MADE For Business is a Virtual Assistant Service based in East Lothian, specialising in the areas of
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09/05/2022
Hey guys so sorry you've not heard from me in a while, something came up! By 'something" I mean a nice little opportunity that was hard to ignore. Ive accepted a challenging project that's going to take me away from my lovely little business for a while! Ive not yet decided what lies ahead for me and my business, but for now at least I'm going to be really busy managing live events! Ive really missed them and I'm super chuffed to be back at it . . . it's been a while! So if I'm a little quiet on the socials I have good reason, Im just busy!
31/03/2022
"The top four formats marketers leverage in their content strategy are videos, blogs, images, and infographics." Hubspot . . . Yep they are also becoming my most requested services 👍 Good job Im pretty awesome at this stuff! 🤣
Personal finance apps are everywhere but are they useful if you are already in debt or on low wages.
29/03/2022
Here's a little insight into me! 😍 I enjoyed pulling together this little Ad campaign for a client this week! I'm a creative thinker! This can be an advantage if you want your business to stand out!
25/03/2022
I am seeking on behalf of a client an experienced self employed caregiver/personal carer to work alongside a small but friendly team in delivering personal support and care in a private home setting in the Matlock area.
Hours are negotiable however currently available is 1 - 2 days per week, covering 8am - 4pm & 5pm - 6pm, plus availability to cover for holiday and sickness shifts as and when necessary.
Competitive pay available dependant on experience.
This would suit someone with previous experience in care, or someone with experience caring for an elder/disabled person.
This is in a 2 person household, and both people require some assistance getting about the home and getting food, drinks etc. However person requiring personal care is female. Responsibilities include:
** Sorting and timing medication
** Assisting in moving from bed to chairs and vice versa
** Personal care, such as washing, bathroom visits, dressing etc
** General household tasks such as prepping and making meals, laundry washing, doing the dishes and general tidying
** Driving to and from health care appointments as necessary (vehicle provided)
** Running any errands deemed necessary
This is a day care position only, providing care between the hours of 8am & 6pm. This is not a live in position.
Experience preferred and a full driving licence is preferred. Previous experience with stroke patients an advantage, but not essential.
You will be self employed and paid weekly/monthly depending on your preferences. Rates of pay dependant upon experience. Meals provided on duty. Access to and use of adapted vehicle included.
Please email [email protected] with your CV and suitability for this role if interested, or would like some further information.
23/03/2022
Talk to me about Networking! I'd love to connect up with some local businesses in East Lothian, either in the city or in the suburbs. I'm looking at the various networking groups now but I prefer a relaxed format . . . . Im really not a suit and presentation kind of girl . . . hit me with the ones you'd recommend attending for B2B services👍
22/03/2022
Need a little help finding images to represent your business on online? Allow a Virtual Assistant to help 👍 I'm available in East Lothian right now and would love to help you here! I can help you create original images of you and your business, plus I have access to a huge database of stock images, so drop me a message and let's get talking!
17/03/2022
Got a business with a physical location that customers can visit? Use our nations love of crafting to your advantage and attract more people to your premises!
Crafts are just one really simple way of engaging your community in your business. Who doesn't love a good old easter craft session with the kids? It brings you all together to work on something that the kids will enjoy!
And if you feel kids crafts aren't your thing, adult crafts are a winning event formula too! You can hire in a professional to run the class yourself it doesn't matter, but these simple sessions can work wonders for boosting bums on seats and attracting a new audience to your business premises.
Need more event ideas? I have lots! Feel free to drop me a message and I will gladly point you in the right direction.
16/03/2022
It's always nice when something like this lands in your inbox! Client testimonials matter, not just for my business, but for yours too! If you don't already its time to get in the habit of asking for reviews! People are busy and unless you ask you wont often get.
15/03/2022
Still feeling the effects of covid this week (excuse the tired face) but getting on with it as you do! This week I'll mostly be doing WordPress website updates for some of my clients, organising scheduling and planning events activity, and ive got some admin to do around some grants, and a prospectus too! It never stops .... even with a house full of germs!!! 😷🦠
10/03/2022
Sometimes you just have to throw in the towel and accept that you can't juggle it all! My office floor looks like a scene from adventure bay, and for good reason! Covid-19 finally caught up with me, and my children and so its just a matter of doing what I can, when I can , with who I can. My son makes lovely company but boy is he demanding! You try explaining to a 3 year old why you can't be sky for the 100th time! 🤣
03/03/2022
I confess, Ive actually had this book for a while now, but Ive finally made time to start reading it. Its a simple read with a inspirational story as the background, and Im reading saying "that's me" and "yes I hear you"! Looking forwards to seeing how all this is going to inspire me as I seek to scale my own business, I'll keep you updated! What business books for growth can you recommend???
