Thursday, August 21, 2008

Publicity and Marketing Seminar Today

Today is the DAY ... Join me as I talk PR. As many of you know I got on the Channel 4 News last week. Also, recently in the last few months I've been in Publix's Fall Magazine (available at stores now), Miami Herald newspaper, Associated Press segment, Family Circle Magazine, etc. And I've gotten my clients in numerous magazines and newspapers as well. (Go to my site to see, www.virtualwordpublishing.com) Join me as I tell how I do it. 2 Amazing Speakers per day. http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy Don't miss it!

August 21st – 5:00 P.M EST
Publicity and Marketing By: Diana Ennen
PR Made Easy - Sometimes businesses get so overwhelmed with the concept of having to do publicity and marketing, that they just don’t do it. They build exceptional businesses with top of line products and services, yet miss the magic because they leave out this one critical aspect. Not anymore. I’m going to show you the EASY, SIMPLE way to get PR. I’ll break it down into concise doable steps.

I’ll show you:
How to pitch
Where to pitch
Who to pitch
Why to pitch
What to pitch

Once you know these basics, simply apply them to all your publicity efforts.

I’ll outline how to create a Killer Press Release that gets results every time. I’ll also touch on the many mistakes businesses make that can jeopardize their entire PR campaign and tell you how to avoid them. I’ll also disclose some of my PR Secrets to success -- the ones that help to get me and my clients into major media magazines and newspapers.
Are you ready to take your business to the next level and beyond? Then join me. You’ll learn to love PR as much as I do. And better yet, your business will grow with every new step you take. That’s when the real fun begins.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Lesley Spencer, HBWM Founder Guest on show

We were honored to have on our show today, Lesley Spencer Founder of HBWM.
The CWAHM Network - Talk Radio That Helps Moms Connect

http://blogtalkradio.com/cwahm

The show was incredible. She always offer so many advice and wisdom for those moms who are working at home, but today we got some additional tips that I feel will help even those struggling with the economy. Here are some of the highlights:

1) When asked do you have ideas or recommendations for HBWM to help them survive the summer months and also the slowing economy, Lesley gave the following tips: See what other services or products you can offer to your existing service. Also, contact your clients and let them know that you are available for additional work. They might refer others to you.

2) GREAT tip that I plan on implementing immediately came when asked about how she gets so much media: She mentioned that she connects with media and has developed relationships throughout the years. She also lists her cell phone on her website so she doesn’t miss important calls from the media. (That’s very important. I know I missed a media lead a few weeks ago because I did miss their call). Great advice!

3) Hire my Mom is one of the latest opportunites she offers. It connects businesses with those moms looking for work. She explained how she got this idea and also the types of businesses she sees the most of today. She stated that she sees a lot of entrepeneurs who know they need to have more help with their sites and look here to hire moms who can help. (This truly is a great way to find work. I know I recently got a client from this.)

There is so much more. I hope you listen to the archive. Lesley you rock!

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Special Guest Today - Lesley Spencer - HBWM

Jill Hart and I are thrilled to have on the show today, Lesley Spencer of HBWM.com and HireMyMom.com

I've been a member of HBWM practically since it began in 1996. I'm the motivational expert there. I've met some of the most amazing women there and am so excited to be a part of such a great group of work at home moms. Lesley has been one of the driving forces in the home-based Industry and I can't wait to hear all she has to share on where the industry has come.

Join us! http://blogtalkradio.com/cwahm live today at noon. If you have questions, email me in advance. The show is also archived.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Saturday, August 16, 2008

South Florida Prepares

Here in S. Florida, Hurricane Season is in bloom, with Tropical Storm Fay coming our way. Here are some tips to prepare .. Stop by our site for more. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/home_office_recovery.htm

Disaster Preparedness - Disaster Planning is Necessary for Everyone ... Prepare Now.

We make it easy. Disaster Preparedness is essential for disasters. A written plan of your insurance information, medical and personal information, as well as inventory of belongings and copies of your important papers will help you get back up and running after the disaster is over. Prepare now.

A complete plan of action of where you will go, what you will take, and who will be notified can save enormous stress and strain if you are evacuated.

A sample copy of the Home Office Recovery Plan is available. Contact diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.

