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Summer is typically a slower time for Virtual Assistant businesses. Everything seems to slow down a bit in the summer while clients take vacations and spend more time with family. And perhaps you have kids home who need your time and attention. Help your clients and yourself this summer by addressing the "summer slowdown."

• Get ready for the kids!
  

• Plan to spend lots of time having fun with your family, because that may be one of the main reasons you have chosen to work from home! Set a work schedule for yourself and communicate that with your family. If you have young children, think about hiring a babysitter to come over a few hours a week so you can work, or trade childcare with a neighbor.

• Anticipate needs your clients might have when they go on vacation.
  

• Out of site does NOT mean out of mind for most small business owners, so you can do them a big favor by keeping things moving for them. Contact current clients and let them know that you are available to help them while they travel by checking and responding to their voicemail and email and performing routine tasks.

• Communicate your own vacation schedule.
  

• Be sure to take some time for yourself and your family this summer! Plan to take some time off, whether or not you decide to travel. Set expectations whether you will or won't be checking messages. Arrange with clients to complete projects before you leave. Partner with another VA this summer to cover each other's vacation time.

• Know how to work on the road.

• Familiarize yourself with how to check your email and voicemail while traveling.

• Use this extra time to learn something new.

• Make a list of skills that you'd like to acquire that would help you in your business. Plan to take a class or read a book.

• Take your current clients to lunch or play a round of golf.

• Summer may also be a slower time for your current clients. Make the most of this time by setting social appointments with each of them.

• Network at local festivals, barbeques and sporting events.

• Always have your business cards with you this summer, because you never know where you will meet your next client!

• Keep your website fresh by offering a "hot" special.

• Up-to-date content on your website will convey that your services continue to be popular. Create urgency and entice prospective clients by offering a summer deal.

• Catch up and clean up.

• Is there a project you have been meaning to get to? Perhaps this is a good time for you to update your marketing or business plan. Maybe spring wasn't a good time for spring cleaning? Declutter your desk, office, and computer. Use this time to recharge and renew your energy.

Angela Green is the author of The Virtual Assistant's Start-Up Manual: A 30-day plan to build your VA business. Sign-up to receive free weekly tips on how to jump-start your VA business at http://www.vamanual.com