We always hear about the importance of separating work from family, home and social life, and how vital it is that work should be left at the office, and not brought into the home. This is often easier said than done for most people, who strive to switch off at the end of the day, but find themselves incapable of completely achieving it. So what happens when you are an entrepreneur or business owner, and your work is in your home?

Setting up and running your own business involves hard work, commitment and determination. It may also involve some sacrifice. For many, the main sacrifice is a regular fixed income. For others it may be job security, or the comfort of being part of a team. However, the list of sacrifices that are often required to be an entrepreneur or business owner should not include your health and well being, or your loved ones.

At the same time, the freedom of owning your own business and being your own boss should not influence you to slack off whenever you feel like it, or spend time on unnecessary tasks while leaving the business to flounder. Neither should you allow others to take your business for granted.

An extract from an article entitled, "Virtual Heroes : The Growth of the Virtual Assistant"

Building and expanding a business is a difficult task, when the management of the business in its existing form takes up much of the time. The administrative, office-based and creative tasks behind running a business, although time-consuming and often repetitive, are vital to the continued operations of the business. With the explosion of opportunities on the Internet, and moves towards a global economy, an extensive range of businesses is finding that they can greatly benefit from the help of a Virtual Assistant.

Virtual Assistants (VAs) are independent, trained professionals who provide support in terms of administrative, office, creative, technical, managerial and personal. Their skills and talents can be focused on carrying out various important daily and weekly tasks for clients, working on projects or campaigns, or even as far as becoming vital partners in the running and operations of companies. VAs work on a contract basis and from their own premises, using the very latest in electronic and advanced methods of communication, allowing them to cross geographical boundaries without issue.

An extract from an article, entitled "How to Plan the Perfect Christening"

A Christening is a very special occasion, and is often considered a young child’s first big day. So most Parents will want to plan an occasion that is memorable and enjoyable for everyone. Here are just a few tips for planning the perfect Christening.

Set the Date
Make a list of preferred dates, and then check with the church or venue to ensure that they can accommodate those dates, as well as your requirements for the ceremony. Then check with your guests to find out their availability on those dates - particularly the guests who will be taking part in the ceremony (i.e.: Godparents). Try not to get things fully underway before checking that your planned date is suitable for everyone.

Meet the Vicar
If you are having the ceremony in Church, arrange to meet with the vicar. They will be able to tell you about their church and community, take you for a look around, and tell you how they normally conduct their ceremonies. This should help you to feel comfortable with the vicar and the church, and also help you to confirm whether the type of ceremony suits you. Meeting with the vicar is also a courtesy that they’ll appreciate.

An extract of web content written for a fundraising organisation.

The Rotary Club of Bedford De Parys was formed in 1999, and is the only Rotary Club in the Bedford area to enjoy an even balance of male and female members. As one of the newer Rotary Clubs, with a younger than average age profile, we always welcome visitors and new faces to come and join our meetings and social activities.

We are a breakfast club, meeting at the De Parys Hotel on Tuesday mornings, with a new and increasingly popular ‘Supper Club’ that meets on occasional Wednesday evenings. Meetings involve the discussion of current issues, projects and fundraising activities. We invite guest speakers to talk about topics that are relevant to the group and the community as a whole.

We are actively involved in the local community. Our fundraising activities include a charity football match against Spurs, Quiz Nights and a “Virtual bike ride” from Land’s End to John O’Groats. In 2004, we “adopted” Priory Lower School, Bedford, helping out with much-needed redecoration, as well as acting as a “foster PTA”. We also maintain a programme of ‘fun’ events, including theatre trips, treasure hunts, and a variety of sporting activities and family-friendly tournaments.

An extract of web content written for a travel guide.

The Amaryllis is conveniently placed just 5 mins from the International Airport, and 10 mins from the commercial centre of the capital St. Johns. The hotel combines the atmosphere and excitement of the nearby city, with a friendly and relaxed feel.

The style is comfortable, informal and unpretentious, the service is specialised and the staff is warm and welcoming. The hotel is suitable for both tourists and business travellers.

The bar and restaurant serve a wide range of international and local dishes, and the surroundings are naturally decorative and relaxing.

The twenty-two rooms are all equipped with a safe for valuables, air-conditioning, telephones and remote control cable TV, with access to the most popular television channels for movies, news, drama and documentaries. Internet access is available on request. Room service and a laundry service are also available.

An extract from a press release written for a business networking group.

Local businesses have been flying the flag for networking and Bedfordshire business people are invited to come and try it for themselves.

‘Network in Beds’ regularly meet over breakfast to chat, exchange business leads, share ideas and learn more about local business opportunities. The group will be hosting an Open Day in October, at the newly refurbished ‘The White Horse’ pub in Bedford, and expect a good turn out for the 7.15am start. Visitors will have the chance to introduce their businesses, take part in discussions, exchange leads and enjoy a full English breakfast.

Chairman, Tim Atkinson says; "We hope that the event will demonstrate to visitors how the NIB members use networking to attract new business, find new clients and services, and learn from each other."

The ‘Network in Beds’ group meets on alternate Thursdays. For more information about the Open Day, visit the website at www.nibeds.co.uk.

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