In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been driving me mad about Facebook—especially as a business owner. What started as a space for genuine connection has become a chaotic mess of bots 🤖, trolls, censorship, shadow banning, and algorithmic manipulation. I talk about my own experiences with disappearing posts, unexplained bans, and the rise of “Meta Verified” as the new gatekeeper to reach and visibility. 📉 Is Facebook still worth the effort for businesses? 🤔 Or has it completely lost its relev...
Jul 07, 2025•14 min•Season 2025Ep. 75
For years, businesses have enjoyed the bottom-line benefits of cheap offshore freelancers — but a game-changing Fair Work Commission ruling just flipped the script. In this episode, I break down what really happened when an offshore Filipino freelancer was deemed entitled to workplace protections from an Australian business they were contracted to — and why it could spell the end of dodgy “$5 an hour VA” deals. We talk: 👉 The difference between contractors and employees 👉 The legal risks you m...
Jun 15, 2025•8 min
Corporate Responsibility, Minus the Jargon 🌱💼 What does corporate responsibility really mean for us — the everyday business owners, solopreneurs, and service providers just trying to do the right thing? No buzzwords, no big budgets, just real talk on how we can give back 🌏✨ Whether it's planting trees, supporting your local footy club, or choosing greener power — it all adds up. Here are some simple ways we can make a difference 💚 © Lyn Prowse-Bishop Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Lero...
Jun 11, 2025•9 min•Season 2025Ep. 73
Are you a new Virtual Assistant—or any business owner—struggling to attract the right clients? In this episode of The Virtual Business Show , I reveal one of the most powerful strategies for success: niching down . Trying to be everything to everyone is a recipe for wasted time, energy, and money. Instead, defining your niche and ideal client helps you stand out as an expert, focus your marketing, and attract the clients who truly need your services. I share practical tips on: ✅ What a niche is ...
May 06, 2025•7 min•Season 2025Ep. 72
Networking isn’t just about connections—it’s a treasure trove of knowledge! From specialised training sessions to insightful webinars, networks offer invaluable resources to expand your skills and stay ahead in your field. 📚💼 Join me as we discuss the power of networking for virtual assistants and business owners alike. 🤝 Whether you’re looking to boost your business credibility, generate valuable leads, or explore unconventional networking avenues, this episode provides actionable tips. 🎧 L...
Feb 03, 2025•7 min•Season 2025Ep. 71
This episode of the Virtual Business Show looks at the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on content creation and business. It focuses specifically on large language models like ChatGPT. We don't look at the use of AI like robotics in business. We explore the potential benefits of LL AI, including increased efficiency and content generation for niche topics. However, we also look at the potential pitfalls, such as: Decreased quality and authenticity: AI-generated content can be gener...
Jul 01, 2024•15 min•Season 2024Ep. 70
The Power of Trust: Debating Seth Godin's Insights on Revenue and Caring 💬💼 Join us for a thought-provoking discussion as we dissect a quote by Seth Godin that sparked debate in the online world: "If you take a lot of time to ask, 'how will this pay off,' you're probably asking the wrong question. When you are trusted because you care, it's quite likely the revenue will take care of itself." 💭💰 In this episode, we explore the implications of Godin's words, and the intersection of trust, cari...
Jun 02, 2024•6 min•Season 2024Ep. 69
Personality Differences: Entrepreneurs vs. Employees 🧠💼 Join us as we look at groundbreaking research revealing personality differences between employees and entrepreneurs, and explore the importance of understanding these differences. 🌟 🔍 In this episode, we dissect the findings of scientific studies that shed light on the unique traits and characteristics that distinguish entrepreneurs from traditional employees. 📊🔬 Embracing these differences can empower you to make informed decisions, ...
May 04, 2024•4 min•Season 2024Ep. 68
Pioneering Virtual Collaboration: A Journey Through Time 🕰️💼 Step into the dynamic world of virtual collaboration where location is no barrier and innovation knows no bounds! 🌐💡 In this episode, we embark on a journey into the past to explore the evolution of virtual assistance, from transcribing documents to conducting internet research. 📑🖥️ Join us as we uncover the pioneering spirit of early virtual collaborators, navigating the challenges of an infant tech world while embracing the end...
Apr 07, 2024•5 min•Season 2024Ep. 67
🎧 Improve Efficiency: The Power of Professional VAs vs. Upwork Freelancers and Temps 💼 🚀Ready to elevate your efficiency game? Discover why professional VAs could be the ultimate game changer for your business compared to freelancers on Upwork or temporary workers. 💡💻 In this episode, we explore the myriad benefits that virtual assistants bring to business owners, from specialised skills and reliability to flexibility and cost-effectiveness. 🌟💪 Join us as we delve into the distinctive adv...
