Showing posts with label virtual assistant. Show all posts
Showing posts with label virtual assistant. Show all posts
Thursday, September 12, 2013
Entrepreneurship Highest in Decades –One Industry, Virtual Assistant Industry Leads the Way
According to a recent study by Babson College and Baruch College, U.S. entrepreneurship rates have climbed to their highest level in more than a decade. Some attribute this to the fact that after the financial crisis of 2007, hundreds of corporations went belly-up and workers either lost their jobs or realized there was no longer financial security. Others feel it’s because so many are realizing the huge potential of self-employment. No matter the reason, one thing is clear, more and more are becoming entrepreneurs. And one industry that continues to lead the way is the Virtual Assistant Industry, which was voted as one of the most popular businesses to start, according to a recent article in Home Business magazine. In fact according to Google Trends, since 2004 the number of individuals searching for “virtual assistants” has risen 650%.
So what is a virtual assistant? A virtual assistant or VA is a highly skilled professional who provides administrative support and other specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, and others who have more work to do than time to do it.
Here are just a few reasons virtual assistants are in high demand today:
• Not only are small businesses appearing in record numbers, but they are growing at record rates and as these businesses grow, they need support. A virtual assistant is the ideal source for that support because they come to the table with the knowledge, skills and expertise needed to provide critical services.
• Social media is an important element of any business success today and most business owners do not have the time or skills to do it properly, thus losing time and money. VAs can be instrumental in this area, which can lead to greater exposure and increased profitability for those businesses. From keeping up with the latest Facebook additions to offering tips on what to post to continue to build a brand, VAs excel in this area. Because of that, virtual assistants now can add the social media niche to the other niches they can specialize in.
• Technology is advancing and improving faster now than ever before and small businesses often find it difficult to keep up. As more and more are utilizing tablets, smartphones, and many other devices, a business needs to be set up properly for this mobile marketing and a virtual assistant can provide those tools. From helping to get a website mobile friendly to assisting with mobile marketing, virtual assistants and virtual assistant teams bring businesses into the 21st century plus providing great opportunities for tech savvy virtual assistants.
• Because VAs typically work on a contract basis from their home offices, they are less expensive and less cumbersome than having to hire an employee and provide office space, equipment, benefits, salary, etc. In today’s economy, these aspects of working with a VA are becoming more and more attractive to small business owners and entrepreneurs. So the potential for virtual assistants continues to rise.
The growth of small business combined with the massive increase in people using technology and the internet creates an atmosphere that’s perfect for those who wish to become a virtual assistant regardless of the stage of career they are in. For young workers it can be the one and only career they have. For seasoned professionals it can be the result of a re-invention of themselves; and it works well for military families, families with small children or empty-nesters.
The good news is that there is training available to help anyone who has the desire and the commitment to make it happen. Plus leaders in the virtual assistant industry continue to offer advice on how you too can become successful. In fact, you can join the authors of VA the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA, for monthly chats on how to succeed in your virtual assistant business. You can do it.
Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker are the co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and accompanying Virtual Assistant - The Series Workbook. Stop by their site for complete information on starting your own VA business http://www.vatheseries.com. Connect with them online at @dianaennen and @kellypoelker or facebook.com/becomeava. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Friday, March 01, 2013
Different Payment Options for Working with Virtual Assistants
Not sure what payment option to use when working with Virtual Assistants and their team? Fortunately, there are many payment options available. You can work with them on an hourly basis, retainer basis, utilize their service packages, and even hire them to work with blocks of time. Dependent on the client and their needs, a plan can be customized and implanted specifically for them. This is especially beneficial for those clients who aren’t exactly sure what their needs will be. Let’s break it down.
Here are several payment options to explore:
Hourly Rates – This is the base rate charged for work done on an hourly basis. Normally it’s a higher rate than say your retainer rate, but it still can be effective. With the hourly rate, you have one rate for every hour worked. Most online support businesses, however, normally recommend their client go with a small block of time as opposed to hourly so the client receives the maximum benefit.
Retainer Rates – With retainer rates, you retain services for so many hours a month, and normally the service provider’s rate goes down the more hours retained. The hours are to be used during that month. The benefit of retainer rates is not only do you receive a lower rate than the hourly option, but also you are guaranteed the Virtual Assistant and their team will be available for those hours.
Blocks of Time – You purchase a block of time (say 5, 10 or 15 hours) and once the time is up, you can purchase additional blocks of time. The beauty here is there is no rush to get work to your Virtual Assistant at the end of the month as with the retainer option. With blocks of time, a set price is usually in place and you can order the block of time that fits best for you. However, some companies do offer a lower rate for larger blocks of time (say 20 to 30 hours).
Packages – As the title suggests, this option refers to grouping together services for one fee. You can have add-ons to that fee, but the main package is set. For example, you can purchase a package for a WordPress blog and the support needed to get it up and running. You can also buy packages for such things as having a press release written and sending it out to a designated number of places.
What’s great about offering payment options is no matter what type of business you own or what your specific needs are, Virtual Assistants can customize an option to fit. Speakers and coaches especially benefit because often their projects differ each month with the events they have ongoing. Not sure which one would fit your needs best? Just ask. We will be glad to discuss your needs and help determine the option right for you and your business.
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com and the author of numerous books on starting a virtual assistant business including Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA and accompanying Workbook and also Corel WordPerfect’s Office Ready Virtual Assistant Solution pack. E-mail her at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com to receive your free Business Informational Package. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact
Here are several payment options to explore:
Hourly Rates – This is the base rate charged for work done on an hourly basis. Normally it’s a higher rate than say your retainer rate, but it still can be effective. With the hourly rate, you have one rate for every hour worked. Most online support businesses, however, normally recommend their client go with a small block of time as opposed to hourly so the client receives the maximum benefit.
Retainer Rates – With retainer rates, you retain services for so many hours a month, and normally the service provider’s rate goes down the more hours retained. The hours are to be used during that month. The benefit of retainer rates is not only do you receive a lower rate than the hourly option, but also you are guaranteed the Virtual Assistant and their team will be available for those hours.
Blocks of Time – You purchase a block of time (say 5, 10 or 15 hours) and once the time is up, you can purchase additional blocks of time. The beauty here is there is no rush to get work to your Virtual Assistant at the end of the month as with the retainer option. With blocks of time, a set price is usually in place and you can order the block of time that fits best for you. However, some companies do offer a lower rate for larger blocks of time (say 20 to 30 hours).
Packages – As the title suggests, this option refers to grouping together services for one fee. You can have add-ons to that fee, but the main package is set. For example, you can purchase a package for a WordPress blog and the support needed to get it up and running. You can also buy packages for such things as having a press release written and sending it out to a designated number of places.
What’s great about offering payment options is no matter what type of business you own or what your specific needs are, Virtual Assistants can customize an option to fit. Speakers and coaches especially benefit because often their projects differ each month with the events they have ongoing. Not sure which one would fit your needs best? Just ask. We will be glad to discuss your needs and help determine the option right for you and your business.
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com and the author of numerous books on starting a virtual assistant business including Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA and accompanying Workbook and also Corel WordPerfect’s Office Ready Virtual Assistant Solution pack. E-mail her at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com to receive your free Business Informational Package. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact
Virtual Assistant Books – Choosing the Right One for Your Business
Want to have a successful and highly profitable business? Who doesn’t these days? Well, to do that it’s important to have the right resources as your foundation. As a professional Virtual Assistant (VA) your business success, at least initially, can depend on finding the best virtual assistant book. Choosing the right one can be a daunting task at best; however, there are well-written and highly successful VA books on the market that meet those criteria. You just need to know what to look for. You want one that is hands on, practical, current and offers all the information you need to succeed.
But first, what exactly is a VA? A VA is a highly skilled professional who provides administrative support and specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, sales professionals, and others who have more work than time to do it. They can do everything from offering PR and marketing services to web design, event planning, bookkeeping, administrative tasks and so much more.
So when looking for a virtual assistant book, here are some recommendations:
Experience
Nothing is less practical than a resource written by someone with very little experience in the industry. Be cautious of the books that have been written by those who have been in business for under a year and have few clients. Instead, look to those writers that:
- Know the challenges, triumphs and pitfalls of being in the industry for a good length of time.
- Are highly successful and sought after for their expertise. Let their record of accomplishment speak for itself.
- Are out there on social networks offering tips and recommendations for others.
- Above all, look for those that know what they are talking about and it shows.
Highlights Business Essentials Including Tools & Requirements
Look for a VA book that contains details to getting set up such as:
- Understanding business basics including the type of business to start, how to choose your name, get your licenses, and more.
- A solid, methodical, well-written, practical business plan you can execute in a reasonable period.
- A checklist of all the components you need to start including examples of forms, client assessments, social media tools, self-assessment forms, marketing checklist etc.
Marketing Your Business Essentials
Look for solid marketing advice that is easy to follow, but will yield great results. Be especially mindful of these areas:
- Marketing to your niche and how best to determine that niche and the experience and skills you will need for that.
- Best ways to market that are cost-effective and time sensitive.
- Social media tools that are current and inclusive to those plans
- Updates on the technology and trends to increase your marketing.
Business Operational Procedures
Nice to have the vision for your business, however, day-to-day operations can be like throwing someone in the water who has never swam before and they have either to sink or swim. The right tools to ease that transition include:
- Explains in detail best tips for organization, time management, client relations, office set up and equipment.
- How to price your services.
- Explains the best daily operational procedures such as turnaround time, work balance, etc.
- Taking not only care of your family, most importantly your number one asset, “you” should be tops on that list.
Let us face it there would be no VA industry without accurate resources. Inspiration with practical and successful material is the perfect component to the successful VA book you need for your business.
Kelly Poelker and Diana Ennen are successful virtual assistants and co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After Virtual Assistant and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook, Stop by http://www.vatheseries.com for information on starting a VA business or contact authors at authors@va-theseries.com if you need a virtual assistant. Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DianaEnnen and http://www.twitter.com/KellyPoelker
Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
But first, what exactly is a VA? A VA is a highly skilled professional who provides administrative support and specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs, executives, sales professionals, and others who have more work than time to do it. They can do everything from offering PR and marketing services to web design, event planning, bookkeeping, administrative tasks and so much more.
So when looking for a virtual assistant book, here are some recommendations:
Experience
Nothing is less practical than a resource written by someone with very little experience in the industry. Be cautious of the books that have been written by those who have been in business for under a year and have few clients. Instead, look to those writers that:
- Know the challenges, triumphs and pitfalls of being in the industry for a good length of time.
- Are highly successful and sought after for their expertise. Let their record of accomplishment speak for itself.
- Are out there on social networks offering tips and recommendations for others.
- Above all, look for those that know what they are talking about and it shows.
