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Six Sigma Audit
Six Sigma methodology is not a self-sustaining management tool perhaps unlike other technologies. It can only deliver the results subject to multiple variables and inputs such as deployment intensity and culture. Nonetheless, the results take around 4-6 months to show, depending on the projects selected and adherence to the tenets of the methodology.The Six Sigma audit process does not depart too much from the assessment process of the deployment, in order that implementation status is checked for its effectiveness. The audit procedure dwells on questionnaires and checklists which help auditors evaluate the status of respective processes on ‘as is’ condition which is later compared with ‘should be’ condition. The ‘should be’ condition is the reference standard clearly defined at the beginning of the deployment in the goal setting stage.The audit process in Six Sigma is pretty much comparable with a ISO 9000 audit. Many Six Sigma companies have successfully developed Six Sigma audit procedures based on the ISO 9000 principles but goes a bit further in the sense that Six Sigma takes into consideration the Voice of Customer (VOC). However, while auditing customers it is the internal customers that are interviewed. Using of audit procedures developed by Malcolm Baldrige Quality Awards is not new and unique in Six Sigma audit.Use of Checklists and Charts for Six Sigma AuditUsing charts, made in the form of checklists, in audit ensures that nothing is left to chance. A checklist, which is exhaustive, is prepared during the launch of the project. There will be multiple checklists for each process and activity which can be used methodically to assess the processes involved in the project. For example, to check the leadership level and knowledge levels of Black Belts you can use the appropriate list.The process audit checklists, like the rest, are prepared based on the Standard Operating Procedure defined in the beginning. Each question critically examines as to whether a step is being followed and if yes, how well. The activities and sub activities,

n their first project or contract, especially those clients with whom you would like to work. Make sure they know that this is a “First Contract Discount” that you offer to new clients in order to show them the quality of your work and the dedication you have to your clients.

Contracts

A contract is one of the most important tools you should have for this type of work. You can find general independent contractor contracts and agreements in many legal books or online. Take one of these and adapt it to your business. Just make sure it includes the following:

 Your client’s name and company name
 Your legal name and/or company name
 Both addresses and contact info
 The scope of your work on the project or for the client
 The start and end dates of the project/assignment
 A payment and cancellation policy
 The signatures of all people listed in the contract

Make sure to list in detail the scope of what you’re going to be doing. This way, if the client wants to pile more work on you than what you’re supposed to be doing, you can re-negotiate or amend your contract for your new duties.

Personally, I make it a point not to start work on any project until I get everything in writing (and signed). Whatever payment or contract policies you choose, make sure you’re willing to enforce them.

Marketing, Advertising and Getting Gigs

One of the most important marketing tools a VA can have is his/her portfolio. Included in this is an updated copy of resume, a complete list of services (detailed), a list of projects you’ve worked on (complete with references), and any client testimonials you’ve collected and a list of awards/certifications/degrees you’ve earned.

A VA can market him/her-self under a variety of titles, depending on the services offered: Virtual Assistant, Virtual Administrative Assistant, Remote Secretarial Services, Virtual Personal Assistant, Virtual Executive Assistant, Virtual Medical Assistant, Virtual Legal Assistant, Virtual Paralegal, etc.

There are also a variety of ways to advertise, depending on what your budget is. One of the cheapest ways to get clients is by networking. Another way is to set up partnerships with other small businesses whose clientele would be more likely to use a VA. For example, if you write web content, pair up with a web designer to cross-promote each other.

When you see an ad for temp help in your local paper, write a convincing and persuasive letter to them listing the advantages of using a VA for fill-in or overflow work, the skills you possess and whatever else you “bring to the table.”

Carry business cards with you everywhere! Make them your “calling card!” Leave them everywhere you go that you can exchange them with other businesspeople. Include them in all of your correspondence.

Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends.

