eSOS Blog | Executive Stress Office Support

Onboarding 101: Your Ultimate Guide to Onboarding Like a Pro

Lyn — Thu, 07 May 2026 23:13:00 +0000

Onboarding Tips for Virtual Assistants You’ve followed my 5 Essential Tips to start your VA practie. You’ve read and implemented the suggestions in the Getting Clients articles. Now let’s get you onboarding like a pro! First Impressions Matter Starting your virtual assistant business is one thing, but onboarding clients effectively is where you turn potential...Read more

The post Onboarding 101: Your Ultimate Guide to Onboarding Like a Pro first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Part 2: The Ultimate ‘How To Find Clients’ Guide for VAs

Lyn — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Getting Clients – Part 2: Where to Find Clients – Online and Off! If Part 1 was all about how to get clients for your virtual assistant business, Part 2 answers the next natural question: where exactly do you find them? If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, it’s worth circling back — but for...Read more

The post Part 2: The Ultimate ‘How To Find Clients’ Guide for VAs first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Getting Clients – Part 1: How to Attract Clients for Your VA Practice

Lyn — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 22:49:00 +0000

That Million Dollar Question If there’s one question every virtual assistant asks at some point — whether you’re newly launched or have been around the block — it’s this: How do I get clients? Where are they? How do you reach them? And once you’ve found them, how do you turn those new clients into...Read more

The post Getting Clients – Part 1: How to Attract Clients for Your VA Practice first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business: 5 Essential Tips for New VAs

Lyn — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 23:26:00 +0000

5 Practical Tips for Starting Your Own VA Practice (From Someone Who’s Been There) I regularly hear from people who are curious about starting a virtual assistant business and want to know where to begin. So I thought I’d pull together my go-to advice—the essentials I wish every new VA understood before they dive in....Read more

The post How to Start a Virtual Assistant Business: 5 Essential Tips for New VAs first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

The Scary Leap That Became the Best Decision of My VA Life

Lyn — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:49:00 +0000

How I Got Started as a Virtual Assistant in 1999 What Might Be Holding You Back? What’s really stopping you from starting your VA business? I’ve heard every version over the years — and, truthfully, I’ve lived most of them myself. Some new VAs tell me they don’t feel confident. Others worry they’re not good...Read more

The post The Scary Leap That Became the Best Decision of My VA Life first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

How to Bounce Back When Clients Replace You

Lyn — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 01:52:50 +0000

When Clients Move On: 6 Steps to Handle it Gracefully You’ve been the one behind the scenes, keeping things running. Setting up systems, smoothing out workflows, solving problems before they became problems. Your client even told you: “We couldn’t have made it this far without you. Our success is a direct result of your contribution....Read more

The post How to Bounce Back When Clients Replace You first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

“AI Is Amazing!” — But What’s It Costing the Planet?

Lyn — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 04:25:24 +0000

Artificial intelligence is having its “gold rush” moment. Everyone’s using it — from students cranking out essays, to businesses rewriting their marketing in seconds, to creatives generating jaw-dropping art at the click of a button. You ask ChatGPT a question, and it fires back with a perfectly worded response in seconds.Need help with writing? Business...Read more

The post “AI Is Amazing!” — But What’s It Costing the Planet? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

When the Best Outcome Is Losing the Client

Lyn — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 22:53:43 +0000

Because you did your job too well! Let me tell you a story. It’s a success story. Five years ago I was referred to a client who was, like many business owners, overwhelmed, inefficient and stressed. My job was to streamline the business admin so he could focus on what he loved and generating new...Read more

The post When the Best Outcome Is Losing the Client first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Is This the End of the Offshoring Fairytale?

Lyn — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:16:52 +0000

Since 2007, business owners have been following the method outlined by Tim Ferriss to escape the 9–5 and ‘join the new rich’ — by outsourcing their business processes to offshore freelancers working for anywhere from $2 to $10 per hour … some for as low as 50c, according to some Filipino VAs I’ve spoken to. Why I’ve Never...Read more

The post Is This the End of the Offshoring Fairytale? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Celebrating 25 Years of Executive Stress Office Support

Lyn — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:31:36 +0000

A Journey of Dedication and Growth This month marks a significant milestone for Executive Stress Office Support (eSOS) as I celebrate 25 years of providing high-quality, confidential executive PA/EA services, transcription, document production, and more. Reflecting on this journey, it’s incredible to see how far eSOS has come from humble beginnings in February 2000 working...Read more

