Clever Mamma Profile: Outsource Virtual Assistant

This week I'd like to introduce you to business mum Sandra Wright from Outsource Virtual Assistant. Based North West of Melbourne, Sandra is kept on her toes with three beautiful kids aged 13, 11 and an almost 2 year old, running a home based VA business PLUS she has just launched a new networking business called Savvy Mums Business... sounds perfect for the Clever Mamma community!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... My name is Sandra and I am a multi-tasking mum of three beautiful children. I have two boys aged 13 and 11 and a 19 month old daughter. I am running a home based business as a Virtual Assistant. But I am not any Virtual Assistant - I tailor my services around the client’s needs and offer flexible and personal service to them. I find this keeps the loyalty both ways and I end up forming not only a business relationship with them but also I end up being someone they can rely at on any time; whenever they need it to help them get through their work load. As well as this, I also save them time and money when they outsource the work to me.

2. How did your business begin? I have always worked full time, even when I had my two boys, and missed out on so much time being with them. When I was pregnant with Alana, I wanted to try and work out a way that I could be at home more and be there for all three. So I came up with the idea of being a Virtual Assistant and starting up my own business. After my daughter was born, I pretty soon started researching and setting up my business and within 3 months, landed my first client. And as they say, the rest is history, as I then became more motivated and determined to grow and succeed in my business. And I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of my husband and children and family. I now want to grow my business to the stage where I can help other mums do what I do and give them the opportunity to work from home as well. This is something I am very passionate about and determined to succeed in.

3. The bits I love... I love the balancing of work/home life at home and now being able to be there for my children, as well as the flexibility of working from home. In regards to business, I love watching my business grow all the time and I love going to networking events to help promote my business and meet like minded business people. That’s why I think this site is such a great thing.

4. The bits I not-so-love... I can honestly say there are no bits I not-so-love. I am enjoying every bit of juggling family life and growing a business.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Don’t lose focus and motivation. Starting a small business is not easy and takes up a lot of time, but it is worth it! Also, I highly recommend networking – take it from me it helps your knowledge and business.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Well, I love both scones and cake, but only drink tea and hot chocolate.

Thanks so much Sandra for popping in and letting us all get to know you and your business better. To find out even more about how Outsource Virtual Assistant can assist with your admin needs, and tailor a solution that's perfect for you, check out the listing on the Clever Mamma Directory. And if you're in Melbourne be sure to check out Sandra's latest venture Savvy Mum's Business, a networking event for business mums where kids are welcome! Find details here on the Clever Mamma Blog. Be quick as bookings close this week!

Business Mum Event: Savvy Mums Business, Melbourne

I'm always more than happy to support fellow mums in business and help out where I can... So when Sandra from Outsource Virtual Assistant (one of our very own CMs!) approached Clever Mamma HQ to help her spread the word about her brand new mums in business networking event, I jumped at the chance. It's not always possible to find a babysitter, but an event where kids are welcome makes a busy mammas life that little bit easier! See below for full event details. I'll be there so be sure to come and say hi!

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> Are you a mum?

> Do you own a business or are you wanting to start one?

> Do you want to network with other like-minded mums, where children are welcome?

If you answered YES to all of the above then you need to be part of this unique networking group.

Networking is about sharing knowledge, experiences, ideas, resources and opportunities to people you connect with. Business people who form connections at networking events look to each other for advice, and create a support system for each other. This group allows Mums in Business to network and connect with other Mums in Business, share experiences and build relationships. And children are welcome!

Monday 7th November, 2011

10am-12pm

The Nursery Cafe, 1060 Mt Alexander Rd, Essendon

Cost: $12 per person, includes morning tea for you and your child/children
RSVP: Wednesday 2nd November, 2011 (via email)
Email: sandra@outsourceva.com.au (please include how many children will be coming, if any, for catering purposes)

Don't forget to bring business cards to hand out and for a chance to win a door prize!

For more information about this event, please visit www.outsourceva.com.au or contact Sandra on 0439 388 842.

