A Virtual Assistant (VA) is an independent entrepreneur providing administrative, creative and/or technical services to others…anywhere on the globe.

Utilizing advanced technological modes of communication and data delivery, a professional VA assists clients in his/her area of expertise from his/her own office on a contractual basis.

The International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) (more…)

I came across a site that some young entrepreneurs have developed, and reading how they view the world, their thoughts, etc. were interesting and worthwhile. I found myself chuckling as I read their article on how to do business in Ghana …never having visited that country. (It also reminded me of some of my travels in South America some forty years ago.)

And whether you will ever visit Ghana isn’t the question. Rather, the point is that every area/country around the world has local customs and ways of thinking, and acting, that are different than ours. It’s one of the reasons why traveling to different places is so exhilarating! And I might add (more…)

A reader posted the question, “Can trade dollars paid as wages count toward minimum wage requirements?” The question was posed in response to our article, Barter Is One Answer For Restaurant Owners’ Challenges. What do you (more…)

Homeowners who are fed up with rising property taxes could get a big break under a proposal in Congress that would make it easier for them to deduct real estate taxes on their federal income tax return.

Federal law now allows property taxes to be deducted–but only by people who itemize deductions on their federal returns.

Many taxpayers don’t itemize their deductions but instead take take the standard deductions when filling out their annual (more…)

Companies of all sizes look for motivational speakers, inspirational speakers, celebrity speakers and sports figures to endorse products, speak at events, and promote a new product line.

If you are looking for a comprehensive resource for sports personalities the (more…)

Scott Shane, professor of entrepreneurial studies at Case Western University and the author of The Illusions of Entrepreneurship seeks to dispel popular illusions about business startups–starting with the myth that founders earn more than they would as employees.

Shane says one of the biggest myths entrepreneurs have is that growth and performance of their startups depends more on their entrepreneurial talent than on the businesses they choose. Not so, according to some surprising stats.

Other questions Shane answers: What is the medium startup (moneywise) capitalized with? What are the founders expectations for growth? What’s their financial (annual revenue) (more…)

Japan’s Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda unveiled a five-year $10 billion fund, called the “Cool Earth Partnership,” to support efforts in developing countries to combat global warming, at the conclusion of the World Economic Forum in (more…)

Well-known travel journalist Shirley Linde writes
of unique voyages and special offers of ships all over the world.

You can see cruise information every day (more…)

Now that globalization is a reality and cross-border business and investment are vital activities, companies need reliable tools to manage their risks safely.

According to Joel Kurtzman, a former Harvard Business Review editor-in-chief and the founder of Strategy & Business, and Glenn Yago, Director of Capital Studies at the Milken Institute, the problems begin when companies and investors pay attention to the wrong risks. As a result, businesses are left exposed to the risk of suffering large losses. In Global Edge, the authors offer two breakthrough tools to better manage the hidden perils of (more…)

The fifth Professional Scouts Foundation Dinner was held January 19, 2008 at the Hyatt Century Plaza. A number of scouts were honored at the lavish affair, including Eddie Bockman, who had eight players on the 25-man roster of the 1980 World Series champion Phillies; the Dodgers’ Ralph Avila, and 101-year-old Joe Lewis.

Broadcaster Roy Firestone entertained the gathering with musical renditions, said, “Scouts are the most unappreciated segment of baseball.”

During a live auction at the dinner, a Babe Ruth collage that included an autographed bat and a canceled check went for $55,000. (more…)