Are you one of these people who has only just learnt how to switch your computer on?  Do you sit and stare in dread whenever you get an error message pop up on screen?

If so, then you may think that using a Virtual Assistant couldn't possibly work for you - you need someone there to recover your documents if you lose them, show you how to draw a graph or configure your email set-up.

Well, us V.A's have another piece of ammo for you in a unique web-based technology called GoToMyPC.  This ingenious (and fully secure) technology allows you, or anyone you give permission to, to access your computer remotely from anywhere in the world via the internet.  Therefore with a few clicks, I can be on hand to clear your hard drive of viruses, install a new piece of software or just top your high score at Solitaire!!

Any business person worth their salt knows the true value of Networking and for many small businesses, it is the only form of marketing they do.  Most local areas have groups that meet weekly, where you can make valuable new contacts and gain referrals.  Now (as with many other things) Networking has gone 'virtual'!

Ecademy has uniquely combined the online with the offline; the easy to navigate website hosts a thriving portal of business people, each with their own pages where they can share as much information about their business and also their personal and social interests as they wish.  Powerful search facilities means you can find people specific to your requirements (and can in turn be found), and the hundreds of clubs available ranging from local business groups to wine-tasting means you can find and network among like-minded people both on the site and at the regular Ecademy or club meetings and events.

Visit Ecademy and connect to over 15,000 UK and 6,000 International business people...

We've already covered networking in this issue, and touched on the fact that marketing can be a difficult businesses without the budget or knowledge to do it properly.  How many companies have spent their entire marketing budget on one advert or one large mail-out and then sat there waiting for the phone to ring?  Studies show that prospects need to see a marketing message a total of nine times before becoming ready to give your service or product a serious shot.

So how can you compete with the big boys and get your message not only out there but noticed?  By learning those marketing tactics that really work!  The following article was written by Ernest Nicastro of Positive Response and gives valuable insights into how to do just that!