On the Go Newsletter Vol. 3 is here!

Welcome to the third edition of the Virtual Assistant on the Go newsletter! I am delighted to have your support on this incredible journey and to have the opportunity to deliver valuable content directly to your inbox every month. My goal is to provide you with insights and resources that can assist you in your own journey.

It's been three months since I started on LinkedIn myself and wow have I learned so much! The wealth of information is incredible, but what's most remarkable is the people. If you have not had a chance to connect with anyone on Linkedin, what are you waiting for? 

I hope this month's newsletter inspires you to take full advantage of what this platform has to offer and if you have any questions, feel free to connect with me. 

Thank you once again for being a part of this journey. I am excited to continue delivering valuable content and insights that can help you thrive in your own endeavors. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, tips, and resources in the upcoming editions of the newsletter.

In recent years, LinkedIn has emerged as a powerful social networking platform, revolutionizing the way professionals connect, discover job opportunities, and promote their businesses. Yet, despite its immense potential, many people remain unsure about how to navigate LinkedIn effectively to achieve their desired goals. What can you do about it?

While LinkedIn offers a vast network of professionals, it's essential to differentiate yourself from the crowd. Avoid generic and cookie-cutter approaches. You probably see plenty of those. Instead, infuse your personal touch, insights, and experiences into your posts, articles, and interactions.

In addition to standing out, fostering meaningful relationships on LinkedIn is vital. Cultivate genuine connections based on trust and respect. Start by sending a friendly DM or commenting on a post you really liked. Be open to virtual coffee chats; I've had three this week alone with strangers who have now become friends! Remember that these connections can serve as the foundation for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.

I can't stress this enough: it's not about the quantity; it's about quality. Aim to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values, interests, and goals. Seek out communities and groups aligned with your professional aspirations, where you can engage in meaningful conversations and foster genuine connections.

As you navigate LinkedIn, don't shy away from inspiring and empowering others. Share your experiences, successes, and lessons learned to motivate and uplift your network. Share personal stories about your journey, experiences, and lessons. People love reading relatable stories, especially as new entrepreneurs. By offering valuable insights and supporting others on their journeys, you position yourself as a trusted resource and a beacon of inspiration.

Embracing growth and learning is another essential aspect of utilizing LinkedIn effectively. Stay open-minded, embrace new perspectives, and constantly expand your knowledge. There is a wealth of valuable information at your disposal—make the most of it! This mindset allows you to adapt to changes, seize opportunities, and stay ahead of the curve.

Last but not least, celebrate your wins along the way. LinkedIn is not just a platform for self-promotion; it's a space to acknowledge achievements, both big and small. By sharing your milestones and acknowledging the accomplishments of others, you foster a culture of support and inspiration. Celebrating success not only boosts your morale but also motivates others to strive for their own greatness. Ready to give LinkedIn another go?

It seems that at least once each week I hear the same five words from friends and clients: “I need to delegate more.” And then, immediately afterward, they say, “But I don’t think there’s anybody who will understand my work, take it as seriously as I do, and do a really great job.”

As a result, nothing gets delegated and they are left doing everything for themselves.

The problem, I’ve discovered, is not a lack of capable and committed people willing to help. It’s that people simply don’t know how to delegate and are afraid to let go, even a little. So they assume there’s no way forward.

Here’s what I recommend instead on your way to becoming a delegation rock star:

1. Do your research: It’s important to know what skills are needed by the person you’re going to hire. Just like hiring an accountant to do your taxes, you’ll want to find someone with expertise. If you need to delegate setting up your newsletter, find someone with experience using Mailchimp, Constant Contact or a similar program.

This may sound obvious, but I often hear solo professionals say they are thinking about hiring very smart friends, but I discover after a few questions they don’t have any relevant experience. You wouldn’t hire a “very smart friend” who knew nothing about cars to act as your auto mechanic – delegation of your business needs works the same way; specific skills are required.

2. Take time to plan: You’ve got to give the person doing the work enough time to schedule it into their calendar and get it done. This requires planning ahead. When I get ready to write my newsletter, for example, I ask my editor on Sunday or Monday if she has time for edits on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. I don’t just assume and send it over to her. You need to be prepared, too, for the answer to be “no” or “not this week.”

3. Provide specific information: “Can you handle this?” is not enough information for the person you’re delegating to – even if it’s a simple and (in your mind) self-explanatory task. Include details, timelines and any supporting information. For example: “I’m ready to publish my next newsletter. Attached is the word document and the images I’d like to use. Can we schedule it for this Friday at 6:00 am?” Be thorough: include deadlines and guidelines about how you’d like the work to be done.

4. Create check-in and control points: If you’ve delegated a project, schedule check-in points for milestones to make sure things stay on track. Sometimes there can be misunderstandings about the required tasks even when you both think you understand. Regular meetings will help with discovery and allow for adjustments.

5. Develop a communicative relationship: When you work with someone you are in a relationship with them. I don’t mean you need to be BFFs, but simple things that work in your other relationships will work in this one too. A simple, “Thank you – great job,” or “How was your weekend?” will go a long way. Be sure to answer questions about the project quickly so that it can stay on track and on time. Your work together will require conversation – either written or verbal.

My guess is that 99% of the time the person assisting you wants to do a good job. If that’s not happening, check these five points to see where you two might be going off track.

Delegation is a powerful way to leverage your time and get help with areas of your business where you might not have expertise. Done well, it can be a big win for you and your business.