever in Splinter Cell Double Agent. You'll take on the dual roles of covert operative and ruthless terrorist, where your choices of whom to betray and whom to protect actually affect the outcome of your game.

Experience the relentless tension and gut-wrenching dilemmas of life as a double agent. Lie. Kill. Sabotage. Betray. But above all, save and protect the innocent. How far will you go to gain the enemy's trust? As covert operative Sam Fisher, you'll infiltrate a vicious terrorist group and seek to destroy it from within. Carefully weigh the consequences of your actions--kill too many terrorists and blow your cover. Hesitate and millions will die. Do whatever it takes to complete your mission, but get out alive.

6. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy - Action

The war between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance has left the galaxy far, far away a huge mess! But luckily with LEGOs, rebuilding is easy! Play through the original trilogy, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, as all three movies are re-created using LEGO bricks. You can play as one of 50 different characters and can even get out of vehicles and ride on various creatures.

Our recommendation: If you liked the first Star Wars game, this one should definitely be on your list. If you've never played the first game, then this one must be on your list! So really, there isn't any reason not to own and play this game.

7. Madden NFL 07 - Sports

With Madden NFL 07, innovative rushing controls allow you to control the running game like never before, with all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs.

For the first time, in a football video game, you can step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback to smash through, jump over, or tear away from any would-be tackler as you head for the end zone.

One fan raved, "Overall it was exactly what i was looking for, ... the new features are all fun, and the individual camera view for every position in superstar mode gave u a feeling of really playing as the character. This will be a great game to play alone or with a group of friends."

8. Dead Rising - Action

Dead Rising follows the harrowing saga of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance photojournalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a clue, he makes his way to a small suburban town only to find that it has been overrun by zombies. He escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety, but it turns out to be anything but.

In the intense struggle to survive the endless stream of zombies, players have full reign of a realistic shopping center, utilizing anything they find to fight off the flesh-hungry mob. The variety of stores in the mall offers players an endless supply of resources including vehicles, makeshift weapons and more. Players encounter other survivors along the way, and by helping them, acquire valuable clues as to what has happened and how to survive.

I couldn't say it better than one fan: "Thousands and thousands of zombies to kill in a myriad of ridiculous ways; tons of things to see and try throughout the mall; great sense of style; a plot that manages to be intriguing without intruding too much on the action; and fantastic sound effects."

9. Saints Row - Action

Welcome to Stilwater, an open-world city with attitude, a city controlled by rival gangs, a city you are about to take over in Saints Row. As a low-level thug in the Third Street Saints, you'll do whatever it takes to get the money and build the respect and power you need to muscle your way to the top. Be careful, though. Your actions have consequences within the game, and around every corner lurks a new threat.

Numerous vehicles are available to "borrow," pedestrians can be slugged or robbed at gunpoint, and there are an assortment of missions to advance the game's primarily storyline. Some features include: fun, responsive driving controls; excellent on-foot shooting action; impressive presentation, featuring amazing explosions and great audio; and a well-written, well-acted story to compel you to keep playing.

10. Hitman: Blood Money - Action

On the run from rival assassins, Agent 47 hops a plane to take care of business stateside in Hitman: Blood Money. Players will guide Agent 47 through a number of locales, including New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as he performs hits. It's up to the player to determine the manner in which a hit is executed, but the "rookie training" mode can show amateur assassins how to help targets have "accidents," by pushing the victim over a ledge or pinning him underneath a heavy object.

The amount of money earned from completed jobs varies depending on the cleanliness and professionalism of the hit. Agent 47's paychecks can be spent in a number of ways including bribing reporters, customizing weapons with one of 15 upgrades, or paying pedestrians for information. Open-ended stealth action gameplay lets you sneak around, or run and gun; beautifully crafted mission set pieces seem appropriately big and complex; large variety of realistic weapons; and great combination of action and strategy.

