SOLITAIRE--THE ART OF DEALING WITH CARDS

I sudddenly found myself deeply addicted to the game of solitaire...I have an electronic version on my computer. I was so addicted that I had to get rid of the icon from my desktop so that I was not pulled into the will or desire to play. I wondered what drew me to this electronic card game. It certainly wasn't the colors or look of the game that I found attractive. There was something about the strategy of finding the right card to slip into the correct pile. I would hunt and peck and when I began to run out of cards, and it seemed as though I wasn't going to win, I'd back up and start all over; or at least go back to a new starting point. At first I found I wasn't satisfied to quit trying game after game until I had won one. Now, I have become good enough that when I win three or more in a row, I don't want to stop...good thing I haven't gotten involved in gambling! (yikes! that's a scary thought) I don't foresee any real future in becoming a queen of the game (sorry, sick pun) but I did find that oddly enough, the game became rather relaxing for me. Perhaps the idea of breaking away from a quiet, lonely afternoon drew me to an odd sort-of comfort level, or made me feel I was accomplishing something when I won. I'm not sure. Maybe it's just the idea that it's a one-man game and I could win or lose on my own, without anyone directing me how to play the game, tell me where to place the cards, or push me through a time frame that I had to complete it in. It involves dealing, or placing one card at a time, at my own pace, to where eventually all cards fall in their proper suits. I find satisfaction in accomplishing this challenge. Working at home certainly has its advantages in a similar way. I like being my own boss. I don't have anyone setting up my schedule, or micromanaging my work, or rushing me to get a project done. I have the opportunity to set that all up on my own. I love to manage my own time, work at my own pace, and complete each task to the best of my understanding of what my client has asked for. I'm good at setting up my own schedule where I am able to complete a task in an efficient manner so that I have time to ask my clients questions which confirm for me that everything is finished as expected. I like the strategy of taking several projects at one time and figuring out how to manage it all. It keeps me busy (entertained, if you will) and if a setback happens to come along, I can find a new starting point and move forward. Even amongst the stress of multi-tasking (or dealing of cards) it gives me joy and comfort knowing I am helping someone else. There's a reward in that for me. I feel as though I've won the game! If you're thinking about starting your own business, perhaps you have some questions regarding this adventure. Maybe you already are an entrepreneur and have some tips of your own to offer from your experience of working at home. If you're out there reading this blog, I'd love to hear from you.

Two Dogs, A Glass and A Rabbit--OH MY!

We have two very active dogs--a border collie and a sheltie. Both are working dogs so they are consistently watching the house. They watch out the windows for any stranger that may come to the door (we always know when UPS arrives) and they take care of the mice that come out of the stone wall in our backyard. Then of course, there are the creatures that hop, fly and scamper throughout the yard and become deathly afraid of the dogs bark and charge. In the evening our two dogs become such cuddle bugs, you'd never know how busy they can get. It was early after supper when my husband and I had gone to separate rooms to complete some finishing touches to our work day. The two dogs suddenly were barking and running back and forth between a window in the living room and one in the kitchen. We didn't think too much of it. We've heard them assess each unwanted being before, watching out both windows to be sure of the safety of our well being. Suddenly, we heard a crash, and naturally both my husband and I ran to find out what had happened. As it turns out the dogs were barking at a rabbit and in their rush to get up into our bay window, they tipped over a tray that once held a glass, now shattered all over the living room floor. TV remotes had been on that tray as well, and now were pieces scattered abroad. Fortunately we have trained our dogs to be crate dogs and we were able to get them away from further disaster so that we could clean up and keep them safe. Why do I tell this story? Well, this is life when you work from your home. Anything can happen at any time and interruptions can multiply when others are around. It's largely different from working in an office in another building where all you have to concentrate on is what is in front of you. Learning to manage your time so that you can work with your daily interruptions can be a real learning experience as you begin your business. It's easy to plan for those expected interruptions, like a visit from the UPS carrier, but as life would have it there are many unexpected interruptions when family are nearby--especially when children are present. I don't have human children, but I do have two dogs that need potty breaks, and desire attention, and have their spats as well as their crashes, etc. One of our dogs has epilepsy. I have to be prepared to assist him at any time, without warning. I have a husband wo runs his own business from home as well. He loves to talk. He comes into my office quite frequently to discuss ideas that he needs another to bounce off of, or just to spend a few minutes with me. We both stop each other in the middle of something to ask questions and handle life's matters. I have had to learn to manage my time to add the interruptions (both expected and unexpected) into my day. Some days it means closing the door to my office. Other days it means taking 10 minutes of my time to meet another need, and all is well the rest of the day. Sometimes it means life has to take priority and work doesn't make any difference at all. I've been told that those with children will often set a schedule for them to follow, with chores and activities that keep them occupied so that you can work. Creativity comes into action, ground rules are set, and the day begins. Regardless of your situation, being able to accept those moments and deal with them as they come is very important if you wish to work from home. Thanks for joing me today. I look forward to hearing from you!

