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The Virtual Business Show

The Virtual Business Show

Written by: Lyn Prowse-Bishop
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Australia's first and longest continually running podcast for the Virtual Assistant Industry (est 2010) covering topics of interest to VAs, small business owners and the self-employed. We also provide information and interview guests on all things small business. The show is hosted by veteran VA Lyn Prowse-Bishop, owner of Executive Stress Office Support, established Feb 2000. Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission. Become a subscriber for exclusive content: SubscribeLyn Prowse-Bishop Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Ep 75 - From Community to Combat Zone: The Decline of Facebook for Business
    Jul 7 2025

    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-Bishop⁠⁠⁠⁠


    Theme 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 Group


    Mari Smith on Facebook

    Facebook's Five Core Values

    Bad Influence. The Dark Side of Kidfluencing. Netflix

    Sky 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!



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    14 mins
  • Ep 74: Offshore Freelancers, Fair Work & The End of the $5 VA Fantasy
    Jun 15 2025

    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-Bishop⁠⁠⁠


    Theme 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 workers

    eSOs Blog: Employee or VA

    eSOS Blog: Benefits of VAs

    VA Institute: Offshore is Over

    (Other relevant episodes included below)

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    8 mins
  • Ep 73: Corporate Responsibility
    Jun 11 2025

    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-Bishop⁠⁠


    Theme music: 'The Typewriter' by Leroy Anderson. Used with express permission.

    ====================

    Resources & References:

    (all links correct at time of publishing)


    Investopedia: Corporate Responsibility

    Harvard Business School: Types of Corporate Social Responsibility

    FNPW - Gift a Tree

    Carbon Positive Australia

    Recycling Near You

    Business Recycling

    Greenpeace: Green Electricity Guide

    Ep 64: Dead Printer?




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    9 mins
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