About Kena Roth

Owner of Virtually Assisting You

31 Days of Wishes: Be Happy!

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Kena Roth

I absolutely LOVE this time of year. The kids are excited about the holiday season. Wondering what gifts Santa is going to bring them. At my house it really is like magic is in the air. My family seems to be quite a bit nicer to each other [well, so to speak, the boys only hold each other in choke holds for a couple of seconds ] not sure if it’s because they think Santa might be watching or it’s just Christmas cheer. But, whatever it is – I like it!

One of my wishes is for everyone to be happy with what you have. There’s nothing wrong with wanting things or wanting more out of life. For once, just step back and be happy and thankful for what you have now, in this moment. Without what you have now, your wants and wishes would be nothing. Take time to appreciate the small things in life. Remember someone, somewhere, would love to be in your shoes and would be grateful for what you have right now. This is something I have to remind myself of as well. We get all caught up in the busy-ness of life and want, want, want. I have a daily reminder set to be thankful and happy for what I’ve got.

Remember as the holiday season approaches to take the time to tell someone how much you appreciate them or what a difference they make in your life. Not only will this make that person happy, but it will put a genuine smile on your face, too!

Thanksgiving.

Posted on November 19, 2010 by Kena Roth

The last shreds of fall hold on like the stubborn leaves on an oak tree. You rake, and rake, but when you look up you realize they are still hanging there waiting for their OWN time to drop.

This year, Thanksgiving seems like one of those leaves. We have to wait for it to come before we can spring open the gates of the Christmas season. Around here, our neighbors seem more eager than ever to get on with the season of giving. So many lights are already up, days before the turkey is served, and the sales started weeks ago.

This eagerness points to the reason Thanksgiving is so perfectly placed. It might just seem like the road bump holiday that gets shoved out of the way in a mad rush to the Christmas season, but maybe instead, we should think of it as a starting point for all we celebrate at the end of the year.

After all, how can we give, if we do not first know what we are thankful for?

This year there are many blessings that bring us thanks. Family: who love and support us in what sometimes seems like a wild adventure. Children: who are the reason for the work we do. Friends: old ones who can be with us daily to bring joy and new ones that are physically miles away but always close in our hearts. Clients: whose enthusiasm is contagious, and whose success is part of our reward.

We are thankful too, that the Internet is bringing us together in new ways. Social media is something to celebrate. It is an opportunity. And the chance to pass its power on to others is a great blessing.

Thank you for your business.

Thank you for your friendship.

And as your thanks turns into giving this season, we wish you much happiness with those you love.

How Do You Track Time?

Posted on October 1, 2010 by Kena Roth

I know there are several different programs available to use, but how do you track your hours? I use to only accept retainer clients so this wasn’t an issue. Within the last two months I’ve begun to take on hourly clients, so tracking billable hours correctly is very important for me as well the client.

I created an excel spreadsheet with client info, date, hours worked and tasked performed that I keep open all day and record as I go. This has made time tracking much easier. Then I transfer the specific details to the particular client’s invoice each billing period.

Just a few examples of time tracking software:

Would love to hear your comments and feedback on how you track time.

Happy Friday!

A New Plan of Action-A Refocused Journey

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Kena Roth

Over the last couple of months, I’ve had the feeling of being scattered with my projects and tasks. I sat down this past week and wrote out a new plan for me and my business…and it feels great! It takes time to figure out what works best for one working from home. It just seemed to me that as soon as I finished one client project and begin working on another I would lose my focus. My thoughts were scattered all over the place and it was becoming more difficult for me to switch gears and get in the mindset of the next client’s particular needs.

So I sat down and came up with a list of skills that I felt I was most productive at. In doing this exercise, I came to the conclusion that working with select clients whose tasks/projects related or closely related to that particular list of skills was where my productivity was truly proven. In order for me to establish the best possible working relationships, I had to choose who I wanted these clients to be and then let the others go. It wasn’t an easy task, but it was what was best for the clients and for me. If you’re anything like me, you form personal relationships with your clients and saying goodbye is never easy, but definitely a must.

I will now only be working with 5-6 clients on a contract basis. I can now focus my time and efforts on my clients’ mundane tasks and they can focus on growing their business while still having peace of mind that their business is being taken care of. This decision already feels like a burden has been lifted.

During this time of feeling “scattered” I just wasn’t myself. I was cranky with my kids, my husband and even the dog! Then I realized I needed to pull myself together and take care of the issue.

If things aren’t working out, just don’t seem to be going according to plan or if you’re just not yourself – take a close look at your working situation. Maybe you need to regroup and refocus. I know it worked for me.

Have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Facebook Fan Page Tips for Local Business Owners

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Kena Roth

As the popularity continues to grow for Facebook Fan Pages, so does the local business’s need for creating one. But, what are you doing with it? Within the last two months, I’ve seen a huge number of local Facebook Fan Pages/Business pages being created and they are suggesting for all the locals join. Here’s the problem – they are updated consistently for about a week and then they pretty much “just sit there” with no updated content.

