• Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Ideal-Helper

  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • About Us
    • Diary
  • Get Started
    • Start an Online Business
    • Free Outsourcing Coaching
    • BB1 To BB2 Conversion
    • SBI To WordPress Conversion
  • Get Results
    • Best Place to Hire
    • What is outsourcing
    • Ethical Outsourcing
    • Mechanical Turk
  • Outsourcing Tools
    • File Sharing
    • Video Instructions
    • Increase Productivity
  • Become A VA
  • Contact Us
You are here: Home / Archives for Virtual Assistant

Virtual Assistant

August 14, 2014 By Virtual Assistant Leave a Comment

What Is the Best Way to Communicate with a VA? Opinions from a VA

by Jomvie
(Francis’ Full-Time VA)

Communication comes in many ways, such as sending messages or calling using:

  • mobile phones
  • emails
  • through video sharing applications

Communication is the most important task for any individual. So, how much more for a virtual assistant working all throughout the internet from day to night?

This post is in response to Francis’ (my employer) question:

“Which communication method is best for you?”

It emanates from my “daily work update” that I mentioned video-sharing is best for updates and feedbacks from my tasks.

Whenever I am given some tasks, the audio-video-sharing application Jing is the answer to it all. Yes, it does not come from writing long descriptions through email that will take some time in figuring things out. And for me, video mail is the best way in getting instructions since it’s already laid out in front of you.

Francis asked another question:

“Isn’t that live chat/face-to-face better?”

Yes, it is even better, since you can confirm right then and there on how to do things, or if this is right or not. The only disadvantage in live instructions is – it takes too much time.

I have the habit of extracting Skype conversation with Francis’ main VA and transfering them to a word document. In other words, I am reading the instructions through the document.

For me, life discussions are only good for quick tasks and confirming previous tasks if I did it right or not. Unlike video mails, no matter how many times you play it, the instruction is visible in front of the computer and you can just follow through it step by step.

But, in my opinion, Skype conversations and audio-video mail are best in communication.

  • First, send the video containing instructions for the next tasks
  • Then confirm it through Skype conversation.

What about you? Do you have some things in mind that can help in making a better communication between employer and virtual assistant? Do jump in on the comments below and let me know.

Comments for What is the best way to communicate with a VA? Opinions from a VA

Aug 14, 2014 Video instructions are the easiest for employers, too
by: FrancisThe biggest disadvantage for skype conversations from the employer’s perspective is that often you have time zone differences with your VAs. So, one side needs to adapt to the other to have a real time discussion.

A few years ago on the other hand, the size of the videos and slower internet speed would have been a limiting factor. Now, high speed internet makes even file sharing with bigger file sizes a breeze.

Filed Under: Use a screen recording software to instruct your VA

August 4, 2014 By Virtual Assistant Leave a Comment

Challenge for a Content Writer VA: Use 4 Different Writing Styles

by Jomvie
(Francis’ Full-time Virtual Assistant)

Here’s a sample of a writing exercise in search of my voice in writing

Here’s a sample of a writing exercise in search of my voice in writing

Background from Francis:
I asked my VA to challenge himself with writing in 4 different voice tones the same sort of content to expand his horizon a bit. It was also a small test to see how he handles smaller challenges.

Every individual has its own different style and approach in writing. Some will make your heart melt, make you laugh so hard and some are informative. No matter what your style is, you can’t impose it on to anything like you want it, especially when a random audience would come and visit your site.

Yes, you have to consider some standards in writing your opinion, post or article in a way that will not offend a random audience. But, this task mainly talks about different writing styles in commenting.

Recently, I had this task about voice recording entitled, “My Voice Recording Experience.” These tasks, writing in different styles and voice recording have similarities when it comes to finding your own voice. I mean your style in writing and giving opinion of the website I am working.

For this particular site, my writing style should be cool and a little bit aggressive but not offending. Though it sounds a little complicated, but I took the challenge with an open mind.

From this period, I am still warming up in search of my own voice and supposed-to-be writing style.

As a virtual assistant, there are steps and adjustments I must take to be successful in this field. I had to adapt from the things that I am not familiar and had to bend and break some of the usual habits to fit in the puzzle.

Although this task is same as just commenting to the mainstream social media platforms, but it is still best to take some precautions to avoid conflicts later on.

Mainstream platforms are flooded with sarcastic remarks that will create a commotion and that should be avoided and this is the main purpose of my writing exercise.

Comments for Challenge for a content writer VA: Use 4 Different Writing Styles

Aug 04, 2014 Getting you self-motivated
by: FrancisThe main goal of the exercise is to boost your self-confidence, Jomvie.You have your very own “style” but it can always be fine-tuned to be the most effective for any site you write content for.A newsletter website reads differently than a blog about puppies etc.

