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Sometimes the world slows down just long enough to remind us that we should too I woke up this morning to find snow on the grass and in the trees. Not generally a momentous occasion since it’s still winter, but for us, it is. This is only our fourth snow this winter, and it’s March. In a normal year, I’d feel resentful of snow on my Sunday, but this isn’t a normal year. I’m glad for the pause that snow often brings, especially on the weekends. Listening to the squirrel's step

When I meet business owners and tell them what I do: support business owners with backend tasks so they can focus on finding a better work/life balance, everyone tells me how great and important my work is. But they don’t hire me. Or they tell me how they had a bad experience with a virtual assistant and would rather do the work themselves.  Of course, I’m always sorry to learn that they’ve had a bad VA experience; it does make it difficult to trust another one. But too many

From Wix Collection I was sitting on a plane, watching the flight attendants go through their pre-flight instructions (even though I know what they’ll say, I think it’s rude not to pay attention), when our flight attendant remarked that we should put on our oxygen masks first before helping anyone else. And she followed her comment with something like, “Like we should be doing in life.”  The Unique Challenges of a Woman Solopreneur This isn’t a new analogy: you have to care f

I’ve always believed in women: we are strong, decisive, independent, resilient, and intelligent. As a new mother, I balanced caring for my baby, working 40+ hours a week and supervising a student teacher, finishing my master’s degree, and household chores, but I forgot to find time for myself. I struggled to sleep. I ate too much junk food and drank too much coffee. I didn’t have time to care for myself.  Most women are good multitaskers, but being pulled in so many direction

Over the last five years, the importance of an individual’s online presence has grown dramatically. Whether you’re applying for a job, seeking a loan, or trying to attract new clients, your digital footprint directly impacts your success and perceived credibility. While there was once a time when referrals alone carried the most weight, today’s world operates differently. With the rise of artificial intelligence, advanced data collection, and behavioral analysis, employers, f

A Writer’s Ink Virtual Assistant Service helps small business owners save time, reduce overwhelm, and stay consistent online —without the cost of hiring an in-house employee. Save Time and Focus on Growth Inbox management, email marketing, and website updates quietly drain hours each week. A Writer’s Ink handles these essential tasks so you can focus on running and growing your business , not managing your inbox. Professional Inbox Management An organized inbox improves respo

I’m having an identity crisis since I left teaching. At least, I think that’s what it was.  When I was a teacher, my entire identity was wrapped up in teaching. There wasn’t much room for anything else, so identities like mom, wife, and daughter weren’t prioritized.  Leaving education has allowed me to reform my identity, but I’m struggling. Nothing is quite cut and dried anymore, especially because I’ve chosen Virtual Assistance as my next chapter.  I thought a career move t

Recently, I attended an online networking event, and when I was in a break out room with another business owner, she asked me, “Why so many services?” That gave me pause! As a new Virtual Assistant, I feel compelled to offer a wide range of services in order to find clients. I’m afraid if I niche down into my one or two passions, I won’t be able to find work.  At least that’s what a VA agency told me a couple of months ago. They felt I was “too niched” and there just wasn’t w

Hi! I'm Michelle, owner of A Writer's Ink I know professional blog posts are supposed to provide helpful ideas and suggestions for improvement or to educate readers about something that might be of interest to them. I’m going to deviate from that in my post. Why? Why go against the grain? Frankly, I want you to get to know me . The real me. The honest and trustworthy me.  I started as a young high school English teacher, and remained in that profession for 31 years. Like any

Your small business is your pride and joy. You had an idea, worked hard to bring it to life, and built something you’re proud of. But let’s face it, running a small business means juggling a lot  of tasks that take up your valuable time. Beyond taxes and bookkeeping, small business owners often find themselves bogged down by time-consuming administrative work: Answering emails and organizing your inbox Scheduling appointments and managing your calendar Creating and posting re

I just spend the past month as an intern for a virtual assistant agency, which was enjoyable and informative. I realized that I have a...

Photo of author When I was studying to be a teacher, one of my education professors pulled me aside and advised me to leave the program. Why? It wasn't my grades or my skills, but it was my young, high-pitched voice. I was told that my future male high school students wouldn't listen to a woman with such a high-pitched voice.  It was a stupid thing to say on his part, though I'm certain he thought he was helping me. I chose to stay and finish my degree, becoming a teacher. Od

Small business owners wear many hats! Depending on your business, you need to market yourself and your products, keep up with the latest...

I stayed at my previous job for multiple reasons: I had a great classroom, I taught what I enjoyed, my work was near my home and my...

Me! I loved working from home during the pandemic. Flexibility and independence--not being told what to do and when to do it--I loved it!...