Mar 11, 2024•7 min•Season 2024Ep. 66
What is the secret to effective collaboration with Virtual Assistants? 🤝 This eposide of The Virtual Business Show podcast looks at the distinction between an employee and a VA, highlighting the key traits that make VAs independent professionals. Are you inadvertently classifying your VA as an employee? Get it wrong and you could be in big trouble!🌟 Tune in now! 🎧 Don't miss exclusive subscriber only content. Subscribe now...
Feb 05, 2024•4 min•Season 2024Ep. 65
Planned obsolescence is the elephant in the room 🐘, and silent contributor to our throwaway culture. Tech giants design products with a limited lifespan, fuelling our throwaway culture in the relentless pursuit of 'upgrading’.🌏 Did you know Aussies are some of the largest consumers of tech in the world, buying nearly 5 million computers each year? Join the fight against electronic waste by exploring eco-friendly ways to dispose of old tech on this podcast episode which uncovers how you can bre...
Jan 09, 2024•4 min•Season 2024Ep. 64
I'm sure we've all received newsletters in our email we can't remember subscribing to or we tried UNsubscribing to no avail. 📧 This episode covers the Australian Spam Act and Privacy Principles: what you need to know to comply; and touches on the GDPR. You can face serious penalties for failure to comply so it's important you are across your obligations. As the Act only applies to commercial messages, political parties and religious groups are exempt from the provisions of the Act since their c...
May 16, 2023•8 min•Season 2023Ep. 63
With interest rates on the rise, unemployment looming, and recession whispers growing louder, is your business prepared to weather the storm? Fear not, because we've got a game-changing solution: enter the virtual assistant! 🌟 Whether you're a startup, a small business, or a seasoned entrepreneur, a virtual assistant could be your secret weapon for survival and success. Picture this: while others fret over financial forecasts, you're streamlining operations, boosting productivity, and staying a...
Apr 25, 2023•7 min•Season 2023Ep. 62
💼 Mastering Professionalism: Top Tips for Success in Business! 🌟 Whether you're a seasoned virtual assistant or a business enthusiast, these five top tips will elevate your game and leave a lasting impression on clients and colleagues alike. 💼 From mastering communication etiquette to fostering trust and reliability, we've got you covered. But wait, there's more! Join us as we debunk common misconceptions and challenge industry norms, including that infamous statistic (cue the references!). �...
Apr 05, 2023•9 min•Season 2023Ep. 61
Redefining Roles: Navigating the Era of Virtual Teams! 💡With businesses embracing remote and hybrid setups, the lines between traditional roles are blurring. Freelancers, bots, and AI are all vying for the title of "virtual assistant," leaving us pondering: Should we rebrand ourselves for clarity's sake? 🤔🔍In this episode we look at the nuances of terminology and the evolving nature of teamwork in the digital age. From exploring alternative titles to embracing the versatility of virtual colla...
Mar 01, 2023•14 min•Season 2023Ep. 60
An article I read by an accountant got me thinking because some of the things in the article which referred to employing staff actually reinforced the value a VA can bring to your business.Shannon's insights shed light on the symbiotic relationship between businesses and virtual assistants, highlighting four compelling reasons why businesses employ people – reasons that resonate deeply with the world of virtual partnerships. From lightening the load to bridging skill gaps, passing on knowledge, ...
Jan 25, 2023•8 min•Season 2023Ep. 59
Today is my birthday. It's also my little brother Rod's birthday - yep we shared not just the date but the exact time! So today, on our birthday, we pay tribute to my beloved brother, Rod, who left us too soon but left an everlasting impact on our lives. We honour Rod's memory as a cherished brother, devoted son, loving husband, doting uncle, dedicated soldier, and true friend. Rod taught us invaluable lessons in living authentically, with compassion, honour, and integrity, shaping us into the p...
Aug 19, 2022•6 min
Onsite Staff vs. Australian Virtual Assistants 💸There are hidden expenses behind onsite staff - partnering with a professional Australian Virtual Assistant can revolutionise your business finances. Beyond the annual salary and standard on-costs like super and worker's comp, do you truly understand the full extent of what your staff are costing you? 💰 Join us as we delve into the nitty-gritty of employee expenses and explore the cost-saving benefits of outsourcing tasks to a skilled virtual ass...
Jul 31, 2022•6 min•Ep. 58
💡 Tips for valuing your services! Are you valuing your time and expertise? 💰 When a potential client requests a piece of a project as a prerequisite for a quote, it's essential to tread carefully. While it's tempting to showcase your skills and win their favour, be wary of inadvertently giving away valuable work for free. 🛑 Undervaluing your services not only diminishes your worth but also sets a precedent that can be difficult to reverse. 💔 Join us as we explore strategies for navigating cl...
