Highline Virtual LLC

Why It’s Time to Update Your Website (and 5 Simple Tips to Get Started)

HIGHLIGHTS

Whether you’re running a small business or leading a nonprofit, your website is one of your most valuable tools.

It’s often the first impression potential clients, customers, or donors have of you—and in today’s digital world, that impression needs to be current, clear, and compelling.

So, how often should you update your website?

A good rule of thumb is to do a light refresh every 3–6 months and a deeper review at least once a year. That doesn’t mean a full redesign every time. However, it does mean checking for outdated info. You should also check for broken links. Look for opportunities to improve how people experience your site.

Not sure where to start?

Here are 5 simple tips to help you confidently update your business or nonprofit website:

Start with the Basics: Is Your Info Accurate?
Double-check your hours, contact information, services, staff bios, and pricing. These are small things, but if they’re wrong, they can damage trust—and cost you leads or donations.

Pro Tip: Set a quarterly reminder to review key info on your homepage, about page, and contact page.

Update Photos and Visuals
People connect with faces and real stories. If your team has changed, or if your last photo update was more than a year ago, it’s time for some fresh visuals. This is especially important for nonprofits: show your impact with recent photos from events or programs.

Pro Tip: Use high-quality images and keep file sizes small so your site loads quickly.

Add New Testimonials or Case Studies
Social proof is powerful. If a happy client or supporter sent you a kind note or success story, ask for permission to share it! Real voices help new visitors feel confident about working with or supporting you.

Pro Tip: Rotate in new quotes a few times a year to keep things fresh and relevant.

Make Sure It Works on Mobile
Over half of web traffic now comes from mobile devices. Pull up your site on your phone or tablet and make sure it’s easy to navigate. Buttons should be tap-friendly, and text should be easy to read without zooming.

Pro Tip: Use Google’s free Mobile-Friendly Test to spot any issues.

Check for Broken Links & Speed Issues
A slow or glitchy website can turn visitors away. Use free tools like Broken Link Checker to scan your site and make sure everything’s running smoothly.

Pro Tip: If you’re not tech-savvy, a virtual assistant or web professional can do a quick audit for you every few months.

Final Thoughts

Your website doesn’t have to be perfect—but it should be active. Think of it like a storefront: even small seasonal updates show people you’re open, engaged, and ready to help.

If you need a hand keeping your site updated, you’re not alone. Many small business owners and nonprofit leaders don’t have time to do it all—and that’s okay! There’s help out there so you can stay focused on the work you love.

Need Help Keeping Your Website Fresh?

Email me at faith@highlineadmin.com—I’d be happy to help you with quick updates, content refreshes, or a simple website audit.

Let’s make sure your online presence reflects the great work you’re doing.

My Story: From Kindergarten Teacher to Admin Guide

HIGHLIGHTS

I used to teach 5-year-olds. Now I help entrepreneurs.

I didn’t start my career in business—I started in a kindergarten classroom.

Teaching taught me how to create calm out of chaos, build systems from scratch, and juggle a lot of moving parts. It also taught me how to plan like a pro (hello, Plan A, B, and C).

Now I use those same skills to help small teams run more smoothly—without burnout.

When I launched Highline Admin, I saw how many amazing leaders were struggling behind the scenes. They didn’t need full-time staff. They just needed a little back-office backup. That’s what I provide—with a warm, steady, and supportive approach.

CTA:
👉 Curious what kind of support would make the biggest difference for you? Reply and tell me your biggest admin struggle right now.

👉 faith@highlineadmin.com

Helping small teams do big things.

Free Up Your Time: 10 Tasks to Delegate Now

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“What could you take off your plate this week?”

If you’re wearing all the hats in your business or nonprofit, you’re not alone.

Running the show on your own (or with a tiny team) means your to-do list is always growing—but your hours aren’t. This guide was made for small-but-mighty organizations like yours that need just a little help—2 to 10 hours a week—to stay on top of admin tasks without hiring a full-time staff member.

Here’s your friendly checklist of the most common back-office tasks that smart business owners and nonprofit leaders delegate first.

💡 Pro Tip:
Start by handing off 1–2 recurring tasks that take the most energy or time.
Even a small shift (like getting your invoices out on time every time) can free up hours and mental space for the work that really matters.

📩 Ready to cross a few things off your list?
Email me your top 3 admin headaches—and I’ll tell you how I can help.
Whether it’s a one-time fix or a few hours a week, we’ll build a solution that fits your needs and your budget.

