Ask the Master Newsletter Archives

Welcome to the previous editions of the Ask the Master newsletter. On your left you will find links to tips and the how to’s of running a Virtual Assistant practice. We hope you enjoy your stay and if you have a question you’d like answered send it to submission@vatp.ca.

Your Vision Statement

What impact do you want to have on the world? What will provide inspiration to pull you through the tough times? Picture the vision.

A vision clarifies purpose, gives direction, and empowers us to perform beyond our resources. Unless you know where you are going you cannot get there. You don't "need" a vision, or a mission statement, but those people with clearly defined visions experience greater success than those who haven't any. Which one will you be?

Warmly,
Mary-Lou Ashton
Master Virtual Assistant

Questions In This Edition
(Click on the links to go to that question.)

• What exactly is a vision statement?
• What is the difference between a vision and a mission
• statement?
• How can I create a vision statement?
• What do I use it for?
• What is your vision?
  

A vision is not about yourself or monetary goals, it is however personal. It should be imaginative, bold and audacious—representing a real challenge. It is an idea or image of a more desirable future and your articulation of a destination towards which you will aim. Keep in mind it should be written in the present tense as if it has already been achieved.

A mission statement answers the questions: Why does my business exist? What business am I in? What values guide the business? A vision, however, is broader and encompasses more. It answers the question, what will success look like? It is the pursuit of success that will really motivate you.

First answer or consider the following:

• What are the things I really enjoy doing?
• What brings me happiness/joy?
• What issues do I care deeply about?
• What things can I do at the good to excellent level?

Next consider your business 5 to 10 years down the road when you have achieved tremendous success.

• What will success look like?
• What tasks and activities are you engaged in?
• What real value are clients receiving?
• What do I envision in a perfect world for the world at large?
• What is the legacy I want to leave behind?

Keeping your mission statement and what it represents in mind then create your vision.

A great vision compels action and attracts the participation of others creating a natural “pull” system. You will never be greater than the vision that guides you. Out of your passion for the ideal will come great momentum and energy to carry you forward during the tougher times in your start up period.

Yale University surveyed the graduating class of 1953 to determine if they had written goals for what they wanted their lives to become. Only three percent had a vision. Twenty years later in 1973, the surviving members were surveyed again. The three percent who had a vision had accumulated greater wealth than the other 97 percent combined!

Know your vision and let the world know too.

My vision for the Virtual Assistant Training Program is "The profession of Virtual Assistants is part of our everyday language.”