Virtual Assistant The Series Textbook Review

We just received the most awesome review for our book, Virtual Assistant the Series , where it was used as a textbook for a program for starting a virtual assistant business. Thanks Randi!

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Just received a course evaluation for the online virtual assistant class I teach during the spring and fall. There was lots of good feedback from students and I wanted to share the following specific feedback about the textbook:

What aspects of the course did you find most beneficial? Student response: The book was soooo awesome - very informative!

What assisted you most in learning and understanding this course material? Student response: The book.

What aspects of the course did you find most beneficial? Student response: The book and additional web sites Randi gave us.

The main textbook(s) required for this course was clear and helpful. Student response: Strongly Agree - Absolutely, I will continue to use this book, especially trying to set up my virtual assistant business
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Randi Tucker Barr

Tax Season Is Here - Discover How to Save More & Make More Next Year

Tax Season Is Here – Discover How to Save More & Make More Next Year

It’s tax time now and there’s never been a better opportunity to really look at your itemized deductions. Line by line they will reveal exactly where your hard-earned money was spent last year. After taxes are done and while the receipts are still handy and the deductions clear, take a moment to review your expenses and see where cost savings can be made. We believe you will be amazed at just how much you spend on various expenses. Yes, you have to continue to market, but can you cut back. You definitely need to still buy office supplies and pay those office expenses, but are there ways you can cut back and not feel the effects? With every penny counting these days, it’s time to look at saving money in every way possible.

One area to pay special attention to is your bank charges and merchant accounts fees. We all realize that to make money today its imperative that you offer every form of payment option to your customers, especially credit cards. People want and need the ability to pay for purchases via credit. However, often times the fees associated with those transactions add up substantially. By looking over last year’s fees, you can see how much you spent on your credit card processing plan. Take the time now to review how much you paid out in merchant fees. Are you surprised at the high amount? Do you think you can do better?

Cutting credit card transactions fees is possible and definitely recommended. Look for companies that don’t have hidden fees or minimum monthly requirements. Those extra fees can add on substantially to your monthly charges. Find a company that offers bundled services at a set price. This ensures that there are not numerous itemized expenses that add up at month’s end. Finally, find a company that is reputable and works with small businesses to help them succeed.

Now that you’ve saved money, it’s also important to look at how you can make extra money too. At tax time more than ever, it’s crystal clear just how much you made last year. Often times it can be a sad awakening. Small businesses took a hard hit and it’s evident that a majority did lose money. However, there are ways to take back the power this year and turn things around. There are several ways to do this. One way, as we’ve already mentioned, is to offer clients more payment options. It’s absolutely essential to provide your clients the ability to pay with their credit cards. We all know that in today’s economy, cash flow isn’t as prevalent as in years past and more and more people are reaching for plastic when it comes time to pay. In fact, you can actually lose money when you don’t. For example, let’s say a massage therapist charges $80.00 an hour and does not accept credit cards. Let’s say she misses out on three customers a year because she only took cash.

Now let’s break that down into dollar amounts. $80.00/hr. for three clients that she sees every other month or 6 times a year. 6 x 3 = 18 x $80.00 = $1440 That’s almost $1500 lost and that’s only three clients. Who knows how many clients she actually lost. It could have been a lot more.

Now, how much would the credit card have cost? Let’s go with one program that we are familiar with.

9.99/month x 12 = 119.88
$119.88 + $55.44 (transaction fees) = $175.32 total cost of processing for the year
She lost $1440.00 and it only would have cost her $175.32.
So by not accepting credit cards she actually lost out on $1264.68 of valuable cash flow for her small business.

Another method to make extra income is to make passive income. Passive income adds to a businesses’ bottom line and when effectively used, can make a substantial amount of money for a business. This is especially true if you have a large member base, run or work at an association, or have a large newsletter subscriber base. You already have those interested and invested in you, so the more opportunities you bring to them, the better value you offer. Plus, normally with passive income programs, you are offering a valuable service that your members need. Look for programs that fit in with your target audience and would meet the needs of your members. Don’t just look for programs that would make you money. Look for programs that offer a real benefit. There are partner programs available for practically every business, even those in the credit card processing business. We’d be happy to provide additional information.

You can survive and thrive in these times. You just need to be creative and watch for ways that you can not only make extra money, but save money as well. Make 2009 your best year ever and stop losing money. Make More, Save More. That’s how it should be done.


Cell Charge Inc., www.cellcharge.com, lets you accept credit cards and have the funds deposited in your bank account automatically. No need for a “swipe” terminal or any computer software to use Cell Charge. An existing telephone or cell phone is all you need to make transactions with us. Cell Charge was recently featured on Eye on America and in USAToday. Contact publicist diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for media interviews and additional information.
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Actress Alicia Cole Appears on The Doctors TV Show Today

One of my clients and friends appeared on the TV Show Today the Doctors. Alicia Cole, was a working actress until she went to the hospital for a routine surgery. The result was shown on the show today. Flesh Eating Bacteria. She provided tips on how you can protect yourself in the hospital. Tips such as:

1) Make sure nurses and all in contact with you wash their hands always.
2) Watch visitors and make sure they don't sit on your bed with their coats, etc. Have them wash hands too.
3) Watch for signs that something could go wrong. Alicia noticed a small black dot at first.