Invest in some brochures/postcards that

What Makes A Winning Online Ad?
Most people who have been involved with sales & marketing for any length of time have heard the axiom, “Sell them what they want. Then sell them what they need”. But what does it mean? It sounds a little odd doesn’t it?Does it mean that people are frivolous & go around making irrational purchases that don’t meet their needs, before more serious ones that sustain them? Should you try to sell trivial goods first, & then follow up with those that are more substantial? Should you put games & entertainment on your home page, and flour & salt in your follow up messages?No, that’s not it.What it is trying to say is that people buy for emotional reasons. Does anybody buy a Mercedes Benz just because they NEED to get from point A to point B? Do they buy it because they NEED all of the amazing gizmos, the heated leather seats & hand polished wood trim?No, a person buys an expensive car that they don’t need because it makes them feel important. You may be shocked when I say this, but I’m going to say it anyway. Luxury purchases are motivated by vanity, envy, pride, jealousy, & narcissism, even greed. And, there is nothing sinister, or wrong with it. That’s just the way we are as human beings. It’s what makes us tick. In fact, these emotions are behind all kinds of everyday purchases too.Understanding how they motivate buying behavior is critical to selling.Look at this ad for the Wall Street Journal. It’s said to be one of the most successful advertisements in the history of the world, responsible for over $1 billion in sales.Look carefully, & see how skillfully it evokes one or more of these powerful emotions. Try to get a sense of how you feel when you read it. ------------------------------------------------------THE WALL STREET JOURNAL "TWO YOUNG MEN" LETTEROn a beautiful late spring afternoon, twenty-five years ago, two young men graduated from the same college. They were very much alike, these two young men. Both had been better than average students, both were personable, and both – as young college graduates are - we

“Falling into” a position such as a Virtual Assistant is not how it happens for everyone; I was very lucky. When I was starting out, I didn’t even realize the career path that I was choosing. My husband was working for a small web services firm as head of their web design department. They were often asked if they offered services such as web content writing, editing and proofreading and/or data capturing services for order forms or entry forms. This is where I came in; I had found my niche. I was working from home as a data capturer for a local company. I knew that I had the experience for what his clients were looking for, and with the data capturing position, I knew I had the discipline and time management skills needed to work from home. Offering to help with a few minor projects, I didn’t realize that a few years from that meager start, I would be working full-time (or at least as full-time as I’d like) from home as a Virtual Assistant, fully self-employed. Since 2000 when this started, I’ve expanded my services and my office. I now enjoy more writing & editing assignments and helping others establish their Virtual Assistant practices.

What is a VA?

A Virtual Assistant, or VA, is an independent contractor who provides administrative, secretarial, creative and/or organizational services to his/her clients viathe internet, email, snail mail, fax and telephone, whatever gets the job done! VAs can provide nearly all of the services of an in-house assistant at a fraction of the cost! Virtual Assistants have a vested interest in their clients’ success. The more a VA learns about a client’s business, the more valuable he/she becomes.

Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from her own office on a contractual basis. Working together virtually opens up a whole new talent pool to draw from that was previously unavailable to professionals and small business owners. He/she knows that starting a business is an investment, not a way to make money fast. VAs look for partnerships – long-term relationships with partners, not quickie tasks or one-time assignments.

What are the qualities of a great VA?

 Open ears, great listening skills
 Active mind, willing to learn new things
 A ready heart
 Believes in him/herself and his/her clients
 A magnetic personality
 Able to simplify life and work
 Flexible, able to adapt to new ways of doing things
 Intelligent, fast learner
 Proactive
 Attentive and focused
 Confident
 Committed
 Self-disciplined and self-motivated

Education vs. Experience

This seems to be the “hot button” topic among VAs. When something works for one, that is the method that they believe in.

Since the description of a “Virtual Assistant” is so ambiguous, an emphasis on education or experience depends on what services will be offered and what skills are already possessed. Experience in a variety of fields can be helpful: secretarial/administrative, reception, customer service, human resources, billing, etc. And, as much as this position can be discounted in today’s society, don’t forget your most important role as a parent which teaches multi-tasking, time management, grammar correction, diplomacy and learning to pick your battles.

There are a lot of different types of VAs out there. With some, more formal training is required. When doing tasks for specific fields, such as medical, legal or technical jobs, you may need additional certificates, degrees and/or on-the-job training to provide these services.

