KEELEY SMITH | VIRTUAL BUSINESS SUPPORT

Over the weekend, we braved Storm Darragh for a trip to see Santa on the Severn Valley Railway 🚂

Does anyone else feel like time is speeding up in December? I almost feel like I’m running out of time to do everything that needs to be done, which can be overwhelming at times!

We’re hosting this year so there’s lots going on behind the scenes in the Smith household and work is currently busier than ever with us trying to meet all client needs and deadlines before everyone breaks up for Christmas.

We’ve been passing ships at home lately too, with my husband deep in ‘silly season’ at work, so it felt extra special to take some time out to do something as a family, make some memories and focus on what’s truly important. The girls are at such a lovely age this year too - it really does add some Christmas magic 🎅🏻 ✨

We’re all feeling festive now and ready for the big man (despite the battering wind, torrential rain and the fact it took us 3 hours to get home due to fallen trees in the road!).

Only two full working weeks to go - we’ve got this 💪🏻

#santa #freelancer #legalconsultant #smallbusinesssupport #christmascheer

We’ll be ‘wrapping’ up for Christmas soon 🎁 🎄

The big day is fast approaching and we wanted to update you that Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support will be closed for the festive period.

We hope to spend some quality time with loved ones so our last working day will be Friday 20th December.

We will reopen on Thursday 2nd January.

Wishing you all the joy this festive season 🥂

#legalconsultant #freelancer #businesssupport #christmasshutdown

It’s the first week of December, the tree is up and I already feel like a pig in a blanket 🐷

Working from home has so many benefits but it also makes it a little too easy to hibernate when the winter comes.

I seem to have given up walking the kids to school in favour of driving on cold mornings and being at my desk most of the day means my step count is subpar and the amount I’m moving is not okay.

The good news is that I’m aware of it and I can make it a priority to carve some time out for myself each week before Christmas to help me feel better! I would say help me feel at my best but I’m not that optimistic as it’s still silly season and I do not have the will power or inclination to say no to cheese, red wine and the occasional baileys hot chocolate 🫣 🧀 🍷

Do your usual habits change around this time? How do you stay on track?

#workingfromhome #freelancer #legalconsultant #routine

Are you wearing all hats?! 🎩 🧢 👒

As a small business, we really do understand how hard it can be trying to do it all.

It’s so important for your wellbeing to try and let go of the responsibilities you can delegate.

No one can be a master of all trades and that’s okay!

Often it’s cheaper and more time-effective to delegate certain tasks and responsibilities, particularly specialist areas like compliance and contracts. It also boosts productivity as you can focus on what you do best and dedicate time to business growth.

Delegating isn’t easy; it takes trust and it’s a skill to be practiced. Remember, the goal is not just to handover tasks and projects but to truly collaborate with one another to support in achieving your goals!

#freelancer #smallbusinesssupport #legalconsultant #contractsandcompliance

Have you ever felt imposter syndrome 💭?

I used to struggle with it when I first started freelancing. There are so many talented people out there trying to earn a living flexibly providing similar services to one another. Who’d want to work with me?

But actually I now know that being “me” (or “you”) is what sets us apart!

We can’t be everyone’s cup of tea but the magic happens with clients when…

…our values, interests and work ethics are aligned.
…they feel that I am a part of their team and can see I’m invested in their business and add value.
…I make them feel comfortable enough to share their ideas, goals and even worries with me.

It takes a lot of trust.

So who am I?!

- I’m a Mom currently navigating parenting two strong willed small humans.
- I’m a small business owner. Work life balance is so important to me and I love that freelancing gives me the flexibility to work when, where, how I want.
- I LOVE to travel. We spent 6 months travelling Asia as a family this year. 47 countries and counting!
- I used to be a practising lawyer & spent nearly a decade at a top commercial law firm.
- I should probably pretend I have a fitness regime or self-care plan but I really indulge in red wine, watch Netflix on the sofa (if I can get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour and don’t fall asleep doing bedtime) and steal the kids sweets when they’re distracted by YouTube kids.

