I haven’t shared in detail at this blog what I do in my work at home although my book “Worth More Than Rubies” does explain it.

I thought I might share what I do here in this blog to give you all hope.

My business began as a homebased secretarial business in 1994. The plan was to find some clients so I could work at home and be there for our 5 daughters. I had no idea how long I would do this for, I just knew I needed to be home while they were still quite young and in school.

18 months later the Internet entered the business scene and I found myself birthing a brand new industry – the Virtual Assistant – in my own country of Australia.    It was rather overwhelming at times – learning about the internet and how to use it for my business and suddenly being in this position of ‘leadership’ where I was guiding other women to do what I’d been doing – for such a short time.  Eventually I met other women online in the UK and Canada going through the exact same emotions.  It was an exciting time of exploration and development.

The Virtual Assistant industry is now around 15 years old and growing and developing.  There are Virtual Assistant networks and organisations in the US, UK, Canada and in Australia with smaller groups in South Africa, Argentina and other countries.  In Asian countries virtual companies have started up that act like virtual typing pools and they outsource their staff as well to clients.  In a time when global economies have been tough, self-employment is on the rise, helping many to gain control of their futures and the income they bring in.

Today I manage a network of Virtual Assistants in 11 countries and provide training and coaching for the industry, speak at conferences and events and write articles. And all the while my focus is on women working at home, being present for their families, just as the Proverbs 31 Woman was. My family was the reason I began working at home. Now my girls are all grown up and have left home, my focus is on helping other women get what I have had for many years. In fact, our eldest daughter is working at home – not doing what I do but is running her own business sewing and doing alterations so she can be home for her own son.

In the last chapter of my book “Worth More Than Rubies” I acknowledge that many women will read that book and think that it’s ok for me, as I have good computer and typing skills, but what about those who haven’t?  Can they also work at home?  My answer is ‘yes’ and I compiled a list of suggestions for that last chapter and which I want to share below.

And if you’re interested in finding out more about what I do, or if you can join my Virtual Assistant team, then why not visit my business site for more details?  As long as you have previous admin experience and good computer skills you would be eligible to do that type of work at home.  And now for that list of suggestions.

1.    Accountant
2.    Affiliate (online book sales, product sales)
3.    Artist
4.    Author
5.    Babysitter/Child carer
6.    Bookkeeper
7.    Breeder (dogs, cats, rabbits, etc)
8.    Business Coach
9.    Car Detailer
10.    Caterer (home cooking)
11.    Computer repairer
12.    Computer trainer
13.    Consultant
14.    Conveyancer
15.    Copywriter
16.    Database Administrator/designer
17.    Desktop Publisher
18.    Direct marketing
19.    Domain Reseller
20.    Dressmaker/Repairs/Alterations
21.    eBay trader
22.    ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor
23.    Freelance writer
24.    Ghost writer
25.    Graphic Designer
26.    Greeting cards
27.    Hair dresser
28.    Help Desk/IT support
29.    Insurance broker
30.    Ironing lady
31.    Jewellery maker
32.    Journalist
33.    Life Coach
34.    Magazine Editor
35.    Mail Order
36.    Marketer
37.    Mechanic
38.    Menu Planner
39.    Mortgage broker
40.    Musician
41.    Music teacher
42.    Non-profit organization – based on your interest or passion
43.    Party Plan operator (e.g. Amway, Avon, LeReve, Mary Kay, Neway, Tupperware)
44.    Photographer
45.    Piano teacher
46.    Professional Organizer
47.    Public Relations
48.    Public Speaker
49.    Publisher
50.    Realtor
51.    Researcher
52.    Resume writer
53.    Secretariat (for membership based groups)
54.    Software writer/architect
55.    Solicitor
56.    Stock broker
57.    Telemarketing
58.    Trainer (e.g. software)
59.    Transcriptionist
60.    Tutor
61.    Virtual Assistant
62.    Web Designer
63.    Web Host
64.    Wedding Planner

I think all kids get embarrased by their parents at some stage. I know when my youngest was only 14 my having grey hair was an embarrassment to her. She told me to go and get it coloured.  And there was one time when we were on a family holiday at a show and I got called out of the audience to be on the stage for a skit.  My very full long hair attracted attention I think and got me noticed.  And of course I had to ham it up when I was on the stage. That was embarrassing for all of our daughters even though all eyes were on me and not them!

I was listening to a song on the radio station and immediately recalled two youtube clips done by separate DJs of that station to the song (Single Ladies).  I remembered saying to the wife of one of the DJs I wonder how their son will take it when he’s older? She had responded he’ll either be embarrassed or will laugh at his dad and join in.

My strain of thought got me thinking.  We can never avoid doing something that will embarrass our kids at certain times in their lives – that’s just how kids are. Our actions or words may make them think that others will think badly of them.  After all kids and teens are ‘me’ focussed and tend to think the whole world revolves around them. And it does to some extent.

However, it’s important that the things that embarrass them then, will not remain an embarrassmentthroughout their lives as they grow into adulthood.  I recall hearing different people through my life speak about their parents in a tone other than pride.  A mother’s actions (and perhaps a Proverbs 31 Woman) and that of the father can vastly affect their child’s thoughts and actions for the rest of their life.

In Proverbs 31:26-28 we are told: She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue, She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idelness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

When your sons and daughters have grown up will they look back and see a mother who spoke with wisdom and will they call you blessed?  Will your husband continue to praise you (and you him)?

It only takes a moment to consider what you are about to say or do and think forward to the consequences.  Self-gratification today through an angry word, a quick reaction, can indeed birth something that will stay for much longer.