About SOS

SOS is a one-stop shop for small to medium sized businesses requiring help in nearly any department in your business.  As business consultants, we can help you start your business with incorporation, business plans, marketing plans, office logistics, finances & bookkeeping set-up and marketing.  We also offer an outsource alternative for small businesses that wish to spend the work day generating sales instead of the day-to-day administration and endless paper trail that can grind your sales to a halt.

SOS Office Solutions is a 21st century alternative to business management. Although office assistance, in the form of an administrator has long been established, management in the form of outsourcing is a relatively new concept.

The clerk, administrative or executive assistant is traditionally a hired employee who operates out of the office space within the company and paid either an hourly rate or monthly salary. The company not only provides the space for these employees, but the tools and supplies required to complete their job description. Some companies also provide benefits and programs to their employees.

SOS does not work inside the company office suite or require any office supplies, furniture or equipment as we work from our own office. Since SOS is a subcontractor, there are no employee benefit packages, vacation pay, or employee tax obligations required on the part of the company. Many companies requiring services usually have everything they need to transmit the information to us. Telephone, e-mail, fax machines and courier services are the only tools needed to communicate effectively with SOS. We also offer local pick-up and drop-off service at your request.

Using a subcontractor has become a very popular and efficient way to keep your business operating smoothly. It helps small or home-based businesses concentrate on sales and service, as well as being a viable option for larger companies and corporations wanting to downsize their operations in order to lower their operating costs.

SOS Office Solutions LLC is owned and operated by Lorena McLauchlin. Lorena has over twenty years of experience in administration in the following aspects:

• Notary Public Services
• Mailroom
• Reception
• Clerical
• Accounts Payable / Receivable
• Computerized Accounting
• Collections
• Executive Assistance
• Office Management
• Event Coordination
• Business Consulting
• Real Estate Fundamentals (Investing)
• Small Business Start-Up
• Payroll / Federal & State Reporting
  

Residing in Bellingham, WA, Lorena manages SOS Office Solutions and her network of assistants. Specializing in business consulting, Lorena enjoys the challenges associated with start-ups and existing businesses looking to improve their logistics. With a creative mind and the ability to 'think outside the box', Lorena has been very successful in the organization of start-up businesses, corporate events and functions.  Lorena has also gone into struggling businesses, audited systems and finances and put them back on the road to prosperity.  She is on the Board of Directors for the Bellingham Real Estate Investor Network (BREIN), and is a member of  Whatcom Young Professionals (WYPs).

Testimonials

"I had very short notice to put on a corporate event.  I heard that Lorena was a master at event planning so I rolled the dice and went with SOS to plan my event.  We planned it together over the course of two lunches.  When the event happened two weeks later, all I did was show up!  Everything went over without a hitch and with little stress on my part.  Thank you SOS!"  -  J. Smyth, Lynden

"I walked into SOS with nothing but an idea, and walked out with a business and a future to get excited about." - D.R., Blaine

"SOS Office Solutions was a lifesaver! When I decided to go into business for myself, I just wanted to 'do what I do' without worrying about the books, which I find time consuming and confusing." - L.D., Bellingham

"I wish I had found Lorena 20 years ago." - W.F.

"SOS has done wonders with my cluttered desk. Before SOS, I had no procedures in place to deal with the endless paper trail. Now my office runs like clockwork!" - M.S.

"It's hard to admit, but my business was in trouble and on the verge of closing. I called for "SOS" and Lorena came in, audited the business, and repaired the years of neglect on the books and business practices. Now, customers we had written off are coming back and we are actually turning a profit!" - Name withheld

"I wanted to detail automobiles for a living, but didn't know where to begin. SOS got me set up with computer accounting, brochures and cards. I was trained to enter my own receipts and pay bills, do my tax remittance and customer invoicing. Now, I run my business on my own, but I know SOS is there when I need them." - C.L., Blaine, WA

"I realized that I couldn't do it all and decided to use the expertise of SOS to take care of the bookkeeping and administration aspects. I find using SOS's flexible service to be of great value as I am not under the constant obligation of providing consistent work hours for an employee when there isn't consistent work. SOS affords me the time to focus on my business dealings so I am not pre-occupied with bookkeeping and other clerical tasks". - M. Swanson, Bellingham, WA

"SOS Office Solutions is really a vital part of our business. We originally needed a bookkeeper, but we got much more than that. Lorena's integrity, work ethic, and knowledge of business is excellent, and having SOS handle the details gives us the time to go create more business. It's wonderful having SOS on our team, and I can easily recommend that you work with them also." - Dan O'Donnell, O'Donnell's Bellingham Flea Market - www.bellinghamfleamarket.com