You Are What You Perceive Yourself To Be

Be inspired and Go For It!

A woman I have never met sent me these words in response to an email I had posted on one of the forums I belong to. Feeling particularly fed up with a discussion topic which had been going on for weeks, which I felt was negative and unhelpful, I sent an email challenging some of the points of view that I had been reading.

Later, I received a personal reply which made me feel great! Someone had heard and understood.

There's a lot of talk about random acts of kindness, but this was the first time I had actually experienced one. I was really touched that this busy lady had taken the time and trouble to give me a much needed boost and offered some really helpful advice.

I felt so full of confidence after exchanging a few more emails with this lady, that I joined Proz.com and applied for a job, translating and transcribing some interviews. I had visited the site before but hadn't dared join. After all, it was for real translators wasn't it?, not people like me.

This lovely lady made me see that I had all the necessary qualifications and experience - the only thing holding me back was me! This made me think back to my first post "Is It Explosious?". Clearly, there was still some of the "fraud factor" lurking about. If the phrase , "Your perception is your reality" is true - what was I saying about myself?

A mentor can be a wonderful thing. I think sometimes it is easy to forget how you felt when you started anything new, whether it is a sport, hobby or change of career. A kind word and some advice from a "professional" about their experiences can make the difference between feeling dull and despondent or sparkling with confidence and ready to chase your dream.

I can't wait to be an "old hand". I love language, writing and the "virtual" industry. I hope that further down the track I can offer the same kindness and support that I experienced this week.

Many thanks S - this post is for you!


"You are what you perceive yourself to be! Be inspired and go for it".

Give Your Office a Winter Prune!

Clear out, clean and re-energise your office and business.

I spent a lot of time in the garden this weekend, pruning the fruit trees and roses, clearing weedy areas and generally having a good old tidy up and a bonfire. Although it is hard to imagine for those of you on the other side of the world watching Wimbledon, basking in the summer sun eating strawberries and cream and drinking champagne, here in Victoria it's more a case of roast chestnuts and mulled wine by the fire, wondering whether you can afford a weekend in the snow.

While I was outside, it occurred to me that it would be a good idea to set aside some time for some "winter pruning" in my office too. I noticed that it was in pretty much the same shape as the garden had been and could use the same attention. It is amazing how piles of papers and clutter build up on the desk, rather than being filed or thrown out. Old magazines and newspapers with the "must keep" article that is still sitting waiting to be cut out and filed. Bills waiting to be paid; bills that have been paid; bank statements - I realised that all this clutter had crept up on me and that my office was a mess - and you can't run a professional, efficient business from a mess.

The energy of a room changes completely with a good clean and clear out. The sight of a tidy office and gleaming desk draws you in and inspires you to get out there and find a new client, chase up a lead or enrol on a new training course.

It inspired me to download the Membership Form for the Institute of Linguists to rejoin as an Associate. Although I have a Diploma in Bilingual Secretarial Studies and belonged to the IoL in the past, my career path took me away from using languages and it has only been in the last couple of years that I realised I really missed it and wanted to get back into translating. It also dovetails really well into my VA work.

I have been preparing to take the Translator's examination with NAATI (National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters) here in Australia for the last year or so and joined AUSIT (the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators) last year as an Associate Affiliate.

Taking steps towards improving skills through training and learning something new, not only re-energises your business, but also yourself. So, let your self go and get rid of any deadwood and clutter in your office, cupboards and your life and re-energise for winter!

Is it Explosious?

This is what my 7 year old autistic son asks me when faced with something new and potentially scary. I thought I would use it as the title for my first post, as it seems to fit well with how I feel about taking the plunge into "blogging". I have called it VA on the Bay, as I live on the beautiful Mornington Peninsula in Victoria and can see Westernport Bay from my office window. Why VA? A VA (or virtual assistant) is someone who provides office support from a remote office location via the internet.

How did this all come about? In June 2003, I started a secretarial support business called Amanuensis, (meaning secretary/scribe), as a return to work after having two children. The intention was to be able to work from home, while still spending time with my young family. Before starting out on my own, I had worked as a secretary, office manager and Executive PA for over 20 years.

Since then, the business has gone "virtual" and I have joined up with a couple of teams of like-minded souls who work for people all over the world from their own home.

Of course, working from home is not for everybody. Some people might find it quite lonely. It helps to belong to forums to share thoughts, get help and feel part of a team. If you are thinking about becoming a VA, check out A Clayton's Secretary and VA4U.

One of the forums I belong to recently posted a wonderful piece by Rhonda Abrams about feeling a fraud when you start a new business. I know that feeling well, particuarly when you meet others in the industry who have been out there a lot longer than you. Despite years of experience as a senior employee, nothing quite prepared me for the reality of being the boss: the wild joy when things go well and that sinking feeling of "the buck stops here" when things don't go quite as planned.

I am hoping that by posting as I go along, and "'fessing up" to mistakes and sharing successes, I may help other people thinking about starting a small business to get out there and have a go!

I love this industry. I still do occasional work for a former employer in the UK, even though I live in Australia. Where else could you do that!

Is it explosious? Yes. Is it fun? You bet!