When all else fail, Google it. This is a tip for entrepreneurs and small business owners from your Virtual Assistant Rita Cartwright.

I created a drop down menu for my ASPX web pages with Expression Web 2 software. The drop down menu appeared correctly in IE8 but not in FF 3.6. I posted my issue in the Expression Web forum, and the members gave me various suggestions and tips, which were from the perspective that I was designing my web pages incorrectly. So, I applied their suggestions; however, it didn’t solve my drop down menu issue.

Although, their tips didn’t solve the problem with the appearance of my menu, I did learn some valuable information regarding how to correctly lay out my web pages; therefore, it wasn’t all in vain. However, my menu still wasn’t displaying correctly in Firefox. So, I decided to Google my problem.  Lo, and behold, I found a solution.

It turns out that it isn’t me, it is Firefox’s browser; specifically, Version 3.6 if using with Vista Operating System.  If you are having the same display problems, click here for more information.

As a sidebar, Safari and Chrome browsers don’t show ASPX drop down menus correctly either.  The members of the Expression Web forum did help me resolve this.

Anyway, when all else fail, Google your question and/or issue. There is a good chance you will find your solution. This is a tip from your Virtual Assistant Rita Cartwright.

We, as virtual assistants (VAs), generally attempt to grow our businesses by obtaining more clients.  Another strategy is to grow your business by subcontracting or outsourcing projects to a team of VAs.  These VAs’ services will complement your services rather than compete with them.

In an attempt to grow my virtual assistant business and deepen my service list, I organized a team of three VAs.  My core services are word processing services and Internet marketing, and my team services include bookkeeping, transcription, and ghost writing.  Their services complement my services.  Now I can offer these services in addition to my current offerings.  They are also my backup.

There are two different models of multi-virtual assistant (multi-VA) businesses, which outsource overflow of projects.  One model is team and the other is subcontracting.  The main difference is a team approach.

Multi-VA team businesses list the team members on their team web pages, but everything is under the umbrella of the multi-VA business owner.  Team members also have direct contact with the clients. Whereas, with multi-VA subcontracting businesses, the subcontractors don’t have contact with the clients; although, they may be listed on your website. You, as the multi-VA business owner manage the clients and projects.

In both cases, subcontractors and team members/associates are VAs themselves and are at the beginning stages of their businesses or have room for more projects.

Due to the current economic situation, there will be more entrepreneurs and small business owners, and they will need virtual assistance. We probably will see more multi-VA businesses, both team and subcontracting models.

If you are Virtual Assistant and you want to grow your business, consider organizing a team of virtual assistants whose service offerings complement your services.

I am pleased to announce an addition to our virtual assistant team. Our newest member will handle our ACT! Database projects. Our team now consists of four virtual assistants with skills in various areas. They specialize in bookkeeping, transcription services, Real Estate Virtual Assistant services, website and graphic design, and now ACT! Database. Because of their skills, I am able to offer small business owners most of the services they need to operate and develop their businesses. In addition, these owners do not have to shop around for the above-mentioned services, because we are a “one-stop shop.”

My mission is to provide our clients with the type of value-added service they can trust to be exactly what they desired plus more.

Rita J. Cartwright, Owner
RJ’s Word Processing Services
Your Business Success Is Our Success
http://rjswordprocessing.com
866-651-3073

Chances are if you are a small advertising agency (1-4 employees) you do not have enough time to create your ads. Generally, small business owners are faced with daily mundane, administrative tasks, which are very time consuming. With the time you have left, you barely have enough time to create your ads. This is where a Virtual Assistant comes in. If you use the services of a Virtual Assistant, you will gain valuable time. With this extra time, you can concentrate on creating your ads.

A Virtual Assistant can take care of your bookkeeping, schedule appointments, return phone calls, answer your phone calls, manage your e-mails, make reservations, type and mail your correspondences, create and manage your database, update your website, etc. These are just a few examples of what a Virtual Assistant can do for you.

As a small business owner myself, I am aware of how much energy and time are spent on daily administrative tasks. If you use my services, I can assist you with creating your ads, since I have a background in acting and an education in marketing, in addition to providing you with administrative assistance.