For media interviews, contact me, diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. Here's her release with additional information.

Actress Continues Fight Against Hospital Errors & Rise in MRSA Cases

Sherman Oaks, California Actress Alicia Cole, a Screen Actors Guild member for 14 years, is known for the many portraits of doctors and nurses, including roles on General Hospital, Young and the Restless, and more. But a year ago, Cole switched from playing a doctor to becoming a real-life patient after contracting Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF), ‘Man-eating Flesh Disease’. This lead to six additional surgeries and a struggle to survive. This also lead Cole to fight to bring awareness to the rise in preventable hospital acquired infections and particularly MRSA Cases.

It is estimated that staph infections alone kill approximately 100,000 Americans in hospitals annually. Dennis Quaid’s family tragedy is a prime example of the increase in preventable hospital errors today.

Cole’s plight began on Aug. 15, 2006 upon entering the same top-rated San Fernando Valley hospital that treated fan favorite John Ritter. Following a minor procedure, a quarter-sized pustule developed that would lead to the traumatizing diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis. To view the ravaging effects of this disease go to Cole’s site at http://www.aliciacole.com.

Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is a bacterial infection that attacks the soft tissue and fascia. In order to contact the bacteria, it needs to be introduced into the body. Thereby, NF often occurs through complications from surgery or infections from hospitals.

“I vowed, if I am able to survive this, I will dedicate myself to insuring that no other family has to endure the trauma and burdens inflicted by a preventable hospital infection.” Cole now advocates nationally for safer healthcare and public reporting of hospital infection and death rates. Cole was the first member of the public to address Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Committee on Hospital Associated Infections created by Senate Bill 739.

Cole recently founded the Alliance for Safety Awareness for Patients (ASAP) to educate and protect patients. ASAP works with established advocacy groups, healthcare providers and legislators to strive to reduce the spread of preventable hospital-acquired infections by empowering the public to make informed decisions about healthcare issues.

Stop the disease. Make a Difference. Go to www.aliciacole.com for more details. Alicia Cole is available for media interviews by contacting publicist Diana Ennen at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.

Hannah Montana's Cody Linley to Appear on CWAHM Network

Hannah Montana's Cody Linley to appear on The CWAHM Network March 2nd

Listeners to The CWAHM Network Talk Radio Show are in for a real treat this Monday as actor Cody Linley joins them for a special Live broadcast. Linley will share about the new project he is a part of, the Word of Promise-Next Generation CD. Linley plays the role of Jesus in this audio Bible geared for teens and tweens. In addition to Linley, the star-studded cast includes “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, "Bridge to Terabithia's" AnnaSophia Robb, and Disney favorites Corbin Bleu, Alyson Stoner and Emily Osment.

Cody Linley has been in many hit feature films, and appeared often on popular TV shows. Cody shot his first feature film as "Spit" in "My Dog Skip" at eight years old and followed up with Miss Congeniality and Where the Heart Is. He has worked with an impressive group of world-class actors, including Luke Wilson (both in Hoot and My Dog Skip), Steve Martin and Hillary Duff (Cheaper by the Dozen), Kevin Bacon and Frankie Muniz (My Dog Skip), Ashley Judd and Natalie Portman (Where the Heart Is), Sandra Bullock and Benjamin Bratt (Miss Congeniality) and Jonathan Lipnicki and Eric Stoltz (When Zachary Beaver Came to Town). Cody also takes occasional guest starring roles for Disney and appeared in several episodes of "Hannah Montana" as the TV star "Jake Ryan" and has done a guest star appearance on "That's So Raven" as well.

The CWAHM Networking Radio show is produced by Jill Hart, founder of CWAHM.com, a website devoted to Christian work-at-home moms. It is co-hosted by Diana Ennen, President of Virtual Word Publishing, VirtualWordPublishing.com specializing in publicity and marketing. The weekly show was created for all parents who have the desire to work from home. Hart states, "Having Cody Linley on the show is a great way to get moms and kids listening together and interacting. I think it's great to give kids a look at what Christian teens in Hollywood are up to, and how they are standing up for their faith."

Every Tuesday at 11am EST, the live show features Christian entrepreneurs, authors and other inspirational guests. Past guests include Women of Faith's Thelma Wells, self-publishing expert Dan Poynter, organizational expert Marica Ramsland and renown author Allison Bottke. Listeners can tune in LIVE at 11:15 EST, Monday March 2nd or listen to the archive anytime at http://blogtalkradio.com/cwahm

Virtual Assistant Get Together - South Florida

CALLING ALL FLORIDA VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS

This Saturday, we are having an informal GET Together of Virtual Assistants. We will meet at 2:00 p.m. at TGI Friday's in Coral Springs by the Coral Square Mall. From 2:00 to 4:00 we will share coffee, french fries & lots of ideas.

