lme (aka Lisa M. Englert)

After attending a women's conference with two good friends/colleagues in 2000, we came to the realization that we had the combined talents to start our own business, but we weren't sure what direction it should take.  As soon as I read about virtual assistance in The Cary (NC) News in April 2001, however, I knew this was what I was destined to do!

A year later, I enrolled in Assist University (AssistU), a training organization that provides a rigorous 20-week study program for people who want to work as Virtual Assistants.  I graduated in October 2002 and soon thereafter opened virtualme, inc.  The rest, they say, is history.

Prior to becoming a VA, I was employed for more than 20 years as an administrative professional in both the private and public sectors.  Since I acquired much of my work experience in public relations, marketing and communications environments, those are the services that I specialize in as a Virtual Assistant.

My past employers have included the North Carolina Department of Transportation and First Flight Centennial Commission (in Raleigh, North Carolina); the law firm of Fox, Bennett & Turner and The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (in Washington, DC); and BellSouth Corporation (both in Atlanta, Georgia and Washington, DC).

Throughout my career, I learned many valuable skills that I have brought to my VA practice.  They include:

Communications
I have excellent written and oral communication skills.  I'm adept at "asking the right questions" to build consensus and do not shy away from confrontation.  As is often said, most arguments are not 95%/5%, they are 49%/51%.  This means that consensus -- and the best solution -- is often just one question away.

Event Planning
Throughout my career, I have planned and coordinated numerous significant events involving thousands of people, including federal, state and executive branch officials, international political figures, and members of the media.  My experience has taught me how to work under deadlines with a limited budget and that no detail is too small to be overlooked, from invitations to handouts to dynamic presentations and memorable finales.

Leadership
I am skilled at building consensus among diverse groups and able to effectively lead and inspire others to accomplish their best work.  I believe that anyone is capable of being a leader and I enjoy bringing out this quality in others.

Organization
I am a true believer in the importance of organization and am a strong proponent of Florynce Kennedy's philosophy of "Don't agonize -- organize!"  With early and solid organization, no project is insurmountable.

Technology
I have a passion for new technologies and the perseverance necessary to put ideas into practice.  I'm known as a "problem-solver" with a reputation for solid results.  I have a proven knowledge of HTML and experience in Web design and maintenance.

A native of Atlanta, Georgia, I attended Georgia State University and completed coursework towards an Associate of Science Degree in Aviation Administration.  I live with my husband in Cary, North Carolina.  

Outside of my VA practice, I serve in voluntary positions as Chair of the Wake Technical Community College Advisory Committee for Office Systems Technology and Vice Chair of the Town of Cary's Sister Cities Commission.  I am the former Board Secretary for Chix in Business, Inc., an organization of women-owned businesses in Raleigh and I currently serve as a board member for Friends of the Page-Walker Hotel, a nonprofit organization established to save Cary's historic cornerstone.  When time permits, my hobbies include herb gardening, traveling, golfing, wine tasting, watching Food Network and The Fine Living Channel, and reading fiction (in particular, female detective novels).