I purchased 2 ShareO licenses for both myself and my VA and we used it for two months to manage my emails and have had many issues. Our emails weren’t syncing, attachments were getting corrupt, etc. I got fed up with these issues and have migrated to Google mail. I have a Virtual Assistant business and  99.98% of my communication is done via email, I needed something that would WORK!

In the first month, my assistant wasn’t getting new emails, we were also getting multiple folders issues where we could end up with 3 0r 4 of the same folder. In the end I realized as my inbox continued to get fuller, that we weren’t seeing the same things. Basically we were not seamlessly synced!

I just asked for a refund and didn’t get one. They would rather hang on to my $69.90 than do the right thing! So now there is the question of standing behind your policies and customer satisfaction. But who am I to say anything?, I don’t also run a business.

NOTE: When I spoke with Don, I said that I had had tech support for 2 months. I was trying to say that I had had support from their tech department. We dealt with tech support in a 2-3 weeks period.

I had a livechat with ShareO sales support team member, Marlow. Below is our full conversation:

Chat InformationPlease wait for a site operator to respond.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with ‘Marlow‘

Chat InformationYour Issue ID for this chat is LTK146042066807X

Marlow: Hello.  How may I assist you?

agnes: hi, I purchased 2 shareo licenses for both myself and my assistant and we’ve had issues with email management and I now just starting using gmail for email management purposes. I made my purchase in Feb and my assistant’s in march. I would appreciate a refund as we weren’t able to work with shareo for outlook.
Marlow: Have you contacted our tech support via LiveChat?

Marlow: According to our money-back policy we only give a refund if our technicians are not able to make our software work on your computer during 14-day money back performance guarantee period.

agnes: yes, your tech support guy helped on several occassions, with my assistant and finally with myself. he accessed my computer, did some such and also my assistant’s but we still weren’t synced and I still ended up doing my emails.

Marlow: Ok. Our technicians can solve your issue.

Marlow: I will transfer you to them.

Chat InformationPlease wait while I transfer the chat to ‘Don‘.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with ‘Don‘

Chat InformationYour Issue ID for this chat is LTK146042066807X

Don: Hello.

agnes: Hi Don, I don’t want any more technical help. I’ve imported all my emails, calendar, contact to gmail. I just want to get a refund. Another technical guy has tried to help but we still have issues.

agnes: Marlow was too quick to transfer me…

Don: Please note that refund is not possible if you refuse our tech support. Sorry, it is our sales policy. You can check our money back policy at: http://www.4team.biz/TRIAL_moneyback_policy.asp

agnes: I’ve had technical help for 2 months. Many online chats and remote access on both my assistant’s and my computers. I patiently did all this. Its taking time away from my work. I do all my work via email.

agnes: I’m sure there are records of all our communications

Don: Ok, in that case I will transfer you back to Marlow if that’s OK with you and you can proceed with your refund request.

Don: Yes, there are.

agnes: thanks

Don: One moment please.

Chat InformationPlease wait while I transfer the chat to ‘Marlow‘.

Chat InformationYou are now chatting with ‘Marlow‘

Chat InformationYour Issue ID for this chat is LTK146042066807X

Marlow: Hello, again.

agnes: Marlow, you were too quick to transfer me.

Marlow: Yes, we have records of these communications. However our tech support department states that all issues were solved.

agnes: I have communicated with your tech support on many occassions. I work virtually, so I need my email management to work perfectly.

Marlow: We can not issue a refund if you refuse our support.

Marlow: This is our refund policy.

agnes: I’ve already had your support. Chats and remote access on our computers.

Marlow: Yes and all issues were solved.

agnes: I reloaded new versions and such as well.

Marlow: Now you have encountered other issues. Please let our tech support to solve them.

agnes: its the same issues, not new.

Marlow: They can make ShareO work on your computers.

Marlow: If they will not be able to solve your issues, we will issue a refund.

agnes: I’ve used shareo for 2 months and now gone to google mail. it takes time trying to continue to do this. my whole work is dopendent on email.

agnes: It’s feels like you are strong arming me.

Marlow: Refund is possible only if you visit our technical support and they are unable to fix the issues you have encountered.

agnes: I’ve already done that many times. when should I say no more.