I like to think this exercise was a useful one.

Filed Under: Tips on How to Become a Virtual Assistant

July 24, 2014 By Virtual Assistant Leave a Comment

Follow-Up Post: How to Avoid Eye Strain

by Jomvie
(Francis’ Full-time Virtual Assistant)

On my previous post about “Eye Strain“, it talks about the onset of my eye strain, its signs and symptoms and how I’ve tried to alleviate the feel of discomfort, for me to be able to continue with my work.

On this second post, I am going to discuss the proper ways of caring for your eyes, eye movements/exercise and when is the right time to see your eye doctor most especially to those who are immensely submerged in-front of the monitor.

First off, this post will never be made possible without my employer’s (Francis) concern where he took a time collating a list of links for eye care and to help me alleviate on what I have been feeling the past few weeks. And this will not only help me but as well as to those who are in the same field as mine.

Eye Care Tips to avoid computer eye strain

  • Proper Lighting – Often eye strain is related to excessive bright light either from outdoor sunlight reflecting through your window or harsh lightings inside the room.We can eliminate these with the use of drapes or curtains, adjust your monitor’s brightness accordingly that does not flicker and as much as possible position your monitor behind the source of light to avoid glares.
  • Take a quick break – Get your eyes a quick break using the 20-20-20 rule:
    • Every 20 minutes
    • Take a 20 second break and look away
    • At something 20 feet from you
  • Quick Blink – Due to the nature of the work that requires staring at the computer for long hours, we should never forget to blink periodically to maintain our eyes moisturize.
  • Use of computer glasses – If in case you haven’t had your eyes checked, meanwhile, you can utilize fashionable eyeglasses, sunglasses or computer glasses. This will help minimize harsh light coming directly to your eyes.
  • Comprehensive eye exam – It is important to have your eyes checked when it is already associated with headaches and disturbing symptoms because you might (probably) need a prescribed eyeglasses and not just those fancy glasses mentioned earlier.

To those who are in the field of online job; VA, freelancer or independent contractor, even employers and those individual that requires prolonged sitting and staring at their monitor, I highly advice you take these tips by heart.

From my own experience, eye-strain is rather painful than annoying. It affects the quality of my work and output and worst is I have to compensate the long hours for the next days when I took off from work on the onset of my eye strain.

If you have anything in mind to add any tips and eye care, do jump in to the comment box and let me know 😀

Comments for Follow-up post: How to avoid Eye Strain

Jul 31, 2014 Looking down at your screen
by: FrancisGreat tips! Here’s one more:Try to install your screen (or your chair) in a height so that you are looking slightly downwards at your screen.

The top of the screen should be on the same level than your eyes. This way, when you look down, your eyes are more closed than if you look upwards.

This is healthy for your eyes because they are kept moist.

Are you actually implementing the tips from your article? Did that make a difference?

 

Filed Under: Tips on How to Become a Virtual Assistant

July 16, 2014 By Virtual Assistant Leave a Comment

How to Stay Regular and Motivated as a Virtual Assistant

by Francis’ Main Virtual Assistant

A Screenshot from my work diary Green are working days

A Screenshot from my work diary
Green are working days

I have been asked a question by Francis (My employer) regarding my work schedule. Normally, I work 25-30 hours per week and thankfully I am very much regular with my work routine. That’s why I was asked to provide some tips and techniques about how to manage my working hours and stay productive at the same time.

Well, it was a tough question to answer because I simply don’t have a mechanism for this act specifically. But here are some tips you can keep into your consideration and I am sure these would definitely help you as a virtual assistant.

    1. Schedule your working hours for each week – Although it sounds simple, but yes – it’s important to schedule your working hours before starting each week. This is what I do. I aim for a target and try to catch up these hours within weekdays i.e. Monday to Friday
    2. Schedule your working hours for each day – Like I schedule my hours for each week, I also create a work plan for each day individually.
    3. Know your best productive timings – As a virtual assistant, you must know yourself when it comes to productivity. You should know at what time you’re most productive and when you are less productive.Keeping these timings into your consideration, decide which tasks require more of your brain and which require less attention to detail. For me, I found myself most productive at the start of the work and late at night. I am very much less productive after lunchtime and try to work on some no or less brainer tasks during this time.
    4. Take breaks from time to time – Rest is important for your daily productivity. Take short breaks within your daily work schedule, this will help you amazingly to boost up your productivity level.
    5. Try to achieve your target within weekdays – It is very important that you try to finish your work quota within weekdays. If you don’t finish your target within weekdays, try to catch them up as soon as you can.
    6. No work on weekends – At the initial span of my virtual assistant career, often I couldn’t finish my workweek within weekdays and used to prolong my workweek to weekends. That hurt my productivity very badly, I had a very strange anxiety in my mind regarding those pending hours and that feeling didn’t help me relax during the weekend even if I only had one hour pending.

