What software programs will allow you to be compatible with the majority of potential clients? What are the most popular programs? Consider this when making a purchase.

With both PC and Mac computers, along with all the different software programs, chances are you will not always have the same or compatible software as is being used by your clients. One of the wonderful things about the Adobe Acrobat program is that it eliminates this problem. It is truly a universal program that anyone can open!

We’ll take a look at how this product can help bridge the gap between all the software programs. Virtual and universal go hand in hand.

What is the difference between Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Acrobat Reader?

Adobe Acrobat is the program that allows you to create PDF files (portable document format) from other documents. Both the PDF Writer and Distiller utilities are installed. PDF Writer is a printer driver that converts files directly to PDF from another software application. Distiller is a tool that converts PostScript files to PDF and provides a higher quality output however PDF Writer is faster and usually what is used.

Adobe Acrobat Reader is the free software that allows you to open and view PDF files but not create them.

Should I consider buying the Adobe Acrobat product?

This software is currently $249.00 US. While it is not cheap it is definitely worth the investment and an important tool in a VA’s toolbox. Not only will you use it to send information on your business to people but your clients as well may need you to use PDF files. At some point I recommend you budget for this purchase, it is well worth it!

In the meantime if you cannot afford to purchase the software you can subscribe to their Adobe PDF Online Service, which offers unlimited creations at $9.99/month US or $99.99/year.

Can I change information in a PDF document?

If the document is created with PDF Writer then you can use the TouchUp Text tool to make small or minor changes. You may run into problems if you do not have the font that was used however you can select a different one to use if required.

You can also merge two PDF pages into one. See the question below for more details.

Can I copy and paste information from a PDF document?

Yes you can by simply using the Text Select tool and highlighting the text you wish to copy or using the “Select All” option under “Edit” on the navigation bar. You can then paste the information into another software application.

While you cannot copy and paste text into a PDF document you can copy and paste objects, which may in fact be text. Using the TouchUp Object tool you can select pieces of text as objects and copy and paste them into another PDF document keeping in mind that they may paste over information in the original document but can be moved or the order arranged. This can be tricky and time consuming work so ideally if you have the information in something other than a PDF file all the better.

What are some other useful tools available?

Two of the features, I have found very useful, are the Highlight Text tool and the Notes tool. These are both especially helpful if you are editing a PDF document. You can both highlight the text and add a note indicating what needs to be changed or what you recommend should be changed. The person with the original document can then change it according to the highlighted text and the notes provided.

About the Author
Mary-Lou Ashon successfully launched her Virtual Assistant company in 1997 and holds expertise in organizing information, creation and implementation of administrative procedures and marketing. She has proven that dedication, communication, loyalty and a flare for marketing are keys to developing successful client relationships. Mary-Lou has a keen desire to promote awareness of VAs as a career option both internationally and at home in Canada and has developed a cost effective, convenient and high quality training program which you can locate at http://vatp.ca/.

Our belief in self has a profound effect on our confidence and on the quality of both our lives and business. Today our focus is on business. If person A believes that he lacks the basic skills to solve problems, ex. marketing, networking, sales, etc. then he may lose heart and give up. In contrast, person B, who may have less ability yet strong self belief, stands a much better chance of being successful. This is because his belief in self gives him the confidence to try and try harder again.

Think back to high school or college. Have you ever wondered why only a few students in a class ask questions? Could it be because the remaining students understood all of the critical points made during the lecture? Or is it because they lack the confidence to ask a question? More often than not, it is the fear that stops students from asking questions. In other words, they lack self-confidence. The only way this confidence can improve is when they start believing in themselves.

This is why belief in self is so important, especially in business. It gives an individual the confidence they need to shoot for the stars. It overwhelms negative thoughts, and drives away the fear of failure. It is the best antidote against lashing out at yourself, which can turn several talented persons into under-achievers. It gives business owners the confidence that they have nothing to loose. On the contrary, they realize that they have everything to gain by asking a question, even if it happens to be a silly one.

Abraham Lincoln is a fine example of a man who believed in himself. He lost every election until he went to the Senate and stood for the post of the President. He did not allow his failures in professional and personal life to erode his self-belief. Had he done so, the history of the US would have been different.

Belief in self gives us the confidence to accept failure. It teaches us the importance of positive thinking. Those who have high self-esteem don’t talk about failures; instead, they try to find out why they did not succeed. They look for lessons that can be learnt from their experience. This is not a simple issue of semantics. It is the power of positive thinking, and it is available to only those who have self-esteem.

Once again it is self-esteem that gives us the confidence to enter a new group, and become a part of it. Those who lack self-esteem are very reluctant to approach a new group. They don’t want to expose themselves to the ridicule of being seen as shy, nervous or ignorant. They would instead prefer to stay in their corners.

In fact, lack of self-esteem stands out like a sore thumb at parties, meetings, conferences and social or official functions. Individuals with low self-esteem avoid introducing themselves to others. They prefer to stay in the shadows, away from the sights of others. However, their colleagues who enjoy high self-esteem dominate the discussions. They are sought after by others for information. They are also invited to other meetings and parties — all because their self-esteem gives them the confidence to open up before a group of strangers. It is the same student syndrome that is reflected in an individual’s working life too.

Lack of self-esteem is one of the greatest myths of introversion. Typically the business owner will blame their introverted personality on the fact that they just “can’t get out there.” This couldn’t be further from the truth. Introversion is just that, a personality trait. It is not the deciding factor in who we are and what we offer the world. If this describes you, then you most definitely need a self-confidence boost.

Nothing will change in your business life until you have self-respect, and the self-belief that you are as good as others. You must realize that you are not the only one who has strong and weak points; others too suffer from the same defects. The only difference is that the others project their strong points whereas you may project your weak points. All that you need to do is refocus your priorities. If you do this, you will find the elusive self-confidence.

Become a Master Craftsman

Are you struggling with self-confidence or introversion issues in your VA business? Is your business where you always dreamt it would be? If your VA business is suffering in any way, we are here to help you make it into the “im-possible” dream. The Virtual Assistant Revolution is just that a REVOLUTION. We want to help you change the way you think about yourself and your business. Our goal is to show you that there is more to the current state of your VA business. If you want to introduce a new product, gain the skills to offer a new service or if you want that six-figure VA business, it’s yours for the taking and we want to give you the tools to make it happen.

Becki