About The Author

Jason Purnell is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on gaming systems, cheats, and especially Xbox 360 games. He is the author of the new book, Winning Xbox 360 Games: Strategies and Tips from Some of the World's Best Video Gamers. An avid gamer himself, Jason also writes articles on gaming. For more free tips on Xbox 360 games, go to: http://www.Xbox-360-Game-Reviews.com.

Landlord's Corner - Abandonment Clauses In Leases

A. Self Help Evictions

Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.15 prohibits what are known in Ohio as self help evictions. A self help eviction is when the landlord locks the tenant out and/or disposes of the tenant's property without going through the statutory eviction process listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 1923.04. Landlords who engage in self help evictions can be found liable for actual damages (the value of the items lost) and attorneys fees.

Such landlords also face common law claims for relief sounding in conversion, trespass, and trespass to chattels. All of these are intentional torts, and at common law, can be a basis for an award of actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees. Punitive damages can be in amounts which are designed by the courts to make an impression upon the landlord and dissuade the landlord from repeating such mistakes in the future. Thus if the landlord owns or manages a great deal of property, the court may award a large enough amount to make it hurt.

Thus it is clear that damages in self help eviction cases can be costly for the landlord. While tenants do face problems of proof (all of their receipts may have been destroyed along with their property) with the advent of computerization of credit card records and bank statements, it's not that hard to reconstruct the fact that certain purchases took place and for how much. Further, courts are somewhat sympathetic to the proof problems that tenants have in such situations as it was the landlord's misconduct which gave rise to the proof problem.

Even in a case where the tenant cannot prove his or her damages, a court can still award nominal damages to the tenant. Nominal damages are important because they can serve as a basis for an award of punitive damages and/or attorneys fees to the tenant. At today's rates, the tenant's attorneys fees can be an expensive proposition.

Further, even a win in court will not be without costs for the landlord, as the landlord's counsel does not work for free, and the time spent on employee hours to prepare for the presentation of evidence and to attend hearings can be considerable.

Landlord's Corner - Abandonment clauses in leases

A. Self Help Evictions

Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.15 prohibits what are known in Ohio as self help evictions. A self help eviction is when the landlord locks the tenant out and/or disposes of the tenant's property without going through the statutory eviction process listed in Ohio Revised Code Section 1923.04. Landlords who engage in self help evictions can be found liable for actual damages (the value of the items lost) and attorneys fees.

Such landlords also face common law claims for relief sounding in conversion, trespass, and trespass to chattels. All of these are intentional torts, and at common law, can be a basis for an award of actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys fees. Punitive damages can be in amounts which are designed by the courts to make an impression upon the landlord and dissuade the landlord from repeating such mistakes in the future. Thus if the landlord owns or manages a great deal of property, the court may award a large enough amount to make it hurt.

Thus it is clear that damages in self help eviction cases can be costly for the landlord. While tenants do face problems of proof (all of their receipts may have been destroyed along with their property) with the advent of computerization of credit card records and bank statements, it's not that hard to reconstruct the fact that certain purchases took place and for how much. Further, courts are somewhat sympathetic to the proof problems that tenants have in such situations as it was the landlord's misconduct which gave rise to the proof problem.

Even in a case where the tenant cannot prove his or her damages, a court can still award nominal damages to the tenant. Nominal damages are important because they can serve as a basis for an award of punitive damages and/or attorneys fees to the tenant. At today's rates, the tenant's attorneys fees can be an expensive proposition.

Further, even a win in court will not be without costs for the landlord, as the landlord's counsel does not work for free, and the time spent on employee hours to prepare for the presentation of evidence and to attend hearings can be considerable.

View our Landlord's guide to Ohio landlord tenant law

B. Abandonment Clauses

In an attempt to get around these problems, landlords have inserted clauses in lease agreements which state that the tenant will be presumed to have abandoned the apartment if certain listed conditions occur. That way, they figure that if they can show the court that the listed conditions occurred, they will have a defense to the common law causes of action and the statutory violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.15.