Clever Mamma Profile: get SET 4 IT

This week say a big Clever Mamma hello to Sally Evans from get SET 4 IT. Based in North Lakes in Brisbane, this busy mum of two little cuties, offers training in Microsoft Office and Social Media plus even more!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... I’m Sally Evans and I’d love to help you become more competent and yes, more confident in your computer usage. Perhaps you’ve been dying to get into social media but you’ve heard all the horror stories about viruses and identity theft. Or maybe you’re tired of feeling lost and unsure of yourself when you try to perform any functions beyond the very basic in Microsoft Word, Excel or PowerPoint. You might want to do away with the whole learning caper and have documents created for you... job done! Whatever your need, if it has to do with social media, Microsoft Office or browsing the Internet, I’d be happy to help!

2. How did your business begin? I established get SET 4 IT in July 2011. SET stands for ‘Sally Evans Training’ which means there is a part of me in the brand! The reason I started the business was that after months of searching for a part-time job, I realised that I could not find a job that also let me be a real mum to my two pre-schoolers. So I decided to create myself a job where I could do what I have a passion for (sharing my knowledge) and also look after my two beautiful children Rhys, 4.5 years and Sofia, 2 years.

3. The bits I love... I am really still setting up and hope to gain my first client very soon. So far have loved creating my logo and seeing my website come together.

4. The bits I not-so-love... All the money I have spent without any returns yet!!! Also hate the sales side but without that I would have no business.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? I don’t really have any words of wisdom yet but in my past experience of juggling work and motherhood, its all about setting and keeping your priorities. My priority is the welfare of my family first then my business. This also means being very organised and using sleep or down time to catch up with my business activities.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Can I have both??

Thanks for stopping by the Clever Mamma Blog Sally! It's been great getting to know you and your business a little better. For even more information on how Sally can help you plus direct contact details, head on over to the get SET 4 IT listing on the Clever Mamma Directory.

Clever Mamma Profile: Search Engine Academy

This week's Clever Mamma mum in business spotlight is Sue Cooper from Search Engine Academy. Based in Brisbane, Sue is able to help you and your business master the art of search engine optimisation (SEO) and social media marketing through her personalised hands-on workshops.

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... Single parent of 2 girls, 20 and 15. My business had to learn to stand on it’s own two feet very quickly when I became the sole money earner, and I was determined not to go and get a job! Search Engine Academy teaches SEO techniques to website owners/managers, so they can get high visibility among the search engines and drive qualified traffic to their business.

2. How did your business begin? I’ve been in the SEO field for nearly 10 years, and was continually attending conferences and events where the main aim was to tell everyone “it’s too hard, so we can do it for you”. SEO is not difficult and there is no magical answers – the difficult part is knowing who to listen to. Anyway, in 2009 I approached a US based training facility (which I had been honing my skills through for years) and it just so happened that they were looking for an associated in Australia. And Bob’s your uncle, I came on board with Search Engine Academy and have not worked a day since – I love what I do and get a total thrill every time I see or hear about the success of past students.

3. The bits I love... Is everything too broad? We teach all over Australia and I love travelling, especially if the kids can come too. And I love it when students get excited, or the lightbulb turns on over a technique they’d never heard or thought about.

4. The bits I not-so-love... The paperwork – need to outsource! (Ed: We have some fab Clever Mamma VAs who would love to help you out!)

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Businesses too often think of SEO as an after-thought in their web development process. In fact it should be your first consideration and can save a lot of wasted time, money and effort.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? That one’s easy... coffee and cake!!

Thanks for stopping by the Clever Mamma Blog Sue! It's been great getting to know you and your business a little better. For more information and direct contact details head on over to the Search Engine Academy listing on the Clever Mamma Directory. And be sure to let Sue know that Clever Mamma sent you!

Clever Mamma Profile: Zenith Admin

Our fabulous Clever Mamma this week is Rebecca Caesar from Zenith Admin. Based in Queensland and a mum of a beautiful boy, Rebecca can help turn chaos into calm in your business... I think we all need a bit of help with that one!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... I am a married mother of an 8 year old boy. My background is in state government, providing administration, Human Resource and Finance support for teams of up to 200 officers and managers. My strengths are self-motivation, a high level of attention to detail, fast learning and an enthusiasm to provide a high level of service. My business is totally managed online, so I can work for anyone, anywhere in the world!