You Do What?

Due to the economy in November of 2008, I had lost my job. At first I went through a grieving process of sorts...I went through all the emotions...financial fears, anger, relief...and then I came to the point where I had no desire to work any further for anyone else. I was tired of being micro-managed and where my thoughts, ideas and hard work were not appreciated. I wanted to be able to work a job where I could do the things I felt my gifts were strongest in; what I enjoyed doing, and not just what "the boss" wanted done. Finding that job was most challenging. Finding any job was very challenging. The more the recession took over in our country, the harder finding work became. I told myself I would NOT participate in a recession! One day a friend and I were chatting over lunch, and she said, "You should look into being a virtual assistant!" Not understanding fully what that was, I did some research, purchased a couple of books that taught me how to start my business and opened up ACO Virtual Services. Today when I tell others I am a virtual assistant they respond with a shy, descending, "O-o-oh!", which tells me they have no idea of what I do. I have spent the last year, and continue to do so, educating people on the finer points of a virtual assistant. Even when they have a good idea of what the profession is about, they still are a bit dumbfounded and hesitate because they are unsure of how it works. So, getting them to try the services is also part of the process. In all honesty, this is true of any business you start on your own. You need to spend time educating others on the services you offer, helping them to understand how you can assist them. Let them know what's in it for them. Once people begin trying your services and you have some happy clients, the amount of referrals that come through them are quite encouraging and help you continue to move forward. Of course your customers or clients won't convince everyone they tell, but when the refrerrals do come in, you know you're on your way to a successful business--you've got something that people need! Starting from scratch takes time. It's always good to spend sometime educating yourself to improve your skills and knowlege. Finding a mentor is quite helpful. Then there is the process of forming your business name, a business plan, educating others, finding your clients, and finding a niche'. In future posts I will touch on all of these things. If you are just at the beginning of starting your own business, or have questions and thoughts of your own, I welcome your comments to my post. Become a fan of ACO Virtual Services on Facebook!

From the Corporate Office to the Home Office

There are many who wonder how people can work from home...What is life like?......How does one accomplish things?......Isn't it lonely? Others marvel at those who can work at home......Wish I didn't have to go to WORK......I need to find something that I can do......Good for you! I don't think I could do that. Some of us are relying on our own personal skills because the recession dictates where life is at. That's what I've had to do. In this blog I hope to share lots of stories. Stories of how I started my own business...the reason I did it, and how it has been. Stories of day to day life...what happens while working at home with your family around, or what happens whey you've worked several days and haven't seen a friend in more than a week. Some stories I hope will be funny, others informative and some motivational. Regardless of where you are at if you can relate to any of it, whether from a business aspect or a personal aspect, I'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to add your comments, and wisdom at the close of my posts. meanwhile, you can find me on social networks: LinkedIn: Shari Braun Twitter: ACOVS My Facebook page: ACO Virtual Services Within the next few months I plan to be making some big changes on my website http://www.acovs.com/ so keep an eye out for the new look!

A New Look and More

Hello my readers! You are accustomed to knowing my blog as Casey's Tales. I have decided to make some changes. As you can see my blog now has a whole new look and is taking on a bit of a different direction. I really want to hear from you, so let me know what you think!