Highlights Business Essentials Including Tools & Requirements
Look for a VA book that contains details to getting set up such as:
- Understanding business basics including the type of business to start, how to choose your name, get your licenses, and more.
- A solid, methodical, well-written, practical business plan you can execute in a reasonable period.
- A checklist of all the components you need to start including examples of forms, client assessments, social media tools, self-assessment forms, marketing checklist etc.
Marketing Your Business Essentials
Look for solid marketing advice that is easy to follow, but will yield great results. Be especially mindful of these areas:
- Marketing to your niche and how best to determine that niche and the experience and skills you will need for that.
- Best ways to market that are cost-effective and time sensitive.
- Social media tools that are current and inclusive to those plans
- Updates on the technology and trends to increase your marketing.
Business Operational Procedures
Nice to have the vision for your business, however, day-to-day operations can be like throwing someone in the water who has never swam before and they have either to sink or swim. The right tools to ease that transition include:
- Explains in detail best tips for organization, time management, client relations, office set up and equipment.
- How to price your services.
- Explains the best daily operational procedures such as turnaround time, work balance, etc.
- Taking not only care of your family, most importantly your number one asset, “you” should be tops on that list.
Let us face it there would be no VA industry without accurate resources. Inspiration with practical and successful material is the perfect component to the successful VA book you need for your business.
Kelly Poelker and Diana Ennen are successful virtual assistants and co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After Virtual Assistant and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook, Stop by http://www.vatheseries.com for information on starting a VA business or contact authors at authors@va-theseries.com if you need a virtual assistant. Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DianaEnnen and http://www.twitter.com/KellyPoelker
Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Virtual Assistant Business Tops The List of Businesses to Start in 2013
It’s no secret being a business owner can be one the most rewarding ventures ever. After all, you get to be the boss, make all the rules, and make a great income—all at the same time, right? It doesn’t get any better than that! Of course that comes with a lot of hours, a lot of sweat, and a lot of sacrifice. Nonetheless, over 20 million of us do it and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
One of the most hottest businesses to start, according to a recent article in Home Business magazine (December 2012 issue) is a Virtual Assistant business. If you’ve been following the industry and the top businesses to start listings for any length of time you have likely noticed that a Virtual Assistant business has been high on many lists in recent years. Why? We would say that is due to rising popularity and ease of entry if you have the right skill set and expertise. And, there is minimal investment for getting started.
As we shared with Home Business magazine, “Virtual Assistants partner with his/her clients and learn about the client’s business to become a trusted and valued member of the team. At the same time, the Virtual Assistant only charges for time on tasks, so it ultimately saves the client in overhead expenses while affording them the necessary time to take care of more business.”
It’s the partnership we create with clients that distinguishes us from other types of service providers, like those bidding for jobs on freelance-type sites. The ultimate goal is to establish a long-term relationship with the client to provide business support services, like those we outlined below. These services are performed in your office instead of the client’s, hence the virtual aspect of the working arrangement.
As an independent contractor you are then responsible for paying your own taxes, providing the equipment, software, and whatever else you need to perform the services in addition to all other aspects of running your own business. This is where the VA can eliminate the overhead expenses of a hiring an employee for a business owner.
The article further went on to say, “Virtual Assistant services include: publicity and marketing, article and press release writing and distribution, social networking updates, legal, medical, and general transcription, bookkeeping, web design, and administrative tasks.” There are a wide variety of services a virtual assistant can offer, this is only a small sampling of the services you can offer.
Want to learn more on how to become a virtual assistant? Take the time to visit different websites and do your research online. There are a number of colleges that offer training as well as industry experts, like us, who offer coaching.
Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker are the co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. Stop by for information on starting your own VA business http://www.vatheseries.com. Also, stop by AcademyVP.com for a VA Self-Assessment to help you determine whether becoming a virtual assistant is a good choice for you. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
One of the most hottest businesses to start, according to a recent article in Home Business magazine (December 2012 issue) is a Virtual Assistant business. If you’ve been following the industry and the top businesses to start listings for any length of time you have likely noticed that a Virtual Assistant business has been high on many lists in recent years. Why? We would say that is due to rising popularity and ease of entry if you have the right skill set and expertise. And, there is minimal investment for getting started.
As we shared with Home Business magazine, “Virtual Assistants partner with his/her clients and learn about the client’s business to become a trusted and valued member of the team. At the same time, the Virtual Assistant only charges for time on tasks, so it ultimately saves the client in overhead expenses while affording them the necessary time to take care of more business.”
It’s the partnership we create with clients that distinguishes us from other types of service providers, like those bidding for jobs on freelance-type sites. The ultimate goal is to establish a long-term relationship with the client to provide business support services, like those we outlined below. These services are performed in your office instead of the client’s, hence the virtual aspect of the working arrangement.
As an independent contractor you are then responsible for paying your own taxes, providing the equipment, software, and whatever else you need to perform the services in addition to all other aspects of running your own business. This is where the VA can eliminate the overhead expenses of a hiring an employee for a business owner.
The article further went on to say, “Virtual Assistant services include: publicity and marketing, article and press release writing and distribution, social networking updates, legal, medical, and general transcription, bookkeeping, web design, and administrative tasks.” There are a wide variety of services a virtual assistant can offer, this is only a small sampling of the services you can offer.
Want to learn more on how to become a virtual assistant? Take the time to visit different websites and do your research online. There are a number of colleges that offer training as well as industry experts, like us, who offer coaching.
Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker are the co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. Stop by for information on starting your own VA business http://www.vatheseries.com. Also, stop by AcademyVP.com for a VA Self-Assessment to help you determine whether becoming a virtual assistant is a good choice for you. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Wake Up and Partner With a Virtual Assistant
Is your to-do list keeping you up at night? Are you counting tasks rather than sheep to fall asleep?
1. Wade through emails - 2. Finalize the presentation for tomorrow’s meeting - 3. Get handouts ready for Wednesday’s meeting - 4. Make follow up calls zzz - 5. Schedule sales meeting zzzzzz - 6. Buy anniversary gift. - 7. Call my kids.zzzzzzzz
If it’s been a long time since you laid your head down on the pillow at night without a care in the world, rest assured – there is hope. You can have sanity and sleep, too.
When business worries and personal commitments get to be too much, you need to get help. Businesses owners are faced with more and more challenges every day—finding clients, keeping clients, creating products, article and press release distribution, social networking, and the economy. So if you’re spending more of your time on administrative tasks or just plain spinning your wheels going no where fast, it’s time to make a change. It’s time to partner with a Virtual Assistant.
So what exactly is a Virtual Assistant and what can one do for you?
A virtual assistant, or VA, is an independent business professional who among many things, can help overwhelmed business owners handle administrative tasks so they can remain focused on their business. Utilizing the latest technology your Virtual Assistant can manage your social networks, write press releases and correspondence, tweak or create a presentation, make travel arrangements, be your own personal concierge, write letters, follow up on trade show leads, handle literature fulfillment, and even prepare your expense and call reports. The possibilities are endless once you start to see how many tasks you really can delegate.
"I don't know what I'd do without my Virtual Assistant. As a sales professional who works out of my home and travels extensively I don't have an on-site staff to keep things moving. I can rely on my VA to prepare marketing materials, organize my contacts, send out letters, and keep me on track with special projects. Delegating routine tasks and special projects to my Virtual Assistant allows me to spend more time growing the business," says Mark Loudenslager, VP of Sales.
Partnering with a virtual assistant affords you the luxury of spending more time in front of your clients and less time behind your desk. Because virtual assistants are independent professionals they come equipped with their own office, their own equipment, the latest software programs, and the know how of running a successful business. They don't, however, come equipped with added expenses like payroll taxes, expensive benefit packages, paid vacations, holiday pay, or "free time" (that you pay for) for talking to co-workers. They're only there when you need them. Sometimes they're even there when you don't think you need them!
Virtual Assistants are also invaluable in helping to keep your business from being lost among its many competitors or overlooked because of lack of professionalism. Amidst the Internet and Social Networking craze, millions of email exchanges, and web and teleconferencing many professionals have literally ‘lost sight’ of their clients. In a day and age where we thrive on customer relationship management, personal sales calls have taken a back seat to technology. Further, today’s economy has forced more layoffs and corporate downsizing, which has impacted the availability of internal support systems and other such resources. The lack of internal resources has forced companies to rely on already overburdened staff to pick up the slack. Staff such as sales people who are now spending more time doing administrative tasks than they are generating sales. Where does the madness end?
It’s time to wake up and get back in the field. Get ahead of the competition and you won’t find yourself saying, “Oops, I could have had a VA!”
Kelly Poelker and Diana Ennen are successful virtual assistants and co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After Virtual Assistant and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook, Stop by http://www.vatheseries.com for information on starting a VA business or contact authors at authors@va-theseries.com if you need a virtual assistant. Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DianaEnnen and http://www.twitter.com/KellyPoelker
Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
1. Wade through emails - 2. Finalize the presentation for tomorrow’s meeting - 3. Get handouts ready for Wednesday’s meeting - 4. Make follow up calls zzz - 5. Schedule sales meeting zzzzzz - 6. Buy anniversary gift. - 7. Call my kids.zzzzzzzz
If it’s been a long time since you laid your head down on the pillow at night without a care in the world, rest assured – there is hope. You can have sanity and sleep, too.
When business worries and personal commitments get to be too much, you need to get help. Businesses owners are faced with more and more challenges every day—finding clients, keeping clients, creating products, article and press release distribution, social networking, and the economy. So if you’re spending more of your time on administrative tasks or just plain spinning your wheels going no where fast, it’s time to make a change. It’s time to partner with a Virtual Assistant.
So what exactly is a Virtual Assistant and what can one do for you?
A virtual assistant, or VA, is an independent business professional who among many things, can help overwhelmed business owners handle administrative tasks so they can remain focused on their business. Utilizing the latest technology your Virtual Assistant can manage your social networks, write press releases and correspondence, tweak or create a presentation, make travel arrangements, be your own personal concierge, write letters, follow up on trade show leads, handle literature fulfillment, and even prepare your expense and call reports. The possibilities are endless once you start to see how many tasks you really can delegate.
"I don't know what I'd do without my Virtual Assistant. As a sales professional who works out of my home and travels extensively I don't have an on-site staff to keep things moving. I can rely on my VA to prepare marketing materials, organize my contacts, send out letters, and keep me on track with special projects. Delegating routine tasks and special projects to my Virtual Assistant allows me to spend more time growing the business," says Mark Loudenslager, VP of Sales.