Now I have decided to finish my work as soon as possible even if some working hours are still pending. After then I do rest, do some leisure activities, dine out with friends, watch a movie etc. I found this really helpful. This gives me a lot of peace of mind and re-boosts my energy level to its maximum.

I hope that these tips will help you work better as a virtual assistant. Please feel free to share other tips and techniques you use to plan your workweek and stay motivated.

Comments for How to Stay Regular and Motivated As a Virtual Assistant

Jul 16, 2014 no more weekends’
by: JomvieI also have that kind of sentiments at the wee hours of the afternoon. And I am trying to fight off procrastinating during these hours but often I lose 😀 and often I find myself most productive at night probably because the weather is cozy and my brain works comfortably. Great tips though, will take one or two from you =D especially that “no work on weekends”
Jul 17, 2014 Some things come with time
by: FrancisPeople are different, and all have their strengths and weaknesses. But it’s good to exchange with one another to see what tips we can “steal” from each other.For me, the setting goals – and keeping them – tip echoed most with me.We can discuss the issue of working at night too (you have a voicemail ;)), if that is more comfortable.

Interestingly, I heard this from other VAs from the Philippines, too. Perhaps when I visit the Philippines this year, I will understand why it might be an alternative to work at night…

Filed Under: Tips on How to Become a Virtual Assistant

July 11, 2014 By Virtual Assistant Leave a Comment

Can You Earn Reasonable Money from Mechanical Turk?

by Jomvie
(Francis’ Full-time Virtual Assistant)

Some years ago, I signed-up for Amazon’s Mechanical Turk just trying it out to get some extra income while I am just browsing on the internet.

Mechanical Turk call their job/task HITs that mean “Human Intelligence Tasks”. These are tasks that computers are unable to do and that require human intelligence.
I was caught up with the promising shiny object called no attachment, no requirement and fast money. It sounds so cool and easy, right?

So, after I finished signing up, I have to wait for 48 hours of validation since there are too many people who had their way ahead of me. By the way, I am from the Philippines and this means they also need time to run some background check and some sort.

After 48 hours…

I am officially registered and can start working on some HITs. I noticed that most of the HITs that I am allowed to get are less than $0.05? Then I told myself “what the heck” this kind of job is? I scrolled down looking for some pot of gold…scrolling until my index finger got tired of clicking and never had I seen a pot of gold.

So, I decided to take my chances with $0.03 – $0.05. My first HIT was about geographical sites (sounds complicated). I was given a list of places and had to search for it on the Google map that is plain white and black.

Did I say “sounds complicated”? Indeed. Before Google Map became a super intelligent map, human had gone through many pain in search for the needle in a haystack just to make it the super intelligent as it is now today. And take note, its offer is $0.05 per place encoded and it takes 30 minutes to an hour to find the street or city.

After that HIT, I took some time off being a HIT maker. Weeks after I took some time, I came back to make some HITs again. I started with two surveys and finished them less than 5 minutes each and next was writing some random articles.

Assuming I got $0.26 from two surveys and two articles in an hour.. But, what’s the catch? I was denied of one article so I got $0.18.

  • How do I know that the requester will not use my article?
  • Is it worth an hour joggling my brains out and in the end denied of a $0.08?

I can’t complain any further since there is no employee and employer contract. They can deny anytime they want and the worker can’t do anything about it. So, I find this kind of service unfair. That’s why I decided to quit and never come back.

I would like to share some tips or you can also call it tricks to achieve your goals with MTurk venture, please read the following and follow them by heart:

  • Search for good paying HITs
  • Don’t bother yourself with 1 cent
  • Go for Survey HITs
  • Beware of scammers

These are the most interesting tips that I can share to all HITs maker and future HIT maker (watch out for scammers).

Filed Under: Tips And Experiences with Amazon's Mechanical Turk Service

July 11, 2014 By Virtual Assistant Leave a Comment

Experiencing Eye Strain as a Virtual Assistant

by Jomvie
(Francis’ Full-time Virtual Assistant)

Prolonged exposure to your monitor may be harmful to your eyes

Prolonged exposure to your monitor may be harmful to your eyes

Recently, I had this very painful experience with a nauseous feeling and light-headedness. Aside from that annoying feeling, I am required to sit in-front of the computer all day as being a virtual assistant is my full time job. So, mainly, I do everything on the internet and nothing else.

The painful experience

Just another normal day in front of my computer, as I am starting my daily task—as it is my routine. Inside a couple of hours, I suddenly felt that my eyes seem to have been stabbed with something I can’t see and was followed by dizziness.

I lied down for a while and tried to relax a bit then after a few minutes, I went on to sit in front of the computer to continue working again. Unfortunately, there it goes the nausea again. I took some analgesics for the headache but still the unpleasant feeling persisted.

