April 2009

4/15/2009:

HARO
 
what does HARO stand for you ask?  Help A Reporter Out.   If you are a small business that specializes in anything at all - regardless of the topic - chances are there's a reporter out there that is dying to interview you as an expert in your field.  HARO helps the reporters find the experts - and the experts to get a little bit more recognition.  If you aren't already signed up for HARO - you can do so here.  
 
Every small business owner could use a little more exposure. 

4/1/2009:

Word to PDF???  PDF  to word??? oh my.

For those of us who don't have access to expensive programs that create PDF documents from word or word processing files - or any files for that matter - I've found some incredible tools to help do the job...and the best part is, it's FREE. So here's what I've found:

for PDF document creation:
Primo PDF  - this tool acts as a printer function.  Simply install, select "print" in the program of your choice, select a saving location, and Voila- you now have a PDF document.
PDF995 - I've not used this one personally, but have a lot contacts that do.  It works similarly to PrimoPDF in that it acts as printer for your documents.
Express PDF - this is an online based service that does PDF conversion from word docs, webpages etc.  You upload your document, and it gives you back a PDF.

For PDF to editable document creation:
Hello PDF - This is also a free download.  It isn't without bugs, but helps to make a pdf file (as long as it isn't locked by the owner) into an editable document. 
PDF To Word - this is an online based service which allows you to upload your file and they will email you back a word or RTF file.  One stipulation - it must be under 5 MB after conversion.

March 2009

3/15/2009:

Timing is Everything...

When I first started working as a Virtual Administrative Assistant I needed to find a way to track my activities in order to charge them to my client appropriately.  I found that no matter what I tried, I was losing track of time (and therefore losing money). I needed a way to track my activities more effectively, and accurately.

I decided the best thing to do was to set an alarm for a specific amount of time, and start working.  I'd set my timer for two hours, and get to work.  When the alarm went off, I'd take note of what I'd accomplished, and log my time into my invoices for my clients.  With this method - I no longer lost minutes, even hours, in my billing -saving me time, and making my invoices more accurate - and worth more money.  

There are several free services you can use for this - if you are running Windows Vista - there's a timer included in the sidebar tools.  Or you can sign up for Slimtimer (http://www.slimtimer.com) which allows you to assign categories to your activities.

Your Time is Valuable.  Keep it That Way.

3/2/2009:
Journals.
I know it sounds silly - and we aren't talking "Dear Diary" here...but keep a journal.  When I was writing my book, I found that inspiration would strike me at the strangest times.  If I didn't write it down, right then and there - I'd forget - and that perfectly worded piece of advice or fantastic memory was lost forever to that project.  
I started keeping a journal, and I have it with me always.  When inspiration strikes (even when it's in the middle of the night!) I am able to grab my journal, jot down a few notes, and then drift back peacefully to sleep.  Journals can be found inexpensively, or you can even use a plain wire-bound notebook for your dreams and aspirations.  Either way, you have something handy to write it down so you can either later preserve it to share with others - or simply so you can have a fond place to go to recall your favorite memories.
Dear Diary - not just for teenagers anymore.
 
February 2009
2/15/2009:
Get to know your crockpot.  Your Crockpot is your best friend.

Recently I was diagnosed with very high cholesterol.  I'm sure it has nothing to do with all
of the sweet, fat-enriched pastries that I enjoy and everything to do with heredity.  Either way, our family is working toward a healthier way of eating - which means a lot more "from scratch" cooking.
As all WAHPM's know, cooking takes time and energy, sometimes we just don't have it.  So I've invested in some great recipe books for Crock Pot Cooking - (find a great list here), and have found, my Crock pot is now saving me time, and money.  Imagine that.
The Crock Pot - eating healthy and saving time.

January 2009

1/15/2009:
Family Time is Family Time!!
Whenever you are spending time with your family, either working or playing or whatever it is you want to do - turn off your computer sound.   This will help keep the temptation to check those incoming messages to a minimum -
So, step back, relax, and enjoy your family time, you earned it!.

1/1/2009:

Find Your Bliss - And Cater To IT!

 

If there's one thing I hear far too often from other WAHM's it ts that they have so fully immersed themselves into the roles of "mommy" that they've forgotten what it is that they enjoy.  My tip this month is to rediscover that part of yourself once again.  It's so important that we retain our identity as people, as well as mothers, in order to fully appreciate our place in the WAHM world.

I like to scrapbook - I like to write - I love to coach others on their life dreams and ambitions.  Whatever it is for you, find it - and then make sure you take time to nurture it once a week.

Find Your Bliss - The WAHPM way of Remembering Who YOU are.