Partnering with a virtual assistant affords you the luxury of spending more time in front of your clients and less time behind your desk. Because virtual assistants are independent professionals they come equipped with their own office, their own equipment, the latest software programs, and the know how of running a successful business. They don't, however, come equipped with added expenses like payroll taxes, expensive benefit packages, paid vacations, holiday pay, or "free time" (that you pay for) for talking to co-workers. They're only there when you need them. Sometimes they're even there when you don't think you need them!
Virtual Assistants are also invaluable in helping to keep your business from being lost among its many competitors or overlooked because of lack of professionalism. Amidst the Internet and Social Networking craze, millions of email exchanges, and web and teleconferencing many professionals have literally ‘lost sight’ of their clients. In a day and age where we thrive on customer relationship management, personal sales calls have taken a back seat to technology. Further, today’s economy has forced more layoffs and corporate downsizing, which has impacted the availability of internal support systems and other such resources. The lack of internal resources has forced companies to rely on already overburdened staff to pick up the slack. Staff such as sales people who are now spending more time doing administrative tasks than they are generating sales. Where does the madness end?
It’s time to wake up and get back in the field. Get ahead of the competition and you won’t find yourself saying, “Oops, I could have had a VA!”
Kelly Poelker and Diana Ennen are successful virtual assistants and co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After Virtual Assistant and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook, Stop by http://www.vatheseries.com for information on starting a VA business or contact authors at authors@va-theseries.com if you need a virtual assistant. Follow us on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DianaEnnen and http://www.twitter.com/KellyPoelker
Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Friday, January 07, 2011
What can a virtual assistant coach do for you? Everything!
What can a virtual assistant coach do for you? Everything!
Does it always seem that someone else is more successful than you in their virtual assistant business? I know sometimes it’s hard to hear about all those virtual assistants with too many clients, or those virtual assistants all making six figures when you are barely surviving. Don’t you always wonder just what they are doing to make it happen?
Well, wonder no more. You need to know that there truly are some secrets to success. There are things that when you do them consistently and do them well, business success is sure to follow. The problem is, how can you get those secrets? Easy - Hire a virtual assistant coach.
I truly believe to be successful in your virtual assistant business, sometimes you need help. Imagine meeting weekly with a coach that has been already been there and done that. A coach that can review your media, offer recommendations, provide solid tips on what you need to do better, and just walk you through the ups and downs of running a business.
So what exactly can a virtual assistant coach do? Here are our top 10 things we feel a VA Coach can do for you:
1- A virtual assistant coach will help you establish your goals and find ways to meet them.
2- A virtual assistant coach will help you define your niche and make sure that the marketing you do leads you in that direction.
3- A virtual assistant coach can help you in all your marketing efforts to enable you to find clients. That’s right, a good virtual assistant coach will help you secure clients and isn’t that the name of the game.
4- A virtual assistant coach will review your pricing and offer recommendations. It should be noted this is one area where more times than not, the coach will insist on increasing your rates. That same coach will also show you how to do that, raise your rates and really charge what you are worth.
5- A virtual assistant coach can hold you accountable. Many virtual assistants don’t succeed just because they don’t have someone to personally walk with them and push them when needed.
6- A virtual assistant coach can review all your media including your website, media, blogs, etc.
7- A virtual assistant coach can help you discover what is holding you back from being successful and offer you solid tips on moving forward.
8- A virtual assistant coach can help you at any phrase of your business. Don’t think a coach is just for starting your business. A VA coach can help you even if you’ve been in business for years. They can take you to the next level of your business.
9- A virtual assistant can remotivate you and get you back into the thrill of being a virtual assistant.
10- A virtual assistant can help you focus and crack the whip when you go off track.
When you’re ready to really start seeing some results in your VA business, we recommend looking for a coach. Just make sure that it’s someone with an outstanding reputation and one that is active in the VA community. That way you know they are walking the walk and talking the talk.
**
Diana Ennen offers specialized virtual assistant coaching services and has recently released her new coaching packages. Best known as the co-author of Virtual Assistant the Series: How to Become a Successful, Sought After VA, she is passionate about helping virtual assistants succeed. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Does it always seem that someone else is more successful than you in their virtual assistant business? I know sometimes it’s hard to hear about all those virtual assistants with too many clients, or those virtual assistants all making six figures when you are barely surviving. Don’t you always wonder just what they are doing to make it happen?
Well, wonder no more. You need to know that there truly are some secrets to success. There are things that when you do them consistently and do them well, business success is sure to follow. The problem is, how can you get those secrets? Easy - Hire a virtual assistant coach.
I truly believe to be successful in your virtual assistant business, sometimes you need help. Imagine meeting weekly with a coach that has been already been there and done that. A coach that can review your media, offer recommendations, provide solid tips on what you need to do better, and just walk you through the ups and downs of running a business.
So what exactly can a virtual assistant coach do? Here are our top 10 things we feel a VA Coach can do for you:
1- A virtual assistant coach will help you establish your goals and find ways to meet them.
2- A virtual assistant coach will help you define your niche and make sure that the marketing you do leads you in that direction.
3- A virtual assistant coach can help you in all your marketing efforts to enable you to find clients. That’s right, a good virtual assistant coach will help you secure clients and isn’t that the name of the game.
4- A virtual assistant coach will review your pricing and offer recommendations. It should be noted this is one area where more times than not, the coach will insist on increasing your rates. That same coach will also show you how to do that, raise your rates and really charge what you are worth.
5- A virtual assistant coach can hold you accountable. Many virtual assistants don’t succeed just because they don’t have someone to personally walk with them and push them when needed.
6- A virtual assistant coach can review all your media including your website, media, blogs, etc.
7- A virtual assistant coach can help you discover what is holding you back from being successful and offer you solid tips on moving forward.
8- A virtual assistant coach can help you at any phrase of your business. Don’t think a coach is just for starting your business. A VA coach can help you even if you’ve been in business for years. They can take you to the next level of your business.
9- A virtual assistant can remotivate you and get you back into the thrill of being a virtual assistant.
10- A virtual assistant can help you focus and crack the whip when you go off track.
When you’re ready to really start seeing some results in your VA business, we recommend looking for a coach. Just make sure that it’s someone with an outstanding reputation and one that is active in the VA community. That way you know they are walking the walk and talking the talk.
**
Diana Ennen offers specialized virtual assistant coaching services and has recently released her new coaching packages. Best known as the co-author of Virtual Assistant the Series: How to Become a Successful, Sought After VA, she is passionate about helping virtual assistants succeed. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Virtual Assistant Class on Incentative Based Compensation
Are you stuck in the time for money trap? My friends Tina Forsyth and Andrea Lee are sharing a new option for virtual assistants, online business managers and other virtual professionals who are ready to break free.
You’ve seen it … or likely experienced it. You take on more clients, you take on more responsibility, you build stronger relationships, get too busy, exhaustion sets in, you start missing things, and you wonder if it’s all worth it …. You’ve hit what Tina and Andrea refer to as the bursting point.
What if there was another way? A way to make more money while working the same (or even fewer) hours? There is a way … and it’s called incentive based compensation.
On October 20th, Tina and Andrea are offering a free call to share key details and strategies to support virtual professionals with breaking free from the time for money trap. By negotiating and implementing incentive based compensation, you open up a whole new level of income opportunity for yourself … this is critical stuff. It’s time to listen.
Be smart about how to approach this conversation …. Start by joining Tina and Andrea for their fre’e call on October 20th. Register at http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1076273
You’ve seen it … or likely experienced it. You take on more clients, you take on more responsibility, you build stronger relationships, get too busy, exhaustion sets in, you start missing things, and you wonder if it’s all worth it …. You’ve hit what Tina and Andrea refer to as the bursting point.
What if there was another way? A way to make more money while working the same (or even fewer) hours? There is a way … and it’s called incentive based compensation.
On October 20th, Tina and Andrea are offering a free call to share key details and strategies to support virtual professionals with breaking free from the time for money trap. By negotiating and implementing incentive based compensation, you open up a whole new level of income opportunity for yourself … this is critical stuff. It’s time to listen.
Be smart about how to approach this conversation …. Start by joining Tina and Andrea for their fre’e call on October 20th. Register at http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/?af=1076273
Monday, July 13, 2009
Guest on Virtual Perception
I was honored to be featured on The Virtual Perfection last week. You can still listen.
http://mypodcastharmony.com/avpnew/episode-29-lets-talk-marketing-show-notes/
Here's the scoop.
Diana Ennen, owner of Virtual Word Publishing and co-author of Virtual Assistant The Series, shares her insight about all things related to Marketing and Press Releases. We talk about creating a marketing plan, marketing online and offline, marketing opportunities, what a press release is, what should be included in a press release and what to do with it once you have it created.
Diana provided so many great ideas and tips….any small business owner will benefit from this episode!
Diana Ennen / Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com
http://mypodcastharmony.com/avpnew/episode-29-lets-talk-marketing-show-notes/
Here's the scoop.
Diana Ennen, owner of Virtual Word Publishing and co-author of Virtual Assistant The Series, shares her insight about all things related to Marketing and Press Releases. We talk about creating a marketing plan, marketing online and offline, marketing opportunities, what a press release is, what should be included in a press release and what to do with it once you have it created.
Diana provided so many great ideas and tips….any small business owner will benefit from this episode!
Diana Ennen / Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Friday, May 15, 2009
Virtual Assistant Articles & Press Releases
Happy International Virtual Assistant Day Fellow Virtual Assistants
I'm posting any virtual assistant articles & PR today here. If you have one email me - diana@virtualwordpublishing.com
Prime Admin Solutions, a virtual assistant service, finds cure for ‘Corporate Anorexia’
Oakville, Ontario (CaymanMama.com) — During these tight economic times, companies of all sizes, management teams and salespeople are constantly trying to find a way to cut costs while maintaining productivity and profitability. Often times, cutting back involves scaling down overhead and eliminating staff in favor cutting other “revenue generating” costs.
Unfortunately, most of the positions that are left in the wake of a corporate scale down are administrative assistants and the stress of that workload is felt by remaining employees who soon realize how much they rely on administrative support.
When this happens, high paid professionals end up doing their own administrative work or the remaining administrative assistants are left reprioritize and take on an increased workload. The domino effect can be extremely disruptive and can result in negative consequences like employees calling in “sick” due to stress or leaving their position altogether. This ultimately hurts the bottom line for many companies.
The fact is, companies develop “corporate anorexia”, and it is a slow but certain killer.
Julia Wooster of Prime Admin Solutions, a virtual assistant service, says there is a better option.
Her service helps companies by blending convenience and efficiency; Prime Admin Solutions carries out the administrative duties at a fraction of the cost of a salaried employee, freeing up the full time staff’s schedules.
Prime Admin Solutions Professionals are proficient in:
Formatting Presentations
Completing Reports
Updating Contact Management Systems
Transcriptions
As an added plus, off-site virtual assistant services save money because they decrease the need for overhead, including workstations and equipment.