The post Celebrating 25 Years of Executive Stress Office Support first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Power Up Your Business: Join Networks; Boost Success

Lyn — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 02:39:00 +0000

Why Join Networks As a seasoned virtual assistant (VA) I’ve had a few people asking me whether they should join this network or that and what the benefits are. I thought I’d list the benefits I see in joining networks – both on and offline. Here are my thoughts: I belong to a number of...Read more

The post Power Up Your Business: Join Networks; Boost Success first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Improve Efficiency, Cut Costs: Benefits of Virtual Assistants

Lyn — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 21:30:00 +0000

The Benefits of a VA What do you do if you’re a sole operator or independent professional/executive in need of professional, confidential admin support, but don’t want to go to the expense and hassle involved in hiring your own staff? What if you don’t have the space for staff, or necessary expertise to complete a...Read more

The post Improve Efficiency, Cut Costs: Benefits of Virtual Assistants first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Impact of AI on Business Content and Brand Integrity

Lyn — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:10:00 +0000

As more and more AI-generated content in the form of blogs, articles, newsletters, books, and images flood the internet, it raises the question who is the robot? Who exactly is training who?

The post Impact of AI on Business Content and Brand Integrity first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Global Productivity: Virtual Assistance Beyond Time Zones

Lyn — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:30:00 +0000

Location No Barrier to Virtual Collaboration Here’s a story from the distant past. These days it seems like working remotely is no big thing. In the years between when I started my practice in 2000 to today, there have been advances in technology that make the following story seem ‘quaint’. But it’s probably worth telling...Read more

The post Global Productivity: Virtual Assistance Beyond Time Zones first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

The Identity Crisis of Virtual Assistants: Let’s Reclaim The Name

Lyn — Mon, 01 Jan 2024 22:00:00 +0000

What’s In a Name? In the constantly changing and evolving industry of virtual assistance, there’s a recurring debate that echoes through the corridors of online business. It revolves around one simple question: What should virtual assistants call themselves? It might seem like a trivial matter, but it’s far from it. The issue stems from the...Read more

The post The Identity Crisis of Virtual Assistants: Let’s Reclaim The Name first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Digital Resilience: Lessons From The Optus Outage

Lyn — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 07:28:29 +0000

Lessons from the Day Optus Left 10 Million+ Australians in the Dark Ever had a day where your entire digital world crumbled? If you’re with Optus, you might have experienced the recent meltdown that left over 10 million Aussies disconnected. Whether you were directly affected or just heard the buzz, here’s a recap of the...Read more

The post Digital Resilience: Lessons From The Optus Outage first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Why Human Transcriptionists Remain Vital

Lyn — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 02:32:58 +0000

One of the most frequent enquiries I receive in my practice is for transcription services – digital, microtape, standard tape (yes, still tape!). These enquiries are not just from potential clients but from new VAs wanting to ‘get in on’ what looks like a burgeoning niche in the Virtual Assistant industry. Remember just because you...Read more

The post Why Human Transcriptionists Remain Vital first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Why You Should Care About Language

Lyn — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:54:00 +0000

Language – it’s what separates us from other animals. It helps us communicate, creates art, literature and religions. It is the basis of culture. Civilisations are built on it. It is the cornerstone of democracy. It is important. And it matters … it really does. What we say and how we say it matters. If...Read more

The post Why You Should Care About Language first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Generative AI and ChatGPT: Impacts on Jobs, Authenticity, and Society

Lyn — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:30:00 +0000

Generative AI and ChatGPT – you knew I’d get to it eventually… I am not an early adopter. I won’t rush out and grab the new thing because I prefer to sit back, watch how it evolves, see the bugs get worked out … that sort of thing. And if something is going to fall...Read more

The post Generative AI and ChatGPT: Impacts on Jobs, Authenticity, and Society first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Make your garage work for you … as a home office

Lyn — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 02:22:14 +0000

You’ve got a business that has outgrown your current office arrangement of a kitchen table, laptop, and cell phone. Or, if you started out like me, a cupboard in the living room! Congratulations! But now what? Where will you find the room? Shy of kicking one of your children out of their bedrooms, you’re going...Read more

The post Make your garage work for you … as a home office first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Can Your Business Survive a Recession?

