The Virtual Business Show

Ep 75 - From Community to Combat Zone: The Decline of Facebook for Business

In this episode, I’m sharing what’s been driving me mad about Facebook—especially as a business owner. What started as a space for genuine connection has become a chaotic mess of bots 🤖, trolls, censorship, shadow banning, and algorithmic manipulation. I talk about my own experiences with disappearing posts, unexplained bans, and the rise of “Meta Verified” as the new gatekeeper to reach and visibility. 📉Is Facebook still worth the effort for businesses? 🤔 Or has it completely lost its relevance in our digital strategies? Join me as I unpack what’s really going on behind the newsfeed—and what you need to think about if you're still relying on Facebook to reach your audience.© ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lyn Prowse-Bishop⁠⁠⁠⁠Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission.====================Resources & References:(all links correct at time of publishing)Note: The contact form I refer to in the episode has disappeared. Here is the closest I could find: Appeal Facebook's Decision to Disable Your GroupMari Smith on FacebookFacebook's Five Core ValuesBad Influence. The Dark Side of Kidfluencing. NetflixSky News: Whistleblower tells Senate committee Meta undermined US national security to cosy up to China Ep 21: Is Social Media a Waste of Time?Ep 53: Facebook Down!

Ep 74: Offshore Freelancers, Fair Work & The End of the $5 VA Fantasy

For years, businesses have enjoyed the bottom-line benefits of cheap offshore freelancers — but a game-changing Fair Work Commission ruling just flipped the script.In this episode, I break down what really happened when an offshore Filipino freelancer was deemed entitled to workplace protections from an Australian business they were contracted to — and why it could spell the end of dodgy “$5 an hour VA” deals.We talk:👉 The difference between contractors and employees👉 The legal risks you might not know you’re taking👉 Why the price gap between offshore and onshore is closing fast👉 And why now, more than ever, Australian VAs are the smart, compliant choice for growing businesses💬 “Cheap doesn’t always mean cost-effective. In fact, it might be the most expensive mistake you make.”If you're outsourcing work, thinking about hiring a VA, or just want to stay on the right side of workplace law — this episode is a must-listen.🎧 Press play and future-proof your business!© ⁠⁠⁠Lyn Prowse-Bishop⁠⁠⁠Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission.====================Resources & References:(all links correct at time of publishing)ABC News: This Filipino woman struck a blow against Australian businesses 'exploiting' offshore workerseSOs Blog: Employee or VA eSOS Blog: Benefits of VAs VA Institute: Offshore is Over(Other relevant episodes included below)

Ep 73: Corporate Responsibility

Corporate Responsibility, Minus the Jargon 🌱💼What does corporate responsibility really mean for us — the everyday business owners, solopreneurs, and service providers just trying to do the right thing?No buzzwords, no big budgets, just real talk on how we can give back 🌏✨ Whether it's planting trees, supporting your local footy club, or choosing greener power — it all adds up. Here are some simple ways we can make a difference 💚© ⁠⁠Lyn Prowse-Bishop⁠⁠Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission.====================Resources & References:(all links correct at time of publishing)Investopedia: Corporate ResponsibilityHarvard Business School: Types of Corporate Social ResponsibilityFNPW - Gift a TreeCarbon Positive AustraliaRecycling Near You Business RecyclingGreenpeace: Green Electricity GuideEp 64: Dead Printer?

Ep 72: The Power of Niche Marketing

Are you a new Virtual Assistant—or any business owner—struggling to attract the right clients? In this episode of The Virtual Business Show, I reveal one of the most powerful strategies for success: niching down.Trying to be everything to everyone is a recipe for wasted time, energy, and money. Instead, defining your niche and ideal client helps you stand out as an expert, focus your marketing, and attract the clients who truly need your services.I’ll share practical tips on:✅ What a niche is and why it matters✅ How to define your ideal client for targeted marketing✅ Why niching actually increases opportunities, not limits themIf you're ready to work smarter, not harder, and build a more sustainable business, this episode is for you!👉 Listen now and start carving out your space in the market.#VirtualAssistant #BusinessGrowth #Niching #MarketingTips #Entrepreneurship© ⁠Lyn Prowse-Bishop⁠====================Resources & References:Ep 71: Why Join Networks?Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission.

Ep 71: Why Join Networks?

Networking isn’t just about connections—it’s a treasure trove of knowledge! From specialised training sessions to insightful webinars, networks offer invaluable resources to expand your skills and stay ahead in your field. 📚💼 Join me as we discuss the power of networking for virtual assistants and business owners alike. 🤝 Whether you’re looking to boost your business credibility, generate valuable leads, or explore unconventional networking avenues, this episode provides actionable tips. 🎧 Listen now!!  #Networking #VirtualAssistant #BusinessSuccess #VirtualBusinessShow #ProfessionalDevelopment © ⁠Lyn Prowse-Bishop⁠ ====================