Do you know what the difference is between editing and proofreading? You are not alone if you don’t … many people aren’t clear about the difference between the two services and what they need. But editing and proofreading are quite different and produce significantly different outcomes for writers so I thought I would write this article to help you evaluate your options. Editing is done way before a proofreader sees the copy and there may be several rounds of editing!

Let me explain …

Being organised so that you can complete tasks efficiently means you have more time to do any planning/creative thinking for your business or to enjoy other interests/hobbies.

Here are some tips that might help you complete tasks both efficiently and quickly:

OK so it took me a long time, and a lot of dithering, but when I finally updated my website earlier this year I chose Squarespace.

In this article, I discuss the main reasons I chose Squarespace for my website and why I believe it is the best website platform for the types of small businesses I work with.

OK so let’s get to the point ... over the last few months my productivity in my business has not been great. Yes I get everything done that I really, urgently, needed to do but I am not productive in my business. Does this resonate with you?

In this article I discuss and analyse why/how I am unproductive in my business and what I plan to do about it! Read on for tips!

Obviously a freelance pa needs to be both knowledgeable and have expertise in a wide range of admin tasks ... but what other qualities will clients be looking for so they feel reassured you will be able to support them and their business?

Let me take you through some qualities that I think are most important … this is a long list and some of the qualities will seem really obvious but need to be considered.

I just love a list ... for a start it means I don’t forget something but also it gives me a lot of satisfaction ticking tasks off when I have completed them. But, there is absolutely no point in writing a long ‘To Do’ list for a particular day that just isn’t achievable as it will just get you down and have a negative effect on your productivity. So, here are my top tips for an achievable ‘To Do’ list:

These are very strange times that we are living in … working from home will be unusual for many and a huge number of small business owners will also find that they are home schooling children as well as trying to run their business. Outsourcing admin tasks to a freelance pa may seem even less likely just now BUT are the essential admin tasks getting done? Would it be better that the short amount of time that you have each day, in between juggling everything else, is spent on other tasks that can’t be done by a freelance pa as they need your expertise?

Just because you have engaged a freelance pa/virtual assistant please don’t think that all your admin nightmares will disappear overnight and you will suddenly have loads more time on your hands.

Small businesses, and especially solopreneurs, might be wondering whether hiring a freelance pa/virtual assistant is the right road to follow. When you set up your own business it is 'your baby' and it is definitely hard to let go of some of the tasks that need to be done ... but if you want to grow your business you have to let go someday!

Do you find that you have certain admin tasks that stay on your 'To Do' list week after week because you struggle with time or just really dislike doing them so avoid them? Or do you find your uphill struggle is actually finding time to spend with family, friends or just a having a bit of ‘me’ time because you are tackling those admin tasks on your 'To Do' list at all hours to ensure they are ticked off?

How to spot a liar, why some people are luckier than others and why, if you want to distinguish fact from fiction, you should listen not watch …

Do you envy those people that just always seem to be on top of everything, know exactly where everything is and never, ever miss a deadline or meeting? Don't worry about it ... you can be like them too if you really want to ... it will just take a little bit of time and effort.

Do you always wish that you had a little bit more time to get things done? Or perhaps even a lot more time! Just imagine if you could have an hour extra every day … what would you do in that hour?

I thought I should share with you the story behind ‘me’ and why I set up as a freelance pa. 

First, and most importantly I suppose, I found myself without a job and I had to do something! However before I go into my work experience, let me tell you a bit about me …