Sharon Williams, MVA, Coach and Author (www.the24hoursecretary.com) has mixed feelings about certifications versus coaching versus only experience:

“First, credentialing is very important, no matter the industry. If the virtual assistance industry could develop one credentialing process that is universally accepted across the industry, I would be its staunchest supporter. However, currently, there are several credentialing groups, each establishing its own criteria for eligibility and some that cannot be transferred when you cease membership. Until there is more uniformity and a ‘standard,’ I do not believe credentialing will have the impact or credibility it should within and outside the industry. That being said, I do believe that coaching/training is a vital part of an aspiring VA’s growth. There are many aspects and skills needed when owning and running a business that are not acquired by secretaries, admin assistants, and clerks entering the VA industry. Traditional brick and mortar marketing and promotions do not apply to an internet-based/focused business. Aspiring VAs need to become better educated about the nuts and bolts of running a virtual assistant business and adapting those skills and their niche to a global marketplace. One of the best ways to acquire these skills and knowledge is by teaming with a coach or taking classes geared specifically to their niche. I would caution, however, that everyone who offers a class or coaching is not necessarily qualified and experienced enough to hold those titles (trainer and coach). Perform due diligence before investing money into courses. Finally, for those with extensive experience, yes, you may start your VA practice based on your prior employment and qualifications, but being a VA should be a life-learning process, and I would recommend enrollment in supplemental classes to augment your experiences.”

A.J. Horne of Horne Communications (www.avamas.com) writes that “some type of professional certification is absolutely essential in establishing credentials. A good education is necessary when applying for a job, but that does not quantify you as a VA when you are an independent business person. Membership in a certification program provides a professional image, a solid network of like professionals, as well as essential education that fills the gaps not provided in conventional education.”

One good way to get helpful experience while building your business is to volunteer services to local church groups, non-profits, etc. For example, desktop publishing services for newsletters and/or bulletins, volunteer to be on that committee for a group. Do a great job and it will be noticed!

Setting Up Your Home Office

One of the most important things for a Virtual Assistant to have, in order to establish him/herself “virtually,” is a professional-looking website. If web-building abilities are lacking, hire a reasonably-priced web designer to design the site. To keep costs down, map out exactly what is wanted BEFORE sitting down with a web designer. Don’t go for a lot of flash or glitzy images. Keep the site informative. It’s good to include a page about yourself (why you do this/your experience), rates and/or pricing information, the services offered and contact information. It’s also a good idea to include any projects worked on, letters of commendation, any awards won, or certificates achieved.

Starting out, especially if this is in addition to a full-time “day job,” it’s okay to be an independent contractor. When you do start to collect clients, it’s recommended that to set up with a business name, license and look into incorporating to protect personal (and family’s) assets. This is not said to scare you – my husband and I have both set up home-based businesses, so this was a concern for us and was done to put our minds at ease.

For office equipment, have a nice, big desk that’s comfortable for both writing and typing. And, of course, a very comfortable chair is also a big plus.

The other pieces of office equipment needed to complete your home office depends largely on what services are being offered and what instruments are needed for the day-to-day operations of your business.

Jaime Caris (www.alwaysontime.biz) states that the most important piece of office equipment for her is her PC. “What would we do without them nowadays? It is used for EVERYTHING!”

Kimberley Kenney (www.vakk.biz) says that her most important piece of office equipment is her filing cabinet. “Keeping things organized and filing all pertinent documents is of the utmost importance to any business!”

A separate phone line is a reasonably-priced way to help establish yourself as a “professional.” Sharon Williams, MVA, Coach and Author (www.the24hoursecretary.com) states that her telephone “provides a direct mode of accessibility and relationship-building that communicating via computer does not allow. From hearing a person’s voice, [Sharon] can hear the inferences of his statements and questions and can direct the conversation accordingly.”

Most times, a contract will specify what kind of internet connection you will need. Presently, the majority of contracts seen lately specify a LAN/cable modem for internet connection because of the size of the files you will need to download/upload for clients. A good, reliable PC is also a very basic requirement. As far as a printer and/or fax machine, purchasing or leasing one works the best.

For software, purchase at least the basics: Microsoft Office Suite, Quickbooks (for your bookkeeping and if you offer bookkeeping as a service) and any others that are specific to the services you want to offer. Make sure you’re well-trained in that specific software though before you offer services using it.

