A number of milestones in my anniversary week
The week of 24th March marked a number of milestones for me. 14 years in business, I reached the 1,000 mark in LinkedIn connections (thanks Mike) and had published my 300th post on my VA blog.
Those of you who read my VA blog will know I had a week of giveaways for new subscribers to the blog and it produced a whole lot of interest and fun.
What have I learnt in those 14 years? Lots - like don’t hold back on an idea but surge forward with it and action it if you believe in it. I did and ended up pioneering a new industry in my country even though I didn’t know that’s what I was doing at the time. Hindsight is such a great thing, isn’t it?
Networking is another valuable thing I’ve learnt. You never know who is going to be able to lead you to whom or where so it’s important to treat everyone as you would like to be treated yourself. You never know when you might need those contacts. I’ve been able to introduce my daughters to some interesting people for their own life plans as a result of being in the right place at the right time - so leaving the office and actually going out and meeting people is a good idea.
Be prepared to learn new skills and don’t knock back opportunities. Much of what I do today for clients is as a result of saying ‘yes’ when a client asked me to explore something on their behalf. Otherwise I’d still be doing just typing and data entry and nothing else.
Finally, have fun. If you’re not enjoying what you’re doing on a daily basis, then perhaps you need to reassess what’s happening in your life. If it’s for the short-term and you have a definite goal in mind, then that’s fine. But if it’s long-term and you have no goals, then something is adrift - time to find out what and why.
I loved the part about learning new skills. Half of what I know was learned on a new design project for a new client and a lot of my art was inspired by my art patrons!
And learning new skills keeps you young!
Great suggestions from a great role model!!
Hey, Kathie, Thanks for the plug. Isn’t it amazing that half way around the world there is an article or few lines getting written as a result of networking and Blogging. I wonder what the pen pals of the forties and fifties would think of this fantastic technology we have today. You a champ!
“Expect the Best” Mike
Thanks everyone and yes, Mike, I used to have penpals in the old days of writing letters. Today I have maybe thousands via forums - life has certainly changed!
14 years! You should be very proud of what you have accomplished, Kathie. You are so right about stretching yourself by doing things you are accustomed to. This is when we experience personal growth. Good post!
Congratulations on 14 years in business! I agree, you have got to love your work. Thank you so much for all you do for others.
Blessings,
Betty