Evolving With Your Business
September 18, 2008
Even though the virtual business industry has been around for a while, it is an evolving, modern business. The popularity of “green business” has grown. Businesses are more mobile than ever. They’re doing business on the fly with time zipping by. Life’s fast paced demands are heavier these days, resulting in the high need for assistance to get it all done. It is a necessity. As a virtual business owner, it’s important for me to stay tuned-in to modern technology, the latest buzz, the most popular gadgets, and even the hottest fashion trends. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to consider revisiting your brand identity and your appearance and ask yourself, do they align?
This past week, a very well-known leader in the virtual assistance industry did just that. Tawnya Sutherland, owner of VANetworking.com had an “extreme makeover”, going from the long, blond hair she has sported for many years, to shorter, sassier & shinier brown hair. Tawnya’s pioneering industry spirit has always impressed me and her newest update reflects that spirit perfectly. She is very well respected in the VA (virtual assistance) community and I would love to see the bold new change bring a new energy into her work and to the industry as well.
It’s revitalizing to the mind and spirit to update your personal appearance. Like Tawnya, I had long blond hair too, and changed to the darker, shorter style, which purposely corresponded with the updated logo and brand identity for Virtually Ready. I’m not a fan of stagnancy. I’m a believer in change when it’s for the better and coincidentally, it’s time for my next appointment, and perhaps a new style. Roy Naccour, owner of J. Joseph Salon, is my stylist and he just got back from a hair show in Paris. I’m very eager to see what ideas he has brought back with him.
Meanwhile, if you would like to make a hairstyle / color suggestion, please do. Photo suggestions are encouraged such as those on those found on The Cutting Chair. Maybe if I get enough suggestions within the next week (by Friday 9/26), I’ll run a poll and the style with the most votes will win, but you have to be nice. Keep in mind that while the very modern, one inch purple style that my friend Lara Nieberding, owner of The Data Digger, currently has works well for her, it might not work so well for me. I’m cautiously adventurous. 
If you’re a business owner who has recently updated your brand and/or style or you’re thinking about making a modern change to your personal appearance to align with your business brand identity, please feel free to share. I’d really love to hear from you!
Tampa Area Youth Baseball Team Seeks Sponsors
September 9, 2008
Looking for a way to advertise your business and support youth sports as well? Here’s an opportunity to do just that!
“Here in the local Tampa Bay area, a group of young boys have gotten together to form a team called “Tampa BaySox”. With the dedication of the kids, coaches and parents, this team strives to become an instant success. We are proud to be a member of AAU where they provide, “Sports for All, Forever”.
The Tampa BaySox organization is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization supported by The Parents, Team Sponsors, Concession Sales, Donations and Special Fund Raising Events. Our expenses include, but are not limited to, Insurance, Registration, Uniforms, Equipment, Travel, Maintenance Supplies and Concession Supplies. In order to achieve our goals, we ask businesses to take advantage of a great advertising opportunity by sponsoring our team. Your sponsorship will enable the youth in our community to participate in these very worthwhile activities that build character, responsibility, teamwork and individual skills that are all building blocks toward obtaining their future goals.”
If you are a business owner and would like to support this new up & coming youth baseball team, please visit the Tampa BaySox website at www.tampabaysox.com. Visit the “Sponsor” tab for details.
The Tampa BaySox website and web assistance donated by Virtually Ready, Inc. in support of youth sports.
Lisa Duhamel, Owner
Virtually Ready, Inc.
www.virtuallyready.com
4th Annual Lyrics for Life Tampa Event
September 9, 2008
Please join Lyrics For Life and hosts Jeff Wilson and Steve Durrett for the 4th Annual Tampa Benefit!
This year’s event will be held at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. Join us at 6:00 pm for cocktails on the deck followed by a tropical luau buffet. The evening will also feature intimate, acoustic performances by Sister Hazel, Michael Tolcher, Chris Nathan and Miggs. A silent auction will be held throughout the night.
Individual tickets are $150.00 and can be purchased at www.lyricsforlife.org (click on the SHOP page). If you are interested in a sponsorship package, please contact Cynthia at (973) 596-0444 x24.