Marlow: Refund is not possible in such case.

Marlow: Do you have any more questions for me?

agnes: Your tech support has tried many things…nothing has worked. Now I’m using google mail.

agnes: why are refunds not possible??? I’ve being very patient and dealt with tech support. Now you tell me that I can’t get a refund when I can’t use your product.

Marlow: Our technicians can make our product work, but you refuse our support.

Marlow: In such case refund is not possible.

Marlow: You can check our refund policy at: http://www.4team.biz/TRIAL_moneyback_policy.asp

agnes: I didin’t refuse your support, I’ve already used your support and now migrated to google mail.

Marlow: You are now refusing our support.

agnes: You are trying to strong arm me.

Marlow: You should have contacted our support before you moved to google mail.

agnes: I have already started using google mail.

agnes: I no longer had the luxury of time to continue with my daily email issues.

agnes: I’m waiting.

Marlow: Each time you have contacted our tech support, your issues were solved.

Marlow: We can solve issues this time as well.

agnes: No one contacted me to ask if the problems were resolved.

Marlow: You should have contacted, if they were not solved.

agnes: All i need now is my refund for both licenses.

Marlow: Have you checked our refund policy?

Marlow: It is written in bold: We will only refund your money if our technicians are not able to make our software work on your computer during 14-day money back performance guarantee period. There is no refund after that.

Marlow: Do you have any more questions for me?

agnes: I will be posting this conversation on my blog as a review of your product and customer service. Thanks. Agnes Ikotun

Marlow: I do regret for inconveniences. My pleasure to help. Goodbye.

agnes: Enough said!

Chat InformationChat session has been terminated by the site operator.

I hope this review helps other people deciding to use ShareO.

Note to Corporation 4 Team (ShareO):  I also welcome your comments.

I’m curious. Do you get up every morning excited because you’re riding the wave of your dreams? Are you living your life powerfully and by choice – doing work you enjoy, feeling good in your skin, having financial security and being involved in relationships that support you? Or, have you been holding back and settling for a little less (or far less) money, love, freedom and laughter than you want and deserve?

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I’d like to personally invite you to join me on an incredible, life transforming teleseries designed to inspire, empower and dare you to soar in all aspects of your multifaceted lives.

I’m attending and I hope you will too. Will you join me? Will you DARE to look forward to the next day expectantly? Will you DARE to live the life of joy, freedom and prosperity you know you’ve always deserved? I DARE YOU!

They are making it very easy and compelling to sign up. You’ll three different options, choose the one that is right for you! Plus many bonuses and surprises await you. Click here to reserve your spot, I have!

The spotlight was on moi! I was interviewed at the Virtual Assistant Forums, a great place where VAs meet, connect and share information.

Agnes Ikotun, owner of AI Virtual Solutions, combines her 13 years experience in administration, customer service, and information technology as a VA. With a degree in Management of Information Systems from Greenwich University in London, England, she is a Cisco Certified Network Associate, Network+ Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Professional, an Expert Rating Certified Professional, and a National Association of Realtors certified Real Estate Professional Assistant. Agnes uses her many skills to support entrepreneurs and small business owners from her office in Connecticut.

Thank you, Agnes, for sharing with us your experiences as a VA!

You started up as a VA in July of ‘07. How did you come to the decision to do this?

I had been a stay-at-home mom to my 6 and 2 year old daughters and they were becoming more independent. I began to have more free time on my hands and I just felt the time was right to venture out into the working world again.

Thinking back to the first three months in business, what was it like? What were the hard parts, the easy parts, how far did you progress in that time?

The first three months, actually the first six months were spent working on the business, since I didn’t have any clients during this period. The easy part was putting the business together, creating my online presence and networking. The difficult part was waiting for the clients to come knocking on my doors.

What was the most difficult thing about launching your business, and how would you characterize your progress during the first year of operation?

It was pretty easy launching my business, the startup cost was extremely low and I found many great free resources to get me going…thanks to the people on Virtual Assistant Forums. I would say that my progress so far is interesting as no one week is the same as the last. I’m still learning how to meet my clients’ needs, build my business and balance work and life and not get overwhelmed.

You concentrate in “Administrative Support, Internet Marketing, Web Design, and Real Estate Support,” according to your website. That’s quite a large range of skills. Please comment on balancing that variety in your work.

