Whether your professional collaborations consist of committee work with peers, or you steer all your company operations via a team that’s spread throughout the globe, in this century many of us have occasion to work with people who aren’t in our same zipcode or timezone. We have the technology and need to communicate across distance. [...]

Activities like sewing and knitting keep my design eye in tune. By spending some time daily on those pursuits, I believe I am keeping my instincts sharp. Then, when a client asks me to create a new web ad for them, I can tap into a creative process that I can rely on. I usually [...]

Even though the big three (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn) have been around for more than a few years, conventions and best practices for their use still seems like a hot topic. Every where I turn lately, there are classes, webinars and live chats on the subject. My AZVAs colleague and I are no exception, as [...]

If you haven’t explored social networking yet (and from what I hear you’re not alone if you haven’t), there are plenty of classes to help you get up to speed. What if you have tried it but can’t figure out what exactly to do with your new Twitter or FB accounts once you open them? [...]

Besides operating my business, Loose Ends, another professional activity I head up, along with my colleague Tara Fort is Arizona Virtual Associates (AZVAs). It’s a virtual water cooler for entrepreneurs, self-employed business support service providers, small business owners, and in particular, Virtual Assistants. AZVAs  activities include: our monthly podcast (resuming in February), and accompanying newsletter, [...]

AZVAs the podcast begins its second season in February. In 2011, we’re keeping it real: that means that when we interview our guests, we’re asking them to share exactly how they built a successful business, and we’re asking them for specific tips for contractors who want to break into their industry. We’ll give you a [...]

With social media in its apparent heyday, what happens to your print or enewsletter campaign? Or, for that matter, your blog and website? Are those still viable markeing and branding tools?

Virtual Assistants in practice for a number of years usually reach a crossroads when their client load begins to challenge their energy and time limits. In talking with veterans in the industry, most eventually remodel their business plan taking it in one of the following directions, all of which take them out of personally providing [...]

Please bear with this veteran VA while she spouts off on some assaults on common courtesy she’s noted of late. Lots of us who work in home offices find we have far fewer opportunities to attend meetings in public places these days. The proliferation of online meeting options has saved us time and money, enabling [...]

What do these things have in common? 1. failure to use a condom 2. volcanic eruptions 3. buying imported foods 4. the earth’s tilt 5. leaving the lights on when leaving a room 6. wildfires 7. running unnecessary errands in your car Though some are natural events and others intentional/unintentional human activities, all can engender [...]