👉 faith@highlineadmin.com

Helping small teams do big things.

World War II: Miracles Amid Destruction

ON THE BLOG

Under Special Protection

As an administrative assistant for small businesses and nonprofit organizations, I often find myself writing—whether it’s for websites, newsletters, or grant applications. And I love it. There’s something deeply fulfilling about putting words together to share stories, inspire action, and help organizations thrive.

A while back, I wrote a newsletter article. It was about a remarkable piece of history—a donated newspaper clipping from World War II.

The clipping showed a photograph of a church that had been destroyed by the Nazis. In the devastation, one thing stood untouched: a beautiful statue of St. Therese. She stood tall, undisturbed, a symbol of resilience and faith in the face of destruction.

This story struck a chord with me. Many years ago, I taught Kindergarten at St. Therese, and during that time, I learned a lot about the saint. One of the things I loved most was her simple yet profound motto: “Do little things with great love.” It’s a philosophy that has stuck with me over the years because it feels so accessible. It reminds me that small acts of kindness, care, and dedication can have a lasting impact.

That belief carries over into the work I do today. I help nonprofits secure funding. I craft compelling newsletters. I manage administrative tasks so a small business can focus on its mission. I strive to do even the smallest tasks with great love.

Saint Therese gives me hope that we can all be saints in our own little ways.

Not by doing grand gestures but rather focusing on little things —done with great care—that make all the difference.

Flight Expo Inc Newsletter, March 2024

“World War II, which lasted from 1939 to 1945, was a global conflict involving most of the world’s nations. It was the deadliest and most widespread war in history, resulting in millions of casualties, immense destruction, and significant political and social upheaval.

During World War II, especially in occupied areas such as France, there were instances where Nazi forces seized control of churches for various reasons, including using them as military bases or storage facilities. Montebourg, like many other towns in France, experienced German occupation during the war. The occupation of churches by Nazi forces was part of their broader strategy to assert control over occupied territories.

Sunday News, August 13, 1944. Another miracle.

Through all the destruction, there were still miracles to be found.

Following a naval bombardment from the Allied forces, Nazis were driven out of a medieval church dating back to the 15th century. Left among the ruins was a statue of St. Therese of Lisieux, also known as “The Little Flower.” Therese was a French Catholic nun who lived in the 19th century. She entered the Carmelite convent in Lisieux at the age of 15. Therese is renowned for her spiritual autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” which she published after her death. In this autobiography, she described her “Little Way,” which emphasized simplicity, humility, and devotion to God in everyday life. Therese advocated for performing small acts of love and kindness with great love, believing these simple gestures could lead to holiness. Despite her short life – she died at age 24 from tuberculosis – she was canonized as a saint in 1925 and remains one of the most influential saints in the Catholic tradition.

When the Nazis fled the church in Montebourg back in 1925, the statue of St. Therese stood; undisturbed, looking out over the vast destruction, silently holding onto the faith that she exuded, performing one more small act of love to show us all the way.”

The Story Behind Highline: A Name with Meaning

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Walking the Highline Trail was very much like starting a business: equal parts exhilarating and terrifying.

When I launched Highline Admin in January 2023, I wanted a name that held personal significance and embodied my passion. After much thought, I landed on Highline—a name inspired by one of my greatest adventures.

Growing up, my family spent a lot of time hiking. One of my favorite places to explore was my grandmother’s 160 acres of land and the surrounding properties in Nevis. My mother, having grown up there, knew the woods like the back of her hand. We would set off on long walks, giving our dogs the chance to roam freely and burn off their endless energy. Sometimes, we’d wander down to the slough below the house, trying to get a peek of the lake over tall cattails. Other times, we’d trek to a neighbor’s cabin, letting curiosity guide our steps. If we wanted a shorter walk—or if the wood ticks were particularly relentless—we’d head to the other end of my grandma’s dirt road, where a neighbor raised buffalo. The sight of them was always incredible: massive, shaggy creatures that commanded attention as they grazed in the open fields. We’d watch from a distance, awestruck by their power and the slow, deliberate way they moved. But more often than not, we found ourselves in the horse pasture, following the well-worn trails left behind by my uncle’s Appaloosas. A dark brown mare, named Tootsie, was my favorite. She was kind, gentle and gladly ate sugar cubes from our outstretched hands. These hikes weren’t just ways to pass the time—they were adventures that shaped my love for the land and the boundless sense of freedom it provided.