I mostly do Internet Marketing, Web Design and Website Maintenance. But I also love when I get to do some administrative, research and other work in between for variety.

What was your previous experience in the traditional job world?

14 years ago, I started off working as a beauty consultant in an exclusive London departmental store. And in between, when I got bored, I temped as an Administrative Assistant. Then I moved into retail banking, providing front end customer services to account holders. My love for computers helped me change my major from Law to Information Systems, and then I shifted gears to the IT industry, where I worked as an IT Administrator supporting business users.

How does being a virtual assistant compare to life as an employee, in your experience?

As an employee, I always chose to do what I enjoyed and it’s the same working as a virtual assistant. I became a stay-at-home mom when we had our first child and I know the challenges many working moms face, even though I was lucky to escape all of that. The biggest bonus of being a VA is that I can manage my family and work on my terms. I don’t have to feel guilty taking time off work because my little one is ill or attend my 7 year old’s class party. Also I can work anywhere and at anytime.

You have many certifications. Please comment on the experience of obtaining these, and their usefulness in your business.

I felt that the quickest way to get into the IT industry without working experience was to get certified and what a great way to learn as well. I self-studied for my exams, using great books and simulations.

I didn’t have plans to go back into the IT industry when kids came into the picture and I was a little disappointed by that. I realized pretty early in my business that I would be using a lot of my IT skills and my clients see the added value that this brings.

What tasks in your business do you enjoy working on the most?

I enjoy doing web design/website maintenance and internet marketing the most.

Which tasks do you dislike the most?

I not too long ago realized that I don’t enjoy doing bookkeeping (for my business), so I’ve taken it off my list of services.

Please describe your office (equipment, furniture, shrines!) and the working atmosphere you prefer.

I have a comfortable home office, a Lenovo ThinkPad laptop, a faithful 7 year old Dell PC and 4-in-1 HP printer combo. I recently got a VOIP phone; it got ridiculous to continue doing business on my cell phone and having dropped calls.

I prefer when it’s quiet, when my kids are at school. I can get a lot more work done.

Your website says you work with “coaches, speakers, authors, and realtors.” Does that accurately describe your current clientele?

Yes, it does. I support this clientele because I admire what they do. But I also have clients from other industries.

What is your advice to other VAs regarding client relations?

Make each client feel that they are your only client. Communication is so important; always keep clients in the loop.

What marketing tools or tactics have worked best for you?

All of my marketing activities have gotten me results. Some of my tactics include posting ads on bulletin boards, mailing out postcards, email marketing, and joining on and offline groups. Even if some haven’t yet produced clients, I’ve definitely gotten exposure.

Having thrived during your first year in business, what goals are you contemplating for the future? What changes do you plan to make during your second year; and what do you want life to be like for you ten years from now?

I’m working on building a business that can accommodate many more clients. In my second year, I want to refine my business model for substantial growth. Ten years is long time away. The most important thing for me is I want my family and loved ones to be healthy and safe. And I also want to be pleasantly surprised by how far I’ve come.

When it comes to getting up in the morning, what really motivates you?

My family motivates me, knowing that they are really proud of me.

What are some of your extracurricular interests?

For now, I have very little time for extracurricular interests. I have one or two movie nights a week with my husband and I enjoy school runs plus taking my oldest to her after school activities and chatting with the other moms.

I do plan on joining my local swimming club in the next few weeks.

You keep a blog on your website. Please discuss the benefits and drawbacks you find in maintaining that page.

I wish I could write more frequently on my blog and I will, soon…lol. It’s a great sample of my “limited” writing skills. A number of potential clients have asked for writing samples and I’ve directed them to my blog. The only drawback is having a blog and not keeping it up to date, not good!

Having been associated with VirtualAssistantForums.com for a long time, what is its benefit to you at this stage of your business/life?

I get to meet other VAs with varying levels of experience and the forum helps me stay informed about what is happening in the VA industry. There’s the tendency to focus less on ones business as it grows. The discussions here help me to pay attention to my business.

I have also connected with some fabulous subcontractors here as well.

