Workwhistle

The only boss Jessica Maes has to make coffee for is herself, although she might need to serve milk to her young son in the course of her work day. Her job, done from an office in her Madison home, allows her that flexibility.
Maes is a virtual assistant, a self-employed administrative assistant who works with clients primarily via e-mail, Internet, phone or fax.

"A virtual assistant is a small business owner who works with other small business owners to accomplish administrative tasks involved in running a business," Maes explained. "I do things my clients don't have time to do or don't want to do."

Her regular tasks include scheduling appointments, monitoring e-mail and voice mail, maintaining databases or mailing lists. and proofing copy. She might keep track of receipts or other light bookkeeping, create Web sites or blogs, or help with social networking.

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