Hi, my name is Sharon Broughton and I live in sunny Sacramento, California. I was born and raised in California so I truly am a California girl. I have a wonderful husband, Tim, who works for the State Legislature as a computer hardware/software specialist. He helps me solve all my computer woes. I also have three wonderful children - my son Casey, and my daughters Lisa and Emily. We live in a beautiful area with lots of room for gardening and playing. My house is never clean but we sure have a lot of fun.

Choosing virtual assistance for my profession has allowed me to do what I enjoy most — working with dynamic individuals with a thirst for adventure and a desire to have it all. It also allows me to be home for my family when they need me. Just the fact that I don't have to call a boss and explain why I can't come in today because one of the kids is sick — is wonderful. My hobbies include: gardening, sewing, scrap booking, reading books, staying on top of industry trends, and laughing with my children. To further my professional goals and networking needs, I am a member of E-Women Network (www.ewomennetwork.com). I have met some of my clients and lots of friends through this great organization.

My experience in the corporate world has ranged from executive assistant for a company CEO to working in the retail jewelry industry. I am a certified legal secretary (Heald Business College). I worked for several years as a telecommuter for two different companies and this is what first got me interested in working at home. One of the companies was located in Oakland, about 2 hours away, and I had to go into the office once a month. The rest of the time I worked out of my home office. The other company was located in Los Angeles and I flew down to the office about twice a month. I sure enjoyed those frequent flyer miles! I decided to go out on my own when I was layed off for the third time. I didn't want to be dependent on anyone else ever again. Since I had been working at home and was enjoying the benefits of that, I wanted to find something that was similar.

I remember my "ah ha" moment when I discovered virtual assistance. I was getting ready to go on vacation and wanted a couple of books to take with me. I was at the bookstore browsing when I saw Cheryl Richardson's book "Take Time for Your Life." I remember the feeling of picking up the book and knowing that it would change my life. I read it on the trip in the car and while we were at the swimming pool. I could not put it down. When I came to the part about virtual assistance, I was stunned. Here was the name for what I had been looking to pursue — a career working at home using my administrative skills. As soon as I got back home I checked out the resources for virtual assistance in the book (AssistU) and signed up for the program. My training began in November 2001 and I graduated in June 2002. My practice is off to a good start and I currently have a full practice.

It is my mission to provide expert executive assistance and exceptional customer service. I offer reliable services and effective tools for small business owners and entrepreneurs in a virtual environment, which will ultimately give them more free time. Feeling comfortable that all their administrative needs are taken care of and having the knowledge that I am acting in their best interests are two top priorities for my clients. I truly love what I do and wouldn't trade it for anything! Feel free to drop me a line to say hello — I enjoy meeting new people.

For more information about Sharon Broughton, please visit her website at http://www.greenofficesolutions.com/.

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