Lyn — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:56:18 +0000

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced today (7 March 2023) our tenth consecutive increase in the official cash rate. This means interest rates are the highest they have been in over 11 years. We’ve seen rising fuel costs, interest rates climbing, returns on investments going down, grocery store prices continuing to increase week on...Read more

The post Can Your Business Survive a Recession? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

VA Virtuosos is Back!

Lyn — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 21:01:04 +0000

If you are a Freelancer or Virtual Assistant then you won’t want to miss my friend Tawnya Sutherland’s Season 22 of #VAVS – the Virtual Assistant Virtuosos Summit coming this October 24 to 28 to your home office. Tawnya kindly invited me to present again this year and I can’t wait. It’s always such a...Read more

The post VA Virtuosos is Back! first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

School Holidays … Already?!

Lyn — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 02:05:31 +0000

It’s school holidays already… again. They seem to come around faster and faster. And school holidays can sometimes send the work-from-home carer into a tail spin! What do you do with the kids? How are you going to get all your work done? This is a common problem for lots of work-from-home parents including Virtual...Read more

The post School Holidays … Already?! first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

One flap up, one flap down

Lyn — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 23:44:08 +0000

Run free Captain Jack – one flap up and one flap down! I never met this little guy in real life but was honoured to work on Dan Weedin’s latest book that included “quotes” from Captain Jack. He was definitely a real character. So much so he wrote his own obituary! You can find it...Read more

The post One flap up, one flap down first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Warranties – Who’s responsible?

Lyn — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 01:36:00 +0000

We buy and sell goods and services throughout the year – but especially at Christmas time, at Boxing Day Sales, Black Friday Sales, and end of financial year run outs. Warranties apply to all goods and services sold in Australia and in addition to manufacturer’s warranties, store warranties and express warranties, there are a set...Read more

The post Warranties – Who’s responsible? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Practicing Excellent Self-Care as an Entrepreneur

Lyn — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 06:55:35 +0000

It’s been a tough 18 months – especially for SMEs and entrepreneurs. Now more than ever it’s important we look after ourselves. Stephanie Haywood from My Life Boost joins the blog as a guest contributor and shares her top tips for taking better care of yourself! Being an entrepreneur is often associated with late nights...Read more

The post Practicing Excellent Self-Care as an Entrepreneur first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Why are you in business?

Lyn — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 22:07:55 +0000

I posted a quote to social media which caused a bit of a stir: “If you take a lot of time to ask, ‘how will this pay off’, you’re probably asking the wrong question. When you are trusted because you care, it’s quite likely the revenue will take care of itself.” – Seth Godin The stir...Read more

The post Why are you in business? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

7 Pathways to Success in 2021

Lyn — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 01:12:34 +0000

Check out this timely webinar from @myfreelanceu and Discover 7 Proven Pathways to Freelance Success in 2021.

The post 7 Pathways to Success in 2021 first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Your Digital Legacy

Lyn — Tue, 12 May 2020 01:05:03 +0000

It was with sadness that I learned of the recent passing of a long-term colleague, Monika Newman of Absolutely Virtual. A well-respected, long-standing VA who had a passion not only for the VA industry, but also for helping those a part of it. I had known Monika for nearly all of the 20+ years I...Read more

The post Your Digital Legacy first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Strive for Work/Life Integration

Lyn — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 22:00:11 +0000

Lesson 20: Give up the myth of work/life balance. We’ve all heard it. We should be striving for work/life balance. Every coach, self-help person, and so-called ‘guru’ tells you if you don’t have it, you will never be happy! Well…. it doesn’t exist. When you are working for yourself you will lose weekends and in...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Strive for Work/Life Integration first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Enjoy it!

