Here’s a little bonus on the heels of the latest episode of AZVAs the Podcast. Friend and colleague Tara Fort and I began our podcast for entrepreneurs and virtual assistants in February 2010. Before starting that adventure we listened to as many other podcasts we could find in that same genre. Doing that was a [...]

This is the last full day of IVAA Live Summit 2010 in Phoenix. Whatever your industry, getting together for some face-to-face with your industry peers is more important than ever in this virtual world. Summit sounds like: inspiration, motivation, challenges, friendship, and clicking knitting needles and slurped lattes. Summit looks like: long lost friends hugging, [...]

Or, how can I play and win?! One of the most respected VAs I know, Sharon Williams, president of the 24-Hour Secretary, is about to launch this year’s 30-Day Podcast and Blog Hopping Virtual Tour (April 15, 2010 – May 16, 2010). Designed to promote the Virtual Assistant Industry during the runup to this year’s [...]

After referring to self as “Cleanup Knitter” in my last post, it felt as though I should work a little harder to earn that title. So, after finishing today’s client work, here’s what I did. Or, I should say, speaking of “felt:” Used the sleeve of a lamb’s wool thrift shop sweater that I felted [...]

No resolutions for me this year. Nope, I’m keeping it simple by choosing a theme, which is the word “fit.” When deciding whether or not I will do something, I just ask myself, “Is this a good fit?” or “Will this help me be or stay fit?” It’s such a good choice for me and [...]

AZVAs Podcast launches today! You can listen while you work, during your work out, or it’s perfect for your afternoon virtual commute, or whenever you want to tune in! Put it in your iPod so you can take it with you! Subscribe to AZVAs podcast by emailing ktcosmos@LooseEnds.net. The flavor is decidedly VAC (“Virtual Assistant [...]

I’ve been working from home as a Virtual Assistant for more than 13 years now. Early on, I attended a lot of in-person networking events and met often with clients. Now I rarely meet anyone I work or collaborate with in person, so the thought of heading to my industry’s annual event (BTW, I am [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]