However, the hike that made the biggest impact on me wasn’t in my home state. I discovered it on a road trip to Glacier National Park. The Highline Trail instantly became my all-time favorite. It quickly narrows into a dirt path with a sheer drop on one side and a towering rock face on the other. For those who are faint of heart (like me), the park has bolted a thick metal rope into the cliffside to provide a reassuring grip. The trail offers sweeping views of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a sight equal parts exhilarating and frightening—much like starting a business.

The Highline Trail is a challenging 7.6-mile (one-way) route that stretches from the Logan Pass Visitor Center to the remote Granite Park Chalet. Recognized as one of Glacier National Park’s premier day hikes, it offers breathtaking views, encounters with glaciers, alpine wildflowers, and diverse wildlife. The trail meanders through alpine meadows from Logan Pass to Goat Haunt, allowing hikers to journey from the heart of Glacier Park all the way to the Canadian border.

The Highline Trail embodied everything I love about hiking: adventure, perseverance, and the thrill of pushing forward. These same values resonate deeply with my approach to business and life. Choosing Highline Admin as my business name wasn’t just a tribute to a beautiful place; it was a reminder of my journey, both personal and professional. It represents ambition, resilience, and the courage to take the road less traveled.

If you ever visit Glacier National Park, make sure to hike the Highline Trail. And if you’re embarking on your own business journey, choose a name that tells your story and reflects your passion.

Highline Admin

Finding Funding: A Look at Grant Databases

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Many clients ask where I find grant opportunities. I think the best way to locate them is through online databases.

Grant databases provide access to thousands of funding opportunities, saving time and increasing your chances of finding the right fit for your organization. Here’s a look at three popular grant databases: GrantStation, GrantWatch, and Instrumentl.

GrantStation

Cost: $219 per year (with frequent discounts available through partner organizations)
What Makes It Unique: GrantStation offers a user-friendly platform with a comprehensive collection of grant opportunities, including private foundations, government grants, and international funding. They also provide valuable resources like grant-writing tutorials and a weekly newsletter with curated opportunities. It’s an excellent choice for nonprofits that want access to both funding opportunities and educational resources.

GrantWatch

Cost: $199 per quarter or $699 annually
What Makes It Unique: GrantWatch stands out for its extensive listing of grants from government agencies, foundations, and corporations. It is particularly beneficial for organizations seeking time-sensitive funding, as it highlights grants with upcoming deadlines. GrantWatch also categorizes grants by sector, making it easy to find opportunities aligned with your mission.

Instrumentl

Cost: Starting at $195 per month, with discounts available for annual subscriptions
What Makes It Unique: Instrumentl combines grant discovery, tracking, and management in one platform. It uses AI-powered recommendations to match your nonprofit with relevant funding opportunities. Additionally, Instrumentl offers robust collaboration tools, allowing teams to track deadlines, manage applications, and monitor progress. It’s ideal for larger organizations or those managing multiple grant applications.

Choosing the Right Platform

When selecting a grant database, consider factors such as your budget, the size of your team, and the types of funding you’re seeking. If you’re focused on learning grant writing alongside finding opportunities, GrantStation may be the best fit. For time-sensitive searches and clear deadline tracking, GrantWatch is a reliable option. If you need an all-in-one management tool and have a larger budget, Instrumentl is worth the investment.

Explore these platforms, take advantage of any free trials, and find the right grant database to help your nonprofit grow and thrive.

Highline Admin

A Look Inside My Office: Where Productivity Meets Comfort

HIGHLIGHTS

They say your workspace is a reflection of you, and if that’s true, my office is a perfect blend of efficiency and warmth. I spend a significant amount of time on administrative tasks and grant applications. Therefore, I need my space to be functional and inviting. Let me take you on a little tour of my office.

The Heart of My Office: A Picture of Glacier National Park

A stunning picture of Glacier National Park hangs on the wall, right in my camera’s line of sight. This park is home to the famous Highline Trail. It serves as a nod to my business, Highline. It also reminds me of the beauty of nature. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of perseverance. It’s a daily source of inspiration, pushing me to reach new heights.

A Cozy Space with History

The original owner of our home built a three-season porch, but we converted it into a year-round office by adding insulation, heating, and cooling. Now, it’s the perfect at-home office space—comfortable in every season and an ideal blend of function and charm.