Things just went worst— the stabbing-like pain in my eyes kept persisting to the point that looking into the computer hurts so much that it takes only seconds for me to get a good look on the monitor then I have to close my eyes thereafter.

After a couple of times trying to sit and do my stuff, I decided to take a rest for the day. But, I did some lifehacks on my own—I tried not to look straight at the computer whenever I am typing just look by the sides of the monitor whenever I am checking out things.

Sometimes I still have that light-headedness and vomiting-like feeling and again I applied my own lifehacks to relieve me from pain and continue my online stuff.

The Decision

I decided that I need to consult an eye doctor as I am to be working for a much extended period of time in the future. In this kind of job, the tenure and the productivity strictly depends on the number of hours logged as well as the quantity and quality of the tasks done.

To all the virtual assistants out there, how would you like to let me know what your best tips are in case this occurs at some point in time during your working hours?

 

Comments for Experiencing Eye Strain as a Virtual Assistant

Jul 14, 2014 Taking care of your health = Priority 1+
by: FrancisJomvie, don’t overdo it even if it is your job to work online and at the computer. Try to come up with alternatives that can be acceptable – like printing out reading materials and reading them offline, tracking your time as you go.Also, start with the visit to your eye doctor soon, and then with the list of resources researched from the internet to reduce eye strain.How did that list help you?
Jul 15, 2014 Eye strain–care, tips and exercise
by: JomvieHi Francis, yes I tried taking off some alternative like after I spent 2 to 4 hours in the computer, I will go and rest for a while and then back again to my work or take some 5-minute break while my fingers are on the keyboard. It’s quite helpful but I still have that dizziness sometimes especially on the afternoon when the light of the sun is at its highest.I had a bunch of helpful eye care tips and exercise thanks for the links you spent time with—eye exercise is most helpful that allows my eyes to rest from looking straight for hours on the monitor.Will probably visit an eye doctor soon.. thanks!
Jul 15, 2014 Problem with sun glare
by: FrancisIt sounds to me as if you also have a problem with sun glare.Try closing the blinds and reducing the brightness of your room. Worst case, you can test pushing your working hours to when the sun is down and test if this helps.Also you can try wearing sunglasses. It’s not only cool, it also blocks excessive lighting. :)

Also, did you feel any difference after using F.lux?

The eye doctor will help most, however.

Jul 17, 2014 How to lessen sun glare
by: JomvieI guess it’s one of the main reasons for my eye strain. Actually, I covered my windows with drapes to lessen sun glare coming through the window.
Sunglasses will definitely be cool by the way 😀
And yes, I am feeling better now with that F.lux. But, I haven’t gone to an eye doctor yet. Most probably will visit an eye doctor over the weekend
Thanks big time.
Sep 24, 2014 Anti-Glare Spectacles
by: Virtual AssistantWell, I will strongly recommend to use an Anti-glare spectacles if you use computer screen for longer hours. (Often called anti-reflected coating or AR coating eyeglasses)

Anti-glare eye glasses

When living a virtual assistant life, you cannot avoid the computer screen at any case, but its very important to take care of those precious eyes.

I was also having an eyestrain for the last few days and luckily I visited an eye specialist last week who prescribed these anti-glare spectacles for me.

I am using these glasses for the past 5 days and I can already feel the difference. Now I have less eyestrain and my vision towards the computer screen has also been improved :)

Apr 14, 2015 True information is shared
by: Maria M. HartI feel really fortunate to have used your webpage and look forward to so many more fun moments reading here. Thanks a lot again for a lot of things.Great work

Filed Under: Tips on How to Become a Virtual Assistant

  • « Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

GET FREE OUTSOURCING COACHING

Fill in the form to get free outsourcing coaching eBook.

We respect your privacy and will never share your email address.

HEY I AM FRANCIS!

FrancisNice to meet you, I am the person behind this website! My main goal is to teach you to outsource your work to others - so that you can enjoy your new free time like this... Read More…

Latest Posts

  • Using Trello as a project management system with your virtual assistants
  • Firing an EmployeeFire your Virtual Assistant when he is not the perfect fit for you – What you have to know
  • site design comparison after WordPress transferNew WordPress design of my SBI website with the help of my Virtual Assistant
  • Typhoons—A Part Of Life for Virtual Assistants from the Philippines
  • francis on vacationWhat’s New These Past Weeks
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer


Do you believe in building bridges between different people based on mutual trust and respect? Do you think doing this will allow both sides to draw the maximum from each other, and reach a win win situation? Where you win, and the other person - like a virtual assistant -also wins? If you do believe this, like I do, I think we should meet :)

About

  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Impressum
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

By Francis, © ideal-helper.com 2012-2018

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OK and HidePrivacy Policy