What type of person do you want on your team? What values are important to you? 👭

#freelancer #legalconsultant #businesssupportservices #supportforsmallbusiness

Do you subcontract any work? Do you have agreements in place with your subcontractors 🤔?

A client came to me a couple of weeks ago, as they are subcontracting more and more work but had no written agreements in place. They were concious about tax liability and the need for confidentiality provisions.

Agreements with your subcontractors are a must-have to protect your business 📑

They outline expectations, from scope of work to payment terms, to avoid any uncertainty about what has been agreed.

They clearly set out the relationship between the parties and the fact that they are an independent contractor for tax and employment status purposes (not an employee!).

They also deal with confidentiality, intellectual property rights and GDPR compliance to give you peace of mind.

I helped this client draft a robust template subcontractor agreement that can be rolled out to existing and new subcontractors going forward.

Don’t leave yourself exposed... If you haven’t already, then get your agreements in place with your subcontractors! ✍️

#freelancer #legalconsultant #subcontractors #subcontractoragreements #templatecontracts

Do you do what you love ? Do you love what you do?

I’ve gone on this year about how freelancing has given me the freedom to spend my time how I want and doing what I love - travelling!

Whilst we did have an epic time exploring Asia for 6 months, our reality is very different now that we’re back home “to the grind”. Only work doesn’t feel like a grind now. The balance is just different.

In some ways flexibility is more important than ever for me but it’s for the little things…

- doing the school runs
- taking Friday afternoons off on a whim for Fizz Friday with my mom and sister
- not having a mental breakdown about how I’m going to work when I get the call from the school or nursery that the kids are sick and need collecting
- catching up with friends and their little ones mid-week if we fancy it in and around work
- fitting life admin and chores into my working week rather than only tackling it on the weekends
- just going for a walk to stretch my legs and get away from my desk when I want

Having always been employed until last year, I truly appreciate this flexibility and how much easier it is now to fit actually living my life into my life!

If you feel like you don’t have enough time, then get some support so you can do more of what you love, even if it is just the little things 🫶.

#freelancerlife #legalconsultant #workingmomlife #businesssupport

🫶

#freelancer #smallbusinesssupport #legalconsultant #clientreview #clienttestimonial

Do you even work in Birmingham if you don’t visit the Christmas markets with clients…

99% of my work is remote/virtual nowadays so it was a lovely change to meet a client in person and spend an afternoon at the markets this week.

They live in New York and are a seasoned traveller, so it felt quite the challenge to show them the best of what Birmingham has to offer.

I’ve never felt prouder as a Brummie than when introducing them to the singing moose (if you know, you know) 😂

#legalconsultant #freelancer #clientmeetings #clientcatchups

We’re fully booked (again!)🥂

I closed the books in August to enjoy the last of the summer with my family before the girls started preschool and nursery.

Since reopening the books in the autumn, we have taken on a number of new clients 🥳

The business is at capacity and so I have decided to close the books for the remainder of 2024 to enjoy the festivities to come and to try to keep some semblance of a work/life balance for the rest of the year 😅

While I am closing the books for now, we’re looking forward to reopening them in 2025 📆

If you’re interested in working with us, please don’t hesitate to reach out and I’ll be happy to add you to our waitlist.

As always, I am so grateful to all of our incredible clients who trust us to support their businesses. Thank you for your continued support 🫶

#legalconsultant #businesssupport #fullybooked #freelancer

Are you time-blocking? ⏰

When I was a practicing lawyer I was time-blocking my calendar BEFORE I even knew it was a “thing”.

It’s a technique I still use to manage my working day and it’s a game changer!

You simply break your day up in to blocks of time and dedicate it to particular tasks.

It’s a way more focused approach than keeping an open ended to do list and it means you give your undivided attention to each task during its allocated time.

I find it really helpful to have a clear structure set out for my day to make sure I complete all of my work in and around family life.

Is time blocking a technique you use? If not, would you give it a try?

#legalconsultant #freelancer
#businesstips #businesssupport #ownyourtime #timeblocking

I had a call with a solicitor last week who is thinking about leaving the law for a better work life balance. They wanted to know more about what I’m doing now and it was so refreshing to talk openly about the challenges facing mothers in the profession.