Here’s a sample testimonial from one of Agnes’ very happy clients:

“It has been a pleasure to utilize Agnes’s services over the past several years. Her work has always been carried out with excellence, in both attitude and performance detail. She possesses an incredibly high work ethic- a rare commodity in today’s marketplace, and she has been a highly valued resource to us in the accomplishment of our business goals.”

Lisa Mims, Author/Speaker
A Fulfilled Life

Wethersfield CT — September 19, 2008 – Agnes Ikotun, owner of AI Virtual Solutions LLC, has been awarded IVAA Ethics Check award status by the International Virtual Assistant Association (IVAA).

IVAA, the educational and credentialing association for the virtual assisting industry, awards the Ethics Check designation to virtual assistants passing an examination that assesses the virtual assistant’s business ethics competencies in key areas including billing issues, conflict of interest, privacy and confidentiality and the ability to perform the work.

The IVAA Ethics Check examination and Code of Ethics were designed to mitigate mistrust and serve to enable e-services internationally. They do so by bringing a single ethical benchmark to the diverse e-marketplace, setting a standard for cross-border business practices, helping ethical VAs set themselves apart from others, and helping prospective contractors to find e-service providers with a confirmed ethical foundation.

In accordance with IVAA Code of Ethics, Ms. Ikotun agrees to always exercise integrity, honesty and diligence in carrying out her professional duties and responsibilities. Safeguarding the interest of colleagues and clients and will not knowingly be a party to any illegal or unethical activity.

Ms. Ikotun believes that good business ethics should be a part of every business. Her key values are centered on excellence, integrity, and the desire to be an instrument in the success of her clients. Her motto is to treat everyone the way she also wants to be treated.

Agnes Ikotun specializes in providing virtual assistant services for coaches, speakers and authors around the globe.

For more information, contact:
Agnes Ikotun, Chief Virtual Assistant
AI Virtual Solutions, LLC
Phone: (860) 869-3525
E-Mail: info@aivirtualsolutions.com
Website: www.aivirtualsolutions.com

I’m really tired of getting viral infested emails in my business email inbox. This is the latest of many:

Your internet access is going to get suspended

The Internet Service Provider Consorcium was made to protect the rights of software authors, artists.

We conduct regular wiretapping on our networks, to monitor criminal acts.

We are aware of your illegal activities on the internet wich were originating from

You can check the report of your activities in the past 6 month that we have attached. We strongly advise you to stop your activities regarding the illegal downloading of copyrighted material of your internet access will be suspended.

Sincerely

ICS Monitoring Team

This email came with an attachment: user-EA49943X-activities.zip and it was sent via this email address: cyrusl@jakkspacificltd.com.hk

I could tell pretty quickly that this email was a hoax, firstly I wasn’t addressed by my name but by the word “client”, the email wasn’t sent to my family email address connected to our ISP account, it didn’t have our customer account number on it either.

If you receive this email, DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT, DELETE IT!

Happy 1st Birthday to
AI Virtual Solutions

*These alerts are email updates of the latest relevant Google results (web, news, blogs, etc.) based on your choice of query or topic. Some handy uses of Google Alerts include:

* monitoring a developing news story
* keeping current on a competitor or industry
* getting the latest on a celebrity or event
* keeping tabs on your favorite sports teams

My alerts keywords are relevant to my industry and market niche for example: virtual assistant, agnes ikotun (Myself). I wonder how many people have their names as alerts, I enjoy seeing my name pop up…I digress. I also have alerts setup for clients that I provide Internet Marketing services for to drive relevant traffic back to their websites. My alerts frequencies are setup for once a week for my needs and once a day for my clients, so I’m notified as new things get posted on the net. Definitely try this resource if you are not already using it and do not hesitate to contact me if you need Internet Marketing assistance.

But do you take work home on a regular basis? Or are deadlines an issue? Jane Schulte, author of Work Smart, Not Hard!, says these are sure signs it’s time to delegate, whether you like it or not.

Here are some of her pointers for successful delegation:

* Start small, then increase delegation as skills develop.
* Define clear goals, deadlines and criteria for success.
* Provide all the needed resources and information.
* Give your subordinate full authority over the project.
* Offer guidance and advice without interfering.
* Focus on results, not the process.

