Every year large numbers of bright, intelligent people leave the corporate offices of this country to launch their own businesses. These people are used to having the support of personnel departments, office administrators, executive assistants, accountants, and IT departments. Suddenly they are on their own and their life becomes 3-ring circus which they are trying to juggle 24/7.
When you are starting a business there is no time for organization, administrative work or all the other things which make an office environment run smoothly. Every month is a race to see if you can bring in enough work to pay the bills --- while trying to find new clients. It IS exhilarating, but it is also lonely, frustrating, and most of all --- exhausting!
Cardinal Point Virtual Assistants was organized to span the distance between what you know HOW to do and can do well, and what is left that still needs to be done. My job is to make your life easy. I do this by helping you get organized and by handling all the details that you have no experience or time for. Whether it's travel arrangements, setting up and marketing a seminar, balancing your AMEX account, collecting on overdue invoices, or transcribing dictation and sending out letters --- I get it all done easily and quickly from my own home office.
Some clients require on-site work. Office organization is often where we start. Then, if necessary, I visit once or twice a month to catch them up on filing or help them maintain that organization. Each client's needs are different and my job is to figure out what those needs are and fill the gap.
You don't pay for my sick days, my vacation days, or equipment that will only used a few times a month. In short, you only pay for what you really DO need. And therein lies the sweet spot for you. Whenever you need me, I'm just a phone call or an email away. In general, after so many years in the corporate world, I know how to get things done the first time. And I will make sure things are done in a way which makes you comfortable.
There is one thing you should know about me --- I LOVE my job! It has now been a year since I left the full time corporate environment. I miss the people --- I do NOT miss the rat race. I love helping people do what they do best --- most sole practitioners/small businesses were formed because their owners had a desire to provide a service they felt they did well. By helping these folks get organized and giving them the support they need administratively, their images become more professional and their businesses start to grow. That gives me great satisfaction.
WHO IS KARALYN ECKERLE?
After more than 35 years in the legal field as a legal assistant/paralegal, I decided it was time for a change. To be honest, I was tired of the rat race --- the 1 hour commute twice a day; leaving for work in the dark and returning home in the dark; the filing deadlines; the last minute projects that invariably were missing some important element; breakdowns in communication, etc., etc., etc. (to paraphrase Yul Bryner in The King & I).
In addition to working in the legal field, for several years I ran a nonprofit agency which resettled refugees. More recently I founded Southern California Giant Schnauzer Rescue, which resettles Giants. I am owned by 2 Giant Schnauzers, a Parrolet and an Indian Ringneck. As a published freelance photojournalist, I have traveled extensively and always enjoy meeting new people and exploring new cultures. I am a Mother and proud new grandmother of a beautiful granddaughter. She has wavy red tresses and laughing eyes. What a joy to see our children again in our grandchildren!
In my quiet hours I enjoy beadwork, photography, quilting and gardening. Currently I am attempting to grow everything I eat. Since discovering Earthboxes and the 'Tomato Lady' in Loma Linda, I am once again excited about gardening. What could be better than fresh, sun-warmed heirloom tomatoes and the crunch of home-grown lettuce, cucumbers and hot peppers. Yum.
I am a computer geek, of sorts --- I generally view computer problems as akin to a crossword puzzle. Figuring out a new software program often provides entertainment for an evening or two. I have supervised Word Processing Departments and taught many computer-related classes. I enjoy teaching folks how to get the most out of the programs they need to use.
Got a problem spot in your life that's been bugging you for a while? Give me a call or send me an email and let's chat. And I hope you will grab that daily cup of tea or coffee and drop in here for a few minutes to see what's new. I've got lots of information and ideas to share. You will be amazed at the tools I have available and how they will improve your productivity and state of mind!
So what are you waiting for?
