For a while now I have been in search of an easy to use but somewhat robust software application to manage my tasks. I have gone through several trial runs, and have run across some pretty neat software out there.

If you know me, you know that ‘affordability’ is at the top of my list. And, Task Coach satisfies that requirement for me. TC is an open source application, which is totally FREE of charge. (Don’t get me wrong. I realize that FREE isn’t always better, and when that is the case I will gladly purchase the more effective software application. However, the frugalness in me demands that I at least attempt to find an more affordable choice before I open my purse.)

I hope I’m not speaking too soon when I say “I believe I have found the perfect match.” I am one day into my trial run of the Task Coach. We’ll see how this goes. If it’s really as great as I believe it may be, I will then officially add this application to our “VA Tools” section.

Here’s a little info on Task Coach:

Task Coach is a simple open source todo manager to manage personal tasks and todo lists. It grew out of Frank’s frustration that well-known task managers, such as those provided with Outlook or Lotus Notes, do not provide facilities for composite tasks. Often, tasks and other things todo consist of several activities. Task Coach is designed to deal with composite tasks.

I will keep you all posted on how the trial run turns out.

When I decided to join VANA, I promised to adhere to the following VA Code of Ethics:

• I will perform extensive conflict checks prior to accepting you as a client.
• I will value each client’s relationship and will not place one client above another.
• I will maintain the highest ethics and honesty in all dealings with clients, colleagues and the general public.
• I will only accept projects that are within my ability. If a project exceeds my ability, I will recommend a more qualified Virtual Assistant without hesitation.
• I will hold my clients’ information in the strictest of confidence. I will not share said information with others.
• I will make a continued commitment to possess and increase the required knowledge, skills and training to be proficient and relevant in the provision of services.
• I will be honest about my intentions and never misrepresent my skills, peers, or my profession as a whole, whether to networks or to prospects, clients, and the community at large (virtual or otherwise).

Source: Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA)

I decided to start a blog for a number of reasons. Among those was the desire to share information I have found over the years.

As a virtual assistant, I understand the importance of having efficient and cost-friendly software. Having the right tools will reduce the turnaround time on your projects, and reduce the headaches as well.

Allow me to introduce you to one of the best text editors – EditPad Lite. How many of you like the benefits of using Notepad but simply hate the layout, the never ending margins. It makes working with the program unbearable at times. I know.

You will love EditPad Lite. Here are just some of its features:

• You can quickly switch between open files by clicking tabs.
• Unlimited undo and redo. You can even undo changes after saving them.
• Reopen menu that lists the last 16 files opened.
• You have the option to keep the EditPad window on top of all other windows.
• Word wrap, line numbering and auto indent can be made for each file type individually.

EditPad Lite is a free text editor for non-commercial use. Professionals can purchase a fully licensed version of EditPad Pro for only $49.99.

I’m back with another great VA tool! I think you are going to love this one. Time59 is the best time tracking program I have found for my VA practice; and trust me, I have tried several. It is a web-based application so you can access your records from anywhere you have internet access.

Keep track of your time, expenses, payments and invoices in one place. You can enter retainer payments, and integrate your Time59 account with Quickbooks. You can create an invoice and email it to your client in seconds.

Time59 is cost-effective! It is only $19.95 per year. That’s right. There’s no limit to the amount of clients and/or projects you can manage. Please be sure to check it out the FREE trial.

Temporary employees come and go.

Virtual Assistants seek long-term partnerships with their clients.

When you hire a temp employee you pay ridiculous agency FEES!

VA’s only charge for the time spent completing your projects.

Unlike temporary employees, Virtual Assistants are self-employed professionals who will partner with you to assist in the growth and success of your business. Because VA’s act as partners rather than employees, he/she has a vested interest in the success of your business. Their success is measured by your success! VA’s tend to work harder than the average person issued to you by a temporary agency, and they are equipped with experience, education up-to-date technology, supplies and work ethic.

Unlike VA’s, temporary employees have no vested interest in the success of your business. They require training and a period of adjustment that YOU pay for! Once you factor in agency fees, office space, equipment, lunch and social breaks, the temporary employee actually costs 2 to 3 times more than the cost of a virtual assistant.