Lyn — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 22:00:35 +0000

Lesson 19: Really enjoy what you do! Remember why you got started in your practice. It could have been because of childcare needs; elder care; disability; a desire for more freedom or to be your own boss; or as a means for re-entering the workforce. But if you don’t enjoy it why do it? Life is...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Enjoy it! first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Lyn — Tue, 25 Feb 2020 22:00:46 +0000

Lesson 18: Don’t sweat the small stuff! I have seen so many VAs get really upset online when they see an article for example promoting the use of offshore VAs. Instead of getting riled up and attacking the author, refocus your marketing efforts on educating the market on what professional VAs really look like! Write...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Accept Change

Lyn — Mon, 24 Feb 2020 22:00:03 +0000

Lesson 17: Things change – accept it. Be aware things change and accept it. As Greek philosopher Heraclitus said: “The only constant in life is change”. The economy changes. Laws around doing business change. Clients change their mind. Your circumstances or those of your clients change. Perceptions around getting work done change. New technology emerges. Competition comes...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Accept Change first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: This is a Service Industry

Lyn — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 22:00:12 +0000

Lesson 16: Remember you are in a service industry. Remember you are providing a service – by which I mean we are in technically a ‘service industry’. After all our primary goal is to solve problems for clients. So you cannot help the client who calls you? Send them to someone who can – let them know...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: This is a Service Industry first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Don’t Take On Work You’re Not Qualified For

Lyn — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 22:00:43 +0000

Lesson 15: Only take on work you are qualified for. If you are professional, authentic and ethical this should be a no brainer, but I have seen so many times on lists VAs saying things like “I’ve been approached by a client who wants me to do XYZ but I’ve never really done that before...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Don’t Take On Work You’re Not Qualified For first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Be Professional!

Lyn — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 22:00:22 +0000

Lesson 14: Be Professional – and Ethical! Being professional is another key to your success – not only professionalism in your dealings with clients but also your colleagues, and especially if you are subcontracting to them. It might seem obvious but in my 20 years I have seen some astoundingly unprofessional behaviour from colleagues. Professionalism can...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Be Professional! first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Being Authentic

Lyn — Thu, 20 Feb 2020 22:30:01 +0000

Lesson 13: Be Authentic! What does being authentic mean? Well simply, don’t try to be something you are not. Don’t let people think you are in an office in the city for example if you are working from your lounge room with four kids under 5. If potential clients cannot trust you to be authentic,...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Being Authentic first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Set Boundaries Early

Lyn — Wed, 19 Feb 2020 22:30:54 +0000

Lesson 12: Learn to set boundaries and say no! It is really important that you set boundaries with clients and that you realise it is okay to say no. If you don’t, sometimes clients can take advantage of you and your time. It’s important that clients understand from the outset that your time is valuable...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Set Boundaries Early first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Define Your Ideal Client/Market

Lyn — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:30:50 +0000

Lesson 11: Define your ideal client and target market! Defining your ideal client and target market can be a tough one especially when you’re starting out and all work is good work, but you will eventually work out who you like working with. When defining your ideal client it is important to get really specific....Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Define Your Ideal Client/Market first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Use Your Tribe

Lyn — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 22:30:34 +0000

Lesson 10: Make use of your tribe! Following on from Lesson 9 and the importance of networking is – use your tribe. Don’t underestimate the importance of people who know you well already. Tell people including your family, friends, old bosses and work colleagues what it is you are doing now, the benefits of outsourcing to...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Use Your Tribe first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Network

Lyn — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 22:30:54 +0000

Lesson 9: Network – on and offline! Join networks: online and off – and engage in networking. Apart from the benefits of marketing your business and SEO enhancement of your site if the network offers links or a directory, belonging to a network of like-minded people gives you a sense of collegiality, opportunities for learning, and...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Network first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Research Your Trainer

Lyn — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 22:30:08 +0000

Lesson 8: Research your trainer! If you are the sort of person who likes training – and training is good – especially ongoing professional development – make sure you research your trainer! There are so many trainers out there now promising they can show you how you can make $10,000 in your first month or be a...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Research Your Trainer first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Selective Advertising

Lyn — Fri, 14 Feb 2020 22:30:11 +0000

Lesson 7: Be selective in your advertising. When you are starting out it can be tempting to go all out with newspaper ads, mail outs, cold calling, flyers, yellow pages (print or online) – but not all these tools work. You need to find out what works for your area – and for your target market....Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Selective Advertising first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Be Flexible!

