Brianna's Biz Talk posts

Going Green - Need Help!

For the past year or so, my husband and I have been trying to reduce our ecological footprint as much as possible. We're doing the big things, like recycling, reading the paper online, and getting energy-efficient windows (made by an eco-friendly company) installed in our home. Our businesses and our home go hand-in-hand, so we're trying to reduce waste in all aspects.

What are some other little things we can do to reduce waste? Any tips for helping my 15-month-old learn how to do her part? What do you do to minimize your impact on the planet?

I know we've talked about energy efficiency in the past on the boards, but I couldn't find a post that listed ideas for home and business.

NEEDED: Wordpress coder OFFERED: Virtual Assistant Services (possible partial trade)

I need some help fixing up a Wordpress template and will consider full or partial trade. No graphics work, all coding. (I think!) I have examples to show you what I'm looking for!

Thanks!

Bri

VA Success '08 - Sponsored by me!

I have this awesome opportunity to sponsor a contest along with (http://www.virtualassistantforums.com). It's called VA Success '08 and it's all about achieving goals!

If you're a Virtual Assistant, you're eligible to enter! Check out the thread at the VA forums for guidelines and prize package information.

Problems with my website in IE...

So my website looks great in every browser except Internet Explorer. For some reason, in IE, the links on the left go too far left and blend into the background. Does anyone know how to fix this or know someone who can?

It's a Wordpress-based site. The URL is (http://www.virtualsolutionsadmin.com).

Thanks in advance!

Bri

Skype users?

Hi all! I'm looking for info on Skype's unlimited calling plan. Anyone used it or know how it works? Can you receive calls or only make them?

I've only ever used their free thing, and the link on their website didn't work.

In addition, if anyone has had a good experience with some other VoIP, I'd love to hear about it!

Thanks!

Client Relations Question!

Is it appropriate to provide clients with information on your work processes? For example, I have a client that calls me nonstop just to check in and "see when I'll be done" even though I've updated her via email numerous time with my progress. Her calls often wake my little girl from naps and thus make me less productive. Would a "welcome packet" or letter for new clients explaining that I prefer to communicate via email be appropriate?

Thanks!

Ever used Hostmonster.com?

So my hosting provider just pissed me off and I'm ready to switch. I'm looking into Hostmonster because I've read some good reviews, but I'd love personal testimonies if anyone wants to share. Also, if you have other suggestions for hosting, I'd love to hear them!

What we need: SQL Databases - at least 3

         Good uptime
         Good customer service
         IMAP support
         Private registration

Thanks in advance!!

P.S. 1and1.com is my current host and I'm done with them. I've also used GoDaddy in the past and will not go back to them.

Biznik Buttons?

Ok, I know at one time there were buttons/badges to put on our website proclaiming our obsession and love for Biznik. I can't seem to find them. Where are they?

Thanks in advance!

Bri

Excluding MLMs without being snotty?

Hi all! Since we are an Indie community, I feel comfortable asking this question here.

I am building a non-profit business geared toward educating women and mothers about their options for careers, starting a business, and achieving higher education. One of the many reasons I am doing this is because of several contacts of mine in the work-at-home world who have been taken by scammers or have made other bad decisions based on a lack of information.

I would like to make it clear that my organization in no way supports or condones MLM or network marketing companies. Is it bad to say that straight out? Will I be missing out on opportunities to help people or get funding because of that exclusion? It's a personal belief, but it's also a business belief, so I just want to make sure I'm not crossing the line.

I know Biznik frowns on that sort of thing, and it works well here. Any input is appreciated!

Thanks!

Bri

Mommy's Company.com Auction

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that there are 3 days left for the auction of my business, (http://www.mommyscompany.com). This business will be wonderful for a stay-at-home mom. Please help me spread the word! Also, 10% of the final sale price will go to the Special Olympics!

Thanks for your support! A link is below.

Mommy's Company Auction

Brianna

Wordpress Themes

Hello all! I'm looking for someone who can design a custom Wordpress theme for me. If you can do this or know someone who can, please email me at brianna@virtualsolutionsadmin.com...include rates if possible, and indicate whether or not you're willing to work for trade!

Thanks so much!

Bri

Mommy's Company is for SALE!!

My health is number one and I just can't devote the time that this business needs! It is currently listed on eBay. A quick search for Mommy's Company.com will bring it up.

I would love it if everyone could spread the word!

10% of the final sale price will go the Special Olympics!

Thanks for your support!!

Brianna

How did you name your business?

I'm just interested to know how people name their businesses. Did you pull out the thesaurus? Get inspired by something unique? What was your process?

Software developers?

If any software people are looking for a new venture, I'd like to see a new program for Virtual Assistants.

A sort of do-it-all program to help VAs manage daily tasks: track our time, manage email accounts for ourselves and for clients, create separate calendars for each client, create notes and diagrams from research, manage photos, invoice our clients, track expenses, prioritize projects and steps of projects, manage our contacts/databases, maybe even create newsletters.

I know nothing about software, so if all of this is impossible to fit into one program or one web app, forgive me.

Just a thought!!

Lost a Topic

Ok, my memory is really bad right now, but I am almost positive I posted a question about a client/non-profit in the Q and A forum. I doesn't come up upon searching and I can't seem to find it. Is my memory that bad that I just think I posted it? Hmmm...

Adding classifieds?

I would really like to add a classifieds section to (http://www.mommyscompany.com). Does anyone know how this is done or know someone who can do it inexpensively?

Thanks so much!

Bri

Editing URL

Still not able to edit the second URL and I REALLY need to!! The second one is totally wrong! Thanks in advance!!!

Brianna

Will be on TalkShoe.com, answering questionsn at 10 am CST.

I'll be answering caller questions about starting a home-based business. If anyone wants to listen in, look for Mommy's Company Q and A under the Live Now tab. I'll be there are 10 am CST sharp!

Talkshoe.com Rules!

A while back, Leif Hansen introduced me to Talkshoe.com for podcasting purposes. TalkShoe.com may have been mentioned in Biz Talk before, but I wanted to share my experience!

A couple of weeks ago I accidentally started a show that was intended to be private (to avoid callers) as a live show on TalkShoe.com. We recorded the show like it was private, and since we didn't ask for callers, no one called in.

So, yesterday I had a $5 deposit in my PayPal account...TalkShoe.com PAID ME because 3 whole human beings listened in on the podcast! I am truly amazed. I figured I'd get paid like 2 cents or something (if anything!)...but 5 bucks!? That's a mocha, right there!

Anyway, if anyone is considering podcasting:

First of all, go talk to Leif because he's awesome.

Second of all, try TalkShoe.com because they'll give you five bucks if you have three people listening in. Wow. Five bucks. I'm putting it toward my iPhone.

iPhone iNsanity

So my husband got an iPhone. He's a die-hard Apple fan so that's all good. But me? Me!? I shouldn't want one of these things! I'm a Mom, for god's sake! What the hell will I do with it?

Check the weather, check the traffic, check my email, watch a movie, listen to the new Plain White T's songs, take pictures of my daughter, text message my husband, read the news, WATCH the news, waste some time, and freakin' love life.

Yep, after playing with his iToy for a while, I officially want one. He says I have to work hard and bring in extra money like he did if I want one. And I intend to do just that.

Must. Get. iPhone.