Working With The Best!

I just returned from Allen F. Hainge's CyberStar(R) Summit which was held in Phoenix, Arizona this past week and considering this is my third one, I always find myself looking forward to seeing this awesome group of Top Producers from around the world in real estate.

I also have the priviledge of being the "Big Kahuna's" Director of Operations, virtually. This was my first year to work with Allen behind the scenes on this spectacular event. It took us a year to put this event together and I am very happy that we received such great reviews.

It was hard work though. I arrived in Phoenix two days before the event and I worked from 6:00 am to 1:00 every night to ensure that everyone of these special people enjoyed themselves and to take any worries off of Allen.

I always am amazed at the warmth these individuals have for each other and the bonding they have developed. They share so much with each other and are truly interested in seeing everyone achieve their dream.

I am already planning the Summit 2006 and I look forward to being with this group again to see what they bring to the event.

To Learn More about Allen F. Hainge and The CyberStars(R) Click here: http://afhseminars.com

To Learm More about the services of Kim Hughes & Company, please click here: http://www.KimHughes.com

Working From Home - AH! The Joys!

As a wife of 21 years and a mother with three teenagers - 18, 14 and 13 (all boy's) I find myself enjoying my life and what I have contributed to my family. I reflect back on the past 18 years, since this was when my first son was born, to see where I was then and where I am now. And, I must say things are looking pretty good! I have been there for my husband and my children when they needed me and at times when they didn't. :)

I wonder though if I had a job in Corporate America if I would still have that job? Probably not! Since family is a priority for me, I would have taken many days off to be home with a sick child, leave early to catch an event one of my children were in or just to take time to go to the doctor or give myself some "ME" time.

As my own boss and owning my own company, I can schedule my priorities with my work and with my family so both are balanced and I can achieve the best from both worlds without missing a beat. Well, I have missed a few beats, but I am only human, right?

Sure, there are times I may go with only a few hours of sleep for a few days, call for take-out when I am extremely busy, but in my book it is all worth it and the key I have found to being a successful wife, mom and business owner is that I am not Wonder Woman, but I am pretty darn close to it, but knowing what is important and when to make a decision that is good not only for me, but for my business and my family.

The main key to making it all work is to remember why you are in business and keep that as your main focus in life. God first, family second and career third...is the way it should always be.

Balancing your life - that is something you need to figure out for yourself since you are the only one that can decide what is important to you and then live your life accordingly.

I also know that in life we all make mistakes and to learn from those mistakes so you can grow from them. Just don't make the mistake when you know it is one.

So - You Want To Build A VA Business

Congratulations! You are one step closer to achieving your dream of being a small home business owner.

It is one of the greatest achievements you will make - if you do it right! Whether you have owned a small business before or just starting out there are many things that need to be done before you put up the "Open For Business" sign.

As a virtual assistant you need to first concentrate on what services you want to offer. Are you going to specialize in a particular field? Once you determine this, you have to decide on what services in that field you are qualified in to justify the services you will offer.

Then you need to determine your computer needs.

• What is the best computer for you?
• What software will you need in your business?
• What office equipment will you need?
• What type of phone equipment will be best for you?
• What office supplies will you need?

Ok, the first question you are probably asking yourself is where do I get the money to purchase the items above? Don't worry you can build your business as you go along and you can get pretty creative using resources on the Internet that are free, but remember as you can afford to purchase these items - you need to do so. You are a professional now and you need to look like one.

If you need equipment and do not have the resources to purchase them consider asking your bank for a loan. You will need a business plan or if you don't have one, then take out a personal loan. And, remember, this is a tax deducitble loan.