The end of one year seems to bring about a time of reflection on the year that was and a re-evaluation of goals and aspirations for the year ahead. Businesses are no exception and after a very busy and rewarding 2005, Net Secretary is looking forward to the challenges of 2006 and beyond. Constant review, monitoring and improvement of my business practices is something I strive for and I will be unveiling a few changes in the January edition of Net Secretary News. Stay tuned!

On a personal note, my son and I have just returned from a two week break in beautiful Tasmania (hence why the newsletter is a little late this month!). I will be available for clients right up to Christmas and then I am taking a break from 25 December 2005 to 2 January 2006 inclusive. I will resume work again from Tuesday 3 January 2006.

Merry Christmas and happy and safe holidays to all of my clients, family and friends. I wish you a productive and healthy 2006 and look forward to our working relationship in the year ahead.

Yours Virtually, Deanne Verrall

Not familiar with Virtual Assistant Coaches? Virtual Assistant Coaches and mentors are pioneers in the Virtual Assistance industry with years of experience under their belts. They have dedicated their lives to helping others start and run successful and profitable Virtual Assistant Practices.

In most cases Virtual Assistant coaching programs are where experienced Virtual Assistants coach and mentor those interested in becoming Virtual Assistants. Many Virtual Assistant coaches also provide mentoring and coaching for established Virtual Assistants. It can be in a group setting or one on one.

Coaching can include:

• Self Assessment
• Introduction to the VA industry
• Setting up a Virtual Assistant Business
• Legalities
• Assistance in choosing a business structure, getting a business license, business planning, and targeting a market
• Choosing your services
• What equipment will you need (software/hardware/etc)
• Designing a web site
• Landing and attracting clients
• Marketing options
• Goal Setting
• Networking

Did you know that Net Secretary can remotely access a client's computer to assist with a document or provide help with Outlook etc? The client will need to have Windows XP running on their PC and basically this is how it works:

• The client clicks Start, Help and Support, then under "Ask for assistance", click "Invite a friend to provide remote assistance".
• The client is presented with two options for requesting: either via MSN Messenger, or via Outlook. Either will work.
• The client follows the prompts and sets a password (the client will need to let Net Secretary know what that is).
• Net Secretary follows the prompts received to accept the invitation. If it's via Messenger, it comes in the normal Messenger Window. If via email, Net Secretary will get an email with an attachment to open and click.
• Sometimes there may be firewall problems on the client's computer - Net Secretary will ask the client to disable it temporarily, then when Net Secretary has gained access we will change the appropriate setting in the client's firewall to allow remote assistance, and enable it again.
• Net Secretary will now be able to view the client's desktop. Net Secretary clicks a button at the top "Take Control" and the client receives a message asking if that's OK. When the client agrees (clicks "yes"), Net Secretary can work on the client's computer - call up files, open programs and resolve any issues without actually being in the client's office.
(Adapted from Lisa Humphries, freelancesecretary.com.au)

Power surges
This month, I thought it timely to have an article on protecting your precious business and personal electronic equipment from power surges caused by lightning strikes. Timely because I have just been the victim of such a power surge last week. I unfortunately left my multi function printer plugged in during a severe electrical storm and this resulted in the printer's motor being burnt out. Luckily my insurance will cover the replacement but avoiding this in the first place would have saved me time and hassles. This is the time of year in Australia where electrical storms are more common, so here are some pointers to consider:

• Have a surge arrester installed to protect all equipment in your home;
• You can also install power strip protectors. Look for one that has connections to defend your phone and cable lines, as surges can enter down these lines and fry your modem;
• Unplug sensitive equipment susceptible to damage during a storm, such as computers, printers, modems, televisions etc;
• Back-up your computer files regularly and store these in a safe, preferably fire proof place;
• Never use a landline telephone during an electrical storm;
• Make sure you have sound home and contents insurance and your premiums are up to date and/or the policy is still current and is suitable for your needs;
• Have a good Disaster Recovery Plan in place, especially for small home based businesses. This document can be just as important as your business plan.

"Anyone can give up. It's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength."

Anonymous