Izzy Alwin - Virtual Business Support

What a lovely feedback from lovely Michelle I received on LinkedIn.

Working with Michelle was definitely fun - we have very similar sense of humour and laughed a lot 😂

Do you find that changing up your environment helps with your productivity?

As my own boss, I have the freedom to switch up my workspace whenever I want.

Today, I'm writing this post from my local Costa, sipping on a double caramel latte and crossing my fingers that caffeine won't make me want to take a nap (by the way - why does caffeine affect us neurodivergent people so differently?!). 🥱 😂 🤷‍♀️

While I do miss the luxury of three screens at home, being in a new environment always gives me a fresh perspective. And let's not forget about my noise cancelling headphones - can't work without those!

I managed to get a lot done for two of my amazing clients, so I'm counting it as a win!

- Updates on client’s website – done ✅

- Graphics for their social media – done ✅

- Create landing page and automation in Mailchimp - done ✅

- Document edits – done ✅

Do you ever find yourself struggling to focus?



What do you do to help yourself? - share in the comments! 👇 😄

Error 404: Page Not Found...
..or Brain Function, apparently 😅

I was really busy lately with work, studying and also trying to keep my toddler and cats alive (with minimal food or sleep).

I spent the last 30 minutes looking for my phone.
Turned the house upside-down.
I was on edge of a massive meltdown, because I thought I lost it... 😱

Only to discover it was in my pocket the whole time. 🤦‍♀️ 🤪

When it comes to work, I'm a rockstar.
I put 300% effort into everything I do for my clients, but sometimes, I forget to extend that same level of care to myself. And let's be honest, I've been a hot mess last couple of days (or just mess... not even remotely close to hot 😂).

So, if you're feeling the same way - overwhelmed, overworked, and your brain is stuck in Error 404 mode - I'm here to help.

Let's take a step back, breathe, and refocus. 😊

How's your week going?
Share in the comments below, and if you need some support, check out my website (link in the comments).

Let's navigate this crazy journey together! 🤝

Are you authentic?

Have you ever noticed how people tend to wear different masks on different social media platforms? Like, on LinkedIn, we suddenly become super professional and polished, often using industry jargon. 👨‍💼 👩‍💼



While on Instagram we try to project a glamorous lifestyle where people might try to show picture-perfect image of their lives. 🤳 🥘 🏝 🛫



On Facebook, people might let loose a bit more, using humour and sarcasm. 🙃



And on Tinder...well, let's just say things can get a little weird.

And in my opinion Tinder it’s like voluntarily swiping for chlamydia anyway. 😂

But here's the thing: we're all human beings.

We have our quirks, our flaws, and our less-than-polished moments.



So why do we feel the need to pretend to be someone else online? 🤔

Sure, it's natural to want to present our best selves to the world. But when we start putting on a different persona for every platform we're on, things can get a little...confusing.

And let's be real, trying to maintain multiple personas can be exhausting. Plus, you run the risk of someone calling you out for being fake or disingenuous.

So why not embrace your true self, quirks and all? Who cares if you're not always posh and perfect?

At the end of the day, people connect with authenticity.

And honestly, who doesn't love a good dose of humour and reliability??

I would argue that it's much more valuable to be true to ourselves, even if that means we might not always fit in with the crowd.

So let's all do ourselves a favour and be real.

After all, life's too short to be someone you're not. 😊 ❤️

What do you think?

Do you agree that we should be our authentic selves online, or do you think it's okay to play different roles on different platforms?

Let me know in the comments! 👇

I was too honest.

As a former 360 recruitment consultant, I used to dread cold calls.

It wasn't just a matter of being out of my comfort zone, though. Phone calls, especially sales calls, triggered my ADHD and caused panic attacks that affected my mental health.

I tried to explain this to my management, but their response was always the same: "Try harder and do your job and if you don’t like it, you know where the door is." 🙁

The thing is, I wasn't good at it.

Ok, honestly I was s**t at this!

I was too honest for my own and my clients and candidates good. I could see the flaws in the agency, the dodgy stuff the management was doing, and I couldn't bring myself to lie about how “amazing” they were.

When I was asked to tell prospects that we had amazing candidates available at any time of the day or night and could get them anyone they wanted, I had to tell the truth: 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻'𝘁.

This, of course, didn't sit well with my management. They wanted me to be a smooth-talking salesperson, not an empathetic, honest person that I am.

