about lisa

After
attending a women's conference with two good friends/colleagues a few years ago, 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,
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 customer service, 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.
Outside of my VA practice, I am an active volunteer.
I serve as
Chair of the Wake Technical Community College Advisory Committee for Office
Administration, as well as on Wake Tech's Plus 50 Advisory
Committee. I am currently co-developing the curriculum and
will be an adjunct instructor for a Plus 50 continuing education
course on Virtual Assistance at Wake Tech beginning in the winter of
2010. I also serve as board member and Public Relations
Committee Chair for Friends of the
Page-Walker Hotel, an historical preservation organization. I previously
served as Vice Chair
of the Town of Cary's Sister Cities Commission, and as Board Secretary for Chix
in Business, Inc., a grassroots organization of women business
owners in
Raleigh.
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. In my free time, I
enjoy herb gardening, traveling, golfing, wine tasting, watching Food Network
and HGTV,
and reading (mostly female) detective novels.