There are many scenarios that can derail your well-oiled SOHO operation. These’ll getcha, just like a change up in baseball. And next thing you know, you’re out. Kids home for the summer or holidays. New baby. New pet. Extended visit from family or other house guests. Illness or death. Adult Child returns to the nest [...]

Here’s a list of things to do now, if you are in a work slowdown, so that when things pick up again you’ll be ready! 1. Recommit to your core services It’s easy to get off track when you are slow. Requests for charitable work or even paid projects that lie outside the area you love [...]

Whew and Wow. Our AZVAs Fall Retreat in Phoenix was a terrific success. In fact, it appears that the genesis of many new projects and collaborations has already begun. Format The format allowed for both education and unlimited opportunities for networking. Our small contingent of Arizona VAs hopped on board and embraced our attempt to [...]

Independent contractors typically let their credentials, satisfied clients, brochures and web sites speak for them. Unlike prospective employees who must have a polished and current resumé at the ready at all times, the self employed sector is rarely asked for a curriculum vitae or resumé. Recently I had a conversation with a resumé expert (who [...]

Swagger. Bravado. Chutzpah. If you’re an athlete, you’re expected to have that and more. But when you own your business, or dream of doing, you need your game to have a dose of those qualities but not so much that you’re projecting aggressive arrogance. If you’re a female executive, add that other balancing act, appropriate [...]

Here’s a great opportunity to listen in on a conversation on web development and SEO between myself and colleague Jeannine Clontz, owner of Accurate Business Services and VABizCoach. Jeannine hosts monthly “Elite Virtual Assistance Insiders calls,” and I asked her to share information on this one and a few scheduled over the next few months. [...]

Today I’m excited to feature a guest post by my friend and colleague, Tara Fort, owner of Versatility! Take it away, Tara! What a treat to be featured as a guest blogger on Loosely Speaking.  Every month, Katie and I meet to provide tips, discuss challenges and issues, and brainstorm ways to enhance our VA [...]

While many Virtual Assistants already do offer these services, some VAs and clients may actually be wondering, SHOULD they? Social networking became the trendiest way to stay connected in 2008. As a result, clients in many industries are seeking VAs with proven expertise to manage their social media presence. As a hot new niche market, [...]

Publisher’s note: this post was contributed by by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of an MBA degree. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24 at gmail dot com. A freelance job is a blessing in more ways than one—you don’t have a fixed job or one boss to answer to, you’re a free agent [...]

Social Media sites have been heralded as the latest and best way to network and establish your brand. When you’re your own boss, your time is your own and without someone peering over your shoulder, you can Tweet/Plurk/Flickr/Facebook/LinkedIn your day away if you like. Just how many minutes a day can you justify without cutting [...]