Online Computer Backup

Lately I've been researching online backup services. For some reason backing up data is always on my list of things to do that I never seem to get to. I hate this, because in the back of my mind, I am always afraid of losing important data - especially important client data - that could sabotage my business. Does anyone have recommendations for the best service to use? I've narrowed down my search to the following companies:






My biggest question: do either of these companies have experience working with parallels software? How would I go about backing up data on both operating systems - Windows XP and Mac OS10?

Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce

I hope that every virtual assistant will check out the Virtual Assistant Chamber of Commerce (VACOC). I've recently become a member. It is free to join, but there are many requirements that you must meet in order to be approved. I appreciate the level of professionalism and standards that they bring to being a virtual assistant. I am looking forward to networking with other like-minded VAs and hope to discover new resources to grow my business. Stay tuned!

Office Space II

Now I'm on an office space kick. Here are some more ideas I've come across for adding on to your house in a unique way if you don't have space to convert an area inside:




















































1. Cedarshed Industries 2. Spirit Elements 3. Modern Shed

Ideal office space

I'm sure office space varies widely from one virtual assistant to another. I myself mostly work in the living room on a comfy couch or at one of two desks situated in my bedroom and living room. Granted this is not always ideal considering that I have two young boys, but you work with what you have, right? When we move in the next year or so, I plan to carefully consider an office area that works for both me and my husband who also works at home.

How about this for a cool option? The company is called Kithaus.

4-Hour Workweek

I'm reading a book called the 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. I plan to post more comments and critiques after I am finished, but for now, I wanted to share his recommendations on resources for finding virtual assistants in the U.S.:

http://assistu.com/client/client_how.shtml
http://www.yourvirtualresource.com/workwithava.htm*
http://ivaa.org/IVAA/memberDir.php*
www.onlinebusinessmanager.com

It is a good reminder to get your name and contact information on as many VA directory sites as possible.

*Both of these web addresses are different than the ones Ferriss lists in his book because his original links came up with errors.

Conference Calls

I've just started using this service - FreeConference - for the conference calls that I need to schedule on a regular basis. The basic service is free, and it is easy to sign up and use. Each call is scheduled in advance and set up according to your preferences. Then each participant receives a dial-in number and access code to join the call. It's perfect! I'm always so happy to find resources that make being a virtual assistant that much easier!

Fax without a machine

It's amazing how many innovative services are out in cyberspace these days. When I decided I didn't want to deal with the hassle of a fax machine or paying for a fax line, I discovered www.faxaway.com. I pay a basic maintenance fee and simply submit documents by email to be faxed where they need to go. A scanner is much more useful and multi-purpose! I know there are several services like this out there, but I've found this one to work great!

Cooking Co-op

I am friends with some moms who are in a cooking co-op together. How does it work? Basically, you make meals for several other families (including your own) on one night of the week and then deliver the meal to the other families at dinner time. Every other night of the week you wait for a meal to be delivered to you! The meal planning is done a month in advance and because you are cooking large quantities of the same food, grocery bills stay low.

What does this have to do with virtual assistance? It's one way that I'm looking at as a way to simplify my life. I'm busy enough as it is with two little kids and a business at home, so any help I can get with putting dinner on the table is welcome! I'm officially intrigued by the idea.

Here is a short list of resources to learn more:
Southern Living article
The Great American Supper Swap (amazon)
Trish Berg website

iGoogle & Google Docs

Have you personalized your Google homepage yet? Give it a try. You can add all sort of helpful features and keep tabs on news headlines, email accounts, weather, to-do list etc. Simplify your life by adding news feeds to your favorite blogs and online magazines. Also, check out Google Docs for web based word processing and spreadsheets. They are always accessible on the web wherever you are in the world. And the best part is that you can share documents to be updated by as many people as you need. FYI - you need a Google email address to get started.

Parallels for Mac

I am the happy owner of a MacBook Pro. But this computer wouldn't work for me without Paralletls Desktop 3.0 for Mac. This software allows me to run both OS10 and WindowsXP on the same machine. I can easily switch back and forth between operating systems with a simple keystroke. It has given me the flexibility that I need to run my business and solves most compatibility issues with clients. While there are a few frustrations with the software (i.e. trouble recognizing USB devices and slightly sluggish operating speed), I would still heartily recommend it to other virtual assistants.

Web references

Websites I use regularly as a virtual assistant:

1. A fast, easy online PDF converter: PDF online
2. Need to plan a meeting for people in several different time zones? This is a perfect resource: World Clock Meeting Planner
3. Online classifieds: Craig's List
4. Business Magazine resource: Inc.com Magazine
5. Dictionary, Thesaraus, Etc. Online Dictionary
6. Find out how you can talk directly to a customer service rep: gethuman
7. Another business magazine resource: Business Week Magazine
8. Directions, maps: Google Maps
9. Books: Amazon
10. Gifts: Red Envelope