But surprisingly, my honesty was appreciated by the clients and candidates. They valued the fact that I didn't sugar-coat things or make false promises. And when I left that toxic workplace, they followed me, because they knew they could trust me and if I had a suitable candidate for a client or suitable job for a candidate I would let them know. There were two agencies like this that I worked for. I don’t even list them as my job experience because I don’t want to be associated with such liars and toxic people. 🖕

Today, as a business owner, I still prioritise honesty with my clients.
If I can't do something, I don't pretend that I can. I only accept jobs that I know how to do and I can do them well.
I don't see the point in lying or misleading anyone, as that could only lead to bigger problems down the line.

Being honest isn't always easy, especially in a world that often rewards smooth talk and manipulation. But I've learned that honesty is the foundation of trust, and without trust, there can be no meaningful relationships or partnerships. Honesty may not always be the easiest path and it won’t bring you lots of money straight away, but it's the most rewarding one in the long run.

🤔 What do you think about being always honest and transparent?

🤔 Are you honest with your clients and people you work with?

Let's talk about happy places!

We all have that one spot that brings us joy, clears our head, and helps us recharge our batteries, don't we?

For me, that spot is Crosby and Formby beach in Liverpool.

I can't tell you how many times I've gone for a long walk on these beaches and felt like a whole new person afterwards.

There's just something magical about the salty air, the crashing waves, and the feeling of sand between your toes (or in your face) that makes everything feel right in the world.

And don't even get me started on the views! From the famous Iron Men statues on Crosby beach to the stunning sand dunes of Formby, there's no shortage of Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn-worthy pictures.

Plus, the best part is that my happy places are just a short 20-30 minute drive from me. So, whether I have a few hours to spare or just need a quick escape, Crosby and Formby are always there for me.

Please drop a comment and a picture below and share with your happy place.

Let's inspire each other to discover new places to find happiness and peace. Who knows, maybe your happy place will become someone else's too!

Can't wait to read your responses!

Below are pictures I took yesterday on Crosby beach.
Ahh... I just love that place!

Why I don't celebrate Valentine's Day.

As I was scrolling through my social media feeds yesterday, I couldn't help but notice the influx of posts about Valentine's Day. While I have nothing against the occasion, I personally don't feel the need to celebrate it.

In my opinion, if you truly love someone, you love them every single day, not just on a specific day of the year. Moreover, I'm currently single, so there's no pressure to make a big deal out of Valentine's Day.

Instead, I spent the day with my son, went for a walk, and had a little picnic on a bench. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but it's something we do often. As a working parent, being able to take time off when I need to is important to me.

At the end of the day, I believe that showing love and appreciation for those around us should be a daily practice. As for me, I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend quality time with my loved ones and for the love and fulfilment that my job brings me.

Do you love your job and does it brings you joy?

Half-term... who thought it was a good idea to give self-employed single mums of toddlers over a week off from daycare?! 🤔

Being a self-employed single mum of a toddler is a constant juggling act, but during half-term, the juggling becomes a three-ring circus! 🎪

One minute, you're closing a big deal on your laptop, and the next, you're putting out a fire (literally, the toddler just learned how to use the stove). The days are long, but the rewards are priceless. You get to be your own boss, and your mini-me's biggest fan.

So, to all the mums and dads out there, keep up the amazing work! And for those considering taking the leap into self-employment, just remember, with a toddler by your side, you'll never be bored (or well-rested). 🙃 😴

Also,

- Can anyone explain the concept of a "quiet time" to my toddler?

- Is it possible to have a zoom call without being interrupted by a toy car race or a dance party?

- And finally, how do you maintain your sanity during half-term? 🤪

ps. He doesn't know how to use the stove 😂

When I decided to open my own business, I was determined to find a work-life balance.

Did I find it?
- Still searching... 🔎 😅

Because let's be honest, being your own boss is like being a superhero without the cool cape or secret identity... 🤡

But you know what they say, when life gives you lemons... make a really strong energy drink and put your favourite headphones and music on. 🎧 🎶

Don't forget to add a dash of toddler-induced sleep deprivation for that extra kick! 🙃 🕒
(I'm up since 3am second day in a row 🥴)

And even though I've had a few setbacks in the last few months, it's a new day and a new chance to crush it!

ps. The Company Shop has really cheap energy drinks 🔋 😄

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your inbox?

Struggling to create professional-looking emails?

