As I do this, I can’t help but reflect on how many have decided to go their own ways in these economic times. So many people, out of work, have decided to create their own opportunities.

Make the computer your best friend!

Admirable, encouraging, and inspirational I think. I also notice, however, that many are trying to do so without doing the necessary research. Make sure you understand how your business should work and what is needed for it to work legitimately.

My favorite tip: Your #1 ally in creating and maintaining a business presence is the internet. Make it your best friend.

Research the various aspects of your chosen field. Study your competitors. Review the Small Business Association’s website at SBA.gov. Join SCORE and take the free opportunities available there, especially the one-on-ones with experienced SCORE counselors. (There are thousands available – for every subject you need!)

Get involved with Facebook, Twitter and other social media communities. Join Meetup to find like-minded business owners and networking events to participate in. Read the blogs of other small business owners to see what issues they are facing so you can be proactive.

Owning a successful small business is a 24/7/365 job. Make sure it’s going to be one you love!

Check out this article by columnist Dave Archer. It’s short and sweet yet still hits the high notes…

Archer: New Years resolutions for small businesses | Reno Gazette-Journal | rgj.com

Does Your Inbox Look Like This?

The holiday season is a critical time for vendors. Make sure your customers get the time and answers they need by providing live customer service during the holidays. It will cut down on all those frustrated hang ups and raise the number of orders you receive. Even in this digital age, customers want to talk to a person when they have questions or concerns. Live customer service can make all the difference in your business.

Are you a new internet e-tailer? Get up and running in time for those holiday sales with some help setting up your website or uploading product. There is still time to get your site positioned to take advantage of the holiday opportunities.

For you harried entrepreneurs. Look to a virtual assistant to help arrange and maintain your holiday schedule and even plan your events. Free yourselves from the details so you can properly run your business.

Batman and OfficeHelp

These are just a few of the many different ways a virtual assistant can help make your life infinitely easier. As our economy changes, the number of entrepreneurs creating their own business opportunities grows. Take advantage of the services offered by a good Virtual Assistant and watch your business and theirs expand.

Looking for a good Virtual Assistant? Along with OfficeHelp, there are thousands of VAs out here waiting for you. Check out any VA job board. Some examples are Freelance.com, Freelancer.com, and Elance.com.

Our job is to make yours easier!

Watch out for the Zombies! (Lol, Couldn’t resist!)…

Zombies Breathe New Life Into an Un-Dead Economy | KSEE 24 News – Central Valleys News Station: Fresno-Visalia – News, Sports, Weather | Local News.

As a Virtual Assistant, or any similar service, your new customer will want a recommendation of your skills. If you have a common association, your potential customer will more likely trust their recommendation. Canvas your (ex)co-workers and acquaintances. Make sure they are aware of your qualifications as you never know to whom they may be speaking. It is they who will give the referrals you need to help get your business started.

Spend time with a few key like-minded networking groups in your area. If you don’t know of any, a great place to start is MeetUp.com. In addition to their social aspect, MeetUp.com has a thriving community of small business groups that address many aspects of entrepreneurship. Be sure to choose a group that will help you focus and push you to grow. My favorite is a monthly group called Slick Chicks, ETC. If you’re in the Corona, CA area, look us up!

Most important is your family and core group of friends! Getting any fledgling business off the ground can be daunting. There will be times when the process is frustrating (to say the least) for various reasons. It is this core group who will pick you up, dust you off, and point you back in the right direction!

• Find A Local SBA Office
  Looking for small business counseling and training close to home? Your local SBA office provides crucial small business counseling, training, business development help among other benefits. Their guidance and support will help create the foundation of your small business.
• SCORE
  The SCORE Association “Counselors to America’s Small Business” is a nonprofit association comprised of over 11,000 volunteer business counselors throughout the U.S. and its territories. SCORE offers free or low cost workshops on a variety of necessary subjects and free business counseling. The SCORE mentors deliver FREE, confidential, valuable advice tailored for your business needs. Whether you are a start-up or an existing business, SCORE will help you reach customers and achieve your goals.

My name is CV and I am your Virtual Assistant. From my home office in Corona, California, I provide the administrative assistance required by your business without the overhead.

For over 20 years I’ve worked in every aspect of office administration and find it very rewarding to be able to offer those services under my own umbrella for the benefit of my clients.

The diversity of my experience uniquely qualifies me for almost any administrative project.

When you need someone to take that project and run with it, contact me and tell me what you need.

Email: admin@OfficeHelp.info

Phone: 714.203.7141