Virtual assistant clients pay only for what they need, resulting in money savings and overall increased productivity. The result is a win/win situation both for Prime Admin Solutions clients and their clients.
About Prime Admin Solutions:
Prime Admin Solutions, founded in 2007 by Julia Wooster, is a virtual assistant service located in Oakville, Ontario. Technology allows her to deliver services to clients in any location via toll-free fax, telephone, Skype, email and online collaboration systems. Her clients range in size from one-person consultancies to larger businesses. Visit www.primeadminsolutions.com for more information.
Contact Information:
Email: jw@primeadminsolutions.com
Telephone:905-618-0308 or 1-877-701-3332
I'm posting any virtual assistant articles & PR today here. If you have one email me - diana@virtualwordpublishing.com
Prime Admin Solutions, a virtual assistant service, finds cure for ‘Corporate Anorexia’
Oakville, Ontario (CaymanMama.com) — During these tight economic times, companies of all sizes, management teams and salespeople are constantly trying to find a way to cut costs while maintaining productivity and profitability. Often times, cutting back involves scaling down overhead and eliminating staff in favor cutting other “revenue generating” costs.
Unfortunately, most of the positions that are left in the wake of a corporate scale down are administrative assistants and the stress of that workload is felt by remaining employees who soon realize how much they rely on administrative support.
When this happens, high paid professionals end up doing their own administrative work or the remaining administrative assistants are left reprioritize and take on an increased workload. The domino effect can be extremely disruptive and can result in negative consequences like employees calling in “sick” due to stress or leaving their position altogether. This ultimately hurts the bottom line for many companies.
The fact is, companies develop “corporate anorexia”, and it is a slow but certain killer.
Julia Wooster of Prime Admin Solutions, a virtual assistant service, says there is a better option.
Her service helps companies by blending convenience and efficiency; Prime Admin Solutions carries out the administrative duties at a fraction of the cost of a salaried employee, freeing up the full time staff’s schedules.
Prime Admin Solutions Professionals are proficient in:
Formatting Presentations
Completing Reports
Updating Contact Management Systems
Transcriptions
As an added plus, off-site virtual assistant services save money because they decrease the need for overhead, including workstations and equipment.
Virtual assistant clients pay only for what they need, resulting in money savings and overall increased productivity. The result is a win/win situation both for Prime Admin Solutions clients and their clients.
About Prime Admin Solutions:
Prime Admin Solutions, founded in 2007 by Julia Wooster, is a virtual assistant service located in Oakville, Ontario. Technology allows her to deliver services to clients in any location via toll-free fax, telephone, Skype, email and online collaboration systems. Her clients range in size from one-person consultancies to larger businesses. Visit www.primeadminsolutions.com for more information.
Contact Information:
Email: jw@primeadminsolutions.com
Telephone:905-618-0308 or 1-877-701-3332
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Social Networking Changed Everything – The New Marketing & PR Model
Here's my new article - Feel free to reprint as long as bio remains. Comments welcome! Thanks!
Social Networking Changed Everything – The New Marketing & PR Model
It’s pretty obvious that the marketing of today has changed. You have newspapers going virtual/web only, Twitter and Facebook replacing postcards and phone calls, and potential clients now being the main target of your press releases as opposed to editors. It’s all changing and to do PR today, you need to change with it. The good news is that it’s never been easier. The bad news, you need to learn a new way to do things. Fortunately, there are tips that can make it easier and I’m here to show you a few.
First, no one can deny the power of social networking. And those that do are just plain wrong. I’ve been in business since 1985 and I liken this to way back when emails became a way of life. Many still contended they wanted to do it the old fashioned way and nothing would beat a letter. (I know it’s hard to even imagine this today.) It wasn’t long until they realized their error, but by then their competition was way ahead of them. Don’t make the same mistake now. You absolutely need to get with it and get on board. I can practically guarantee you within weeks you’ll be hooked and wondering why you ever hesitated. It’s so easy, and the potential so great, you need to start today.
Let’s break it down. Twitter first. Forget all the “I don’t care what they ate for lunch excuses,” that’s where your competition and peers are and you do need to be there too. Sure you do have a few tweeters who will update you on the latest hot dog they ate, but that’s rare. What you do have is more and more businesses networking and connecting with each other in ways never thought possible. It’s also more than just networking back and forth, you can have chats, host events, get more publicity for your articles and press releases & even announce your seminars and radio shows. And that’s not even the half of it. There are entire books written on this, so my first recommendation is to get them. Why struggle and find your way around when you can easily read the tips from those who know exactly what you need to succeed.
Also, while you are getting your feet wet, don’t jump in and start posting and selling and ranting and raving. Take it slow. Sign up, take a sit, remain quiet for a short time and read what others are posting. Follow the leaders in your industry and take advantage of their knowledge. It can almost feel like walking around with them all day and looking over their shoulders for their secrets. What’s cool is they give their tips freely, why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of that? As an example, if someone were looking for information on starting a virtual assistant business or getting publicity for their business, they could follow me at Twitter.com/dianaennen
Now the key many forget is that not only do you need to follow them, you need to listen earnestly to what they are saying. Go to the sites they recommend. Actually do the things they suggest. And most importantly, if you have the opportunity to contribute and honestly have something of importance to say, do! Even if they aren’t following you, once you list their twitter name @name, it will go to them. Best yet, you might get a retreat or even better a RT and follow back. As many say, those are the ultimate compliments.
Now it’s important to learn the social media lingo – Hashtags, Retweets, Fans, Follow Friday, this is just a few of the many names you need to know to do business better. It can be overwhelming. No, in fact it is overwhelming. However, if you keep it simple and take it a step at a time, you can do it. When you see a term you don’t know, look it up right then. Write down your interpretation and do the investigating to find out more about it. Here are just a few to help you on your journey.
What’s a retweet? That’s when you find somone’s information useful and you want to pass it onto your followers. So basically RT (retweet) is good content that you pass on. Many RT just to RT. Don’t be one of them. You know your followers and what they want and need, that’s what you should be RT’ing. We highly recommend signing up for TweetDeck for ease in doing this. A click of a button and you are there.
Next you need to know about Follow Friday. This is definitely one of my favorites. Think of Follow Friday as your day networking at a business get-together, only better. You get to stay in the comfort of your own home, and you get to immediately make the connections, not when you get home with a handful of business cards. Try and plan your week so you can participate. Remember this can be even more effective than a Chamber meeting or an expensive business seminar. So plan a lighter load on Friday whenever possible. You want people to mention you so mention them. Also, don’t just list 20 screens of twitter names that you want people to follow. Tell your followers why they should follow them. What do they offer that your followers would be interested in? Remember to put #followfriday in your posting. (By the way, see that # in followfriday. That’s what is called a hashtag. Cool huh!) And finally, you want people to retweet your followfriday postings, so keep your count to 120 instead of 140 so they can easily do this. In fact, do this for all tips or postings you wanted retweeted.
Finally, try and post on Friday mornings. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ll often go down my postings to find those I want to list. I know I want to list them before hand so it’s not that I’m just going down my friends column, but often times I don’t have their information readily available. By posting on Friday you are giving it to them.
Finally, sign up for Trilalerts for your keywords. Start following those of interest. For example, I’m a virtual assistant, so I’ve signed up for virtual assistant updates. Now I can follow other virtual assistants easily. I do the same for Publicity, etc. Who do you want to connect with? That’s who you sign up for. Follow the media. Sign up for Facebook and Twitter for the newspapers and TV stations in your area. Look for business reporters who tweak and follow them. Learn their style and what they are looking for in their articles.
Also, follow some of the owners of the many article and press release directories who tweet. Some of the best are on there and giving away secrets to success left and right.
Facebook is pretty self explanatory. The key here is to spend some time to expand your network. Fortunately you get notices when someone responds to your posts, so try and go and follow-up as soon as you can. However, be careful that you don’t get sidetracked doing this too often. Build relationships. You can have thousands of friends and fans, but can you honestly connect to all of them. I know I sure can’t. Twitter also now allows your tweets to be sent to your Facebook page too. This is definitely a plus. Just make sure that you don’t do this to all of your postings, only the ones you feel would interest your friends on Facebook.
Article Submissions, Press Release Submissions - I also say you need to send out articles and press releases religiously. Many question how some succeed with this and others don’t. What’s the difference? The main thing is that they know what to do. They realize the difference that page ranking can make and don’t waste their time on sites that don’t get results. They sign up for Google Alerts under their keywords and then check out the sites that frequently get spidered. Then they send to those places and add those sites to their database. We do have a fabulous PR informational package that is free to anyone who emails us.
Marketing a business and social networking doesn’t have to be expensive if you just remember to network and use all the tools available to you. In fact, it can be fun as you get to meet new people and develop new ways to sell you and your business. Also, keep in mind if you don’t want to do it yourself, there are excellent qualified pros and virtual assistants available to assist. You don’t need to do it all. You just need to do it!
--------------
Diana Ennen, specializes in publicity and marketing and is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Ready to jumpstart your PR campaign, then email her at Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. Free PR Informational Package available. Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/dianaennen . Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Social Networking Changed Everything – The New Marketing & PR Model
It’s pretty obvious that the marketing of today has changed. You have newspapers going virtual/web only, Twitter and Facebook replacing postcards and phone calls, and potential clients now being the main target of your press releases as opposed to editors. It’s all changing and to do PR today, you need to change with it. The good news is that it’s never been easier. The bad news, you need to learn a new way to do things. Fortunately, there are tips that can make it easier and I’m here to show you a few.
First, no one can deny the power of social networking. And those that do are just plain wrong. I’ve been in business since 1985 and I liken this to way back when emails became a way of life. Many still contended they wanted to do it the old fashioned way and nothing would beat a letter. (I know it’s hard to even imagine this today.) It wasn’t long until they realized their error, but by then their competition was way ahead of them. Don’t make the same mistake now. You absolutely need to get with it and get on board. I can practically guarantee you within weeks you’ll be hooked and wondering why you ever hesitated. It’s so easy, and the potential so great, you need to start today.
Let’s break it down. Twitter first. Forget all the “I don’t care what they ate for lunch excuses,” that’s where your competition and peers are and you do need to be there too. Sure you do have a few tweeters who will update you on the latest hot dog they ate, but that’s rare. What you do have is more and more businesses networking and connecting with each other in ways never thought possible. It’s also more than just networking back and forth, you can have chats, host events, get more publicity for your articles and press releases & even announce your seminars and radio shows. And that’s not even the half of it. There are entire books written on this, so my first recommendation is to get them. Why struggle and find your way around when you can easily read the tips from those who know exactly what you need to succeed.