If you’re a local business owner and you’ve created a page you should be updating this page on a regular basis. Here are some ideas on how to do that.

- Create specials

- Create contests (this will help to add fans or people to like the page)

- Find interesting industry related articles (even if you didn’t write them)

- Start the mornings off with a motivational or inspirational quote

- Get a strategy

- Create a blog (to post to your fan page)

- Add content that will increase page interaction

If you are a gym or fitness club, posting interesting articles like this one Yoga could ward off certain diseases (if this is a service you offer) is a great way to keep fans interested and coming back for more. Posting intriguing & valuable information is why people are there – so give it to them. Here’s one for an auto mechanic – Best Ways to Keep Your Car Running.

Tons of information regarding your industry can be found online to use for posting and updates.

These are just a few ideas to populate your page and add fans/likes. Keep your content fresh & updated daily. There are plenty of third party applications to help you schedule content if you can’t be right there to do it daily.

- Social Oomph

- Hootsuite

- Ping

These are just some ideas, but there are more sites available as well. However, if you do need to schedule post, it’s very important that you interact with your fans as well. If you’re constantly scheduling updates with no follow-up your fans are going to lose interest and un-like your page.

Another good marketing tool when having a fan page is to tag some of your friends that are not fans yet. Let them know you appreciate them stopping by today or that it was nice seeing them at the grocery store while you were picking up supplies or whatever it may be that you were doing.

How’s that for a start for you local fan page owners? Now get out there and start using your fan page to Market and GROW!

I’m Admitting It! I Can’t Do It All, All The Time.

Posted on July 9, 2010 by Kena Roth

Ok…I’m admitting it! I need a break! Is that wrong? Does that make me a bad Mom? I don’t think so – everyone needs a break every now and then. Since summer break began I’ve been juggling a very busy schedule. I can’t speak for the rest of you Work at Home folks, but I know I try to do it all and it’s not working right now. I needed a little time to work and focus without “Mom, can you make me a milkshake?” or “Mom, can we go swimming NOW?” In a desperate plea for some alone time, I called my Mom to ask if the boys could come over. Without any hesitation she said, “Sure, I’ll come get them. We’d love to have them.” Thank you so much to my Mom, Dad and Brother. I have the most wonderful family anyone could ask for!

Being a WAHM or WAHD [Work at Home Dad] as Scott Stratten aka UnMarketing made famous here… is a wonderful way of life if you can make it work for you. And, I can see how some just give up and say I’m going back to work – as in, getting a job outside of the home. I have a lot of respect for working moms and dads. I have no idea how they get everything done. I’m at home all day (usually) and I still can’t find the time to do the things that need to be done. Even with daily chores set for my boys, some days it still looks like a tornado went right through the living room. A schedule used to be a way of life for us here. But, as my kids get older it’s not working quite as well as it use to. As a matter of fact, my son said just yesterday, “Um, yeah. I’m 10 years old now – I don’t need quiet time.” Ok, so maybe YOU don’t, but I DO!

This summer has already been very busy for us. I’ve taken on new clients and even kicked a few to the curb – no more time suckers for me! On June 25^th I had surgery [female issues – don’t ask ] and last weekend one my 13^th wedding anniversary, I was wrestling with my youngest and ended up with a broken nose! LOL Who would’ve ever thought a 7 yr-old could break a grownups nose?! Him breaking my nose wasn’t the bad part…ME having to pop my own nose back into place was. OMG! Talk about peeing your pants! Ever tried to focus with a broken nose? Not so easy to do. It was funny, but it wasn’t, ya know?! LOL Oh, did I mention this weekend (July 10^th ) is my birthday and July 14^th is my son’s 8^th birthday? Phew! As you can see – it’s already been a crazy summer, but you roll with the punches, right?

The Boys and I last Christmas

Making life work as an Entrepreneur is very important to me. I want to work from home and be here for my family. My life as a WAHM can be hectic, but I love every moment of what I do and I wouldn’t trade my country life for one moment of city life.

I found this article to be helpful and I’d like to share it with you – How to Work at Home Successfully .

Will Work For Free? Seriously…Is It Written Across My Forehead?

Posted on July 2, 2010 by Kena Roth

I received THREE (3) emails this week asking me to “barter” with them. As much as I love to help others, and I’m usually interested in a good barter, it’s time I stand my ground and say NO. I started this business to bring in extra income. It’s not going to get me or anyone else out there anywhere, if I continue helping everyone else establish themselves and their business.

During the start-up process of business, I know the importance of bartering to get your name out there and show your expertise. However, I’m passed the start-up point and it’s time to start thinking that way – for me anyway. This doesn’t mean I don’t want to help anyone or that I won’t. It means from now on my time is just as valuable as anyone else’s.