Lyn — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 22:30:15 +0000

Lesson 6: Whilst a niche is good… be flexible! This is especially important when you are starting out because all work is good work. The most important thing you can have is a satisfied client – even if that client is another VA. You’re after testimonials. Testimonials are one of the best tools you have...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Be Flexible! first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Find Your Niche

Lyn — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:30:00 +0000

Lesson 5: Don’t try and be all things to all people. Find your niche! You know the old saying: If you’re a jack of all trades you’re a master of none. It’s okay to be a generalist but try to find your niche. This makes you one IN a million instead of one OF a...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Find Your Niche first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: I’m the Boss

Lyn — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 23:00:00 +0000

Lesson 4: Have an I’m the Boss mindset! A common misconception is that this means you can do what you want. When I say no to coffee dates during the day, kick out friends who drop in, or when my daughter was at school and I used to respond to questions about what we were...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: I’m the Boss first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Partner Buy-In

Lyn — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 22:30:00 +0000

Lesson 3: You must have the support of your partner or family if you want to succeed in business. If you decide you are serious about setting up a VA practice, and you fully understand what’s involved and that this is not a hobby or a ‘side hustle’, then you must have the support of your...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Partner Buy-In first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Not Everyone can be a VA

Lyn — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 23:30:00 +0000

Lesson 2: Being a VA is not for everyone – and not everyone can be a VA! Just because you can type doesn’t mean you can run a successful transcription business. Just because you know your way around WordPress doesn’t mean you’ll have a successful web design business. Just because you were a PA or...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Not Everyone can be a VA first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things Learned: Not a Hobby

Lyn — Sat, 08 Feb 2020 23:30:00 +0000

Lesson 1: Being a VA is not a hobby or a side hustle. It’s a business – with all that entails! The first thing I’ve learned in this business – being a VA is NOT a hobby or a ‘side hustle’. It’s not a way to make easy money. It’s a business – with all...Read more

The post 20 Things Learned: Not a Hobby first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

20 Things I’ve Learned in 20 Years

Lyn — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 23:30:00 +0000

On the 28th February 2020 I will have been in practice as a virtual assistant for 20 years. I began when my daughter was then about six or seven months old. I want to share a few things I’ve learned while being in business: hopefully they’ll be of some help to you on your journey. Remember...Read more

The post 20 Things I’ve Learned in 20 Years first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Extended Warranties/Returning Goods

Lyn — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 04:54:54 +0000

It’s holiday season – a time for gift giving and Boxing Day Sales! But do you know your rights when it comes to warranties or returning goods? Here are a couple of great videos from the team at The Checkout well worth a look to get a better understanding of your rights when it comes...Read more

The post Extended Warranties/Returning Goods first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

VA Training – Do Your Homework

Lyn — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 01:48:22 +0000

In a previous blog post I talked about the Evolution of the VA Industry. With that evolution – especially the fact so many newbie VAs are now coming from little to no experience in an office or admin environment, and others straight from school – the importance of getting training in running a business, or in...Read more

The post VA Training – Do Your Homework first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

VA Industry Evolution

Lyn — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 00:19:52 +0000

Tech transformations that happened in your lifetime A couple of months ago I was invited by veteran VA Sharon Williams of The 24 Hour Secretary and OIVAC to join a committee comprising other veteran VAs from around the world to discuss updating the Core Competencies we had worked on back in 2004. The other members...Read more

The post VA Industry Evolution first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

The address, the house and the land

Lyn — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 22:46:30 +0000

Why you need all three if you want a web presence! One of the services I offer to clients is helping them set up their domain name and website. I also provide (for WordPress sites) an updating service including site, theme and plug in updates, as well as blog posting, social media graphics etc. (Contact...Read more

The post The address, the house and the land first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Outsourcing: Bad for Business?

Lyn — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 05:11:55 +0000

I was sent a video (created by OnlineMBA.com) which raises an interesting thing to consider when you’re thinking about outsourcing: Why outsourcing may in fact NOT be valuable to business. Check it out: Now, I won’t go so far as to agree that outsourcing is “bad for business”. After all I’m a virtual assistant and...Read more

The post Outsourcing: Bad for Business? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Demio has had a Facelift

Lyn — Sun, 01 Jul 2018 23:18:39 +0000

Recently we assisted in the running of, and presented at, the Online International VA Convention – a convention that takes place each May across multiple timezones and countries, across three days. Demio is the webinar/conference solution we used. And it’s recently had a facelift. Marketing features have been revamped and new interactive experiences added. The...Read more

The post Demio has had a Facelift first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Facebook Profiles, Pages and Groups

Lyn — Sat, 30 Jun 2018 22:12:10 +0000

I was working on a project for a client – getting them set up with Facebook and speaking with them about engagement on social media. It became apparent during that conversation, and on posts and comments I was seeing on the platform, that even though Facebook has been available to the public since about 2005...Read more

The post Facebook Profiles, Pages and Groups first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

The Fraud Behind Living the Dream

Lyn — Thu, 28 Jun 2018 01:30:49 +0000

Tim Ferriss – author of The 4-Hour Work Week – has never been the VA industry’s favourite person – especially when he advocated the exploitation of labour in developing countries for $5 per hour in order to get himself rich. As Meagan Day of Jacobin Magazine puts it: After dozens of pages of self-help and...Read more

The post The Fraud Behind Living the Dream first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

How do you value employees?