Want to stand out from the competition with stunning graphics?

Then you need to check out these Top 4 Services that have been in high demand in the past couple of months by my clients 😊

1. 📧 Email Management: Let's face it, we all have too many emails. But with my help, managing them can be a breeze. From setting up filters to scheduling emails, I can help you take control of your inbox and save you hours of stress.

2. 🖼 Graphic Design: With social media being more important than ever, you need to make sure your graphics are on point. From creating adverts to social media posts and flyers, I can help you create visually stunning graphics that will grab the attention of your target audience.

3. 📄 Email Marketing: Want to reach more customers and boost your sales? I can take over your Mailchimp and handle tasks like creating newsletters, landing pages, segmentation, audience management, and automation. This means you can finally take a break from worrying about your email marketing campaigns and watch your business grow.

4. 📝 Professional Documents: Whether you need a guide for your customers, a course for your employees, or a presentation for a big meeting, I can help you create professional and engaging documents that will make you stand out from the crowd.

Are you ready to take your business to the next level? Let's do this together! As your virtual assistant, I will take care of all the time-consuming tasks, so you can focus on what you do best - growing your business. 💪

Want to know more? Head to my website 🖥 alwinva.co.uk

Introducing the newest member of my team: Bella - The Ginger Sausage. 🐈

CEO of Napping on Keyboards and Assistant Director of Distracting from work. 😂

Just when I thought I had my work schedule under control, she decided to join me and shake things up. She's a pro at interrupting Zoom meetings with her meows and has a special talent for sitting on my keyboard, typing random letters and sending incomplete emails. But let's be real, who can stay mad at that cute little face?

She is the ultimate stress reliever and always knows when to give me a much-needed break. Plus, she's a natural at keeping the office mouse population under control. 😂

Have you got a little helper in your office?
Share in the comments! 👇🏻

Have a great day everyone! 🐱😁

Unleash your productivity and take your business to the next level with me by your side handling all the tasks you don't have time for!

Check below what are some of the things I can help you with!

Have you ever wished that you could focus on what you do best, instead of spending all your time on the time-consuming tasks?

If so, I'd love to help.

As a Virtual Assistant, I can help you grow your business, reduce your stress levels and give yourself the free time you've always wanted.

My services are designed to take the tedious tasks off your hand so that you can do what you're good at or whatever else is important to you.

And the best part is: there's no commitment to purchase a set number of hours. Simply pay for what you want when you need it!

Drop me a message today to find out more about my services.

To all my Friends 🧡

Take my hand and come with me,
I want to teach you about ADHD.
I need you to know, I want to explain,
I have a very different brain.
Sights, sounds and thoughts collide.
What to do first? I can’t decide.
Please understand I'm not to blame,
I just can't process things the same.

Take my hand and walk with me,
Let me show you about ADHD.
I try to behave, I want to be good,
But I sometimes forget to do as I should.
Walk with me and wear my shoes,
You'll see its not the way I'd choose.
I do know what I'm supposed to do,
But my brain is slow getting the message through.

Take my hand and talk with me,
I want to tell you about ADHD.
I rarely think before I talk,
I often run when I should walk.
It's hard to get my school work done,
My thoughts are outside having fun.
I never know just where to start,
I think with my feelings and see with my heart.

Take my hand and stand by me,
I need you to know about ADHD.
It's hard to explain but I want you to know,
I can't help letting my feelings show.
Sometimes I'm angry, jealous, or sad.
I feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and mad.
I can't concentrate and I lose all my stuff.
I try really hard but it's never enough.

Take my hand and learn with me,
We need to know more about ADHD.
I worry a lot about getting things wrong,
Everything I do takes twice as long.
Everyday is exhausting for me...
Looking through the fog of ADHD.
I'm often so misunderstood,
I would change in a heartbeat if I could.

Take my hand and listen to me,
I want to share a secret about ADHD.
I want you to know there is more to me.
I'm not defined by it, you see.
I'm sensitive, kind and lots of fun.
I'm blamed for things I haven't done.
I'm the loyalist friend you'll ever know,
I just need a chance to let it show.

Take my hand and look at me,
Just forget about the ADHD.
I have real feelings just like you.
The love in my heart is just as true.
I may have a brain that can never rest,
But please understand I'm trying my best.
I want you to know, I need you to see,
I'm more than the label, I am still me!!!!

Author: Andrea Chesterman-Smith.