02/03/2022
TOP EVENTS TIP! Make more of our Traditions and Holidays! 🎉
It’s easy to overlook, but our annual holidays, traditions and festivities are really something to celebrate. Holidaying in the UK is still a big thing, and people are always on the look out for something to do in an evening, or with the kids in the holidays.If you can run an event where you are making your community an interesting place to visit, you’ll be onto a sure thing. Sit down with a calendar and plan ahead for the seasons NOW!!. There’s always something fun and imaginative you can do to celebrate our traditions and holidays, and with a little forward planning you’ll be able to come up with something that’s either tried and tested or completely unique. Either way a seasonal celebration is going to receive a lot of love THIS YEAR!
23/02/2022
I wanted to share with you how working with a VA can add value to your business. Meet Sharon, she was my very first client and I still work with her today 🥰
Sharon has a lovely little jewellery business and uses my services to help her maintain a presence on social media. Since she has another creative job she doesn't have the time or the computer skills to do this herself. She outsources her social media to me, but she likes to generate ideas for posts too.
Over the years we've built up a great working relationship, she sends me what she'd like to post about and I'll turn it into an engaging post and push it out there for her. Sometimes we'll talk about what the insights tell me is working and I'll sometimes encourage her to do videos (she hates this) and post selfies (she also hates this), but I know what works and what doesn't and she trusts my guidance.
She will often send me photos which I usually tidy up and share, and some that I'll make into a creative branded post or video for her page.
She doesn't earn a great amount from making and selling jewellery, but she obviously sees value in committing to an ongoing support package that helps her get the word out there and even a sale or two that otherwise she would not have made! So if Sharon can make it work for her, Im sure you can too! 👍 photo credit Becky Ryan Photography
23/02/2022
It seems that yet again Im having some problems with my emails and website! I will not let this beat me please bare with!
14/02/2022
As Its the day of LOVE 🥰 I thought what a perfect day to say that when you work for yourself, you've gotta love your support network! Your family, your friends, and your clients . . . they all keep me going and they are all here for me when I need support . . .and sometimes a shoulder to cry on! LOVE you all thanks guys 🙌
10/02/2022
Need to push out a social media video on the go? There are so many video editing apps out there its difficult to know which ones to use . . . Try some of these, each has their own merits depending which platform your are posting to and the variation of editing you need. Most have free and paid versions . . . .remember this; FREE = Ads and less functionality, and PAID = a better user experience but pricey for a one off edit!
08/02/2022
I'm currently working on my Facebook Ads game! Despite what you might hear on the grapevine, Facebook is very much here to stay, and its a key business tool too! I'm quite comfortable using Facebook Ads to generate results, but Ive always been cautious about advertising this as a stand alone service. Time for a little Facebook Ads re-education!
01/02/2022
Don't expect much response from me today .... my day has started so well 🤣 car won't start, handbag strap just broke and I'm on my way to the emergency dentist with a toothache! Oh joy! What a wonderful day! 😳😳
Got my hoodie on and the window wide open today because it's a lovely day for working from my office! This wee bolthole will come into its own come springtime
26/01/2022
If you've dipped your toes into social media advertising, then you'll not need me to tell you, there is no such thing as a winning formula for everyone! What works for some brands wont work for others. ⬇️
According to the clever clogs at HubSpot Facebook will still be generating the greatest ROI when used for paid advertisement campaigns this year. 🙌 ⬇️
Facebook works well when you really understand your audience and their behaviours, the platform has the best tools for optimising your ad campaign, and it can work equally well for B2B and B2C businesses. In fact "15% of facebook users now find and shop for products and services on facebook". C'mon don't tell me you don't!!! I love a good marketplace find! 😍 That's good news for Facebook but also good news for us! ⬇️
So if you need a little, or a lot of help understanding how to set up an ad creative for your business, get in touch I just might be able to help you there 😁
21/01/2022
If there's one thing I promised myself I'd do more of this year, its Blogging! I really enjoy sitting down and sharing with you my thoughts on a topic, its actually really therapeutic! January's offer is this . . . I really hope it inspires some really creative event ideas for you! Link in comments 👇👇👇
18/01/2022
Don't get me wrong I love my Mac ... but it hates me and it seems Microsoft (which is a necessity to send docs to my clients) and I'm getting really frustrated with it, it's holding me back! Any mac users got ideas how I can spring this bad boy back into action?