Most recently, I was asked to help promote a prominent coach’s retreat – in return, I would be in the running for the “grand prize”. So, let me get this straight. I help promote this retreat for several months, for which there’s a clear call to action on how it should be done, and I might get something in return for it? WTH? Um…NO THANK YOU!

Remember: Your time is just as valuable as anyone’s – Time To Act On It.

Ok, rant over. On another note: This weekend is the 4th of July holiday weekend. For us, the weekend will be filled with BBQ’s, swimming, friends and family. Not to mention, my 13^th wedding anniversary is on the 4^th (blushing, I’m old I know)! This is a time to reflect and give thanks to those who have sacrificed for what we have today and the freedom of this country. So THANK YOU to all who made this possible!

Have a safe and Happy 4^th of July!

How Bright Is Your Spotlight?

Posted on June 25, 2010 by Kena Roth

I have an awesome job! I don’t know too many people who can honestly say that. I recently had the opportunity to be interviewed by Shawn Weston about my job and I’d like to share it with you all!

FAJ Spotlight: Kena Roth

Posted by Shawn on Jun 25, 2010 in Entrepreneurship, Frickin’ Awesome Jobs | 0 comments

VITAL STATS
Occupation: Social Media Virtual Assistant
Location: Mountain Grove, MO
Age: 31
First Job: Social Media Virtual Assistant (virtuallyassistingyou.com)

Greatest Professional Challenge:
Face-to-Face Networking. I like to be the one behind the scenes making it all happen. But, I know that Face-to-Face Networking is so important to grow your network and business.

1. Hi, Kena Roth. What is it that you do?
I’m a Social Media Virtual Assistant. I provide social media marketing assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs to increase their online presence to bring more visibility to their business and brand.

2. And how did you get that frickin’ awesome job?
3 years ago knowing that my boys were soon to be off to school full-time, I began looking for something (a paying gig) to do from home and ran across Virtual Assistance. I began reading, studying and getting my hands on any type of resources regarding the subject. I was introduced to Twitter and then Facebook. Soon after that, I learned I had a knack for Social Media, so specialized in that niche.

3. Is that your only gig? Or do you do things on the side?
Being a Social Media Virtual Assistant is my only business. Virtually Assisting You, LLC. was established in 2008 and has blossomed ever since. However, to call it my only gig wouldn’t suffice. We live on a 100-acre farm that keeps us very busy (especially during hay season). My family is very active and constantly on the go as well; all four of us participate in ATV aces, love going floating (along with spending time at the lake) tubing, knee boarding, and just hanging out swimming with friends and family. My boys play baseball and participate in wrestling and both will be starting Jiu Jitsu as of July 1st. I’m a taxi driver, as well. We spend a great amount of time with friends and family whether it’s fish frys or bbq’s all year round.

4. What is your typical day like?
My days are spent checking stats and making updates for my social media sites as well as for my clients. In between all this, I manage to entertain two little boys (talk about juggling). I really try to stick to a schedule with two little ones at home, but sometimes life just can’t be planned. That’s the beauty of being an entrepreneur. Client work is always done first thing in the morning so I have my summer afternoons to spend with my boys. In addition, client calls are scheduled on Tuesdays if we need to re-group, or take a different route with our marketing strategy. Dedicating one day to calls makes it easier for me when planning out my work week.

5. What’s your favorite thing about your job? Any things you could do without?
My favorite thing: I love helping businesses gain exposure and watching them grow using Social Media Marketing. Helping a business reach its potential is a phenomenal feeling as a marketing assistant. I love hearing “Wow, our marketing efforts are paying off. I’m going to have to bring on more staff to help out”. <– That’s what I love about my job. Something I could really do without would be basic admin. I live, breath and eat everything Social Media.

6. What advice do you have for readers with really lame jobs?
Figure out what the perfect career path is for you and manifest it. You have to really know what you want out of life and go for it. Vision boards are awesome for this. It might not happen overnight, but if you have the mindset to bring yourself to a new career path, it will happen.

Shawn:

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be “spotlighted”!

What Gets You Inspired?

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Kena Roth

What gets you inspired? For us inspiration sometimes comes when we sit on the back porch sipping a cold glass of lemonade. Other times, inspiration comes in front of a computer screen. Then there are times inspiration doesn’t want to come at all.

We like to see people find their inspiration and expand their horizons. Maybe, you’ve already done that by jumping out of a formal office to grow your business, or maybe, that’s still a dream.

We’ve starting this blog to talk about those things that get us inspired and get us connected; social media, virtual assistance, working from home, family life. Since I live in a small town, I know how important it is to have neighbors to help each other out. We want you to think of us as a neighbor (one you like). If you feel like you need a little help or motivation, we hope you can find it here. This is a positive place where you can get some ideas on how to connect to new resources, to grow your business, or maybe just spend a little time hanging out with us on the back porch.

I know this is a short post this week, but it is summer time and I’m spending the weekend at the lake with my family and friends.

Enjoy your weekend!

The Virtual Assistant Journal

Author Archives: Kena Roth