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When people who aren’t VAs come onto a discussion group FOR VAs and start telling us what we should be called and that we are hired as opposed to contracted, you know it’s time to revisit the importance of language. (8 min listen) © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show

Earlier this week Facebook – as well as Instagram and WhatsApp – went down for about 6 hours and for some it was like the world ended. Should we be relying on these social media platforms for our businesses? I don’t think so and in this episode I explain why. (5 minute listen) © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show Resources and Mentions: Frances Haugen – Congress address on Facebook Mark Zuckerberg posts an essay to Facebook

(12 min listen) Our industry’s new crop of VA is a new generation – used to instant success, and influencers rather than mentors. This has brought with it a change in what is perceived as ethical, and what they define as success in business. In this show I look at a recent discussion with one such new VA. If we want our industry to continue into the future, we need to ensure we are all moving it in a forward direction, and not just looking after our own needs. ©...

Are employers who allow employees to work from home "parasites" as Harry Triguboff contends? Is working from home "a trend" and are at-home workers less productive?

At this time of year the question arises: to gift or not to gift. It comes down to personal choice – but I like to send clients – especially my long term clients – something to show my appreciation for them. Some places to get gift giving ideas: Morish Nuts Edible Blooms Koko Black Chocolate Gift Baskets (Australia) You might also like this episode: Gratitude Stay safe and thanks for your support this year! © Lyn Prowse-Bishop –...

It’s been nearly 14 years since The 4-Hour Work Week was published – yet the idea that virtual support should only cost you $5/hour persists. If you’re all about saving money in your business then opting for cheap labour has its advantages – but also inherent disadvantages – and just because they’re ‘remote’ doesn’t make them Virtual Assistants. Resources: Jacobin – the Fraud and the 4-Hour Work Week – Meagan Day article Forbes Article – Michael...

Gratitude is something we should all practice every day. Feeling appreciated is important to everyone. But I’m amazed how little gratitude clients can show to VAs… and conversely, how little VAs can show for clients! © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show

So… you want to be a transcriptionist because – well, you can type! Isn’t it the same thing? No … it most certainly isn’t! And clients – a typist is not the same thing as a transcriptionist! In this episode I run through some of the basic skills you need to have if you want to be a transcriptionist, and give clients some tips on what to look for in a professional service provider, and what affects the cost of transcription. © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show

On the 28th February 2020 I will have been in practice as a virtual assistant for 20 years. In this 2-part podcast I’d like to share with you 20 things I have learned in that 20 years being in business as a VA! In this episode I cover 11 through 20 of the 20 things I’ve learned after 20 years in business. You’ll find other episodes referred to in this podcast in the Show Archive. Did you miss part 1? Find it here. © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business...

On the 28th February 2020 I will have been in practice as a virtual assistant for 20 years. In this 2-part podcast I’d like to share with you 20 things I have learned in that 20 years being in business as a VA! This episode covers the first ten. You’ll find other episodes referred to in this podcast in the Show Archive. I refer to Kathie Thomas’s excellent article in this episode and you can find it linked below: Kathie Thomas – Not Everyone Can be a VA Part 2 –...

I assume that many of our offshore colleagues want to be a VA for the same reasons we all do: freedom to work when we like, be our own boss, autonomy, travel, childcare or elder care needs, disability. Part 3 of our Offshore Freelancers series focuses on our offshore colleagues offering tips on things to consider – primary amongst them understanding what a VA actually is! © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show (Image: kiwiqa.com) Reference...

Please note this show is for our Australian listeners only. In this special episode we interview Pauline Pickering, director of Globe Accounting and small business accounting specialist on the new Australian Single Touch Payroll system, and the superannuation guarantee, and discuss any issues there may be for VAs. The Single Touch Payroll system (STP) may affect some VAs who pay themselves a wage or who have family members assisting them from time to time they are...

We continue our offshore freelancer series with this episode focused on helping clients understand the differences between local and offshore support, and highlight some of the things you might not have thought about when choosing the offshore option – including a breakdown of a real life example of one outsourcing company’s costs. (Please note: This podcast refers to the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement – this agreement is now defunct after the US withdrew, and was replaced by the...

Offshore freelancers aren’t new – and they aren’t going anywhere. There is still some fear locally surrounding offshore “VAs”. If you buy into that fear, you will always view freelancers from emerging economies as a threat to you and your business. Nothing could be further from the truth! © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show (Image: kiwiqa.com)

Something all business owners need to face from time to time is change. As Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: “The only constant in life is change”. How you respond to those changes will determine your success – or failure – in business. Shows referenced: Business Peaks and Troughs © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show

We hear it a lot when there are discussions around VA rates. That your cost of living should factor in … but how much of a role should it really play? References: Starting a Business in Vanuatu Other shows about rates: What Do I Charge Let’s Talk About Rates Worth v Value © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show

As globalisation makes it easier for clients to connect with service providers outside their home countries, today’s VA really needs to work smarter to attract those clients, and taking a look at their perceived “worth” and then focusing on client needs is a good place to start. Provide value and your worth will increase. Referenced shows: Let’s Talk About Rates VA Trainers – Do Your Homework What Do I Charge? © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business...

There are always lots of discussions around rates in the VA industry. How to charge. What to charge. Charging enough. Not enough. In this podcast I cover some recent discussions around rates, things to think about when setting your rate, and whether your experience in an office and your location need to be taken into account. I also mention Nina Feldman’s handy pricing worksheet during the show, which you can find here: Pricing Worksheet © Lyn Prowse-Bishop – The Virtual Business Show

Previously I’ve said that I didn’t think it was necessary for VAs to have training – however with the evolution of the VA industry and so many new VAs coming from little to no experience in an office or admin environment, and others straight from school, getting training in running a business, or a specialist niche area, is probably advisable for some. However, not all trainers are alike. You have to do your homework and ensure you’re getting what you pay for! Do your research and ensure...

The VA industry has been going since the early 1980s! Since I began my VA journey back in 2000, the industry has certainly evolved and changed significantly. Back then we had a fledgling industry forged primarily by women who had come from years working in administration, secretarial, PA or EA roles, whereas now there are many types of VA. This means that clients need to be clear on what they’re looking for to ensure they partner with the right VA. I mention Julie Hoflin’s (Your Versatile...