These clauses are not without their uses. Even if they are unenforceable, there is no penalty for having them in a lease in Ohio. Further, if a tenant does not know his or her rights, the clause may create a mirage defense such that a suit might be avoided if the landlord acts improperly and then points out the clause to the tenant. But in these days of readily accessible information on the internet, it is unwise to rely upon a tenant's ignorance of his or her rights.

>From the legal point of view, the real trouble with these clauses is that Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.06 prohibits the enforcement of any clause in a rental agreement which conflicts with Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.15. Further, Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.14 prohibits the enforcement of any clauses in rental agreements which a court deems unconscionable. Unconscionable clauses are those clauses which are so one sided, unfair, or overreaching that a court will not enforce them. Many abandonment clauses fit into this definition.

Ohio Courts have defined abandonment as the absolute unequivocal relinquishment of a right or status without regard to self or any other person. It is a virtual throwing away without regard as to who may take over or carry on. It is a total discarding of what existed or went before; and evidence thereof must be direct, affirmative or reasonably beget the exclusive inference of throwing away. Hamilton v. Harville (1989), 63 Ohio App.3d 27.

Thus to simply rely upon a clause in a lease that an apartment will be considered abandoned after the tenant has not been seen for two weeks is unwise. If a tenant is current on his rent, if the tenant's personal items are still at the rented premises, if items of value or sentimental value remain behind, this is strong evidence that the tenant was simply away and may be returning.

Remember the wording above about abandonment being an absolute unequivocal relinquishment? Now consider that abandonment is an affirmative defense for a landlord, meaning that the landlord bears the burden of proof on the issue. If you go to court and your only allies are your attorney and a piece of paper which the court may or may not enforce, you may find yourself behind the eight ball.

C. Cases Which Might Help You If You Are Behind the Eight Ball

Ohio's Fourth District Court of Appeals has upheld the enforceability of some abandonment clauses. In one case, the abandonment clause read as follows:

In the event Resident fails to remove all of their personal property from the premises upon the abandonment of the premises, Landlord may, at its option, remove all or any part of said property in any manner Landlord may choose and store the same without liability to Resident for loss or damage and Resident shall be liable to Landlord for all expenses incurred in such removal and storage of such property. For purposes of this Agreement, abandonment shall mean the Resident's apparent desertion of the premises. Haddox v. Moreland, 1996 Ohio App. LEXIS 3380 (August 5, 1996) Pickaway Co. App. No. 95CA20, unreported.

The Court ignored Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.13(D) which states in pertinent part as follows:

No agreement by a tenant to the exculpation or limitation of any liability of the landlord arising under law or to indemnify the landlord for that liability or its related costs shall be recognized in any rental agreement or in any other agreement between a landlord and tenant.

It is pretty clear that the clause in the contract quoted above by the Fourth District is an attempt to limit a landlord's liability. The Court was likely swayed by the fact that the tenants in this case were not very likeable persons. The facts in this case showed that the tenants had left behind three dogs, one of which was found dead, wrapped in a towel, and the other two were alive in very poor condition. So the holding in this case might not carry much persuasive weight if the tenant in your case has not acted in such an egregious fashion.

D. Tips For The Wise Landlord

The best course of action to take when you find yourself in a situation wherein you cannot be sure whether the tenant has abandoned the place is to file an eviction with the courts and get a writ of restitution. If the bailiff conducts the set out after a properly filed eviction, there will be no liability for the landlord if he or she is sued. The money that you spend filing the eviction will likely pale in comparison to the money you spend on an attorney to defend you on a 5321.15 claim. Even in cases where you are sure that the tenant has abandoned, it is a good idea to video tape the condition of the premises so that you can show a court the conditions which led you to believe that the apartment was abandoned, as this may lead the court to the same conclusion.

The wise landlord will make a practice of having tenants sign a document stating that they have left the property voluntarily as of a certain date and that any property left behind is either not theirs or abandoned. You should also preserve any communications with the tenant such as emails or letters in which the tenant stated that he was leaving and not coming back. Making an inventory of any items left behind is not a bad idea either. Storing valuable items in a safe place for a time is also a good idea. This may limit the damages the tenant can assert against you.