Also, while you are getting your feet wet, don’t jump in and start posting and selling and ranting and raving. Take it slow. Sign up, take a sit, remain quiet for a short time and read what others are posting. Follow the leaders in your industry and take advantage of their knowledge. It can almost feel like walking around with them all day and looking over their shoulders for their secrets. What’s cool is they give their tips freely, why wouldn’t you want to take advantage of that? As an example, if someone were looking for information on starting a virtual assistant business or getting publicity for their business, they could follow me at Twitter.com/dianaennen
Now the key many forget is that not only do you need to follow them, you need to listen earnestly to what they are saying. Go to the sites they recommend. Actually do the things they suggest. And most importantly, if you have the opportunity to contribute and honestly have something of importance to say, do! Even if they aren’t following you, once you list their twitter name @name, it will go to them. Best yet, you might get a retreat or even better a RT and follow back. As many say, those are the ultimate compliments.
Now it’s important to learn the social media lingo – Hashtags, Retweets, Fans, Follow Friday, this is just a few of the many names you need to know to do business better. It can be overwhelming. No, in fact it is overwhelming. However, if you keep it simple and take it a step at a time, you can do it. When you see a term you don’t know, look it up right then. Write down your interpretation and do the investigating to find out more about it. Here are just a few to help you on your journey.
What’s a retweet? That’s when you find somone’s information useful and you want to pass it onto your followers. So basically RT (retweet) is good content that you pass on. Many RT just to RT. Don’t be one of them. You know your followers and what they want and need, that’s what you should be RT’ing. We highly recommend signing up for TweetDeck for ease in doing this. A click of a button and you are there.
Next you need to know about Follow Friday. This is definitely one of my favorites. Think of Follow Friday as your day networking at a business get-together, only better. You get to stay in the comfort of your own home, and you get to immediately make the connections, not when you get home with a handful of business cards. Try and plan your week so you can participate. Remember this can be even more effective than a Chamber meeting or an expensive business seminar. So plan a lighter load on Friday whenever possible. You want people to mention you so mention them. Also, don’t just list 20 screens of twitter names that you want people to follow. Tell your followers why they should follow them. What do they offer that your followers would be interested in? Remember to put #followfriday in your posting. (By the way, see that # in followfriday. That’s what is called a hashtag. Cool huh!) And finally, you want people to retweet your followfriday postings, so keep your count to 120 instead of 140 so they can easily do this. In fact, do this for all tips or postings you wanted retweeted.
Finally, try and post on Friday mornings. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ll often go down my postings to find those I want to list. I know I want to list them before hand so it’s not that I’m just going down my friends column, but often times I don’t have their information readily available. By posting on Friday you are giving it to them.
Finally, sign up for Trilalerts for your keywords. Start following those of interest. For example, I’m a virtual assistant, so I’ve signed up for virtual assistant updates. Now I can follow other virtual assistants easily. I do the same for Publicity, etc. Who do you want to connect with? That’s who you sign up for. Follow the media. Sign up for Facebook and Twitter for the newspapers and TV stations in your area. Look for business reporters who tweak and follow them. Learn their style and what they are looking for in their articles.
Also, follow some of the owners of the many article and press release directories who tweet. Some of the best are on there and giving away secrets to success left and right.
Facebook is pretty self explanatory. The key here is to spend some time to expand your network. Fortunately you get notices when someone responds to your posts, so try and go and follow-up as soon as you can. However, be careful that you don’t get sidetracked doing this too often. Build relationships. You can have thousands of friends and fans, but can you honestly connect to all of them. I know I sure can’t. Twitter also now allows your tweets to be sent to your Facebook page too. This is definitely a plus. Just make sure that you don’t do this to all of your postings, only the ones you feel would interest your friends on Facebook.
Article Submissions, Press Release Submissions - I also say you need to send out articles and press releases religiously. Many question how some succeed with this and others don’t. What’s the difference? The main thing is that they know what to do. They realize the difference that page ranking can make and don’t waste their time on sites that don’t get results. They sign up for Google Alerts under their keywords and then check out the sites that frequently get spidered. Then they send to those places and add those sites to their database. We do have a fabulous PR informational package that is free to anyone who emails us.
Marketing a business and social networking doesn’t have to be expensive if you just remember to network and use all the tools available to you. In fact, it can be fun as you get to meet new people and develop new ways to sell you and your business. Also, keep in mind if you don’t want to do it yourself, there are excellent qualified pros and virtual assistants available to assist. You don’t need to do it all. You just need to do it!
--------------
Diana Ennen, specializes in publicity and marketing and is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Ready to jumpstart your PR campaign, then email her at Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. Free PR Informational Package available. Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/dianaennen . Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Unemployment at an All Time High - Fight Back by Starting a Virtual Assistant Business
Unemployment at an All-Time High-Fight Back by Starting A Virtual Assistant Business
Margate, FL (December 2008) In November alone, 533,000 jobs were lost and the unemployment rose to 6.7 percent nationwide with an estimated 10.1 million people throughout the country out of work. While here in Florida, the news is even worse as Florida hit a 15-year high unemployment rate of 7 percent in October, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel. So what’s the answer for those people who are out looking for jobs and those companies which are cutting back, but still need work done. Simple-Virtual Assistants.
Virtual assistants are independent contractors who offer administrative support, publicity and marketing assistance, and more to companies large and small throughout the world. These tasks can include anything from typing, medical or legal transcription to website creation and marketing. And because virtual assistants work globally, they are not hindered by their local economical situation. This is a perfect business for those who have recently been laid off, or those who just need to supplement their income.
In fact, according to a recent South Florida-based CBS4 News segment entitled “Working from Home Can Rake in Big Bucks,” the Virtual Assistant business is “one of the fastest growing home-based businesses and getting even bigger.”
Diana Ennen, who was featured in the segment, stated she received a tremendous response from people out of work and looking to supplement their income. “It has been fabulous to be able to help those in my community get back on their feet,” says Ennen.
Ennen, along with Kelly Poelker, founder of the Academy for Virtual Professionals, co-authored Virtual Assistant-The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought after VA, a staple in the VA Industry for those wishing to start a business or excel in their current business. Both agree that starting a Virtual Assistant business is “one of the best ways you can survive in this gloomy economy.”
Ennen and Poelker also agree that another reason why virtual assistants are excelling today is the fact that with so many businesses cutting back, the work still needs to be done. A virtual assistant is able to handle all those tasks from the convenience of their own office. The work gets done, often times even better because of the extensive qualifications and experience of the virtual assistant.
For more information on starting your own business stop by www.vatheseries.com or take a look at the Academy of Virtual Professionals’ website at http://www.academyvp.com. Times can be tough, but with the right virtual assistant, you can still survive and thrive.
Margate, FL (December 2008) In November alone, 533,000 jobs were lost and the unemployment rose to 6.7 percent nationwide with an estimated 10.1 million people throughout the country out of work. While here in Florida, the news is even worse as Florida hit a 15-year high unemployment rate of 7 percent in October, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel. So what’s the answer for those people who are out looking for jobs and those companies which are cutting back, but still need work done. Simple-Virtual Assistants.
Virtual assistants are independent contractors who offer administrative support, publicity and marketing assistance, and more to companies large and small throughout the world. These tasks can include anything from typing, medical or legal transcription to website creation and marketing. And because virtual assistants work globally, they are not hindered by their local economical situation. This is a perfect business for those who have recently been laid off, or those who just need to supplement their income.
In fact, according to a recent South Florida-based CBS4 News segment entitled “Working from Home Can Rake in Big Bucks,” the Virtual Assistant business is “one of the fastest growing home-based businesses and getting even bigger.”
Diana Ennen, who was featured in the segment, stated she received a tremendous response from people out of work and looking to supplement their income. “It has been fabulous to be able to help those in my community get back on their feet,” says Ennen.
Ennen, along with Kelly Poelker, founder of the Academy for Virtual Professionals, co-authored Virtual Assistant-The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought after VA, a staple in the VA Industry for those wishing to start a business or excel in their current business. Both agree that starting a Virtual Assistant business is “one of the best ways you can survive in this gloomy economy.”
Ennen and Poelker also agree that another reason why virtual assistants are excelling today is the fact that with so many businesses cutting back, the work still needs to be done. A virtual assistant is able to handle all those tasks from the convenience of their own office. The work gets done, often times even better because of the extensive qualifications and experience of the virtual assistant.
For more information on starting your own business stop by www.vatheseries.com or take a look at the Academy of Virtual Professionals’ website at http://www.academyvp.com. Times can be tough, but with the right virtual assistant, you can still survive and thrive.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Marketing Success Begins with a New Business Image
Many of you are already established in business with your website in place, your business cards tucked away securely awaiting the next networking opportunity, and your promotional materials printed and filed away. You are set -- Or are you?
Think back, when was the last time you revisited this area? When was the last time you recreated your promotional materials and added a new image? Have you actually read your website lately from the prospective of a potential client? If so, did it portray you in the best light and did it convince you to utilize your services? Did it have all your latest PR successes and latest services? If not, it’s time to jumpstart your marketing. The results, more clients and a new and improved you.
Here are just a few ideas:
Your Web Site
When doing your website or reviewing your website, take your time. This isn’t a race to the finish. Take it a page at a time and give it your all. Ask yourself:
Would it hold their interest? You need to make sure they aren’t bored with long paragraphs or unnecessary long wordy descriptions. They want to find what they came for quickly.
Is it personalized? When people come to your site, do they get to know you and your business or do they hear the same ole’ same ole’ that’s on all the websites in your Industry. It’s important to have you in there.
Get to the point. Go back and cut out unnecessary words, paragraphs, graphics, anything that just isn’t essential to the bottom line of providing the benefits of what you provide.
Is it understandable? Sounds simple, right? Go back over your site and make sure that you’ve clearly spelled out what you do. You know you’re the best, but have you adequately described this to your potential clients?
Can you add a few new graphics or colors or something to jazz it up? A change of your website’s theme colors can make a big difference in adding to a fresh new look.
Press Releases & Articles
How often do you write a press release and submit it out? Or better yet, when was the last time you did send one out? Ouch-that long. If you want to fine tune and bump up your marketing, then you absolutely need to write a good press release and get it out there. The main point in that sentence is -- write a good one. How do you do that? Easy, make it something that informs and inspires. Make it newsworthy. Tie it into what is happening in today’s times and then connect your business to how you can make a difference. Did you remember the “call to action” paragraph, where you are telling them what you want them to do? And finally, just having a release isn’t enough. You need to actively submit it out and post it on your website, blogs, social networking sites, etc. Email us at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for our free PR informational package for tips and places you can submit your press release for free.
Social Networking
You need to do this. Actually you will want to do this. Once you get started you’ll love it too. So go ahead and do it. Most businesses will tell you that doing this makes a considerable difference in their business. Don’t have time to, hire a virtual assistant to do it for you.