Staying Warm with a Wood-Burning Stove

Winters can be long and cold, but my wood-burning stove keeps my office cozy and comfortable. There’s something incredibly peaceful about the crackling of the fire as I work. It provides warmth, both physically and mentally, making my office feel like a true retreat.

Double Monitors for Maximum Efficiency

Working on multiple browsers, drafting documents, and managing spreadsheets need space—digital space. That’s why I have two monitors. They allow me to multitask with ease, whether I’m researching, writing, or coordinating schedules. It’s a game-changer for productivity.

A File Cabinet for the Classics

While the world is increasingly digital, sometimes nothing beats having a hard copy of important documents. My file cabinet is a staple in my office, keeping essential records organized and within reach. At the beginning of every year, I empty the file cabinet, place all paperwork from the previous year into a storage container—usually a shoebox because I like to be resourceful and use what I have—and store it away. This frees up file space and keeps me organized in case I ever need to look back. It’s a small but mighty component of my workflow.

A View That Never Gets Old

One of the best things about my office? The breathtaking view of the lake just outside my windows. In the spring, I can hear and watch the trumpeter swans as they migrate. On hot summer days, the lake transforms into a shimmering expanse of blue, reflecting the sun’s golden rays. The water looks almost glass-like in the morning before the heat rises, and by midday, the gentle ripples invite swimmers, kayakers, and boaters to enjoy its refreshing embrace. It’s a constant reminder to take a deep breath, reset when needed, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds me.

The Paper Desk Calendar: Simple but Essential

With so many tasks and deadlines to manage, I rely on my paper desk calendar. There’s just something about physically writing things down that makes them stick. Plus, having an at-a-glance overview of my schedule helps me stay on top of everything without getting lost in digital clutter.

Comfort is Key: My Desk Chair

Last but not least, my office wouldn’t be complete without my comfortable desk chair. Long hours at the desk demand good support, and my chair ensures that I can work effectively without discomfort. It’s one of those investments that pays off every single day.

My office is more than just a workspace—it’s a place where efficiency meets inspiration. Whether it’s the warmth of the stove, the beauty of Glacier National Park, or the organization of my dual monitors and file cabinet, every piece plays a role in creating an environment that fuels productivity.

Now that you’ve had a glimpse inside my office, what are the must-haves in your own workspace?

Empower Your Business: A Free Ivy League Certificate for Women Entrepreneurs

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Starting a business can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to learn, and the journey can be daunting.

But you don’t have to do it alone! When I began my entrepreneurship journey, I discovered an incredible free program designed specifically for women starting their own businesses. I was thrilled to find this opportunity, and now I want to share it with you.

The Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell offers a free online certificate program. It is tailored for women looking to start their businesses. It also helps manage and grow them. Thanks to a partnership between Bank of America and Cornell University, this program provides access to Ivy League education. It is offered at no cost. This is an opportunity too good to pass up!

Why I Recommend This Program

I personally took this class and found it incredibly helpful. The section I found most interesting focused on Business Planning. I grew up in a family with limited extras. This taught me the value of budgeting and saving from an early age. Because of this, I have developed a strong passion for personal finances. I actually look forward to balancing my checkbook and creating budgets! That same mindset naturally translated into my love for business planning, which I now find both exciting and essential.

Pair that with a teaching background, where planning is second nature to me. I always make sure there’s a Plan A, B, and C (because let’s be honest, sometimes in a Kindergarten classroom the wheels completely fall off!). So, you can imagine my excitement when I took my first Business Planning course on creating a business pro forma.

It might sound fancy, but don’t let it intimidate you! At its core, a pro forma is simply a financial road map. A pro forma is important because it helps businesses plan for the future. It shows how much money they might make and spend, helping them make smart decisions. Businesses use it to set goals, find problems early, and show investors or banks that they have a good plan for success. It can also help you visualize how your business could perform financially in the best-case, worst-case, and middle-ground scenarios. This information is crucial to gather before launching any business venture—you need to know: What happens if my business thrives? What if it just gets by? What if it struggles? Now answer for yourself: Does your great business idea still make sense to pursue?