Read more on Landlord Tenant Issues at http://www.ohiolandlordtenant.com

About The Author

Eric E. Willison and Andrew J. Ruzicho II

All contents of article copyright 2006 www.ohiolandlordtenant.com. Eric Willison and Andrew J. Ruzicho II began their Ohio tenant's rights web site in 1999.

Target Audience – One of the Four P’s

Do you know who your target audience is? If you don’t know, you are not maximizing your advertising and/or marketing efforts.

A marketing strategy blends the elements of the marketing mix, also known as the four P’s (product, price, placement, promotion). The promotion element involves communication, and one type of communication is advertising. The advertising strategy combines the elements of a creative mix. This mix includes the target audience, product concept, communications media, and the advertising message.

In order to create an effective advertising message, it is important to know who your target audience is. The target audience includes the end-user, the person who makes the purchase, and the one who influences the purchasing decision. For instance, McDonald’s target audience is made up of children and their parents. The children influences their parent’s purchasing decision. Therefore, McDonald’s advertising message is directed toward the children, as well as their parents.

The process of determining who your target audience is begins with segmenting the consumer market; finding the right niche. This process begins with identifying groups of people with certain shared characteristics within a broad market. The categories of characteristics are geographic, demographic, behavioristic, and psychographic. Then combine these groups into larger market segments according to their mutual interest in the product’s utility or benefit. From these segments, choose your target market. Your target audience includes your target market. The target market in the previous McDonald’s example is the person(s) who makes the purchase. Target audience is larger than the target market.

Segmenting the business market is just as complex as segmenting the consumer market. Business markets are identified by using many of the same variables used to identify consumer markets. Additional variables used are business purchasing procedures, SIC Code, or by market concentration.

The product/service market consists of all types of consumers; however, groups of consumers have similar needs and wants. Begin with market research; identify your groups with shared characteristics; combine these groups into larger markets; and select your target audience which includes your target market. Before you create an effective advertising message, it is important to know who you are talking to. Do you know who your target audience is?

Rita J. Cartwright is a Virtual Assistant and owner of RJ’s Word Processing Services. She received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing from Arizona State University. More information about Rita and her company can be found at http://www.rjswordprocessing.com

About The Author

Rita J. Cartwright is a Virtual Assistant and owner of RJ's Word Processing Services, and she began her business in 2002. In 1998, she received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Marketing from Arizona State University with a minor in Spanish. More information about Rita and her company can be found at http://www.rjswordprocessing.com

Management Span of Control and The Power of Models

There isn’t a steadfast rule in determining a proper Management to Staff ratio. However, there are some guidelines that can assist in establishing a ratio that allows Upper Management to efficiently assess and evaluate a department, department managers to efficiently assess and evaluate employees. And a company to create benchmarks to gauge and define a model ratio that works best with their business model.

First you should define the roles and responsibilities of Management, Supervisors and non-supervisory employees. Here are some suggestions:

Define a Manager:

A Manager has the responsibility for strategic operations, planning and formulates company policy or directs the work of a department. Exercises supervisory authority that is not merely routine or clerical in nature and requires the consistent use of independent judgment.

Additional Related-Duties may include:

Administers one or more policies or programs of a company,

Manages, administers, and controls a local branch office of a company,

Has substantial responsibility in human resources management, company-to-public or company-to-employee relations, public information, or the preparation and administration of budgets.

Examples of working titles that are often managerial include: Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, Division Director (of a major function, i.e., Information Systems and/or PBX).

Define a Supervisor:

A Supervisor is an employee who has responsibility for daily operations and the authority to do, or effectively recommend, most of the following actions:

Hire,
Discipline (demote, suspend, terminate),
Reward (grant merit increases, promotions, bonuses),
Assign/reassign duties,
Approve leave requests,
Resolve/settle employee relations’ problems,
Formally evaluate employee performance.

Examples of working titles that are often supervisory include: Crew Leader, Department Supervisor, Operations Supervisor, Shift Manager, and Clerical Pool Supervisor

Define a Non-Supervisor employee:

A Non-Supervisor employee has the responsibility of performing daily activities as directed by Management and/or a Supervisor.