The most important thing when setting up your home-based work area is keeping your WHY in mind. Why are you choosing this path in life? I chose to work from home as a Virtual Assistant because of our first daughter Brady. I keep pictures of both her and her sister Emma up all over the place for that reason. Whenever I get that kink in my back, signaling I’ve spent too many hours sitting still and working, I look up and see my girls’ pictures. And it’s all worth it!

Deciding What Services to Offer (Niche vs. General)

When figuring out what services to offer, don’t offer anything you don’t like to do. For example, I HATE making cold calls. I do like writing, editing, proofreading, data capturing and desktop publishing. So, when responding to ads or inquiries, I focus on my personal strengths and the services I like to offer.

Another thing to decide on at this point is if you want to be a “general” VA, or if you want to specialize in a certain field such as medical, legal, real estate or technical areas. If you have the training and/or experience in a specialized field, and the desire to work in that field, go after a “niche” in that area. If you don’t have the necessary skills or training, but are interested in a specialized area, try getting in with a firm/company as a general VA and learn the skills you don’t already possess.

There are many VAs who work as general VAs, but market themselves towards certain types of businesses. I have worked as a chiropractic assistant, so it’s a natural extension of my business to do billing and transcription for chiropractors. I have three clients who I do “overflow work” for in this capacity. I also really enjoy writing/editing, so I’ve started marketing myself specifically towards being a “Virtual Writer’s Assistant.”

Setting Fees

Most VAs charge $25-50/hr., depending on the services offered, years of experience and how specialized their field of expertise is. When starting out, it’s good to start in the $15-$25/hr. range, especially if just doing general administrative work. Research what other VAs who offer similar services are charging. Look around at other sites.

Use your discretion when setting prices and rates. Some VAs opt not to list their prices on their sites and charge a per-project fee instead of hourly. If you’re going to do things that way, make sure you carefully look at every aspect of the project and how much time is going into it. Be fair both to yourself and your client.

Another good suggestion is to give first-time clients a discount on their first project or contract, especially those clients with whom you would like to work. Make sure they know that this is a “First Contract Discount” that you offer to new clients in order to show them the quality of your work and the dedication you have to your clients.

Contracts

Marketing, Advertising and Getting Gigs

Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends.

Invest in some brochures/postcards that y

Ceramic and Pottery Defects 4: Defects Generated During Drying Operations
Drying operations relate to plastic forming operations and casting operations. Forced drying in controlled driers expedites production and guarantees continual controlled production flow.Driers are usually built into automatic casting machines and roll forming machines. The drier is often designed to accommodate the different stages of drying. Airflow is adjustable throughout the drier.When a piece of ceramic ware is first formed, the particles are separated by a water layer which can be easily and safely removed. For that reason, excessive heat can be supplied at this stage of drying.Once the particles touch, the process becomes diffusion controlled and the water molecules must move slowly through the body matrix.Finally, the last tightly held water must be removed.These last two steps require careful heat and humidity control in the drier. Airflow must be controlled locally. See Ceramics: Industrial Processing and Testing by John T. Jones and M. F. Berard.For automatic plastic forming operations incorporating built-in driers, the slip must be controlled as to particle size, specific gravity, and viscosity. The slip must be in the flocculated state during filter pressing and subsequent operations. If not controlled, the ware may not dry properly after forming and the operations can be drastically slowed down. Drier losses due to cracking or distortion can be dramatic. Airflow control by adjustable jets can eliminate losses.Drying of cast ware is less critical except for automatic casting machines. Slip control is again the most important function to prevent loss.See the reference for more information on the drying process, slip control, and industrial driers.

r experience depends on what services will be offered and what skills are already possessed. Experience in a variety of fields can be helpful: secretarial/administrative, reception, customer service, human resources, billing, etc. And, as much as this position can be discounted in today’s society, don’t forget your most important role as a parent which teaches multi-tasking, time management, grammar correction, diplomacy and learning to pick your battles.

Sharon Williams, MVA, Coach and Author (www.the24hoursecretary.com) has mixed feelings about certifications versus coaching versus only experience:

Setting Up Your Home Office

For office equipment, have a nice, big desk that’s comfortable for both writing and typing. And, of course, a very comfortable chair is also a big plus.