We ended up talking a little bit about stigma… They asked if I think people, like ex-colleagues, are judging me for leaving what is perceived by some as a prestigious career to do what I do now?

I can be honest that when I first set up, and particularly when I started putting myself out there more on social media, I did wonder and worry what people might think of me. I imagine some people will have judged me, whilst others have been super supportive - that’s just life.

Am I happier now? Yes. Do I have the work life balance I craved for my family? Yes. Am I financially stable? Yes. Have I won clients from being active on social media? Yes. Am I fulfilled by new venture? Yes.

If I ever feel worried about judgment or stigma, I try to remember that’s all that really matters. It’s so important to focus on your own lane and not worry too much about what other people may be thinking or doing. I truly believe if you do what’s right for you and you’ll find your way in the end🤞🏻.

#legalconsultant #freelancer #businesssupport #careerchange

Wonder what it is like to work with Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support 🤔 💭

Feedback like this is what it’s all about for us 🫶

#clientreviews #testimonial #legalconsultant #businesssupport

Did I survive or thrive in half term 🤔 💭

It was pretty full on with the girls at home, as the last week of the month tends to be the busiest for me, but I flexed my working hours and still met all of my client’s needs - all in all it worked really well.

Here are some of the things I worked on:

☑️ onboarded two new clients
☑️ finalised a set of B2B T&Cs
☑️ drafted up a services agreement
☑️ finalised a template engagement letter
☑️ edited old blog posts to be republished
☑️ mapped out a content calendar
☑️ drafted an internal client procedure
☑️ prepared social media content, blog posts and website copy
☑️ supported a client with correspondence for a deposit dispute

I also managed to squeeze in lots of quality time, cuddles and Halloween activities with the girls. I even took Friday off for a family day out.

It’s back to normality this week…It feels like this year is flying by so I’m trying to make the most of the little moments where I can 🫶

#freelancer #legalconsultant #workingmom #businesssupport #workingparent

What do you need support with right now?

What tasks are on your to do list that you wish you could delegate?

What would help to free up your time to focus on the tasks you really need to handle?

At Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support, we can help to:

☑️ simplify contracts and compliance to help you protect your business and set it up for success

☑️ management your operations, content and admin to support you with streamlining your business

We can help you take back your time to focus on achieving your business goals.

You don’t have to do it all alone - we’ve got you 💪🏻

#legalconsultant #freelancer #contracts #compliance #businesssupport

It’s half-term and my house has officially turned into a mix of work and school holiday chaos! 🙌

My daughters are home for the week, so it’s lucky I’m a master of multitasking (code for very reliant on and super lucky to have grandparents around helping out!).

All jokes aside, I always feel really grateful that I work for myself at times like these and can flex my diary and workload to suit my family.

I hope all working parents survive the week ahead and find some extra time with the kids (or at least find time to hide away somewhere for 5 minutes for a quiet coffee—no judgment!) 😅👩‍💻

#MomLife #BusinessOwner #freelancer #legalconsultant #BusinessSupport #WorkingParents #HalfTerm #EntrepreneurLife #worklifebalance

Learning to let go is a game-changer for your business 💪🏻

As a business owner, it’s not about doing it all BUT finding the right support so you can focus on your strengths.

☑️ Don’t know where to start?!

☑️ Feeling overwhelmed?!

☑️ Never-ending to do list?!

When we become part of your team, our expert service offering can truly benefit your business AND give you back your time in the process ⏰

Check out our website for information on how we can support you or get in touch to find out more.

#legalconsultant #freelancer #contracts #compliance #contentsupport #businesssupport

One of the scariest decisions I have ever made…

Stepping away from employment to build a business.

Some people thought I was crazy! You don’t just give up being a solicitor lightly after all the work it takes to get there.

It was a huge decision but I ultimately wanted to be more present for my girls.

I’m still figuring it out but life is all about balance so I’m trying to be kind to myself. It’s not always easy and some days are harder than others but I’m so grateful for the flexibility I have now.

