Back in our industry’s humble beginnings (circa 1998), having a static website that basically provided an online brochure of sorts, was the norm. Not only has that totally changed with the onset of multiple technology options like Joomla and WordPress, but a totally different focus and ways to address search engine optimization.   Being in an [...]

Branding has evolved over the years. When I first started my business in 1998, branding was pretty much about your logo, letterhead, business cards and web presence. As time went on, I learned that a well developed brand could be so much more than that, it could be what differentiates you from your competitors and helps you [...]

Like most industries, raising your rates is a delicate process that many virtual assistants and small business owners fear. While understanding what prospects are willing to pay for your particular product or service is key to growing and maintaining your business, sometimes it’s as easy as learning that you need to generate a certain amount of [...]

Many small businesses start by offering to be the ‘lowest priced’ service provider. What could possibly be wrong with this thinking? Won’t you get all the clients you ever want or need? Won’t they be loyal to you as long as you keep your prices low? This methodology can be extremely damaging to the long-term health and wealth [...]

We’ve already discussed the risks of starting your own business, but another thing that many times may hold you back from true success are your beliefs. If you believe that you can only make a meager living in this business, then you most likely will. When I first started my business it was meant to be [...]

Having your own business is the ultimate in power. You totally control your lifestyle when you’re an entrepreneur. It’s your call. You found the power within yourself to get this far – you know you have superior skills; you know you have value; you know you can eventually spend more time with family and friends once you establish [...]

I was recently interviewed by Darlene Gonzalez of True Harmony Media, LLC for her A Virtual Perception Podcast on the topic of Business Ethics for a Virtual Assistance Practice.  There’s even a chance to win a copy of Entrepreneural Freedom….check it out! http://bit.ly/bTwppW  

Starting your own business is taking a big risk. The easiest way to manage your risk is by seeking information and looking at the business by analyzing the pros and cons. Keep your expectations high while putting systems in place to guard against the cons.  If you come up with more cons than pros and can’t [...]

Starting and growing a successful business isn’t easy. You need to surround yourself with like-minded people. And that means people who encourage and support you in starting and maintaining a business. As hard as this is to say, you may have to minimize connections with family and friends who are not supportive of you in a positive [...]

If you’ve been in business for any amount of time, you know that this is not easy. There’s no immediate success without very hard work. You have to really want to have your own business, and want it badly. You need to be totally committed to doing what’s necessary to make your business work. It also may mean [...]