From time to time, traditional supervisory duties will relegated to employees. Here are some qualifiers that should assist in determining if a non-supervisory employee should be considered a supervisory employee.

Supervisory Qualifiers:

Is the employee making disciplinary or reward decisions? If yes, then the employee is acting in a supervisory role.

Is the employee the source person for difficult questions and problems from less experienced coworkers? If yes, then the employee is acting in a supervisory role.

Is the employee coordinating the team's leave schedule or work schedule? If yes, then the employee is acting in a supervisory role.

Is the employee presenting project updates to the manager? If yes, then the employee is acting in a supervisory role.

Is the employee responsible only for providing performance data toward the evaluation of team members? If yes, then the employee is acting in a non-supervisory role.

Is the employee responsible for formally evaluating staff assigned to a project but does not grant leave requests, make hiring or general staffing decisions, or discipline or reward employees? If yes, then the employee is acting in a non-supervisory role.

Determining Management to Employee Ratio:

Obviously having too many Managers as compared to employees can bog down the departments’ policy process, create confusion in the chain of command, diminish a manager’s related duties and can lead to the dreaded micro-managed environment.

Having too few Managers as compared to employees can result in duties being prioritized, not in order of importance, but in order to fulfill extended commitments. This action results in projects being placed on the back burner; delegation of traditional manager duties to less qualified subordinates and skewed performance reports.

Thus, it’s important to establish a Management-to-staff ratio that strives to create a balanced and healthy work environment for Managers, Supervisors and Employees.

This is a suggested formula to determine management-to-staff ratios. This formula may need to be tweaked depending on your specific department expectations.

Management-to-staff Ratio = [N+(S-1)]/S

where:

N=Number of non-supervisory employees

S=Combined number of supervisors and managers

"S minus 1" excludes the top company executive from being considered a supervised employee. Therefore, for those companies that are directed by more than one top executive, the “S minus 1" should be replaced with "S minus the number of top executives." For example, if your company does not have an executive director, but is directed by three full-time, salaried commissioners, the formula "[N+(S-3)]/S" will be used.

As an example, lets assume that a business has one (1) CEO, four (4) managers of four different departments and employees 25 non-supervisory employees.

The formula would equate to [25 + 5 –1]/ 5 or a management to employee ratio of 1 manager for 5.8 employees.

Why is the ratio important?

This is just a guideline to establish a model. The ultimate goal of this model is to maximize efficiency in employee supervision while allowing managers/supervisors to effectively manage. It should be expanded to allow CEO’s to collect and interpret related collected metrics about the health of his/her company.

Obviously if you have too few managers/supervisors in the chain of command, then those managers/supervisors will not be able to efficiently and effectively manage the employees or keep pace with written evaluations, schedules and other employee related programs. On the other hand, employees may carry too much responsibility and control too much of the department. These are measurable ‘health’ factors of your organization.

A wise person once stated “to know where you are, you need to know where you’ve been.” Creating a model and varying it to reach the most efficient and effective management-to-staff ratio for your organization will provide you with valuable metrics and a framework needed to reach that goal. It also allows upper management to judge how new programs effect the health of the company.

In addition to the suggested model, you should track other measurable items and combine them with this general model to create an overview of the health of your organization.

In this scenario a company has defined a starting management-to-staff ratio of 1 to 5.8. By using the 1 to 5.8 ratio as a benchmark, the company collects additional information about its management staff and its non-supervisory employees.

The company assigns a percentage value to managerial written evaluations that are properly submitted and completed on time.

The company assesses the management to employee relationships. It assigns values to the Managers perceived health in his/her department and the employees perceived health in the same department.

The company collects information on management and employee over-turn and assigns a value to the causes given for the exit of its employees.

The company assigns value to employee reward programs. Is the employee just an over-achiever, a great team member or does management empower them?

The company tracks the implementation of new programs and the program’s effect on health of the organization.