Jaime Caris (www.alwaysontime.biz) states that the most important piece of office equipment for her is her PC. “What would we do without them nowadays? It is used for EVERYTHING!”

Deciding What Services to Offer (Niche vs. General)

Setting Fees

Contracts

Marketing, Advertising and Getting Gigs

Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends.

Invest in some brochures/postcards that

Career Impact on Life in General
How does unemployment impact us in all areas of our lives?Where did we go wrong? After all we have so much education and knowledge. So why would such a person be out of work?REALITY - IT HAPPENS TO SO MANY OF USI have a true story for you with facts and solutionsA few months ago I met a gentleman who shared with me his emotional story.Even though he climbed the academic ladder achieving the PhD in Operations Research in addition to his Engineering degree, Masters in Mathematics and Masters in Economics he was among the unemployed for 18 months.How did he feel for 18 months considering that he had a family to support and where did his IDENTITY GO?1. Upset 2. A huge let down 3. Anxious 4. Lost confidence 5. Rejection 6. Despair 7. Money concerns 8. Lack of enthusiasm 9. Weak vision 10. No desire 11. Searching for an answer 12. Dark futureBut as they say challenged moments can lead us towards two directions; postiive and negative.He made a choice. And that made the difference.Upon disecting the entire reason, researching the job market, the demands out there and the furnishing of material he had, he's come to the realization that all job markets are looking for one thing and one thing only; problem solvers - "THE QUICK FIX"And so he's come up with a magnificent program proven to create the resutls we are all seeking for:1. Get the job we desire 2. Get recognition and monitory compensation 3. Be ready for change and minimal time (out of work) 4. Whether military, college or any type of organization the system works 5. Have more passion for your career 6. Save TIME AND MONEY to get the results "YOU SEEK"I couldn't believe it myself but after listening and practicing the very program I was convinced that it had promise, power and solutions.You can see it for yourself. Check it out and you too will feel less stressed about this very important area of your life. Career is the 1/3 slice of the the big pie and

essential education that fills the gaps not provided in conventional education.”

Setting Up Your Home Office

For office equipment, have a nice, big desk that’s comfortable for both writing and typing. And, of course, a very comfortable chair is also a big plus.

Jaime Caris (www.alwaysontime.biz) states that the most important piece of office equipment for her is her PC. “What would we do without them nowadays? It is used for EVERYTHING!”

Deciding What Services to Offer (Niche vs. General)

Setting Fees

Contracts

Marketing, Advertising and Getting Gigs

Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends.

Invest in some brochures/postcards that

Where Succession Planning Fails
I am often hired to coach someone who has moved from a technical role to one of leadership. When I use the term "technical" I mean in the broadest sense of a functional expert, whether it be in the field of technology, accounting, legal, sales or other specialised role. The call from the HR Department usually comes after the event, when things have started to go wrong.So why do so many companies promote people into leadership roles who are unprepared for leading a team? Is it simply that there is no formal succession plan? Not at all. An individual may be earmarked for promotion for what on the surface appear good, logical reasons. He or she has received consistently good performance appraisals, feedback from colleagues is positive on their expertise in the job and they regularly meet or exceed their KPIs. All the right reasons for a well deserved promotion, one might think.It seems quite logical to promote someone who is an expert in their field to head up a functional team. Surely a team with an expert at the head can only benefit from that wisdom and experience. The team will consider themselves lucky to have someone as their boss whose technical skills are highly regarded, won't they?Promotions of technical experts without proper preparation for the challenges of leadership often result in a demotivated team, lower performance, intra team conflicts and inter departmental tensions. The reason is simple, the individual has not recognised or been taught the difference between functional excellence and leadership. Functional excellence is usually measured by results evidenced by hard facts and data, e.g. an IT network that works first time, a set of accounts that are true and accurate, a contract that withstands close scrutiny or the achievement of a sales target. Leadership excellence is ultimately measured in the same way but the individual who has been used to achieving results through their own skills and ability suddenly has to achieve them through a medium that is unpredictable and sometimes fickle, i.e. other human beings.Typical

nts. A good, reliable PC is also a very basic requirement. As far as a printer and/or fax machine, purchasing or leasing one works the best.

