Wednesday, August 19, 2009

You get what you pay for...


...I felt compelled to write this blog entry after a conversation with a potential client. This particular prospect was pretty apprehensive with subcontracting work to another VA after horrible experiences with offshore VAs'.


Sadly, this is not the first time I have heard this. Small business owners / entrepreneurs are lured by the 'low cost' of so-called Virtual Assistants from mainly third world countries. $1.00 - $5.00 / hour are the average rates charged by offshore VAs'.


But the lure of low costs doesn't come with its own set of disadvantages. When you choose to outsource offshore, you are going to encounter Virtual Assistants who are unfamiliar with our culture and language. Although, they speak English, generally, it is not their first language. This causes language barriers, communication gaps, and general lack of understanding.


Honestly, is the frustration worth the money you 'save'? Actually it's quite the opposite as work often needs to be remediated and ends up costing more in the long run.


On the subject of confidentiality. If you choose to outsource confidential personal data offshore, it may not be protected. Firms in India currently are not equally subject to any extensive legislative or regulatory data-protection controls.


Offshore VAs work for an outsourcing firm and are not business owners. They do not have a vested interest in your business other than getting more projects. As a proudly Canadian virtual assistant business, we understand the operations of a small business, as well as what is required to develop it. Our goals are to establish an ongoing business relationship with you in order to help you reach your goals.


If the above reasons aren't enough there are also drastic differences in time zones.


Just remember, “You get what you pay for.”


Why not stimulate our own economy?


Contact Passion for Paper Business Solutions, a proud Canadian company who truly cares about the success of your business.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Been pulling your hair out again?




















...take a deep breath and de-stress...

Here are some tips!

Continue to remind yourself that this day will pass and tomorrow is a new day.

  1. Be realistic about your expectations. Reduce your disappointment factor.

  2. Appreciate yourself. Think about all the positive things you are able to accomplish each day.

  3. Just smile! The simple act of smiling makes you feel better automatically.

  4. Share your stressful day or event with a colleague, friend or family member.

  5. Breathe to the power of 10. Take a deep breath to the count of 10.Exhale the same way. Repeat several times.

  6. Find something humorous (movie, comic strip, etc.) and laugh. Laughter helps you relax physically and psychologically.

  7. Treat yourself to a favorite food.

  8. Find something positive in your life to totally focus on for 15 minutes.

  9. Decrease stress by learning to talk to yourself in a reassuring way.

  10. Sit in total silence for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and transport yourself to another environment. (beach, sailing, cruise ship, etc.)

  11. Remind yourself that even when you have no control over certain situations, your attitude is always within your control. It's our attitude that shapes our experiences.

  12. See problems & stressful events as opportunities. Problem solve and grow from them.

  13. Try acting or responding in a way that is the exact opposite of your usual behavior.

  14. Practice "pace, not race." Do everything (walk, talk, etc.) at a more relaxed tempo.

  15. Analyze your stresses and frustrations. Know what most affects you and try to avoid them.

  16. Develop a list of things that make you happy. Read it to yourself several times.

  17. Don't hold your mistakes against yourself. Focus on what you're doing right. Start fresh and let them go.

  18. Change your routine for the rest of the day or the next day.

  19. Spend 15 minutes listening to classical or other soothing music.

  20. Practice acceptance. Ask yourself what stresses you have the power to change. Those you cannot you must accept.

  21. Spend some time with a person or people who make you feel good about yourself.

  22. Be "temporarily selfish." Reserve a little more time just for you.

  23. Find a hidden treasure in your day. Search for one positive thing that you may have never noticed before.

  24. Replace "I have to" statements with "I choose to" statements. It will relieve pressure and give you a whole new perspective.


Ask us how we can help you de-stress!