Tools, Tips, and Treats for Living the VA Life [August 2019]
Smell that? Autumn is in the air, and I am here for it.
Catch up on what’s been happening this past humidity-filled, bug-encased month.
Productivity Pick-Me-Ups
Always Have Three Beverages (The Atlantic)
The latest Rorschach test kicks it off with water, but I’ll let you figure out what the other two are. Bottoms up!
Use These 33 Google Search Tricks to Find Exactly What You’re Looking For (Zapier)
An amazing list of tips and tricks AND HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT SETTING A TIMER?!
Top 10 Productivity Tips to Achieve More and Create Peace of Mind (Lifehack)
I live and breathe by number one: Write it down. If it’s not in my Moleskine, it’s likely not happening.
And I am working on prioritizing number eight.
Remote Work Revolution
A Short Guide to Pricing Your Services as a Consultant or Coach (Harvard Business Review)
You know your worth. Now weigh the pros and cons of how to price it.
From walking dogs to bartending, these 8 founders share the business lessons they learned from the side hustles that helped them survive while bootstrapping their startups (Business Insider)
Ah, the side hustle. Maybe VAing is your side hustle; maybe it’s your full-time goal. The career path for everyone is different.
And if you need a few more ideas to help keep working remotely, this article has excellent tips.
Mindfulness In The Age Of Remote Work Communications (Forbes)
A reminder that even though we work remotely, humans are on the other side of our screens. Learn strategies for communicating in a more appropriate way.
Marketing Mischief
A Marketing to Media Translation Dictionary For Journalists Turned Content Marketers (Contently)
This FAQ is full of media terms and their meanings for content marketers.
And yep, I’m totally a member of the sucker for gamification club. (But I’m working on it. #nojudgement)
Content marketing trends: Tips to prepare and consider for 2020 (The Next Scoop)
Stay on top of the trends and know what to watch for in 2020.
Hot tip: If you don’t have a podcast, start one. Don’t know how? We can help. Overwhelmed? We can help with that, too.
The Next Big Thing: Five Ways to Optimize for Voice Search (Influencive)
A detailed guide for developing your web presence to be found and utilized by voice search. Hello, age of Alexa.
Just For Fun
This Carnivorous Plant Invaded New York. That May Be Its Only Hope (New York Times)
Consider this a lesson in adaptivity and another reminder that climate change is out of control.
And in my next life, I want to be a plant that eats small fish.
Things People Say to Their Dogs (New York Times)
This makes me feel so much better about telling my dog to stop being such a trashy little ho.
The Cure’s Robert Smith lists his 30 favourite songs from the ’80s (Far Out Magazine)
Say hello to my new favorite playlist. You’re welcome.
Get tasks off your plate faster with the VA Starter Kit!
Meet Laura
The Oxford Comma, digging into statistical analyses, and keeping up with current digital media trends are a few of Laura's favorite things. She strives for organization and project management online and offline. Laura also happens to be our residential Crazy Plant Lady and if you have any plant conundrum, whether it be a houseplant or gardening hiccup, she can help with that.
Work superpower: The ability to project manage simple tasks and detailed projects
Favorite cheese: Gruyere/aged cheddar combo
Go-to karaoke song: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Beverage of choice: Hemingway daiquiri
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