Every small advertising agency needs a Virtual Assistant. Outsource your administrative tasks to a Virtual Assistant so you can focus on creating your ads, as well as gain new accounts.

Rita J. Cartwright, Owner
RJ’s Word Processing Services
Your Business Success Is Our Success
http://rjswordprocessing.com
866-651-3073

Due to the economy, I have decided to reduce my fees by $5.00 per hour on all of my virtual assistant services. In order to continue to provide my clients with value-added services, I feel reducing my rates at this time is necessary.

If you are a small business owner, this is the perfect time to take advantage of my services. Don’t handle all of those administrative tasks by yourself. As a small business owner myself, I am aware of how time-consuming those tasks can be. Call me today toll free at 866-651-3073 to discuss how I can best assist you.

Rita J. Cartwright, Owner
RJ’s Word Processing Services
Your Business Success Is Our Success
http://www.rjswordprocessing.com
866-651-3073

If you are an owner of a small ad agency, you should consider establishing a business relationship with a Virtual Assistant (VA), especially if you have a small budget. Owners of advertising agencies and owners of virtual assistant businesses are similar; therefore, a Virtual Assistant understands and can anticipate your business needs. We both submit bids. An agency and a VA both respond to RFPs from potential clients. An agency’s and a Virtual Assistant’s services are billed hourly and generally are temporary. When a projected is completed, the job is over. We both work ourselves right out of a job. Ad agencies and VA businesses generally are small. According to U. S. Department of Labor, 68% of advertising agencies and public relations firms employ 1-4 employees. Majority of Virtual Assistant businesses are sole proprietorship.

We understand how time-consuming the daily mundane tasks can be. Generally these tasks are administrative in nature and can be delegated or outsourced to a Virtual Assistant. Examples of these tasks include bookkeeping, updating your website, setting appointments, placing phone calls, following up on e-mails, typing business documents, correspondences, etc. The time you save can be used to gain new clients and/or retain your current clients. A relationship between an agency and a Virtual Assistant has several advantages. When working with a Virtual Assistant, you only pay for the actual time used. Why pay someone for down time. There would be no need to pay a full-time salary or benefits. If the agency is limited on space, there would be no need to expand to accommodate an administrative assistant. A Virtual Assistant works from his or her office.

Being that advertising and Virtual Assistant industries are similar in many ways, we could establish a viable business relationship.

Rita J. Cartwright, Owner
RJ’s Word Processing Services
Your Business Success Is Our Success
http://www.rjswordprocessing.com
866-651-3073

I’m thrilled to announce the addition of two new members to my virtual team bringing the total to three. With their assistance, I am now able to offer bookkeeping and web design. Read all about it in my press release. Just follow this link http://www.prweb.com/releases/2007/07/prweb537799.htm.

It is certainly a privilege to be able to work with such skilled and talented virtual assistants. In addition, I am now able to expand my list of services, as well as grow my business. Stay tuned!!

Rita J. Cartwright, Owner
RJ’s Word Processing Services
http://www.rjswordprocessing.com

Virtual Assistants (VAs) who are business owners do more than just type. We are also entrepreneurs, in addition to being small business owners. Virtual Assistant Networking Association (VANA) defines VAs as “A Virtual Assistant (substitute VA or Virtual Associate) works independently at an arm’s length, via the Internet, utilizing the latest technologies, to provide immediate professional support, services and skills to busy entrepreneurs and business managers.” International Virtual Assistant Association (IVAA) definition is “A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services. Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis.”

As small business owners, we face the same issues and concerns as our clients. VAs are dedicated to helping their clients grow their businesses, while at the same time expanding his/her own company. It is a win-win situation. In addition to providing services, we are faced with the daily operations of a small business. These operations include everything from bookkeeping to marketing. In fact, VAs are hiring their own virtual assistants to help with the administrative tasks. We understand our clients’ business needs, because we are them. We do more than just type.

Rita J. Cartwright, Owner
RJ’s Word Processing Services
http://www.rjswordprocessing.com