Ep16: Knowing When to Leave

Sometimes VA/Client relationships don’t work out. You need to know when things are heading south and that it’s okay to leave.

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Ep15: What Do I Charge?

One of the biggest issues facing new VAs – and even an issue that comes up from time to time for existing VAs and anyone in business – is what do I charge? New VAs usually start out by doing a bit of market research, checking out what other VAs are charging and then go from there. But there are a few key things to bear in mind that will impact on the rate you charge.

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Ep14: A Question of Ethics

I just turned down a great job offer … what would you do?

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Ep13: Carbon Tax – Australia

Australia now has carbon tax legislation with a carbon price double that of the rest of the world. This episode doesn’t discuss the pros and cons, but does encourage small business to use its voice.

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Ep12: Today’s VA Magazine

On this show I talk to Renee Chapman from the Admin Chick who, on 12 July 2011, launched an Australian-first: Today’s VA magazine! Renee is an inspiration to all newbie VAs – having only been in business for a year she saw a need and filled it! Today’s VA is the quarterly magazine for the Australian VA Industry, and at just $5.50 per edition it’s great value.

Visit: http://www.theadminchick.com.au and follow the links to subscribe.

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Ep11: Multi-VA Practices

Lots of virtual assistants are starting up team pages on their sites where they show the members of their “virtual team”. This is often referred to as the Multi-VA Practice. But could these VAs be opening themselves up to tax and oncost problems down the track? And what about the members of these ‘teams’? Turns out … potentially.

Tools referred to in the podcast:

The ATO’s Employee/Contractor Decision Tool

The ATO’s Superannuation Guarantee Eligibility Tool

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Ep10: Q&A With Ken Phillips

The 80/20 rule continues to be a source of concern for many VAs and sole traders. Following podcast #9 I had a Q&A session with Ken Phillips of Independent Contractors Australia to help clarify further what the current rules are as they apply to solopreneurs. Don’t forget to catch Ken’s presentation at OIVAC on Friday May 20 8.45am Australian Eastern Time when he’ll be talking about Contractors versus Employees. If you miss the presentation you can still register and you’ll be provided with a copy of the recording.

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Ep9: Sham Contracting

The current Australian Government is conducting an enquiry at the moment into sham contracting – but what is it? This episode looks at what sham contracting actually is, discusses how it relates to virtual assistants and solopreneurs and also looks at PSI legislation and the often misunderstood 80/20 rule.

Links referred to in the podcast:

http://www.fairwork.gov.au

http://www.contractworld.com.au

http://www.ato.gov.au

http://www.business.gov.au

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Ep8: Business Tax Changes

Over the past few months I’ve been blogging about some pretty scary proposed tax changes for small business – and independent contractors in particular. Should you care? In this show I discuss what the changes are, what’s been going on behind the scenes that you may not have known about, and what you can do as a small business owner to have your views on the issue heard – before the proposed changes move into legislation and you miss the chance to have your views heard.

Resources and Links referred to in the show:

Australian Financial Review Smart Company

ICA Summary

ICA boilerplate letter

Parliament of Australia Whos Who

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Ep7: Saying No to Clients

Something many business owners struggle with is saying no to clients. They are worried they might be perceived as unprofessional, unhelpful, or run the risk of actually losing clients if they say no. In the final part of our 4-part series I look at the importance of setting boundaries in your business – and for yourself – and why saying no is something we all, as business owners, need to do from time to time. And that’s okay!

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