Lyn — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 04:58:19 +0000

I read an article by Shannon Aspinall of Shannon Aspinall Bookkeeping & Accounting. Even though I don’t employ people, I found it interesting because for me, some of the things Shannon said really reinforced what VAs have been saying for decades, and helped clarify the value a VA could bring to your business. In her...Read more

The post How do you value employees? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

8 Email Failures

Lyn — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 04:34:48 +0000

Some great tips from Seth Godin on how to avoid getting “blow back” when you hammer your email list. Remember Australia has a Spam Act – key elements of which can be found here – and breaches of it can land you in a lot of hot water. Now with the implementation of the European Union’s...Read more

The post 8 Email Failures first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

The Cost of ‘Free’

Lyn — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 23:08:48 +0000

Recently I tried to do something nice for someone – a pay it forward kind of thing – and somewhere along the line it backfired. I had discovered a gentleman whose writings I thought were very valuable. He talked about social issues on his blog that were important and had impact on the wider community, but...Read more

The post The Cost of ‘Free’ first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Employee or VA?

Lyn — Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:15:22 +0000

Just a reminder: If you are setting your assistant’s rate or dictating their hours and manner of work completion, they aren’t a VA – they’re a teleworker or home-based employee. One defining feature of a VA is that they are SELF-EMPLOYED. That means – among other things – they: They are, for all intents and...Read more

The post Employee or VA? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Personality Differences – Employees v Entrepreneurs

Lyn — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 23:57:37 +0000

This article appeared in Business Insider – I’ve copied and pasted it below with a link to the original. Scientists Have Discovered a Personality Difference Between Entrepreneurs and Employees Around 13% of Americans are starting or running their own companies. Almost everyone else is an employee. We may have found out the difference between the...Read more

The post Personality Differences – Employees v Entrepreneurs first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Dead Printer? What do to?

Lyn — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 04:38:12 +0000

How environmentally responsible are you in your business? We’re used to reduce, reuse and recycle at home but what about your business? When my printer died I didn’t want to just throw it out and have it end up in landfill. According to Planet Ark Australians are some of the largest consumers of tech in...Read more

The post Dead Printer? What do to? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

The Cost of Staff

Lyn — Sun, 10 Apr 2016 00:16:54 +0000

Have you ever thought what it actually costs you to have onsite staff? In addition to their hourly rate you’ve got expenses like payroll tax, superannuation, workcover premium, holiday and sick leave, paid maternity/paternity leave, and the costs of office space, equipment (including wear and tear and upgrades), power, lighting and telephone. Then if your...Read more

The post The Cost of Staff first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

15 Years!

Lyn — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 04:49:10 +0000

Wow that went fast!!! February 2015 marks the 15th anniversary of my being in business as Executive Stress Office Support! What began as a way for me to remain at home with my then baby daughter, and continue to contribute to the household income, has blossomed into a very busy virtual assistant (VA) practice serving...Read more

The post 15 Years! first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

Pricing your Work: Authors

Lyn — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 05:25:43 +0000

How do you know if your book is priced correctly to move the maximum amount of copies? This nice blog by Anastasia V Pergakis on Indies Unlimited may help. How do you know if your book is priced correctly to move the maximum amount of copies? For some this might take some time and a...Read more

The post Pricing your Work: Authors first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.

What’s a VA Do?

Lyn — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:33:24 +0000

Ever wondered what sorts of things a VA can actually do? One of my clients did and recently asked me for a list. So, here’s that list. This is by no means comprehensive and if the task isn’t on this list it doesn’t mean a VA can’t do it. Just ask and you’ll find out!...Read more

The post What’s a VA Do? first appeared on Executive Stress Office Support and was authored by Lyn Prowse-Bishop. All content is copyright.