Now, find the sites that interest you and get active and involved. Remember to succeed you need to be committed. You can’t just show up once every few months and expect it to work.
Your Promotional Materials
Just think how impressed your clients or even more important, those potential new clients, will be when they receive a letter on your new letterhead, with your new business card, a matching brochure, and maybe even a matching magnet with your business information on it. It’s time to jazz it up a bit and recreate a new image. You have so many more years experience in your business, let it show with your new promotions.
How about changing your slogan? When you think about it, it goes out with every e-mail, it’s on your website, all your marketing, etc. My slogan has always been “Virtual Assisting At Its Best.” I recently changed it to, “Our Commitment to Excellence is Our Finest Achievement.” My clients noticed the difference right away.
Your clients have probably seen your slogan over and over and over—Give Them Something New.
You’ll see how great you’ll feel with your new marketing image. Make it a goal to do this often. You and your pocketbook will be glad you did.
***************************************
Diana Ennen specializes in publicity and marketing and helping businesses get the most out of their publicity efforts. She’s the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. Stop by for free information on starting a virtual assistant business and our free PR Informational package. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.
Think back, when was the last time you revisited this area? When was the last time you recreated your promotional materials and added a new image? Have you actually read your website lately from the prospective of a potential client? If so, did it portray you in the best light and did it convince you to utilize your services? Did it have all your latest PR successes and latest services? If not, it’s time to jumpstart your marketing. The results, more clients and a new and improved you.
Here are just a few ideas:
Your Web Site
When doing your website or reviewing your website, take your time. This isn’t a race to the finish. Take it a page at a time and give it your all. Ask yourself:
Would it hold their interest? You need to make sure they aren’t bored with long paragraphs or unnecessary long wordy descriptions. They want to find what they came for quickly.
Is it personalized? When people come to your site, do they get to know you and your business or do they hear the same ole’ same ole’ that’s on all the websites in your Industry. It’s important to have you in there.
Get to the point. Go back and cut out unnecessary words, paragraphs, graphics, anything that just isn’t essential to the bottom line of providing the benefits of what you provide.
Is it understandable? Sounds simple, right? Go back over your site and make sure that you’ve clearly spelled out what you do. You know you’re the best, but have you adequately described this to your potential clients?
Can you add a few new graphics or colors or something to jazz it up? A change of your website’s theme colors can make a big difference in adding to a fresh new look.
Press Releases & Articles
How often do you write a press release and submit it out? Or better yet, when was the last time you did send one out? Ouch-that long. If you want to fine tune and bump up your marketing, then you absolutely need to write a good press release and get it out there. The main point in that sentence is -- write a good one. How do you do that? Easy, make it something that informs and inspires. Make it newsworthy. Tie it into what is happening in today’s times and then connect your business to how you can make a difference. Did you remember the “call to action” paragraph, where you are telling them what you want them to do? And finally, just having a release isn’t enough. You need to actively submit it out and post it on your website, blogs, social networking sites, etc. Email us at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for our free PR informational package for tips and places you can submit your press release for free.
Social Networking
You need to do this. Actually you will want to do this. Once you get started you’ll love it too. So go ahead and do it. Most businesses will tell you that doing this makes a considerable difference in their business. Don’t have time to, hire a virtual assistant to do it for you.
Now, find the sites that interest you and get active and involved. Remember to succeed you need to be committed. You can’t just show up once every few months and expect it to work.
Your Promotional Materials
Just think how impressed your clients or even more important, those potential new clients, will be when they receive a letter on your new letterhead, with your new business card, a matching brochure, and maybe even a matching magnet with your business information on it. It’s time to jazz it up a bit and recreate a new image. You have so many more years experience in your business, let it show with your new promotions.
How about changing your slogan? When you think about it, it goes out with every e-mail, it’s on your website, all your marketing, etc. My slogan has always been “Virtual Assisting At Its Best.” I recently changed it to, “Our Commitment to Excellence is Our Finest Achievement.” My clients noticed the difference right away.
Your clients have probably seen your slogan over and over and over—Give Them Something New.
You’ll see how great you’ll feel with your new marketing image. Make it a goal to do this often. You and your pocketbook will be glad you did.
***************************************
Diana Ennen specializes in publicity and marketing and helping businesses get the most out of their publicity efforts. She’s the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. Stop by for free information on starting a virtual assistant business and our free PR Informational package. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Summer Speaker Series: Forty-Two Speakers in One Month!
Summer Speaker Series: Forty-Two Speakers in One Month!
My colleague and dear friend, Erin Blaskie, is hosting the first annual Summer Speaker Series featuring an amazing line-up of speakers including James Roche, Christina Merkley, Sheri McConnell, Alexis Neely, Allana Pratt, Lou Bortone, Viki Viertel, Lynn Scheurell, Kathie Thomas, Debbie LaChusa, Wendy Weiss, Terri Z, Donna Gunter, Diana Ennen (THAT’S ME) and so, so, so many more.
Here’s the deal... She’s featuring TWO speakers PER DAY for the entire month of August (not including weekends because really, who likes working weekends?) The best part is that this amazing series of speakers is priced VERY affordably. It’s going to be one of the hottest events of the summer.
Simply click through this link http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy and register today. You won’t be disappointed and I’ll be there to speak as well! I’ll be speaking on publicity and marketing … my favorite topics ever!
You can purchase a seat in one track, two tracks or get audio downloads included too (along with your live seat) so what are you waiting for! I’ve heard there is a cap of 200 people due to the bridge line and with the speakers involved, that won’t last long!
Visit http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy and register now... ‘see’ you on the calls!
Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
My colleague and dear friend, Erin Blaskie, is hosting the first annual Summer Speaker Series featuring an amazing line-up of speakers including James Roche, Christina Merkley, Sheri McConnell, Alexis Neely, Allana Pratt, Lou Bortone, Viki Viertel, Lynn Scheurell, Kathie Thomas, Debbie LaChusa, Wendy Weiss, Terri Z, Donna Gunter, Diana Ennen (THAT’S ME) and so, so, so many more.
Here’s the deal... She’s featuring TWO speakers PER DAY for the entire month of August (not including weekends because really, who likes working weekends?) The best part is that this amazing series of speakers is priced VERY affordably. It’s going to be one of the hottest events of the summer.
Simply click through this link http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy and register today. You won’t be disappointed and I’ll be there to speak as well! I’ll be speaking on publicity and marketing … my favorite topics ever!
You can purchase a seat in one track, two tracks or get audio downloads included too (along with your live seat) so what are you waiting for! I’ve heard there is a cap of 200 people due to the bridge line and with the speakers involved, that won’t last long!
Visit http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy and register now... ‘see’ you on the calls!
Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Publicity Virtual Assistants Help Authors Achieve Book Marketing Success
Here's my latest release:
Publicity Virtual Assistants Help Authors Achieve Book Marketing Success
Margate, FL – (July 2008) Self-publishers and published authors alike often need assistance with the most vital aspect of their book journey, marketing and publicity. Successful authors know that to sell books, you need to do PR. And even more importantly, you need to do a lot of PR. You can’t just put your book on Amazon and send out a press release or two and hope for the masses to come. You need do an aggressive marketing campaign and get out there and promote your hard work. Fortunately, with the help of a Publicity Virtual Assistant it’s never been easier.
Publicity Virtual Assistants are virtual assistants who specialize in publicity and marketing. Publicity Virtual Assistants utilize all their expert talents and superb writing abilities for book marketing and promotions, thereby helping authors achieve the success they deserve by providing extensive marketing solutions, innovative publicity campaigns, proofing and editing capabilities, extensive research, administrative support, and so much more.
Diana Ennen, author of Corel WordPerfect Office Ready Virtual Assistant Solution Pack and Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA states, “Today’s Internet has opened the doors to successful book marketing by Publicity Virtual Assistants. Being able to send press releases and articles to a targeted group is priceless and knowing how to effectively research to find that group is even more beneficial. The virtual assistant is already well versed on the Internet and well aware of how to find the right connections. Plus, with the increase in social networking, the virtual assistant is able to make their client known in the right places. It’s a matter of knowing what to do and where to do it that sets us apart.”
Publicity virtual assistants are especially beneficial for those many first-time authors who are overwhelmed with the publishing process. By partnering with a Publicity Virtual Assistant, the stress of having to know it all is drastically reduced and the author can rely on their PVA to take over and implement much of the publicity campaign.
If you are in need of a Publicity Virtual Assistant, stop by today at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com for additional information. Also, if you are interested in learning more about becoming a publicity virtual assistant, contact Ennen directly at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. Ennen is hosting a series of teleseminars starting Wednesday June 30th at 2:00 P.M. with Jill Hart, co-host of the highly popular MomCast Live Blog Talk Radio Show. The first teleseminar is on press release writing and article writing, just one area a Publicity Virtual Assistant can help you with.
Publicity Virtual Assistants Help Authors Achieve Book Marketing Success
Margate, FL – (July 2008) Self-publishers and published authors alike often need assistance with the most vital aspect of their book journey, marketing and publicity. Successful authors know that to sell books, you need to do PR. And even more importantly, you need to do a lot of PR. You can’t just put your book on Amazon and send out a press release or two and hope for the masses to come. You need do an aggressive marketing campaign and get out there and promote your hard work. Fortunately, with the help of a Publicity Virtual Assistant it’s never been easier.
Publicity Virtual Assistants are virtual assistants who specialize in publicity and marketing. Publicity Virtual Assistants utilize all their expert talents and superb writing abilities for book marketing and promotions, thereby helping authors achieve the success they deserve by providing extensive marketing solutions, innovative publicity campaigns, proofing and editing capabilities, extensive research, administrative support, and so much more.
Diana Ennen, author of Corel WordPerfect Office Ready Virtual Assistant Solution Pack and Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA states, “Today’s Internet has opened the doors to successful book marketing by Publicity Virtual Assistants. Being able to send press releases and articles to a targeted group is priceless and knowing how to effectively research to find that group is even more beneficial. The virtual assistant is already well versed on the Internet and well aware of how to find the right connections. Plus, with the increase in social networking, the virtual assistant is able to make their client known in the right places. It’s a matter of knowing what to do and where to do it that sets us apart.”
Publicity virtual assistants are especially beneficial for those many first-time authors who are overwhelmed with the publishing process. By partnering with a Publicity Virtual Assistant, the stress of having to know it all is drastically reduced and the author can rely on their PVA to take over and implement much of the publicity campaign.
If you are in need of a Publicity Virtual Assistant, stop by today at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com for additional information. Also, if you are interested in learning more about becoming a publicity virtual assistant, contact Ennen directly at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. Ennen is hosting a series of teleseminars starting Wednesday June 30th at 2:00 P.M. with Jill Hart, co-host of the highly popular MomCast Live Blog Talk Radio Show. The first teleseminar is on press release writing and article writing, just one area a Publicity Virtual Assistant can help you with.
