Hi all,

I am Marlene & I've been lurking in these forums for a couple of weeks, & I feel like I already know some of you so I guess its only fair that I tell you something about me. First, I want to say that VAF is probably the best forum I have ever seen, and I've been in many. The feeling of camraderie and friendliness is very welcoming and warm. So, thank you for that.

I am married to my college sweetheart, and have 2 wonderful teenagers. Yes, can you believe I said "wonderful" and "teenagers" in the same sentence? I'm lucky. My daughter is 15 and a Freshman in high school and my son is 18, a senior in high school who will be college bound in September. When my daughter was 6 months old, I started a b&m business, so I really feel for all of you with little ones. It is very hard work to balance a career with small children. My family has always come first and will continue to, because from them I get my greatest joy in life.

I've been in the business world off & on for many years as an employee and a business owner, and have been working in my home office part time for the last 10 years. I have been a sort-of jack of all trades, but I am whittling down my list so that I can offer a few services that I enjoy and hopefully will be successful with as a VA. My strenghts lie in HR, Quickbooks and Travel. (odd combination)

I am just beginning to get my VA business together. I am working on my web site. I am also reading "2-Second Commute..." which has been a wealth of knowledge. I ordered "Virtual Assistant - The Series" and can't wait to read that book as well.

WOW, this short intro has turned into a BIO. Sorry for that. I look forward to getting to know everyone here.

Best Wishes,
Marlene

Welcome to the forum Marlene. I've only been a member for a bit but have found it one of the best sources of information around and the members are fantastic. Which section of Ohio do you live? I grew up in the East Liverpool/Wellsville area.

Jenny

Hi Jenny,
Thank you for the welcome. I agree the members ARE fantastic here. I grew up in Cincinnati, but have been living in the Columbus area for 9 years. Best of Luck to you in your business.
Marlene

Hi, Marlene! It is great to have you here. I am also in the beginning stages of starting my VA business. I have found these forums incredibly useful in formulating my plan and having a sounding board for my ideas. Best of luck to you in your business venture!

Lisa

Hello Marlene, welcome to this forum. I too have looked at other ones and find that this one is more informative and easier to navigate.

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Derek Brodka
Orion Business Ventures

Thank you Lisa & Derek! Best of Luck in your businesses...Marlene

Hi Marlene! I really like your business name. I'm just starting too & there is so much I would not have thought of had it not been for VAF! Good luck with your new business!

Lezly

Lezly,

Thank you! Best of Luck to you too with you new business. I'll be watching out for your posts. Best Wishes.

Marlene

Hi Marlene,

Thanks for sharing your information with us. I am a newbie as well and agree that this is a great forum.

Bonnie in Indiana

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Bonnie
Protege Business Solutions, L.L.C.

Welcome to you, Bonnie. Best Wishes for much success in your new business.
Marlene

Marlene, welcome
Great intro post - thanks for sharing! It's so great to hear that you are enjoying the community - it really is the best group of VAs I've ever interacted with too. You're in good company and we're happy to have you as part of the group.

Congratulations on taking those first steps toward reaching your business goals! Please keep us posted on your progress

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Tess,
Thank you for welcoming me here. I have learned so much from your posts and want to thank you for being so generous with your knowledge. I am still working on my site, reading books, and getting set up in a couple of social networks. So much to do, but I am enjoying it. I look forward to hearing from you more in the future.
Best Wishes,
Marlene

Welcome to the forum. Look forward to learning more about you and your business.

Michelle Medd
Administrative Essentials