By Laura Renner

As technology progresses, the trend towards bigger products waxes and wanes. I remember in college, poking fun at the upperclassmen for how small their computers were compared to mine. As desktop computers became mainstream, the bigger they were, the more powerful they were. Then we began to switch to laptops. They were big, clunky, and heavy. As more people wanted the mobility and ease of a laptop, the smaller they became and the better. Just a few short years after laptops became more mainstream.  I am still astounded at how light the newer laptops are! Tablets also were introduced as a sleeker replacement for a laptop.


Around this time, the smartphones led the mobile technology revolution. Over the past decade, we have seen smartphones get more slender, but then get bigger and bigger again with each new release. They are sleek yet offer screens slightly larger, so more work can be done on them.


What does all this mean for us small business owners? Sometimes, we think we need a certain tool to do our job but we wish we could use another. Wish you could break free from your laptop and run your business entirely from your phone? Wish you had more space on your phone screen?
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By Jenny Boyles and Laura Renner

As a small business owner, having affordable and easy-to-use tools is critical to running your business successfully. So many are on the market these days with more coming online all the time. As of May 2019, these are our personal favorites that we use internally at Freedom Makers.

Our 3 criteria for making the list:

-Must have a free version. Small business owners don’t have time to waste with setting up a program just for a free two-week trial. All of these software have a free version you can use until the time is right to upgrade.
-Must be subscription based. Cash is king for small businesses. While a monthly payment is more expensive, it’s nice to have the flexibility if necessary. Furthermore, with new software coming available all the time and with the constant adapting and changing small businesses go through, it’s imperative to have the flexibility subscriptions provide.
-Must be easy to use and quick to set up. Most small businesses have limited resources (time, money, and energy.) Anything that makes it easier for small business owners--like quick setup--is a win in our books.

By Jenny Boyles

Since 1984 when President Ronald Reagan issued the first proclamation for a day dedicated to military spouses, the Friday before Mother’s Day has served as the day we honor the contributions and sacrifices made military spouses. We recognize Military Spouse Appreciation Day because of their commitment and support in keeping our country safe.

To discuss the employment issues military spouses face further, we spoke with Libby Jamison and Josie Beets, co-founders of MissionLicense, which aims to help all professionals dealing with occupational licensing barriers, these services are particularly valuable to military spouses seeking to continue in a regulated occupation after a relocation to a new jurisdiction.

Not all marketing is created equal. You need to choose the best marketing tools for your business. Learn the different way to attract clients and what your business should be doing through the Freedom Makers Marketing Decision Tree.

This FREE marketing guide will show you how to market in a way that is most appropriate for your clients and business. Ultimately, this will help you determine the best marketing strategies to get the most bang for your buck. Click here to get started.

By Laura Renner

Hiring a virtual assistant can be a game changer. When you have a good relationship with your VA, you not only have more time but more energy to get through your to-do list. On the flip side, losing your VA can be devastating. If you have good systems and procedures in place, it may not be too difficult to find a replacement EXCEPT that developing a good camaraderie takes time.

There are many reasons you may lose your VA, ranging from the VA changing direction in their business to burning out. You might have no control over the reason they leave if it is a business decision, but you definitely can help prevent burnout. Below are some tips for balancing workload without losing your virtual assistant.

By Jenny Boyles, Freedom Maker

With all of the appreciation holidays approaching, we thought it would be nice to give you some ideas for easy ways to show your appreciation for those who provide your business administrative support. In many ways, they are the unsung heroes of our companies; they keep the wheels turning and the fires burning as some might say. The following are some days that are dedicated to showing love and support for your administrative assistants:

• April 24th-Administrative Assistants Day
• May 10th- Military Spouse Appreciation Day (if your support happens to also be a military spouse)
• May 17th- International Virtual Assistants Day​

On April 10th, Laura joined The Scuttlebutt Show Podcast for conversation about Freedom Makers and how our Freedom Makers might be a good fit for your buisness!

​Check it out!!

By Laura Renner

One of the things we recommend to our clients and all small business owners is to have systems as much as possible. We like to focus on Set It and Forget it Systems, meaning they are triggered and then executed with little input or action by the business owner.

Part of having a Set It and Forget It System is capturing it somewhere outside of the business owner’s head. This not only increases consistency for the process, but also helps with delegating tasks. And in business, we call these workflows.

Freedom Makers' very own, Laura Renner, spoke on a JotForm and Xverify Webinar.  In case you could not watch it live, here is the recorded webinar.

By Jenny Boyles

Making the decision to hire a virtual assistant can at first seem like a huge leap of faith. Businesses need systems to thrive and grow. Hiring a virtual assistant (VA) is part of those systems and the key to making it a success is the routine you form with your VA. Though the beginning may seem awkward, as time progresses the relationship strengthens and becomes seamless, I promise. When signing on with a new client, I tell them that it will be like a couple learning to dance for the first time.  But in time, we will be in step and develop a strong routine.