About

An Interview with The Hidden Helper

Who are your clients?: Authors, entrepreneurs, professional speakers, physicians, attorneys, and business gurus.

What do you like most about working virtually? I like working in the comfort of my own home. I also like that I can adjust my work hours to fit my family life. Plus, I have a corner office with two windows!

How has your VA practice changed over the years? When I first started out, I tried to get any work I had experience doing. I soon found that many of the things I was “able” to do seemed like drudgery. With trial and error, I found that writing and editing are my favorite activities.

What are your credentials? I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Journalism from Shippensburg University. Before becoming a VA, I worked in the Public Relations Department of a Fortune 500 company. I also was a caseworker for the local agency on aging. Since the year 2000, I’ve been freelancing virtually. In 2004, I decided to expand my business and take on more clients.

Do you belong to any professional associations? Yes, I belong to the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) where I also serve as the Managing Editor of IVAACast, the association’s online magazine, and am a member of the Delaware Valley Virtual Assistants Association (DVVAA), I am also on the Board of Directors for Central Pennsylvania Association of Female Executives.

You help other people write and edit articles and books, but have you written any yourself? Yes, I released my first co-authored book in Fall of 2005 with Dawn Josephson. It’s called, “Write It Right: The Ground Rules for Self-Editing Like the Pros.�? I also wrote Entrepreneurial Freedom: How To Start and Grow a Profitable Virtual Assistance Practice with Jeannine Clontz. I have also written several published articles–some under my own name, and some under my clients’ names.

Where are you based? I’m a virtual assistant based in the greater Harrisburg, PA. However, I have clients all over the U.S.

How can I find out more about you? Visit other pages of my website, Google my name, read my blog, call me, or send me an email.

How did you come up with The Hidden Helper name? I have to give my husband, Ed Hidden, credit for that. We were brainstorming one night and he thought of it. I get tons of compliments on it.

Contact The Hidden Helper: Lauren@Hiddenhelper.com