12/01/2022
It happens to us all at the best of times! Im talking about overwhelm! These past few months have been tough, juggling childcare with a move to Scotland, managing my clients expectations, taking loads of time off and ultimately failing to plan for the year ahead! yeah even organised people can feel unorganised sometimes! I have so much I want to achieve this year and no real plans about how to make it happen. It's time to revisit my business plan and work out where I go from here, 2022 is all about making my plans a reality, so while Ive got the capacity I'm going to use it wisely, make some time for ME! 🥰
06/01/2022
The number one rule that I always adhere to for my clients on social media is this . . . . No matter what, to build your following, and to maintain it you need to post regulary across your social media platforms. It doesn't matter if you only post once a week or 7 times a week, the algorithms are programmed to prioritise pages that show up regularly with great content! So once the algorithm learns your routine, it will very quickly punish you if you suddenly take a break from it! 🤓
The good news is that now its easier than it used to be to schedule your posts from within your chosen platform, so if you need some time away from social media (and its healthy to do that once in a while), schedule your posts for when you're having the down time and you wont suffer the consequences!
05/01/2022
Good morning! Schools are back! 🤗 Still got the little one at home but feeling much happier knowing that nursery starts soon. Got some serious catching up to do this month, and my focus is on delivering client work and planning the rest of my year. Moving house, then Christmas has been a massive drain on my working hours, but this view makes it all worthwhile 🥰 enjoy the rest of your week
29/12/2021
Good to know no further restrictions are needed here in Scotland . . . for now at least! Here's hoping businesses and schools will be able to remain open in the New Year and this strain can do one as quickly as it appeared🤞
24/12/2021
Well thats me back from my local greengrocer and bottle shop for the last of my bits for Christmas day. I've got some last minute wrapping to do for his nibs and a few social media posts to schedule for clients then that's me officially taking 2 days off work for Christmas. Merry Christmas to all my clients and friends and thank you for believing in me
OK this is a start in the right direction, but unfortunatuey for many hospitality businesses a £6k grant won't recuperate the amount of financial loss and costs cased by pre-christmas cancellations. Its a p**p situation all round let's hope we can all ride this wave quickly and get back to "normal" soon.
It comes as pubs and restaurants struggle with reduced footfall and cancellations amid Covid fears.
Yup! This pretty much sums up my career right now. I LOVE being a VA and the complete flexibility it offers me, but even I've got to admit it's not the easy option! It's hard work! .... Especially now that the kids are off for The Christmas Break! Yeah I can take time off alright, but if Im not working, Im not earning either so its always a juggling act to find the right balance!
As with all self-employed roles, there are benefits from being your own boss, as well as unique challenges, in this blog we share some of the realities of VA life.
15/12/2021
Good morning! Got a bit of a boost this morning by seeing this enroute to school drop off. I've been feeling a bit bleurgh! Lately so this was a welcome sight.
Today I've got an onboarding meeting with a potential new client 😁 then its eyes down as I have heaps of grant administration to catch up on
13/12/2021
Thanks to the increasing spread of Omicon in the UK you may be feeling nervous about stepping foot outside your front door right now! I totally understand, but I also want to reflect on a very important message . . .
📣No Matter what, we need to continue supporting our local & small businesses! 🙌
I have clients that are worried about this latest annoucement from the government and what it will mean for their business. Currently there is no financial support for businesses that are being effected now, yet the govenment have basically told us not to mix & socialise. This is taking its toll on the events and hopsitality industry already, and they have nowhere to go from here but down! It's a massive blow to these industries that might rely upon your business this Christmas!
Of course take precautions, and instead of cancelling all your plans for celebrating this festive period, instead talk to the host about how they can manage the risk, and make the celebration go ahead in any format! 👏
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MADE For Business is a Virtual Assistant Service based in Derbyshire, specialising in the areas of Marketing, Administration, Digital Marketing and Events Management, aimed at helping small and medium businesses.