That wasn’t the only interesting topic you will cover in the course. You will also learn about:

🔹Creating your venture: Personal readiness and customer discovery

🔹Funding your business venture and business planning

🔹Making it legal: Different business entities (LLC, C Corp, and S Corp)

🔹Marketing including developing a brand identity, logo and tagline

Fair warning: you will have homework! But trust me, it’s worth it. As you work through the coursework, you’ll gain valuable insights. You’ll learn from knowledgeable Cornell professors. They truly understand what it takes to build a successful business. I promise—you’ll learn a lot!

How to Get Started:

Enrollment is open to women entrepreneurs across the U.S., and spots fill up quickly. Don’t wait to invest in yourself and your business!

🔗The Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell

This is your chance to gain a world-class education without the financial burden. I highly recommend it—it made a difference for me, and I know it can for you, too!

Highline Admin

From Kindergarten Teacher to Entrepreneur: My Journey

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My professional journey began in the classroom. I spent years as a dedicated teacher there. I had the pleasure of teaching Kindergarten through 2nd grade. During this time, I nurtured young minds and laid the foundation for their educational success.

As time went on, and I started a family of my own, my focus shifted away from the classroom. Being an Early Childhood Professional, staying at home with my kids was something I had always wanted to do. Our family slowly grew to a family of six with 2 cats and a bunny.

I loved my time at home with the kids. The most precious commodity we have in life is time. I was incredibly fortunate to spend so much of it with my children during their formative years.

Eventually, all my babies grew up and headed off to school. My once-busy days—filled with diaper changes, feedings, Lego-building sessions, and chasing kids on bikes around the neighborhood—became eerily quiet. The volunteer committees that had kept me engaged weren’t quite enough to fill the newfound space in my life, and I found myself wondering,

What’s next?

Around that time, a neighbor mentioned he needed an assistant to help with his business. That casual conversation sparked an idea: Instead of returning to full-time teaching, what if I started my own business?

Growing up, I watched my mother successfully run a small daycare from our home. She always had steady work, and the extra income made a real difference for our family. I’d always been self-disciplined, independent, and passionate about helping others—qualities that seemed like a perfect fit for entrepreneurship.

And so, I took the leap. What started as a simple idea quickly grew into something bigger, and I haven’t looked back since.

Two years later, my neighbor is still my client. I truly enjoy supporting him with all the behind-the-scenes aspects of running his business. It’s interesting. I’ve come to realize that every business has two distinct sides. One is the actual work that is done for the customers. The other is the essential back-office paperwork. The behind-the-scenes paperwork is crucial for any business. It ensures compliance with local and state regulations. It also involves managing taxes and keeping customer payments on track. And that back-office paperwork is what I excel at as an assistant. From processing weekly payroll and managing invoices to assisting with permit applications, I find satisfaction in every part of it.

It began as a small idea. Now it has grown into Highline. This is my business dedicated to providing expert administrative support for small business owners. Over time, I expanded my services to include grant writing, helping businesses secure funding to grow and thrive. I’ve had great success, including raising $50,000 for one client alone!

Building my business has been an incredibly rewarding journey. I love using my skills to support hardworking entrepreneurs. This gives them the time and resources to focus on what they do best.

Highline Admin

Highline Takes the Polar Plunge for Flight Expo

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A Thrilling Event for a Good Cause

February 2024, Highline took a bold step into the icy waters of Big Lake for an unforgettable Sherburne County United Way United We Shiver Polar Plunge. Despite the temperature hovering around 10 degrees, that winter had been surprisingly mild, with little snow on the ground.

As the time for the plunge neared, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Divers were stationed both on the ice and in the water, ensuring the safety of every participant. One by one, groups were called up, each raising funds for a nonprofit close to their hearts.

**Thank you to J. Callahan Photography of Princeton, MN for the spectacular photo.

Highline’s mission for the plunge was clear—we were there to support Flight Expo Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and engaging youth in aviation careers. This is an organization that empowers the next generation to take flight, quite literally, by inspiring them to pursue careers in aviation.

When Flight Expo was announced, it was our turn. With no hesitation, we sprinted toward the icy water, hearts racing in anticipation of the plunge. The goal was clear: to reach the bell at the end of the plunge before the cold even registered. And in a blur of shivering limbs and adrenaline, we did it!

Until next year’s plunge!

Emerging from the freezing waters, soaked to the bone, we raced to the warmth of the nearby warming tent, eager to thaw out and celebrate the victory of both the plunge and our support for such an amazing cause.

It was cold, it was intense, but it was all worth it—proving that sometimes, the best way to warm your heart is by taking a leap into the cold for something you believe in.