Jul 13, 2022•6 min•Ep. 57
📚 Balancing Work and Parenting: Tips for Work-from-Home Parents During School Holidays! 🏠👨👩👦👦Calling all work-from-home parents! 📢 School holidays can often feel like a juggling act, leaving you in a tailspin as you try to keep the kids entertained while tackling your workload. 😅 But fear not, because veteran VA Lyn Prowse-Bishop is here to share her invaluable tips on navigating this challenging time with grace and efficiency. 🌟 From creative activities to time management strategies...
Jun 25, 2022•7 min•Ep. 56
Understanding Consumer Rights: Your Guide to Warranties and Remedies in Australia! 🛍️🔍Warranties and your consumer rights can be a maze of confusion, but fear not – we're here to shed light on this essential aspect of Australian consumer law! 🌟 From manufacturer's warranties to store policies and consumer guarantees, understanding your rights and responsibilities as a consumer and as a business is crucial. 🤔 Join us as we unravel the complexities of warranties, refunds, and remedies, empower...
Jan 03, 2022•8 min•Ep. 55
Embracing Our Identity: The Power of Language in the Virtual Assistant Community! 💬🔍Let's explore the significance of language in defining our roles and identities. 🌟 In online forums and discussion groups, it's not uncommon for individuals outside the VA profession to impose their views on what we should be called or how our work arrangements should be labeled. But as experienced VAs know, our identity and terminology are deeply rooted in our profession and expertise. 💼💡 Join the conversat...
Dec 23, 2021•9 min•Ep. 54
Rethinking Social Media Dependency: Why Your Business Shouldn't Rely Solely on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp! 🚫📱When Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp had a six hour blackout, it sparked a global wave of panic and frustration. 💥 But should businesses be placing all their eggs in the social media basket? 🥚🧺 Join us as we explore the dangers of over-reliance on these platforms and the potential risks to your business's stability and longevity. 💼 From sudden outages to algorithm changes a...
Oct 06, 2021•4 min•Ep. 53
Ethical Shifts in the VA Industry: Embracing Forward-Thinking Perspectives! 🌱🤝Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on the evolving virtual assistant industry. 🗣️ In recent years, a new generation of VAs has emerged, characterised by a penchant for instant success and influencer culture. 🚀 But with this shift comes a redefinition of ethics and success in business, sparking important conversations about the future direction of our industry. 💼 In this episode, we delve into a recent dial...
Aug 14, 2021•12 min•Ep. 52
The Truth About Remote Work and Productivity! 🏠💼In this engaging episode, we look at the controversial statements made by Harry Triguboff regarding remote work and productivity. 💬 Is allowing employees to work from home akin to being "parasites," as Triguboff suggests? 🤔 And is remote work simply a passing trend, or a long-term shift in the way we work? 📈 Join us as we debunk these myths and uncover the reality behind remote work productivity. 💪 From examining the latest research to sharin...
Jun 29, 2021•7 min•Ep. 51
Client Gifts: Balancing Personal Choice and Professional Gratitude! 🎁'Tis the season for the perennial question: to gift or not to gift? 🎄🤔 Join us as we explore the delicate balance between personal choice and professional gratitude when it comes to gifting clients. 💼 For many, expressing appreciation through thoughtful gifts is a cherished tradition, especially when it comes to long-term clients who have supported our business journey. 🌟 In this episode, we'll discuss the importance of sh...
Dec 23, 2020•3 min•Ep. 50
The Vital Importance of Appreciation Between Clients and VAs! 🙏 🌟In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of gratitude in the client-Virtual Assistant relationship. 💼🤝 Gratitude isn't just a fleeting sentiment – it's a daily practice that enriches our lives and strengthens our connections. 🌺 Yet, despite its importance, expressions of gratitude can sometimes be lacking between clients and VAs. 😔 Join us as we explore this phenomenon and uncover strategies for fostering a cul...
Jun 22, 2020•4 min•Ep. 48
Demystifying Transcription: Skills, Standards, and Selecting the Right Service Provider! 🎙️ 💻Join us for an insightful episode as we uncover the essential skills and standards required for successful transcription work. 🌟 Contrary to popular belief, typing alone does not make someone a transcriptionist – there's much more to it than meets the eye! 👀 In this discussion, we'll explore the nuanced skill set required for accurate and efficient transcription, from impeccable listening skills to m...
Mar 06, 2020•9 min•Ep. 47
20 Years as a VA: Lessons Learned - Part 2! 🎉💼Join us for the second part of our special anniversary celebration as we continue to delve into the invaluable lessons learned over 20 years in the virtual assistant industry. 🌟 In this episode, we'll cover insights 11 through 20, sharing wisdom gleaned from two decades of navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. 💡 Whether you're a seasoned VA looking to reflect on your own journey or an aspiring entrepreneur seeking guidance, this episo...
Feb 11, 2020•17 min•Ep. 46
