My Weblog

A New Decade A New Beginning

Well, as it turns out I launched my new business two months early due to high demand. I’m grateful for the business and look forward to more government consulting work as we move into the new decade. I asked myself why now? Why this sudden interest in government contracting, after all the first government contract was signed with the Wright Brothers in 1908? Government contracts have always been an integral part of our economy; for instance, in fiscal year 2007 the government obligated $465 Billion in contract dollars; $537 Billion in 2008; and $385 Billion in 2009. Yet, a renewed interest is taking hold. I believe this is due to a combination of the “war on terror” and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (aka Recovery and/or Stimulus).  With the “war on terror” we are seeing more and more security firms competing for government contracts such as Rapiscan Security Systems who was recently awarded a contract by the Transportation Security Administration. And, we continue to see the top three defense contractors—Lockheed Martin, The Boeing Company, and Northrop Grumman Corporation—grow ever more as a result of the “war on terror.” With the “stimulus” money a strong focus is placed on construction and infrastructure re-builds with an emphasis on green technology. In both areas, small business can prosper by subcontracting with the large companies or by creating Joint Ventures that will make them competitive. Admittedly, it is difficult for a stand alone small business to compete despite the government’s small business contracting goals. Although difficult, it can be done. I can help small business owners and managers find government opportunities that fit the company. To learn more about my services, contact me at 215-262-9085.

Two Divisions

I'm fortunate that I love what I do for a living.  My business name is R.M.O. Virtual Assistance Services and while the name may be misleading, please be certain that I am 100% real.  As my business name states, I own and operate a virtual assistance practice. Unlike most virtual assistance businesses, my company is made up of two divisions.  The Administrative Services division concentrates on providing free lance administrative support from my office not yours, which is why I'm your Virtual Assistant.  This division is founded on my extensive experience as an Administrative Officer for the Department of Homeland Security.  The Government Relations division is focused on getting you that first government contract and on making sure your business grows by receiving more and more contract awards.  This is a highly specialized field that requires the expertise I bring as a Contracting Officer.  With over 23 years of government experience, I retired from federal service with a strong sense of what it takes to produce a customer-centric business.  My goal is to have my business recognized as a center of excellence by providing you with the enriching services you need to grow your business.

Virtual Assistant in Motion

"If economic turbulence has an upside, it may be that it makes people more receptive to positive change."  [Source: Robert Half International]  This statement couldn't be truer as I find myself looking hard at my current business model.  Understanding that the status quo works well in a booming environment when businesses can afford to be cautious; inaction is not the remedy in a down economy.  I believe that now is the time to reinvent your business as old business models may no longer apply.  Looking ahead, I find myself asking what are companies seeking as they limit their spending.  I suggest that the answer can be found in the "value-added" factor that a business provides.  I recently advised a client the need to include a "value-added" factor in his proposal to the government.  It's the edge that wins a contract.  And now, I'm looking inward to pull creativity forward and into motion.  I've decided to re-build my business to include a "business-to-government" model.  What is my "value-added" factor?  My 23 years experience as a Contracting Officer.  In January 2010, I will launch my new business venture.  In the ensuing months I will wean my current clients for whom I provide administrative support and seek out new clients who need professional consultants to help them grow their government business.  Look for announcements in future newsletters as I steer my business in a different direction.

Top Ten Reasons to Hire a Virtual Assistant

Last month, I had the privilege of speaking to a professional networking group of small business owners and entrepreneurs about the benefits of hiring a Virtual Assistant (VA).  I gave them a list of ten reasons to hire a VA. 

 

With a VA:

1. You don't need to spend valuable time on tasks you don't have time for or you don't like.
2. You don't need to provide physical space. 
3. You don't need to worry about costly equipment for your VA to use.
4. You don't need to deal with payroll, taxes or employee benefits.
5. You can focus on the more important issues of your business.
6. You have the freedom to grow and improve your business skills, knowledge, and relationships.
7. You have a partner to share or "bounce" your ideas.
8. You have the flexibility to assume new and challenging opportunities.
9. You have the peace of mind knowing that the details are being handled.
10. You are able to run your business instead of it running you.

 

At R.M.O. Virtual Assistance Services, we provide you with reliable back office support.  Contact us for our competitive rate schedule at 215-262-9085.

Virtual Assistants - A New Industry

Running a small business can be a challenge and often paperwork becomes a chore.  You are trying to grow a business - who has time for paperwork?  Virtual Assistants (VAs) specialize in providing administrative and executive support, presentations, database management, and desktop publishing services.  VAs support and respond to their clients from a home based office that is equipped with the latest technology.  Rates are competitive and are based on either short-term work or retainers.  A recent article published by The Washington Post focused on Virtual Assistants saying..."the term, around since the Internet became widely available, encompasses anyone who telecommutes and does administrative tasks for other businesses, usually on a contractual basis.  Most do tasks such as document preparation, paperwork and accounting."  The article continues..."Virtual Assistants allow companies to save on real estate and equipment, as well as benefits, which can add 35 percent to a base salary."  Michael Hanik, a businessman from Rockville, MD, was quoted in the article by saying that with no warehouse space to rent, no salaries or health benefits to pay, and no supply cabinets to keep stocked, [he] estimates he's decreased his business costs by 65 percent through outsourcing and using Virtual Assistants.  "It's a tremendous revolution," he said.  [Source:  The Washington Post, Emma L. Carew, Washington Post Staff Writer, Wednesday, July 8, 2009.]