Some days I feel like I’m winning, other days not so much — but I wouldn’t trade this for anything.

Here’s to learning, growing and showing my girls that anything is possible! 💪❤️

#legalconsultant #businessconsultant #momlife #workingparent #flexibleworking

We know how tricky it can be to get to grips with data protection as a small business owner.

There’s so much jargon that it can be difficult to know where to start.

We’ve put together a short guide with some key steps that you can take towards compliance for your business.

#dataprotection #gdprcompliance #legalconsultant

We had the best time at the VA awards dinner on Friday 🥂

It was incredible to be in the room with so many amazing business owners carving out their own path.

A huge thanks to @vatrainingacademy for putting on an amazing evening.

I unfortunately couldn’t make the conference this year (childcare woes) and I can admit I was a little nervous to attend the dinner alone so my husband came with me to support.

It turns out there was no need to be worried at all, as everyone was so lovely and friendly! I’ll definitely be joining the conference too next year.

#freelancer #virtualassistant #smallbusinesslove #smallbusinesssupport

I’ve been helping a client sort out their template employment contract over the past couple of weeks.

It is actually a legal requirement for employers to provide employees and workers with a written statement setting out certain key information.

Your contract should provide protection for both you and your employees by laying out various rights and responsibilities.

From pay and benefits to hours of work and notice periods, it’s so important to have all of the practicalities of the relationship set out in writing for certainty for both you and your and employees (and to meet the minimum legal requirements of a contract).

Some common areas I often see where improvements could be made for employers are the clauses around confidentiality, intellectual property and restrictive covenants! They can be difficult clauses to get right but they’re key if you want to protect your business both during employment and post-employment.

When was the last time you reviewed your contracts? Are you sure they adequately protect your business? Are you certain they’re legally compliant?

If you need any support, feel free to get in touch.

#EmploymentContracts #legalconsultant #businesssupport

We find that the biggest pain point of running a small business is trying to wear all hats 🎩

As a small business, we really do understand how hard it can be trying to do it all.

It’s so important to try and let go of the responsibilities you can delegate. No one can be a master of all trades and that’s okay!

If you had toothache, you wouldn’t try to remove your own tooth - you’d go to the dentist! So why would you try and draft your own contracts? Write your own policies? Edit your own blogs?

Often it’s cheaper and more time-effective to delegate certain tasks and responsibilities, particularly specialist areas like compliance and contracts.

It also boosts productivity as you can focus on what you do best.

Delegating isn’t easy; it takes trust and it’s a skill to be practiced. Remember, the goal is not just to handover tasks and projects but to truly collaborate with one another to support you in achieving your goals!

#delegate #contracts #compliance #gdpr

At Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support, we help you get on top of the legals in your business.

We get that ‘you don’t know, what you don’t know’ and it can be difficult to know where to start. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

What contracts do you need?
What policies should you put in place?
How do you meet GDPR requirements?

That’s where we come in. After nearly a decade as a lawyer, we know our stuff and can cut through the jargon!

We can help you to simplify contracts and compliance to set up your business for success.

We’ve helped so many clients to sleep better at night knowing their business is protected 💪🏻 🔒

If looking at your legals is on your todo list but you keep putting it off, then make it a priority today.

#contracts #compliance #gdpr #legalconsultant

It’s crazy how quickly time passes…

I remember setting up Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support with a baby in my arms and a toddler running around the house.

I knew I didn’t want to go back to the long hours of the law and I was desperate to spend more time with them both and find a way to work that was flexible around my family.

Fast forward and we’ve just celebrated our girls’ birthdays and I can’t quite believe I have a 4 year old and 2 year old.

Lola is at preschool all week and Iliana is getting settled into nursery a couple of days a week.

Do I regret my career change now they’re growing up? Not one bit. It’s a personal choice but I love that I’m the one who gets to do the school runs and be a big part of their day whilst they’re so small. I also still get to work with amazing clients and support them with their businesses but in a way that works for my family.