2. How did your business begin? The idea formed from a combination of several factors...firstly, I wanted to create a better work/life balance - I was away from the house for around 11 hours a day, travelling 1 1/4 hours each way, and my son was in before - and after - school care for the same! The housework, good nutritious dinners and time with my son went begging... and I didn't want to settle for that. Flexibility to work around my family commitments and working from home were key. Secondly, I was feeling a strong need to work doing something that I enjoyed, which meant moving away from the work I was currently doing... Thirdly, I consistently saw business people struggle with piles of admin paperwork and tasks that they either didn't have time to do or didn't have the skill to do... and thus Zenith Admin was born!

3. The bits I love... Assisting businesses to reduce their 'To Do' Lists is extremely satisfying. The flexibility of hiring Zenith Admin is evident - they don't need to supply a desk, computer or office space; they don't need to do any payroll (other than paying the invoice), taxation, superannuation, Workplace Health & Safety, Human Resources; they only need to hire me when there is work done, as opposed to hiring a full-time admin that they have to find work for in the slow times (and still pay them!). In addition to that, with my many skills comes a variety of tasks that keep me interested. One client may have me proofreading their website, whilst another has me researching a topic on the Internet. Yet another has me entering information from Google Docs into an online database, and still another has me entering hardcopy data into Excel with formulas! Never boring!

4. The bits I not-so-love... With many clients comes 'plate-spinning'! I have to be attentive and on top of my game to schedule different clients and not get confused. In saying that, it's gone well so far!

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? Hmmm. I would say, keep your eyes and ears open to a need that is not being met in your community. That is the way to prosper! Also, the old adage, do something you love! Motivation and hard work are the keys to success, and have integrity in all your actions.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Hmmm. Not really either...? Could I compromise with a cup of tea and a cupcake?

So for any help with your business admin needs, from website maintenance to database creation to proofreading, Rebecca is the one to call! You can find all her details on the Zenith Admin listing on the Clever Mamma directory as well as further info about her services. Thanks for spending some time with us Rebecca and letting us get to know you a little better :)

Clever Mamma Profile: Zenkai, Complete Recovery of Health

It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Dr Danielle Slade from Zenkai, Complete Recovery of Health this week. Danielle operates her business from the picturesque town of Woodend in Victoria (home of some yummy vanilla slice!) and is kept busy with her alternative medicine business and two absolutely gorgeous littlies!

1. Tell us a little about yourself and your business... Mother. Wife. Acupuncturist. Wants to learn how to make Meatloaf, but will never eat it.

2. How did your business begin? As a diabetic, diagnosed age 3, my mum used to take me to alternative therapists - particularly naturopaths. I saw results and alternative healing at a young age and liked it. I've always had an interest in alternative medicine, and feel drawn to it. I chose TCM in particular because I had an interest in it, in the theories and traditions passed through the ages, and because I felt it was a highly regarded profession within the field of traditional healing.

It first began with a NEIS grant, after graduating from University, the business operated for 13 years [whilst having a major car accident, getting married, and giving birth to my 2 children], Recently I won the Powercor-Young Business Person of The Year 2011 sponsored by Telstra.

3. The bits I love... I truly love it all. I feel immense fulfillment in all aspects of my work. Just a couple of weeks ago I had a surprise visit from a couple I assisted in achieving natural fertility and had the opportunity to meet their little miracle… It was all worth it.

4. The bits I not-so-love... The long days can be a bit hard, especially for my two children Monet 2 & Diesel 5yrs. Some days my last appointment isn’t until 9pm and I miss our family meal times, but luckily I have my supportive husband Steve, who often takes on both roles.

5. Any tips for other Clever Mammas? I get my inspiration from reading about other mammas achievements and journeys. So keep sharing your stories and inspire those who listen.

6. Devonshire Tea versus Coffee & Cake??? Coffee (and lots of it) and Cake. My clients spoil me terribly with deliveries of coffee & cake from our village café. Just another great perk.

If you would like to find out how Danielle can help you with alternative medicine in: Women's Health, Preconception Care, Infertility & IVF support, Pregnancy Care, Post Natal Care, General Health & Wellbeing and Men's and Children's Health, simply check out the Zenkai listing on the Clever Mamma Directory for direct contact details. Thanks for stopping by Danielle, we always love meeting our talented Clever Mamma business mums!