Virtual Mel - Business Admin Solutions

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

🪄 From this… to THIS! 💗
Four years ago, I waved my magic wand 🪄 and rebranded Taupō’s Fairy Godmother into Virtual Mel – Business Admin Solutions.
Taupō’s Fairy Godmother had originally been my little side hustle, offering everything from postnatal home help through to bookkeeping and admin.

✨ Virtual Mel – Business Admin Solutions was born.
What started with bookkeeping and admin has grown into a business supporting clients across New Zealand with bookkeeping, accounting and tax services, payroll, business admin, AI, systems and automation.
There have been plenty of challenges, a LOT of learning, some pretty incredible milestones and opportunities I genuinely never imagined when I waved that magic wand four years ago.💗
Sometimes you have to look back at where you started to appreciate just how far you've come.
From Taupō’s Fairy Godmother ➡️ Virtual Mel.
Turns out that magic wand wasn't such a bad idea after all. 🪄😂

01/09/2026

🤖 MCP is starting to get VERY exciting!

One of the main tools I use every single day in my business can now connect directly with AI through MCP (Model Context Protocol) and I’ve now connected XBert MCP to Claude. 🙌

What does that actually mean?
Instead of AI sitting separately from the systems I work in, it can now work with XBert and help me get things done.

I’m already starting to use it to:

✨ Assist with client onboarding, including setting up a new client and assigning our tax templates
✨ Pull information from XBert without having to jump between systems
✨ Include my XBert tasks in my daily AI brief, so I can see what needs my attention that day
✨ Reduce some of those repetitive little admin steps that take up time behind the scenes

This is the part of AI that really excites me.

It’s not just asking ChatGPT or Claude a question anymore. With tools like MCP, AI is becoming connected to the actual software we use to run our businesses and that opens up a whole new world of possibilities. 🤯

I’m only just getting started with what I can do with the XBert MCP connection, but I can already see this becoming a big part of how I work.

Work smarter, not harder! 💗

01/09/2026

✨ I am so incredibly proud to be a finalist for the AMPLIFY Solo Superstar at this year’s Stella Awards! 🏆
Being a Sole Trader means wearing all the hats. I’m the strategist, marketer, operator, customer service superstar and visionary — all while keeping Virtual Mel agile, focused and moving forward.
The AMPLIFY Solo Superstar category celebrates sole traders who are building a presence in a competitive market on their own terms, using creativity, savvy and self-belief — while keeping one eye firmly on the future.
That really resonates with my journey and the business I’ve built.
While I have amazing people who support me behind the scenes, ultimately I hold the reins — the decisions, direction, growth and responsibility for Virtual Mel sit with me.
I’m incredibly proud of how far the business has come and very honoured to be recognised alongside the other amazing Solo Superstar finalists.
Good luck everyone! 💗
See you at the Great Lake Centre on 11 September for the black-and-gold Celebration Evening! 🥂✨

30/08/2026

To DIY or Not to DIY: Professional Bookkeeping Services ?

As a business owner, you might be contemplating whether to handle your bookkeeping yourself or bring in professional assistance. It's a valid question that many entrepreneurs face. Let's explore the pros and cons.

📌 DIY Bookkeeping:

✅ Cost Savings: Doing it yourself can save money, especially in the early stages of your business.
✅ Insight into Finances: You'll have a hands-on understanding of your financials.

❌ DIY Bookkeeping:

❗️ Time-Consuming: Bookkeeping can be a significant time drain, taking you away from growing your business.
❗️ Risk of Errors: Even small mistakes can lead to financial discrepancies and tax issues.
❗️ Limited Expertise: Bookkeeping regulations and tax laws can be complex; professional expertise can ensure compliance.

📌 Professional Bookkeeping Services:

✅ Expertise: Trained professionals ensure accuracy and keep you compliant with tax laws.
✅ Time-Saving: You get to focus on your core operations while experts handle bookkeeping.
✅ Financial Insights: Professionals can provide valuable financial insights and cost-saving opportunities.

❌ Professional Bookkeeping Services:

❗️ Investment: It involves a cost, but the benefits can often outweigh the expense.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your expertise, available time, and the specific needs of your business. Consider the potential benefits and costs, and remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. If you have questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out.

https://zurl.co/qt6zi

29/08/2026

🩷 I need your vote! 🩷
I'm incredibly honoured to be a finalist in the 2026 Taupō Stella Awards! 🎉

🗳️ Voting is open till Monday 5pm!

👉 https://zurl.co/BPrr6

Simply select Amplify Powerhouse Professionals and vote for Virtual Mel !

As part of the voting process, you'll also be asked to share why you think I deserve to win (minimum 20 words). Your comments aren't just appreciated by me, they're also considered by the judges and provide incredibly valuable feedback for finalists. 🩷

27/08/2026

🎉 Well… look what just arrived!
A couple of weeks ago I attended the Content Snare AI Summit, and at the end they spun the prize wheel for an Espresso 15 Display…
And somehow it landed on ME! 😂🙌
I genuinely didn’t expect to win, so it was an awesome surprise.
Fast forward to today and my Espresso Display has officially arrived! 😍🖥️
A massive thank you to Content Snare for the prize, and for putting together such a fantastic AI Summit. There were loads of great ideas and practical ways to use AI in business.
This little beauty is going to be brilliant for working remotely and travelling, because as we know one laptop screen is never enough. 🤣
Now to get it set up and have a play!

27/08/2026

⏰ Provisional Tax Due Today!
A quick Friday reminder for NZ businesses, the first 2027 provisional tax instalment is due today, 28 August.
If it’s still sitting on your to-do list, now’s the time to get it ticked off ✔️
Make sure payment is made to IRD before the end of the day!
Not sure how much you should be paying or whether provisional tax applies to you? Get in touch and we can help.

27/08/2026

📰✨ Look who’s in the local paper!
Celebrating being a finalist in TWO categories at the 2026 Stella Awards! 🏆
🌟 Powerhouse Professionals
🌟 AMPLIFY Solo Superstar

A massive thank you to my amazing clients and local community for continuing to support Virtual Mel. I certainly wouldn’t be here without you.
And a huge shout-out to the Stella Awards team, sponsors and judges, and congratulations again to all the incredible 2026 finalists.
Now there’s not long to go until the black-and-gold Celebration Evening on 11 September! 🥂✨

27/08/2026

Save up to 8 days per year by learning these shortcuts!

Yes, you can save some serious time by learning these simple tricks.

Here are 5 of my favourite shortcuts.

What is your favourite shortcut?