Email me for details. diana@virtualwordpublishing.com

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Buying Authentic Bags Online

Buying Authentic Bags Online Doesn’t Need to Be Risky Business If You Do Your Homework

High fashion makes you look and feel like a million bucks. But often the price tag is too hefty for today’s economy. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and experience, you don’t have to spend big to look great. Even when purchasing online, you can take steps to purchase designer fashions that are authentic and top of the line. Just do your homework and research as much as possible before you make your purchase. Develop relationships with shops that carry your favorite bags and a personal connection with the shop owner. Stop back often and get on their email lists so you keep in touch. Once they know your style, they are more likely to keep you in mind when they add to their collections or offer discounts.

By knowing the signs to look for in purchasing vintage bags online, you also feel more confident that your purchases are authentic. For example, with Chanel, their classic look is hard to miss with their signature interlocking letter Cs, their exquisite stitchery and hardware, and the quality look and feel of the bags.

Here are some additional tips to help you secure the perfect designer bag:

Do as much research on the handbag you want to purchase as you can. Personally visit high-end stores so you can see the handbag and become familiar with its features. That enables you to easily catch flaws that shout knockoff to an informed buyer.
Look for design consistency. For example, all Chanel bags have signature styles that goes far beyond their trademark C’s. The font used is very specific and is rarely changed on Chanel Bags. Look closely at the fonts on bags you see in the stores and check to see if they match.
The bag and stamp will always match the hardware. When a bag has gold hardware the Chanel stamp and bag will always be gold. If it’s silver, they will be silver, and so forth.
You can also spot obvious design flaws. Check the logo and pay attention to spelling mistakes. Check that the lining and stitching match and also look for uneven stitching. Chanel originals are always very neatly stitched.
Examine the bag’s zippers. New bags come with Lampo zippers. One side should be engraved "Chanel" and the other should have the Chanel logo. The pull of the zipper should match the rest of the bag and its hardware.
Chanel bags come with authenticy cards, serial numbers, and dust bags. You can even check for authenticy with these by knowing what to look for on your bag. For example, the price tags are on white cards. If it is new with a tag, the price tag should be white with Chanel written in black. Fake bags have black price tags.
The authenticity card is black with a gold rim and white writing. The gold on the card should have NO rainbow hue to it.
Also, check to make sure the serial numbers match the cards and bag. When shopping online, most shops will let you know whether the card is included. Don’t dismiss a bag simply because it doesn’t have the card included. Not all bags are sold in the resale market with the card, as owners may have misplaced them. However, this in no way devalues a bag. The same goes for sleeper bags. While it is nice to have them, you are really purchasing the bag. Often times you can get a reduced rate on these bags. Just make sure the other features signify an authentic bag.
In the description take notes of things such as bright shiny colors. Authentic bags will have soft leather or suede. Fakes tend to look and feel more like plastic.

When shopping online and adding to your collection, frequent stores that not only carry your favorite designer bags and shoes, but specialize in them as well. For example, Chanel is by far one of the most recognized handbags today. If you favor Chanel bags and shoes, then shop at stores that carry these fashions as their main products. By specializing in one or two fashions, the shop owners are more than likely to be experts in those fashion lines and will not only be able to offer the finest and latest styles, but carry a full line of accessories to match.

Here are a few more tips to make your online shopping more successful:
Look for websites that have clear photos of the designer bags and shoes. Check for serial numbers, date codes, etc.
Pay special attention to how the products are listed. You can get a true feel for a shop owner when you see honesty in their listings.
Quality sites allow you to contact the owner easily. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get more information on the fashions you want. Shop owners are normally very receptive to this as they too want you to find the perfect bag that meets your individual taste.
Make sure the website you purchase from has a return policy and check exactly what that return policy includes. Pay with Paypal or a credit card for added protection.
Get active online and join purse forums and other sites that provide fashion information.

Fortunately, today you can get great deals on the Internet. Whether it is last season’s styles for a few hundred less or a pre-owned bag in pristine condition, for sometimes a few thousand off, online shopping saves time and money.

It’s just critical to shop at quality shops known for their high standards. One such shop is Chanel & More located at the shops of Malleries. Stop by today to see what a difference quality makes.

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Chanel and More, located at the shops of Malleries, has original and pre-owned Chanel fashions as well as other designer fashions with the emphasis on Chanel. All designer handbags and fashions are authenticated prior to being listed for sale on their site http://luxury.malleries.com/chanel-more-s-209.html Contact Diane Duckett at chanel_more@yahoo.com for personalized attention and to find the perfect fashions just right for you.