It’s my birthday today! 🥳

Celebrations are low key with work and the girls, so I’m reflecting on what a fab month it’s been (both personally and professionally)…

🎈 We’ve celebrated our girls’ birthdays with family and friends. Even Elsa came along to party 👑. My birthday is sandwiched between them so they steal the show now.

🤝 I’ve signed up two new retainer clients this month and secured some new project work.

🏝️ We managed our first child free trip abroad in over 5 years and it was just glorious to read a book on the beach.

🏆 Keeley Smith Virtual was shortlisted as a semi-finalist for the Best Newcomer at the UK VA awards 2024. Finalists will be announced soon🤞🏻…

👰🏻 We celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary surrounded by love on the same day that our friends got married.

Not too shabby at all.

Hi, I’m Keeley - a non-practising lawyer, mom of two girls and founder of Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support 🙋🏻‍♀️

I believe all business owners should have access to resources to protect and streamline their business no matter its size and so I support clients with:

💥 simplifying contracts and compliance
💥 streamlining operations
💥 managing content and admin

Fancy a chat to understand more about how I can support you, then get in touch.

I’m working with some cool clients in the travel sector at the moment and I’m supporting them with drafting email marketing campaigns and ghostwriting blogs, drafting T&Cs and privacy policies and making sure their website is legally compliant.

I’m not quite living a jet-setter lifestyle anymore with daily school runs and the winter child plague setting in but I still feel super lucky that I have opportunities to combine work with my love of travel in different ways.

That being said it’s probably time to book another trip as there’s nothing like pulling your jumpers and tights back out to make you miss days like this 🤔

Let’s get down to business…

Terms and Conditions are vital for your business 📜💼

Think of them as your legal armour protecting you from potential disputes!

Good Terms and Conditions will set clear guidelines on what your client can expect when they work with you from payment terms and scope of work to your liability and how the relationship can be terminated 🤝

Don’t leave your business exposed, put in place those Terms and Conditions! 💪🔒

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"Delegation is not a sign of weakness, but of strength."

Steve Jobs

WELCOME

Hello and welcome to Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support.

Our purpose is to support clients with contracts and compliance to help you make sure your business is protected and set up for success. We also offer operations, content and admin management services to support you with streamlining your business, freeing up your time to focus on achieving your business goals.

When we become part of your team, you can trust that you are in safe hands with our expert service offering.

Find out more

"Keeley is an integral part of my team,

and I consider myself fortunate to be able to make use of her excellent skills and benefit from her wonderful personality"

KEELEY SMITH

Founder

Hi, I'm Keeley.

I'm a non-practising lawyer and mom to two wild toddlers with a serious passion for travel - I've visited 47 countries and counting!

I spent nearly a decade at a top commercial law firm with experience in employment, commercial contracts and data protection.

My priorities changed when I started a family - It's important to me that I can be present for who I love and do what I love so I stepped away from private practice and founded Keeley Smith | Virtual Business Support in 2023.

I believe all business owners should have access to resources to protect and streamline their business no matter it's size. I utilise my legal experience to simplify contracts and compliance to help small businesses put in place strong legal foundations to ensure they are protected and set up for success! I also support with operations, content and some general admin so that business owners can focus on doing what they do best.

When you work with me, you can take comfort from the fact I have a strong legal background but I'm not a stuffy lawyer and you won't have a hefty legal bill at the end.

If you want to make sure your business is protected and compliant or if you want to find out more about how I can free up your time by managing your projects and admin so you can focus on your business growth,

then get in touch.

Let's Get Started!

"Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

Dolly Parton

SERVICES

Take a look at our service offering to see how our skills and expertise can support you and/or your business.

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"Keeley is helpful, knowledgeable and friendly."

TESTIMONIALS

Keeley is a pleasure to work with, highly productive and efficient…Keeley is an integral part of my team, and I consider myself fortunate to be able to make use of her excellent skills and benefit from her wonderful personality...

...I could not recommend Keeley enough. From ensuring you are getting the most out of your money and the communication. The service has been brilliant...

I cannot recommend Keeley enough!... She has completely elevated the level of efficiency and professionalism in my company which has already attracted multiple new clients!… I’m so appreciative and cannot imagine not having Keeley on my team….

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