If the project is successful, credit the person who got the job done; if there are problems, Schulte advises shielding the responsible subordinate from blame. “Learn from the experience so you can delegate more effectively, provide more training or delegate the next project to a different person,” she says.

The Po!nt: “Work should always be done by the lowest competent level,” says Schulte. Go down the chain of command, find the right person for the job, give them the tools they need to succeed and refocus on the high-level issues that demand your expertise.

Source: An unpublished article by Jane Schulte

A Virtual Assistant is just like an executive assistant or personal assistant, except that the Virtual Assistant handles your affairs from a distance, and electronically. This Top 10 List reviews the 10 most common ways to utilize the services of a Virtual Assistant. I’ve included my own experience below, when appropriate. (And, in case you’re wondering, my VA isn’t available for new clients…sorry.)

1. Get your bills paid.

I haven’t paid a bill for two years…my VA/bookkeeper, Irene, does all of that for me, using Quicken and CheckFree, via her computer. ALL of my bills use a mailing address at a mailbox-type place minutes from her home; she picks up the mail/bills and pays the bills each week using my pass code from my BankOne business checking account. She sends me the bank statement monthly which is one way I have to verifying my bank balance. Of course, embezzlement is ALWAYS a risk, so don’t turn over your checking account to someone who you don’t know well or trust….Also, you may want to simply wire in or transfer funds from another account each month to your bill paying account if you’re concerned about full access to your checking account funds.

2. Screens and forwards your mail.

Irene is sharp; she knows what I want to see and what I don’t want to see, snail-mail wise. I get a weekly Priority Mail envelope from her with just the goodies. What a relief! She uses her good judgment.

3. Solves problems that you don’t want to solve.

I have a coach on contract who I pay $100 each time I have a problem that I don’t want to deal with. I just tell my VA/Coach what outcome I want, answer her questions and wait for the email that it’s done. Now, this isn’t always perfect, but it works most of the time. Just knowing that I have someone to delegate problems to is such a great feeling!

4. Screen and handle email.

I know of several business owners who have a Virtual Assistant look at all of their email and handle what they can, leaving the rest for the business owner to handle. This can free up an hour or two a day and is reason enough to have a VA. Your VA just goes into your incoming email queue and does his/her magic several times a day. Dealing with confidential matters? Just set up a secret/private email address that you only give out to selected people.

5. Manage projects or reporting.

My VA has a weekly checklist of the information, statistics or reports that I need for a number of my projects. Sure, I could compile them myself, but why? I’d much rather the VA do this, and follow up the folks who haven’t reported in (I’m not a good ‘chaser). Sure, it’s cheating, but what’s wrong with living an insulated life?

6. Follow up with clients or other contacts.

I’ll email my VA to follow up with a client who missed a call or to ask a colleague how I can help them do something that I know they are working on, or to schedule a time to chat with a colleague. Do the colleagues mind that I’ve delegated this to my VA? Yes, they are offended sometimes, but only until they get their own VA.

7. Remind you of important dates.

I don’t use my VA for this, but some of my colleagues do. In some cases, the VA handles all of their scheduling/appointments and even reminds them of anniversaries, birthdays, reporting dates, etc. Why NOT!?

8. Point out what you cannot see/give advice.

My VA sometimes says, “Hey, Thomas, did you know that…..” I love this! Let’s me focus on what I want to focus on instead of having to keep my eye on everything or manage my own reminder system.

9. Screens/handles your phone messages.

Your VA can tap into your voice mail several times a day and ‘clean it out’ leaving you the calls that you need to handle. Again, your VA is more than your assistant and more than a message taker or message deliver. Your VA *is* you and acts on your behalf, protecting you and your time/space from the demands of the public/customers. You’ll need to train your VA on how to *be* you, but this will pay off handsomely. I empower my VA to set policy, make exceptions, solve problems, make mistakes, coordinate efforts, screen heavily, anticipate my needs and be a partner, not just a VA.

10. Develop systems of support.

I don’t just ask my VA to do stuff or handle tasks, but also to create systems so that things of a similar nature get handled automatically in the future. Most VAs need support and training on how to do this, but once they get it, you’re all set for a lifetime of a problem-free and task-free environment.

About the Author
This piece was originally submitted by Thomas J. Leonard, Founder, Coach University, who can be reached at thomas@thomasleonard.com.