Using the collected metrics and values the company will start with an initial evaluation of its health and be able to tackle the most problematic areas, then those less problematic areas. The company can then use the historical and current measurements to move toward a goal of efficient and effective management.

This is a short article on the power of models and how they can assist a company in self-assessment and evaluation. There are a number of books and specialist in this area.

* - The formula, [N+(S-1)]/S, is mentioned on several US Government sites as the accepted formula for determining the Management to employee ratio.

* - Portions of this article are from government sites related to employee management.

Article by Charles Carter
www.cs2communications.com

About The Author

Charles Carter is an administrator for the Nortel Portal and Vice President of www.pbxinfo.com. He has 20 years experience in the telecommunications field, is a software owner/programmer, author of the fictional book "Chaos Theorem" and is currently the President of CS2Communications (www.cs2communicatons.com) - A Southern Mississippi Telecommunications LLC specializing in Nortel Meridian Programming, Nortel BCM Programming, Cable Plant Installations and Nortel Symposium Programming

VPN Explained - The Basics Of VPN Simplified by: Van Theodorou

The question of exactly how to explain or define a VPN is one that is often up for discussion amongst today's network consumers and communications providers. If we look at the literal definition of the words virtual private network, it can help to understand what is, and what is not, a VPN .

Using Webster's dictionary definitions of the component words, a VPN should have the following attributes:

Virtual - defined as "being such practically or in effect, although not in actual fact or name." Therefore, the first part of the answer to our question "what is a VPN" is that it is something that acts like a hard-wired network, but is actually not.

Private - defined as "of, belonging to, or concerning a particular person or group; not common or general." So, a VPN should be one where the consumer has exclusive use of the network links. (Note, this is different from a Secure Network, which may be a private or public network.)

Network - defined as "a system of computers interconnected by telephone wires or other means in order to share information." This is the goal of a VPN or any other type of network.

VPN explained in this manner is a network technology which gives the owner the ability to share information with others on the network by means of a private, exclusive link that is created by a method other than hard-wires or leased lines; usually via the internet. Before the internet, computers in different offices, cities or even countries could only talk to each other like people could - through telephone wires. As the needs for this type of communication grew, telephone lines became replaced by higher volume wires, like T3 circuits, but the concept was the same. For computer A to talk to computer B, there had to be a physical wire connection. For security reasons, you would want to make sure that only your 2 computers used that line, so you would contract with a vendor to "lease" that circuit. However, this type of network was expensive and difficult to expand, not to mention difficult for the client to have control over.

With the advent of the internet, connections no longer needed to be physical. As long as each computer has access to the internet, information can be shared using local ISP circuits, across the internet, and to the recipient in much the same way that it was when the computers were physically connected. This is why the way VPN works is considered a "virtual" network; the entire connection is not hard-wired.

The aspects of VPN explained in this article so far have not yet discussed an ever present concern in today's world - security. In an old WAN arrangement, the security of data transmission could rely entirely on the provider's guarantees. Today, however, a VPN keeps information private by means of encryption on both the sending and receiving end. There are a variety of encryption protocols, depending on what a company's needs are, who they need to communicate with (and therefore be compatible with), etc. The data is not only encrypted, but it is encapsulated, meaning it is sent in its own private "tunnel" or connection across the internet. No one can see the data, and even if they could, they can't decipher or change it. In this way, information can be sent across the internet without being susceptible to interception or corruption by those who are outside of the VPN.

In order to create a virtual private network, you would need to decide who needs to share information, in what directions, and how often. Next you would need to prepare a listing of the hardware and software systems you are currently using at each location. You might very well need to make changes so that the computers can talk to each other easily. You'll also want to consider just how important it is that your data remains secure, as this will have an impact on what type of protocol you select. Preparing this information will have you educated for the discussions you will need to have with potential vendors.

About The Author

Van Theodorou will help you slash your telecom expenses over 43% and assist or even become your telecom department at no cost to you. For a free analysis or phone consultation go his site at http://www.worldnet-long-distance.com