What I Do

So, I understand that some of you are not exactly sure what I do as a Virtual Assistant (VA).  Rather than giving you the definition of a VA, I've listed here some of my completed work products.  Hopefully this list will give you the understanding that you're seeking.  Here's the list.  Word Processing using MS Word:  requests for grants, resumes, minutes, articles, correspondence and holiday cards using the mail merge function.  Spreadsheets using MS Excel:  create and populate contact management databases and client logs that are used as tickler files.  Gantt Charts using MS Office Project 2007:  used for creating informative project timelines.  Presentations and Slide Shows using MS PowerPoint:  create presentations, some with animation some without.  These are high quality slides that are presented to board members or to my client's customers.  Brochures, flyers, and promotional packets using QuarkExpress or InDesign:  my clients need these for trade shows and/or oral proposals.  Electronic Newsletters using ConstantContact:  clients give me an email list, I design the newsletter with my own original content (pictures and text) and release it after it has been approved by the client.  Lastly, LinkedIn Profiles:  I create profiles and work with clients to ensure 100% completion.  And, of course, I do all this from my home office which is why I'm YOUR virtual assistant.  To  learn more about my business please visit me at

www.rmovas.com.

Virtual Assistant: A Recession Proof Job

Did you know that AOL recently posted the top ten recession proof jobs?  Virtual assistants was listed as number seven.  AOL stated, "Virtual assistants, home-based administrative assistants, use office experience and computer skills as support personnel.  Many skills easily transition into this position which offers many part-time and temporary opportunities."  And, a recent Sun Microsystems study found that "Quick adoption by the business community of alternative work environments such as virtual offices can have a dramatic and immediate impact on the environment and energy costs.  Partnering with an experienced virtual assistant can be a timesaver to any business."  To learn more about this dynamic industry, visit my website at

www.rmovas.com.

My LeTip Experience

I'm a member of LeTip of Lower Bucks County.  LeTip is a professional organization of men and women dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service.  Our purpose is the exchange of business tips that puts dollars in your pocket.  Recently, I celebrated my first anniversary as a LeTipper.  At first, I approached this organization with trepidation fueled by skepticism.  After all who really can make money simply from being a member of an organization? As it turns out, I did.  I started my part-time business in February 2007 and made only $453.00 in the first year.  I joined LeTip in January 2008 and during that year I made $12,604.  And the influx of money is not stopping despite a weak economy.  Today, for instance, I received three tips from business owners who need the type of services I provide.  You can visit my website at www.rmovas.com to learn more about my services, but this is not about me it's about LeTip.  At this point, you're wondering how is it possible to thrive and survive in the face of a deep recession.  The media and Internet experts offer many solutions, my solution is LeTip.

 

LeTip is word-of-mouth marketing at its best.  It is a sales force promoting your company on a daily basis without the overhead of salaries.  It is a professional business meeting not a social event.  You meet weekly and build relationships with the purpose of exchanging business leads.  Through a cadre of LeTip members, you gain access to clients you never could have found on your own.  LeTip's meeting structure is built to ensure that you succeed.  Each week you introduce yourself and give your 30-second commercial.  Two or more times a year you highlight your product or service at a showboat table (much like a trade show booth).  And every six months you give a 10-minute presentation about your business.  LeTip meetings are not standard "networking" meetings.  Instead, chapter members are highly professional industry leaders who are serious about creating long-term business relationships.  Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed.  Here's a partial listing of business categories that can put dollars in your pocket:  architect, public adjuster, security systems, photographer, graphic artist, caterer, lawyer, insurance, computer consultant, fitness club, commercial real estate, travel services, signs/banners, supplemental insurance, financial advisor, exterminator, employee and employer benefits, florist, web designer, chiropractor, funeral director, general contractor, payroll services, banking, commercial printer, and mortgage broker.  Categories currently open are:  answering service, appraiser, bookkeeping services, chimney sweep, dance instructor, esthetician, hair stylist, handyman, music instruction, paralegal, safety consultant, speech therapist, wireless communications, and video production.

 

Networking expert Marsha Egan states that what people "don't realize is that when they build a network, much of the selling and prospecting can actually be done by other people.”  She also emphasizes that "networking is not about collecting business cards.  Networking is about building reciprocal, synergistic relationships with people throughout your organization, your community and your life."  [Source:  Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal, July 3-9, 2006, "Networking can be an effective, powerful tool" by Marsha Egan]