Friday, July 18, 2008
I'm Proud to Say I'm a Virtual Assistant
I’M PROUD TO SAY I’M A VIRTUAL ASSISTANT by Diana Ennen
Long, long ago in a land far away (sorry, got carried away), Virtual Assistants were faced with the dilemma of convincing their clients that they were professionals and could do the work at home just as well, OR BETTER, than what was being done at the office. The illusion of a person sitting on a kitchen table with a word processor, soda can, papers spread across the table, had to be smashed. That was then and this is now.
Home-based businesses are now considered a norm and are highly respected as well. We have achieved the recognition and respect among not only our peers, but the professional world that we have long deserved. Technology, the internet, and a lot of hard work and proving our abilities has earned us the reputation that we have today. The reputation of Professional Virtual Assistant. A reputation that we can be proud of. A reputation that we should continually work to achieve and improve upon.
Our home-based offices are often like executive suites at the some of the best business offices in town. We have the latest equipment and we keep it up and running in good working order because we don’t want downtime. We stay connected to other VAs and associations so when new technology or new advancements become available, we are aware of them and can act accordingly. We decorate our offices according to our likes and needs. We value our clients and always want to go above and beyond what is required of us. Therefore, when you come to our home-office you will feel not only the professionalism of a qualified VA, but the personal touch of someone who is there to help make your business succeed.
We are proud, yes. We are virtual assistants who know that we can make a difference. We love what we do. Now if you still wonder if someone from home can do your work, just ask us. We’ll gladly tell you how we can. But don’t be surprised if we continue to tell you a lot more about not only that, but how we can do so much more for you and your business.
Diana Ennen / http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
....
What about you! Tell us some of your "proud moments in your virtual assistant business." Did you land a new client? Get one of your clients featured in a national magazine? WHAT ... go ahead. Share some of your finest moments.
Long, long ago in a land far away (sorry, got carried away), Virtual Assistants were faced with the dilemma of convincing their clients that they were professionals and could do the work at home just as well, OR BETTER, than what was being done at the office. The illusion of a person sitting on a kitchen table with a word processor, soda can, papers spread across the table, had to be smashed. That was then and this is now.
Home-based businesses are now considered a norm and are highly respected as well. We have achieved the recognition and respect among not only our peers, but the professional world that we have long deserved. Technology, the internet, and a lot of hard work and proving our abilities has earned us the reputation that we have today. The reputation of Professional Virtual Assistant. A reputation that we can be proud of. A reputation that we should continually work to achieve and improve upon.
Our home-based offices are often like executive suites at the some of the best business offices in town. We have the latest equipment and we keep it up and running in good working order because we don’t want downtime. We stay connected to other VAs and associations so when new technology or new advancements become available, we are aware of them and can act accordingly. We decorate our offices according to our likes and needs. We value our clients and always want to go above and beyond what is required of us. Therefore, when you come to our home-office you will feel not only the professionalism of a qualified VA, but the personal touch of someone who is there to help make your business succeed.
We are proud, yes. We are virtual assistants who know that we can make a difference. We love what we do. Now if you still wonder if someone from home can do your work, just ask us. We’ll gladly tell you how we can. But don’t be surprised if we continue to tell you a lot more about not only that, but how we can do so much more for you and your business.
Diana Ennen / http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
....
What about you! Tell us some of your "proud moments in your virtual assistant business." Did you land a new client? Get one of your clients featured in a national magazine? WHAT ... go ahead. Share some of your finest moments.
Monday, July 14, 2008
7 Reasons I Love Being a Virtual Assistant
I added this to my newsletter and encouraged Virtual Assistants to share -- why they love being a Virtual Assistant. Post away!
Here's my reasons --
7 Reasons I Love Being a Virtual Assistant
Sometimes it seems you can't pick up a magazine or book today or even turn on the TV without someone talking about the Virtual Assistant Industry. I couldn't be happier. We deserve this. Virtual assistants have worked long and hard to gain the recognition they are getting today and I know it's only the beginning. I'd love to share 7 reasons why I love being a Virtual Assistant. I'm also posting it on my blog and would welcome you to post some of the reasons you enjoy being a VA too.
1- My clients: I get to work with some amazing clients and help them achieve success.
2- Control over my businesss: I love to know that I have the power to make it grow and am an active part of its success. I get to choose the clients I want to work with, the hours I want to work, and most importantly I get to say no as well if something isn't a good fit.
3- The ability to be part of the VA Industry: I've been blessed to be part of the VA Industry since its inception. Every year I get to see it reach more media and get more attention. It's wonderful to see and I'm proud to be a a part of it.
4- To have the opportunity to use my skills and talents every day: I love what I do and every day I get to wake up and do it again. If you talk to most entrepreneurs they will acknowledge passion is one of the most important aspects to success.
5- There is always something new. I'm an A Type Personality so I definitely need a challenge. I love the thrill of new clients, regular clients that have become good friends, new challenges, and also having the opportunity to make a difference in someone's business and success.
6- To get to coach others and help them achieve success: In addition to publicity and marketing, I also do virtual assistant coaching. I love to be able to take a VA with just a dream and turn it into a successful business.
7- I get to write and being a virtual assistant allows me to do just that. Whether it's writing a press release, a media kit, or a new book, my career choice has allowed me to write. And I love it!
Owning your own virtual assistant business is simply the BEST. Stop by my blog and tell me why you enjoy doing it. '
***
Diana Ennen of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Author: Virtual Assistant The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought after VA
Here's my reasons --
7 Reasons I Love Being a Virtual Assistant
Sometimes it seems you can't pick up a magazine or book today or even turn on the TV without someone talking about the Virtual Assistant Industry. I couldn't be happier. We deserve this. Virtual assistants have worked long and hard to gain the recognition they are getting today and I know it's only the beginning. I'd love to share 7 reasons why I love being a Virtual Assistant. I'm also posting it on my blog and would welcome you to post some of the reasons you enjoy being a VA too.
1- My clients: I get to work with some amazing clients and help them achieve success.
2- Control over my businesss: I love to know that I have the power to make it grow and am an active part of its success. I get to choose the clients I want to work with, the hours I want to work, and most importantly I get to say no as well if something isn't a good fit.
3- The ability to be part of the VA Industry: I've been blessed to be part of the VA Industry since its inception. Every year I get to see it reach more media and get more attention. It's wonderful to see and I'm proud to be a a part of it.
4- To have the opportunity to use my skills and talents every day: I love what I do and every day I get to wake up and do it again. If you talk to most entrepreneurs they will acknowledge passion is one of the most important aspects to success.
5- There is always something new. I'm an A Type Personality so I definitely need a challenge. I love the thrill of new clients, regular clients that have become good friends, new challenges, and also having the opportunity to make a difference in someone's business and success.
6- To get to coach others and help them achieve success: In addition to publicity and marketing, I also do virtual assistant coaching. I love to be able to take a VA with just a dream and turn it into a successful business.
7- I get to write and being a virtual assistant allows me to do just that. Whether it's writing a press release, a media kit, or a new book, my career choice has allowed me to write. And I love it!
Owning your own virtual assistant business is simply the BEST. Stop by my blog and tell me why you enjoy doing it. '
***
Diana Ennen of Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Author: Virtual Assistant The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought after VA
Friday, April 25, 2008
Rising Gas Prices Have You Down, Work at Home!
Rising Gas Prices Have You Down? Work From Home and Save Money at the Pump
With soaring gas prices fueling the strong need to work from home, now is the perfect time to become the business owner you always dreamed about. Think how great that short commute to your home-based office would be for those of you who can no longer afford to travel. You not only save money, but you get to experience the thrill of being your own boss and earning the kind of money you know you are worth.
One of the top businesses to start at home today is virtual assisting. Virtual Assistants are highly skilled professionals who provide service from a home office to anywhere in the world. Through the use of high-speed Internet access, e-mails, fax machines, mail services, as well as many web-based applications Virtual Assistants handle such things as publicity, Internet research, word processing, event planning, real estate transactions, legal briefs, medical transcriptions, proofing, editing, publishing and so much more.
And just who is using a VA? Just about everyone from corporate professionals to doctors, accountants to writers, and even attorneys rely on these professional assistants to keep their businesses running smoothly. Not to mention the authors and online shops that use VAs for their marketing and publicity. Putting their many years of knowledge and advanced training to work for them, these Virtual Assistants can take over administrative duties while executives concentrate on increasing profits—it’s a perfect fit!
How do you get started? Easy. Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker’s book, Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA (Another 8 Hours Publishing) and the accompanying VA The Series Workbook Edition provides you with everything you need to get well on your way to a successful new career. This book has already helped thousands of administrative professionals start their business and with the help of the Workbook Edition, others are soon to follow.
Start today and experience the financial freedom you’ve always wanted. Visit www.va-theseries.com for additional tips on starting your own virtual assistant business, or visit Academy of Virtual Professionals at www.AcademyVP.com to learn about a 16-week training program.
###
With soaring gas prices fueling the strong need to work from home, now is the perfect time to become the business owner you always dreamed about. Think how great that short commute to your home-based office would be for those of you who can no longer afford to travel. You not only save money, but you get to experience the thrill of being your own boss and earning the kind of money you know you are worth.
One of the top businesses to start at home today is virtual assisting. Virtual Assistants are highly skilled professionals who provide service from a home office to anywhere in the world. Through the use of high-speed Internet access, e-mails, fax machines, mail services, as well as many web-based applications Virtual Assistants handle such things as publicity, Internet research, word processing, event planning, real estate transactions, legal briefs, medical transcriptions, proofing, editing, publishing and so much more.
And just who is using a VA? Just about everyone from corporate professionals to doctors, accountants to writers, and even attorneys rely on these professional assistants to keep their businesses running smoothly. Not to mention the authors and online shops that use VAs for their marketing and publicity. Putting their many years of knowledge and advanced training to work for them, these Virtual Assistants can take over administrative duties while executives concentrate on increasing profits—it’s a perfect fit!
How do you get started? Easy. Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker’s book, Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA (Another 8 Hours Publishing) and the accompanying VA The Series Workbook Edition provides you with everything you need to get well on your way to a successful new career. This book has already helped thousands of administrative professionals start their business and with the help of the Workbook Edition, others are soon to follow.
Start today and experience the financial freedom you’ve always wanted. Visit www.va-theseries.com for additional tips on starting your own virtual assistant business, or visit Academy of Virtual Professionals at www.AcademyVP.com to learn about a 16-week training program.
