I get amazed that people don't check into things like Terms of Service instead of making assumptions or taking the advice of others who probably don't know either. I want to set the record straight. You can only have ONE account on Facebook. Further, that account has to be in your real name - see item 3 under your commitments in the link above for having an account. For your benefit here: item 3.1 states: Who can use Facebook When people stand behind their opinions … [Read more...]
Do you know your entitlements as a Trademark owner?
I'm no expert on the topic of Trademarks but do appreciate the importance of having one, or more. I often see this topic being dicussed amongst VAs worldwide and it's important that they avail themselves of this information and important topic. Especially if they've trademarked in their country and think that no-one else can use the same business name as them in another country. That is not the case and Jacqui explains why in her article published today at Flying Solo. TM ® Here's an excerpt … [Read more...]
Getting the right support for your business
I mentioned the IVAA Oz Coffee Chat we had the other night and the discussion about a number of VAs losing a major client. One of the other things discussed that night was finding a suitable Accountant for our businesses. I'm amazed at the number of VAs who don't have an Accountant. When you're new in business chances are the only thing you know to do well is the service you are offering, be it word-processing, transcriptions, social media support, and so on. Few of us are across the … [Read more...]
Be careful when giving advice
I've seen it on blogs, in newsletters and on forums. Well meaning people giving advice that is ok for some people but not for all. Be careful that when giving advice to others that you're not steering them in the wrong direction. Particularly if that advice relates to your region and not others. The web IS world wide - it's not just in your state or your country, it goes beyond your shores. So, if you're giving out advice relating to how something should or shouldn't be done, clarify that … [Read more...]
Check your facts!
Been involved in an interesting discussion on a LinkedIn forum. Not relating to Virtual Assistance at all but rather my passion, photography. However, what has been taking place there is something we all need to be mindful of as Virtual Assistants and therefore often as advisors to our clients. I thought I should share my thoughts here. The discussion related to Copyright requirements for photos, but this can also apply to other items we deal with for our clients. So it need not be Copyright … [Read more...]
Self employed or employed?
Periodically on the Virtual Assistant forums we discuss items that relate to how the tax department would view us if certain scenarios arise. One of those is the number of clients we should have or the how much we're earning from clients. While the figures and percentages may differ from country to country, I believe it would be wise to make sure that you are not receiving the bulk of your income from one client only. In the early stages of your business this may be difficult to achieve but it … [Read more...]
