#002 – FromVA2VA.com Podcast

In this weeks podcast we look at the issue of the VA as a specialist and as a leader.

 FromVA2VA.com - Podcast #002: The Virtual Assistant as Leader [9:56m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Resources mentioned in the podcast:

Seth Godin’s book Tribes:

Tina Forsythe & Cindy Greenway’s Virtually Successful Telesummit:
http://virtuallysuccessfultelesummit.com/

The Virtual Assistant as Leader

I don’t know about you but, I have a hard time seeing myself as a leader. Some VA’s do, but it is a role I have resisted taking on, it’s uncomfortable to even think about it. It also makes me ask the question “Why does this make me so uncomfortable?” and “Why do I prefer to stay behind the scenes?”.

The answer?

This is where I am comfortable and I’m not required to take chances and risk too much.

I’m reading Seth Godin’s book “Tribes” and in it he gives one of the best descriptions as to why we resist leadership that I have ever read.

Here he talks about the discomfort of leading.

“Leadership is scarce because few people are willing to go through the discomfort required to lead.”

Then he writes:

“It’s discomfort that creates the leverage that makes leadership worthwhile.”

It makes me wonder? What leverage am I missing out on by not stepping up to the plate? How many opportunities have passed me by and will pass me by if I don’t shove myself out of my comfort zone?

Then he writes a list that grabs my attention:

“In other words, if everyone could do it, they would, and it wouldn’t be worth much.

• It’s uncomfortable to stand up in front of strangers.
• It’s uncomfortable to propose an idea that might fail.
• It’s uncomfortable to challenge the status quo.
• It’s uncomfortable to resist the urge to settle.

When you identify the discomfort, you’ve found the place where a leader is needed.”

One more thing that caught my eye…

“If you’re not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it’s almost certain your not reaching you’re potential as a leader.”

Yikes! He is so right (even though I really wish he wasn’t), when we stick with the status quo, we are not stretching ourselves and reaching for our full potential.

What about the fear? That is also part of the discomfort, especially when it is a fear of being wrong, failing or worse being criticized or laughed at (insert shiver down spine…).

With the transparency that is needed in today’s business, the opportunity to hear a harsh word, a criticism or a derisive “LOL” is more possible then ever. No wonder we resist! BUT guess what? There is also a greater chance of hearing “Thank you!”, “I so agree”, “I needed to hear that”, or “I have been thinking that very same thing”.

We are missing out on connecting with others, leading our tribe, when we do not step up into that position.

So what are we going to do about it? How are we going to get comfortable about being in a state of discomfort? Are you ready to join me in stepping out of the shadows and leading your tribe?

Then maybe it is time for you to join me in the “VA Biz Builders Mastermind” group? This is a beta group I am putting together that will be limited to a small group of VA’s and virtual support professionals who are ready to connect with others, grow their biz, step up to the plate and lead.

Sound interesting? Sound like it’s time for you? Contact me today for more info, the group is starting soon.

Learning & The Virtual Assistant

Learning is fun, who knew?

If you would have told me that back in Junior High or High School, “yeah right!” would have bee my answer. Strange thing happened… I got to college and suddenly learning became harder but a lot more interesting.

Okay, so not all the classes were fun. I’m sorry but Survey of Art? Just was a dark room where the teacher showed slide shows of art, and I must admit…. I fell asleep a couple of times.

After college, wow, I had time for hobbies! Started reading all sorts of, GASP, non fiction books…. to learn something new. On my own, not a homework assignment. Then, when I had internet access in my home! Well that is when my entire world changed.  Learning was fun, it was interesting and it opened up entire new worlds.

For me, one of the biggest draws to the world of Virtual Assistants was the opportunity, the excuse and even the need to continue learning new skills.

The trouble I have had however is:

• What training do I need?
• What program is best?
• Is this a good price? a good value?
• What instructors are the best?
• Where to find specialized training?

This blog is designed to share with you the resources I have found, reviews of the courses, ebooks and programs I have purchased.  My hope is to share with you what I have learned, what my journey has been, in the hopes that it will help as you make decisions for you and your virtual assistant business.

I welcome your feedback and suggestions on what you would like to hear more about.