Fine Print Secretarial Services – Owner.
Hi, I’m Janet. I launched Fine Print Secretarial Services in 1995 after realising my skills could be helping so many businesses on a remote basis. I was effectively one of the first Virtual Assistants to exist without knowing it!
Over the years I further self-trained. I found out my local community centre offered flexible learning and so, in 2014-2016 I decided to take my self-taught skills to validation. And I happily qualified in all ECDL Microsoft Packages: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access and IT/Outlook.
Then I discovered Fife College of FE in conjunction with the University of Abertay offered a BA in Business Management. So, my recent achievements along with my SHND meant I could effectively skip the first two years of a degree and enter as a mature student. But this wasn’t plain sailing. I had to prove I was capable of studying after a 33+ year gap! I was told I needed to repeat an HND to satisfy the University requirements. After a big ‘to and fro’ over funding for tuition (not available for those who had already obtained one), I started to think my opportunity didn’t exist after all. Then I had a break through. The course interviewer had been so impressed by my determination and communication persistence with SAAS they waivered conditions and offered me a place.
This was a huge step for me. I didn’t think I’d ever get the opportunity to study at degree level. I enjoyed it so much I stayed on a further year and graduated with a BA (Hons) Business Management in 2018. This opportunity provided me with so much growth and hunger to really help others succeed with their businesses.
What does Fine Print Secretarial Services do?
I provide Virtual Business Support and I am Passionate About Enabling.
Alongside the usual secretarial services that can be provided, I enjoy transcription; working with web design – helping you build your own website/social media pages and maintaining them. I can also provide email management; Minutes; Electronic filing – encouraging the paperless office. You can find out much more on my main website in the link at the bottom of this page.
Do you have any hobbies?
I have a great affection for life, singing/music, art, photography, culture, writing, reading, knitting… you name it.
What other activities and involvements do you consider help your growth in providing services with Fine Print Secretarial?
Since 2015 I’ve been the Secretary for Cardenden Village Fair Committee. This was another huge jump after my move from Dunfermline at the very end of 2013. I needed to find a way of settling in and enjoying my community. My role is to ensure we have one of the best local events in Fife. Our mission is to raise awareness to local groups and charities. We invite businesses and crafters to come and hold a stall. Then there is the entertainment in the form of Fair Rides; Ponies; Falconry etc. and this all has to be sourced and co-ordinated. Plus we also need vendors providing food on the day.
I liaise with all these bodies and Fife Council. Some 50-60 organisations at the end of the day! Then the final chapter is providing publicity for the event. It’s a job needing a lot of versatility. I’m very proud of each year’s event. It is hard work, but so rewarding! You would be welcome to come along or be involved – please get in touch! Cardenden Village Fair – Sunday 27th August 2023
If you’d like my assistance with your event – I’m always approachable.
Involvement with the Student Community and how Fine Print Secretarial Services can help
Whilst I was a student on my degree, I noticed when it came to doing research and valid surveys, there weren’t many avenues for students to gain an audience that readily free. So, I created a Facebook Page for students to approach – giving them the opportunity to find a greater randomised platform. Student Survey Sharing Resource – UK
Students have always been an important part of my life – especially when I first set out in business. I had an electronic daisywheel typewriter and some of my biggest clients were students with a last minute rush with their dissertations. I have encouraged a few not to give up – and we got there by the deadline – even if that meant they were still writing it the night before!
Over the years I’ve also enjoyed transcribing interviews conducted by students in their research towards their dissertations. I offer good rates in recognition of how much support I was given by them in my early years. The Student Survey Sharing page is free. I do not even tell them about my work. It’s just nice to be able to contribute in some small way.
The page has been very quiet over the last few years. I think the disruption with Covid lockdowns didn’t help. But it is still there and readily available should you wish a little help.
Musically yours… and teamwork
I might have mentioned above that I like to sing? Well, I do! Sadly, I don’t play an instrument to the ability of accompanying myself. But I have been a member of an online Karaoke site since May 2007. Here I have collaborated with a few real musicians and I also created my own YouTube channel and collaborated with a few folk here. One of my finest achievements and biggest challenge for the editors was a collaboration on a Dougie McLean song. I was approached to see if I would like to join in. I said, I might be able to make up a harmony. They said, can you sing lead? Wow! You have to remember, this was before Zoom and many other online tools to create incredibly well produced music and video. So, I’m sharing this piece of 2010 – not on my channel – but I am CerebralJam!
A collaboration
I like to be creative with my singing. And I have over the years on the Karaoke site I am a member of set up and ran themed challenges. These are non competitive but a way of involving others in an otherwise huge space. It has been a lot of fun. It also involves being able to be a good team player, leader, encourager!
More recently for myself, I’ve enjoyed playing with my Yamaha AG06/RØDE NT1-A, a ring light and OBS – Opensource software. I’m having a lot of fun. I will maybe share some of my recordings one day. But this is a good snippet of what I like to do!
This Blog replaces my Webmaster’s Ramblings in the hope of bringing you a part of my life and my community.
This is a place to relax, share and relate. Welcome.
For my main website services and details please go to: Fine Print Secretarial Services – HOME . Or continue enjoying reading my blog articles listed here: Fine Print News Blog