Horkey HandBook

Find or become a kickass virtual assistant today!

Blogging

Horkey HandBook: 2017 Q2 Business Results

By 14 Comments

Half of 2017 is officially over, can you believe it?

I used to publish income reports on a monthly basis, but I stopped at the end of 2016.

Why? They took a bit of effort to put together and apparently some people find you less relateable the more successful you get…

Weird, right? But I guess I get it.

I’ve never put my income on the internets to brag though – rather income or business reports have been helpful for three reasons:

  1. Public accountability
  2. Inspiring others
  3. Credibility

I.e. These reports show that I know what I’m talking about when teaching others how to break into virtual assistance work or freelance writing. Because that’s where I got my start after all!

[Read more…] about Horkey HandBook: 2017 Q2 Business Results

My Story: How I Got Started as a Freelance Writer and Virtual Assistant

By 25 Comments

It was a dark and dreary day way back in 2014 – Tax Day (April 15th) to be exact. Sitting at my desk staring at my dual monitor computer screens, I realized this career was no longer for me… no matter how great of an opportunity it was.

(I don’t know if it was actually dark and dreary, but it sounds more dramatic, right?)

While I feel like I’ve told the story of how I got started as a freelance writer and virtual assistant a million times over, I still get questions about it almost every day.

And that’s cool, I’m happy to answer them. But then I thought maybe I should write “my story” out once and for all to make it easier on myself and anyone interested in learning more.

So here goes…

[Read more…] about My Story: How I Got Started as a Freelance Writer and Virtual Assistant

My Miracle Morning: Why I Started It and What It Looks Like!

By 14 Comments

Have you heard of The Miracle Morning?

It’s a book by Hal Elrod and is currently all the rage in the entrepreneur/online business space. I read it and think you should too.

(Side note: If you join Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited 30-day free trial, you can read it for free! Just make sure to cancel your membership before your 30 days are up or you’ll be charged ~$10/m thereafter.)

Why? Well it’ll help you to change your mindset when it comes to starting each day off on the right foot.

Hopefully you know that jumping into email first thing isn’t the right way to start your day… If you don’t, you need to change up your business schedule ASAP! [Read more…] about My Miracle Morning: Why I Started It and What It Looks Like!

How I Grew My Email List to 21,828 Subscribers in Under TWO Years!

By 6 Comments

Just two years ago my email list contained 469 subscribers.

To some of you that may seem beyond pitiful and to others that might sound AMAZING! Either way, I totally get it.

Before we get started though, let me lay the ground rules. Because while I’m about to share my success story building my email list, I want to make sure that you keep in mind that “comparison kills contentment.” It’s a really smart thing that I once read in the bible. 😉

And it’s totally true! So if you have a small (or non-existent) email list, you’re JUST FINE. Hopefully today’s post gives you encouragement and a few tips on how to build yours.

If yours is bigger than mine, congrats! And I’m coming for you…

Why is building an email list so important?

In a recent podcast interview on Smart Passive Income, Clay Collins from Leadpages <– affiliate link claimed that each email subscriber is worth $2 per month in recurring revenue.

[Read more…] about How I Grew My Email List to 21,828 Subscribers in Under TWO Years!

Horkey HandBook: 2017 Q1 Business Results

By 3 Comments

Q1 of 2017 is officially in the books!

I used to publish income reports on a monthly basis, but I stopped at the end of 2016.

Why? They took a lot of effort to put together and apparently some people find you less relateable the more successful you get…

Weird, right? But I guess I get it.

I’ve never put my income on the internets to brag though – it was just an outlet for accountability and then they started inspiring others and served as a source of credibility that I know what I’m talking about when teaching others how to break into virtual assistance work or freelance writing.

So I decided to try out this whole quarterly business review thing.

And in doing so, I pay WAY less attention to my business finances… but in a good way. I’m still doing everything in my power to keep this ship moving forward, but not looking at it daily is a welcomed change! (I.e. I “trust” more and stress less!)

So I’ll keep doing it as long as it makes sense. It still serves as accountability and hopefully motivates someone out there. If you think I’m an A-hole for doing it, just tell me and I’ll stop. I don’t have any more energy to waste on people that want to judge me, so it won’t take many reactions of that type. 😉

To catch you up or if you’re new here, I did a recap of 2016 and announced my goals for 2017 in this year in review post. You can also read this (skip ahead if it sounds familiar to you):

[Read more…] about Horkey HandBook: 2017 Q1 Business Results

Are You Blogging for Business Growth or Is It Just a Hobby?

By 2 Comments

If we were sitting down having a cup of coffee, how would you answer that question?

Odds are that if you’re reading this blog, you have one of your own. Or you’ll start one in the very near future.

Why? Well, they’re kinda necessary in this day and age. At least if you want an online business that is.

Why I Started Blogging

My friend Laura asked me to share how I got started blogging and why I love it for a presentation she’s giving to teachers in an effort to encourage them to encourage high school students to start one.

Here’s what I had to say:

[Read more…] about Are You Blogging for Business Growth or Is It Just a Hobby?

Is Working Online a Scam?

By Leave a Comment

People only make money online selling online courses to other people, right?

While that may be a common belief, it’s not at all true. There are TONS of people legitimately making a living online (me included). And not everyone sells online courses either (or makes all of their income that way either, I don’t!).

So why do so many people think that working online is a scam?

Probably because online scams do exist. And the buyer beware stories spread like wildfire these days. With the help of that little ol’ tool called the internet that is.

Ironic?

But I don’t think working online should get a bad rap. I think it’s more of a lack of understanding and a fear of the unknown than anything. And since I have no trouble sharing my opinion, I’m going to unpack the case for legitimately working online today.

Because it can be done. It IS being done. And it’s probably only going to get more popular.

[Read more…] about Is Working Online a Scam?

Monthly Income Report: December, 2016

By 13 Comments

income-report-december-20162016 is officially in the books!

What a whirlwind, right?!? I recently did a recap of 2016 and announced my goals for 2017 in this year in review post, so I won’t bore you with the details again.

Suffice it to say though, that 2016 exceeded my expectations. I worked hard, I played hard (?) and I hit my BAHG (or big-ass hairy goal)!

December, 2016 also ended up being my best affiliate income month EVER. It’s taken me a bit to get the affiliate marketing ball rolling, but I’m finally picking up steam!

So what happened? Read on for the full lowdown.

[Read more…] about Monthly Income Report: December, 2016