###
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Virtual Assistant in the News - CBS 4
We are thrilled to have our segment on working at home air on CBS 4. That's Amber, my 10 year old, Amanda, my 14th old, and me! I'm thrilled that they mentioned virtual assistant, another great plug for our industry. And how cool about the new law being proposed. You will definitely be hearing more from me on that. Moms should be able to stay home with their kids when they are sick. I've seen moms drag their kids to work, with them almost crying they were so miserable, but the mom didn't have a choice. She had to work. I'd love your comments! And please do pass it on. Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com
http://cbs4.com/local/Diana.Ennen.sick.2.701349.html
http://cbs4.com/local/Diana.Ennen.sick.2.701349.html
Monday, March 31, 2008
Virtual Assistants Top List of of Work at Home Jobs AGAIN!
Once again, I was delighted to see our Industry mentioned in a List of Top Home-Based Businesses. This time it was on AOL -in an article -- 10 More Jobs You Can Have at Home.
http://jobs.aol.com/article/_a/10-more-jobs-you-can-have-at-home/20050808184809990053?ncid=AOLCOMMjobsDYNLprim0001
Here's what it said:
Administrative Assistant -- Also known as virtual assistants, home-based administrative assistants use office experience and computer skills as support personnel. Many skills easily transition into this position, which offers many part-time and temporary opportunities.
YES!!! I'm THRILLED!! I truly believe with the right skills, experience and passion that if you want to become a VA, and you do the right things to become a good VA, you absolutely can.
Here are some of the services that a VA can provide. I know for many regulars of my blog, you already know this, but fortunately, I'm having some new VAs and this is more for them. (This is from our Virtual Assistant The Series Book).
· Publicity, Marketing, Writing: Business, technical, academic, resume, and ghost writing. Includes formatting papers and manuscripts, as well as business plans and reports.
· Competitive Research: Research clients’ competitors and report findings.
· Editing/Proofreading: Editing and proofreading client documents.
· File Conversion: Convert files from one format to the other. Example: Word to PDF format.
· Digital Imaging: Digital photography, graphic design, scanning of documents, photographs, etc.
· Graphic Design: Designing images for use on the web or in print.
· Interpreting: Translate from one language to another.
· Web Design, Development and Maintenance: Design client websites. May include development of copy and ongoing maintenance.
· Word Processing: Many of the chapters in this book deal with this including Legal Transcription, Medical Transcription, Targeting Writers, etc.
· Desktop Publishing: Design and layout of business cards, newsletters, flyers, catalogs, brochures, menus.
· Transcription: Transcribing standard and micro-cassette tapes. Medical, legal and general transcription.
· General bookkeeping: Process and mail invoices and statements. Bill paying, checkbook balancing, collection calls, bookkeeping, etc.
· Meeting Planning: Organizing all or various aspects of a meeting. This might include arranging meeting space, A/V requirements, speakers, food and beverage, sleeping rooms, contract negotiations, and transportation.
· Event Planning: Organizing all or various aspects of an event. This might include arranging for a venue, food and beverage or catering, contract negotiations, special transportation, security, and entertainment.
· Presentations: Preparing slide presentations in a program such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Requires knowledge of the application, as well as presentation techniques. Might also include preparation of handouts and transparencies. Slides can show birthdays, business/marketing, graduations, weddings, etc.
· Realtor Support: Includes desktop publishing, bulk mailings, database management, letter writing, thank-you card writing, and making phone calls. See also, Transaction Coordinator.
· Information Processing: Combination of word processing, data processing, database management, spreadsheets, and resume preparation.
· Internet Research: Research and report findings on specific topics. You can do academic research, business and marketing research, locator services (alumni, family, military, etc.)
· Photocopying: Black and white or color copies, including transparencies.
· Association Management: Meeting minute transcription, meeting reminder cards or calls, database management, meeting agendas, meeting and convention planning, newsletters, mailing services, bookkeeping, and banking services.
· Concierge Services: Dinner recommendations and reservations, tickets, travel research and arrangements, transportation arrangements, directions, gift buying, car rentals, general errand running.
· Organizing Consultant: Rearrange office space, plan and pack for relocation, develop procedures, set up filing systems, time management, and office automation.
· Contact Management: Maintain client database of contacts using a variety of applications like ACT, Goldmine, Lotus Organizer, Outlook and Maximizer.
· Public Relations: Writing and submitting press releases. Arranging interviews with the media. Promote the general “image” of the company.
· Systems Management: Manage system network.
· Reminder Service: Remind clients of important dates and events.
· Executive Personal Assistant: Combination of duties with a high level of decision-making, coordination, purchase authority, on behalf of the company executive(s).
· Scheduling: Arrange and manage schedule for meetings, deadlines, appointments, and possibly personal activities.
· Technical Support: Hardware and software installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and tutoring.
· Internet Administration: Administration of chat rooms, message boards, and online groups.
If anyone would like information on starting a virtual assistant business, please do email me, at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. I have a VA Informational Package and a PR informational Package that I'd be happy to send you. The VA Informational Package includes a sample of our book Virtual Assistant the Series.
Thanks!
Diana Ennen, President
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
http://jobs.aol.com/article/_a/10-more-jobs-you-can-have-at-home/20050808184809990053?ncid=AOLCOMMjobsDYNLprim0001
Here's what it said:
Administrative Assistant -- Also known as virtual assistants, home-based administrative assistants use office experience and computer skills as support personnel. Many skills easily transition into this position, which offers many part-time and temporary opportunities.
YES!!! I'm THRILLED!! I truly believe with the right skills, experience and passion that if you want to become a VA, and you do the right things to become a good VA, you absolutely can.
Here are some of the services that a VA can provide. I know for many regulars of my blog, you already know this, but fortunately, I'm having some new VAs and this is more for them. (This is from our Virtual Assistant The Series Book).
· Publicity, Marketing, Writing: Business, technical, academic, resume, and ghost writing. Includes formatting papers and manuscripts, as well as business plans and reports.
· Competitive Research: Research clients’ competitors and report findings.
· Editing/Proofreading: Editing and proofreading client documents.
· File Conversion: Convert files from one format to the other. Example: Word to PDF format.
· Digital Imaging: Digital photography, graphic design, scanning of documents, photographs, etc.
· Graphic Design: Designing images for use on the web or in print.
· Interpreting: Translate from one language to another.
· Web Design, Development and Maintenance: Design client websites. May include development of copy and ongoing maintenance.
· Word Processing: Many of the chapters in this book deal with this including Legal Transcription, Medical Transcription, Targeting Writers, etc.
· Desktop Publishing: Design and layout of business cards, newsletters, flyers, catalogs, brochures, menus.
· Transcription: Transcribing standard and micro-cassette tapes. Medical, legal and general transcription.
· General bookkeeping: Process and mail invoices and statements. Bill paying, checkbook balancing, collection calls, bookkeeping, etc.
· Meeting Planning: Organizing all or various aspects of a meeting. This might include arranging meeting space, A/V requirements, speakers, food and beverage, sleeping rooms, contract negotiations, and transportation.
· Event Planning: Organizing all or various aspects of an event. This might include arranging for a venue, food and beverage or catering, contract negotiations, special transportation, security, and entertainment.
· Presentations: Preparing slide presentations in a program such as Microsoft PowerPoint. Requires knowledge of the application, as well as presentation techniques. Might also include preparation of handouts and transparencies. Slides can show birthdays, business/marketing, graduations, weddings, etc.
· Realtor Support: Includes desktop publishing, bulk mailings, database management, letter writing, thank-you card writing, and making phone calls. See also, Transaction Coordinator.
· Information Processing: Combination of word processing, data processing, database management, spreadsheets, and resume preparation.
· Internet Research: Research and report findings on specific topics. You can do academic research, business and marketing research, locator services (alumni, family, military, etc.)
· Photocopying: Black and white or color copies, including transparencies.
· Association Management: Meeting minute transcription, meeting reminder cards or calls, database management, meeting agendas, meeting and convention planning, newsletters, mailing services, bookkeeping, and banking services.
· Concierge Services: Dinner recommendations and reservations, tickets, travel research and arrangements, transportation arrangements, directions, gift buying, car rentals, general errand running.
· Organizing Consultant: Rearrange office space, plan and pack for relocation, develop procedures, set up filing systems, time management, and office automation.
· Contact Management: Maintain client database of contacts using a variety of applications like ACT, Goldmine, Lotus Organizer, Outlook and Maximizer.
· Public Relations: Writing and submitting press releases. Arranging interviews with the media. Promote the general “image” of the company.
· Systems Management: Manage system network.
· Reminder Service: Remind clients of important dates and events.
· Executive Personal Assistant: Combination of duties with a high level of decision-making, coordination, purchase authority, on behalf of the company executive(s).
· Scheduling: Arrange and manage schedule for meetings, deadlines, appointments, and possibly personal activities.
· Technical Support: Hardware and software installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and tutoring.
· Internet Administration: Administration of chat rooms, message boards, and online groups.
If anyone would like information on starting a virtual assistant business, please do email me, at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. I have a VA Informational Package and a PR informational Package that I'd be happy to send you. The VA Informational Package includes a sample of our book Virtual Assistant the Series.
Thanks!
Diana Ennen, President
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Monday, March 17, 2008
Forecloser Crises - We need to make more money
Hi
I just saw the CNN Video of a family living in their camper because of foreclosure. During the entire thing, all I could think of was "That could be me." How devastating to work your entire life and then end up in a camper, at 50. I believe it hit closer to home because I just turned 50 too.
What can we do? What can I do! I can't just keep sitting back not helping. She was an administrative professional who lost her job. Maybe she could work at home as a virtual assistant. That's global.
To that end, if anyone is facing forecloser or needs a helping hand now and would wants to start their own business or wants to supplement their existing income so they can forego foreclosure, email me and I'll send you my Words From Home Book and give you a free 1/2 hour coaching. This isn't a promotion. I send out press releases when I want to sell books. This is a true attempt to help those who need a helping hand. I don't know what else I can do, but if you do, let me know. Together we can make a difference.
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
I just saw the CNN Video of a family living in their camper because of foreclosure. During the entire thing, all I could think of was "That could be me." How devastating to work your entire life and then end up in a camper, at 50. I believe it hit closer to home because I just turned 50 too.
What can we do? What can I do! I can't just keep sitting back not helping. She was an administrative professional who lost her job. Maybe she could work at home as a virtual assistant. That's global.
To that end, if anyone is facing forecloser or needs a helping hand now and would wants to start their own business or wants to supplement their existing income so they can forego foreclosure, email me and I'll send you my Words From Home Book and give you a free 1/2 hour coaching. This isn't a promotion. I send out press releases when I want to sell books. This is a true attempt to help those who need a helping hand. I don't know what else I can do, but if you do, let me know. Together we can make a difference.
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
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