Running your own business is tough and employing a team to help you with day-to-day tasks or special projects is both expensive and time consuming. By outsourcing tasks that you don’t have the expertise or time to complete, allows you to focus on what you’re great at, and that’s making your business work!
As a small business owner myself I know it can be tough and there are NEVER enough hours in the day. But getting help can save you both time and money in the long run, let me explain!
If you feel that you’re spending too much time on essential administration tasks, just cant understand why social media isn’t working for you, struggling to create a buzz about your business, you aren’t making the most of your business qualities, struggling to work proactively or simply need some support and inspiration to develop your business, then hiring a Virtual Assistant is the way forwards.
I’m Victoria Arran, owner of MADE For Business and I’m passionate about working with small and medium sized businesses. I’ve got almost 20 years of administrative experience under my belt, from a range of disciplines including travel organisation, retail, leisure and hospitality, marketing, and in events management.
I’ve been employed by large multinational companies, worked in the public sector, and for various small private companies along my career path (Look me up - Victoria Arran on LinkedIn), but ultimately I find that working with small businesses by far the most rewarding. There’s something quite special about knowing that you’re making a real difference, and that your support is genuinely appreciated, that’s what makes me buzz!
For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to work for myself, be my own boss and ultimately work around my busy “mum” schedule, and when my second child was born I took a leap of faith to work self-employed as a Virtual Assistant. I am a hardworking and passionate mum of two lovely children (I had to say that bit!) based in Derbyshire and I’m able to work flexibly to fit around your business needs (and the school run!). I love working with local clients because it enables me to have an element of face to face contact, but wherever you are based, if my services are the answer to your problems please feel free to get in touch.
Remember my expertise lie in Marketing, Administration, Digital Marketing and Events Management!
To see the full list of services available, and associated rates please visit my website which is currently in the process of being built (you see even Virtual Assistants need help sometimes!). Meanwhile drop me a message and I’ll let you know if I’m the right Virtual Assistant for your needs.
If you think you cant afford help, then think again! A Virtual Assistant will ONLY charge you for work undertaken on your behalf. That means your not paying for breaks, holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions, national insurance, and not forgetting recruitment costs. There is no minimum/maximum contract length and I’m available for short and long term projects. So if you need guaranteed support every month or just for odd jobs every now and then, MADE For Business can help you.
We always find that Matlock Bath turns into a bit of a ghost town after the Illuminations festival is over, but actually its a great time for our local customers to reconnect with us! If you've not been down for a while we'd love to see ya, its lovely and quiet!
Photo credit MADE For Business
Well thats was a BIG weekend! We hosted our first Wedding Taster evening, and thank you to all those who visited us, despite what has been the busiest Illuminations night ever!!! We hope you liked what you saw and if you couldn't make it, don't worry you still have time to pop on down and speak to us about our wedding day options. 👏💍
Photo credits MADE For Business
Took full advantage of being in a room surrounded by beautiful things at The Fishpond .... so much so that I'm back there today with more bespoke pieces created specifically for this celestial styled shoot! ⭐️🌙
Photo credit MADE For Business
What a lovely weekend we have just had! ☀ Between serving food and drinks we managed to 'pap' some of you in our beer gardens chilling in the beautiful weather. We were busy all weekend, but the vibe in our gardens is quite the opposite! Did you get papped this weekend? Thanks!!!! ❤
photo credit MADE For Business
Just thought I'd share my positives from this last lockdown. Working remotely has been very productive and allowed the time for development with other artists . . .
****I have 2 collaborations underway which will be revealed in the next month with LMC felt and Little Pig Jewellery Design, watch this space! ****My website www.bethsharlissjewelley.com has had an overhaul with technical help from Richard Brydon, and my social media administrator Victoria Arran from MADE For Business.
*****More recently I've been involved with the work of photographer Ryan Photography, filming remotely - Our collaboration has resulted in new opportunities which I'm excited for future work.
***** BSJ stockist Duffield Art Gallery in Belper has some new items ready for opening next week
It's a massive thank you to them for keeping me sane and a massive thank you for all your likes and shares Mwoah x
So fortunate to have this gem on our doorstep 😍
❄️ 🍻 ❤ photo credits MADE For Business
Good luck with your new venture. Matlock really is a lovely town 😁