Deciding What Services to Offer (Niche vs. General)

Setting Fees

Contracts

Marketing, Advertising and Getting Gigs

Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends.

Invest in some brochures/postcards that

Hair Extensions In New York Adds Grace And Charm To Your Look
Long hair, short hairs, medium length hair you can find hair styles different type and length just by looking all around you. However one always dreams of having the perfect hair and being the envy of one and all. Everyone is not blessed with naturally beautiful hairs and they have to take special efforts to make their hair look better and beautiful. Hair extensions are one such procedure that can be used to change your hairstyle and in turn transform your whole looks. Hair extensions is a process through which artificial hair is bound with the natural ones to give a person an entirely new look. Hair extensions can increase the length of your hair and also add volume to your hair that has less volume. Depending on the type of hair that you have you can opt for anything. It is your hair and you are the best judge to decide if you are willing to undergo any new procedure to improve your hair or not.If you happen to be residing in New York you do not have to worry about anything related to hair extensions, that is if you have decide to do this procedure in your hair. Hair extensions New York services are offered by several hair stylists who operate in the city. One just needs to make sure that the hair stylist is sufficiently qualified to carry out the procedure without any hassles. After all one is experimenting with their hairs and their looks so they would not like to do the procedure from a stylist who is not sufficiently qualified. Sometimes it feels just wonderful to go for a change in your hairstyle and see the transformation you undergo. This can act as a wonderful means to boost up your confidence levels and do wonderfully well in your professional and personal life.First go and talk to the hairstylist and see how viable are your chances are of undergoing this procedure. Everybody is not the perfect candidate to undergo the procedure of hair extensions and this is why one must consult about this properly with a stylist who is an expert in this. That is not all if you have any doubts and apprehension about the whole procedure you must make sure that you ta

Contracts

Marketing, Advertising and Getting Gigs

Make sure to get the word of your new venture out to your family and friends.

Invest in some brochures/postcards that you can send to targeted companies in your community to announce the services you offer and the advantages of using a VA.

Just a few more thoughts…

In order to succeed in this, or any other, home-based business, you need the support of friends and family and the qualities of determination and perseverance. A “can-do” attitude is needed during the beginning months when the work may be scarce and the money isn’t exactly “rolling in.”

A.J. Horne of Horne Communications offers this thought regarding working from home:

“Working at home should be treated just as working at an office, just without the commuting. It takes stringent time management and requires flexibility from you as well, juggling the home tasks while doing the work projects. Just remain adaptable, with the thought in mind that “the norm” does not apply to you or your hours.”

Even though the internet is becoming a bigger staple in people’s lives, some business owners and/or individuals will still try to discourage you from this type of work with comments like “How do I know you are really working if you’re not where I can see you?” DO NOT LISTEN to these people! Believe in yourself. Trust that you’ve made the right decision. Do something every day to build your business. And take things one step at a time.

As VAs are becoming more widely used and written about, more employers are coming to realize that there is talent in these overlooked workers.

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Packaging materials are used to keep products identified, protected and undamaged during delivery. There are different types of packaging, depending upon the types of products being packaged. The most important and popular one is encapsulated air plastic sheeting, which is commonly known as bubble wrap and uses encased air bubbles in the midst of plastic sheeting to protect goods from shock during transportation. This is an ideal packaging material for lightweight goods and can be shaped to wrap around any size of product. If the product is heavy then these products may deflate the sheeting, making it ineffective.

A logo design, commonly known as a logo, is the graphic element of a trademark or brand, set in a special font or arranged in a particular but legible way. The color, shape, typeface, etc. of a logo should be distinctly different from others on the market. It is a graphic representation symbolizing one’s organization. It is designed for instant identification and can appear on company letterhead and advertising material, and is a way an organization can easily be recognized.

Eddie McGuire a chef executive successfully uses the integrated marketing concept to achieve corporate branding, product branding, branding strategies, marketing branding, branding building and personal branding for Nine Network; and could possibility add more than 100 million dollars to the company over the next five years.

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Added for You - How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business

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