For Businesses

Sample Forms:
Company Name: __________________________________________
Physical Address: ____________________________________________
City: _________________________________________________
State, Zip: _______________________________________________
Tax ID or EIN #: ______________________________________________
Mailing Address: ____________________________________________
City: _____________________________________________
State, Zip: _____________________________________________
Phone: ____________________ Cell:___________________
Fax: ____________________________________________
E-mail Address: _______________________________________________
Web Address: __________________________________________________
Designated Person: ______________________________________________
(This is a person outside of the business who has access to this information)
Designated Person Phone #:________________________________________

Insurance Company Name: (#1) ____________________________________
Kind of Insurance (i.e., Business/Home/Wind/Flood/etc.)_____________ _____
Insurance Address: ______________________________________________
Insurance Phone: ______________________________________________
Insurance Agent: ______________________________________________
Insurance Policy Number: ______________________________________
Group #: ___________________________________________________
Additional Numbers: (Riders, etc.) _______________________________

E.A. Banking Information

It will be very important to have your business account information handy in case your home is not accessible for a while.

Bank Name __________________________________________
Street Address: __________________________________________
City, State, Zip __________________________________________
Phone: __________________________________________
Business Checking Acct. #: __________________________________________
Name of Business on Account: __________________________________________
EIN # or SS #: __________________________________________
Business Savings Acct. #: ____________________________________
Safe Deposit Box #: __________________________________________

PIN #: __________________________________________

Additional Business Accounts
i.e. Money Market: __________________________________________Auto

Insurance Information

Often your company vehicle can be involved. However, this is important information to have regardless.

Auto #1
Type of Vehicle: _______________ Year _____________ Make _________________

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN#)________________________________________

Lease or Purchase? _____________________________________________________

Name of Finance Company: _________________________ Phone: _______________

Account #: ____________________________________________________________

Registration ______________________ License Plate #________________________

Is this used for Business Purposes? ________________________________________

Insurance Company Name: _______________________________________________

Insurance Address: _____________________________________________________

Insurance Phone: ______________________________________________________

Insurance Policy Number: _______________________________________________

Additional Information: __________________________________________________


Name #1: ________________________________________________________________

Doctor’s Name #1_________________________________Phone: _______________

Doctor’s Name #2 _________________________________Phone: _____________

Medical Conditions ___________________________________________

Medicines and Dosage instructions:______________________________________________

Allergies: _____________________________________________________

Blood Type: ___________________________________________________

Pharmacy Name:__________________________________Phone:__________

Additional Information: ________________________________________



****************


Essential Tips on Disaster Preparedness

If you haven’t prepared a disaster recovery plan, now is the time to do so.

Diana Ennen, co-author of Home Office Recovery Plan: The Disaster Preparedness Guide for Your Home Business witnessed eight hurricanes in Florida including a direct hit from Hurricane Wilma. Ennen advises, "Being prepared for a hurricane or any natural disaster takes away the stress and anxiety. When timing is critical, I want to focus on the safety of my family, not on taking an inventory of my business, or deciding where I need to go. I also need to know that my family members will know how to find me after the disaster.”

Here are some steps to take to prepare:

Step One --Identify a safe place for everyone to meet. This pre-determined place should be discussed with family members prior to an emergency. A second location should be discussed. Also, out-of-town relatives should be advised of this location. Additionally, each person should have a list of phone numbers for immediate neighbors and family members. 3X5 index cards work well.

Step Two – Take an inventory now. Write down insurance policies including insurance company and contact information, policy numbers, group numbers, date of births, coverage, etc. Write down an inventory of valuables. Take photos.

Step Three - Write down all your company information, insurance information, attorney and accountant information, personal and family information and have a designated person who knows where it is. Don't forget your web information and hosting company.

Step Four - Protect your data -- Back-up all your files and keep a copy off site. Pay special attention to client files.

Step Five-- Write down a complete family medical history. Include any medical conditions, medicines and dosages, doctors names and contact information, where medical records can be found, etc. Be specific. A life can truly depend on this one step alone.

Step Six – Get a copy of all important information, wills, trusts, mortgages, deeds, birth certificates, contracts, medical records, even household bills to help get things restored quickly, etc. Back-up your computer. Get extra cash. Often ATMs are down so cash is needed.
The time to prepare is now. Stop by our site at www.virtualwordpublishing.com for a free sample of the Home Office Recovery Plan today that has forms for all the above information. Diana Ennen is available for media interviews by contacting her via email

Get a copy of the Home Office Recovery Plan Now. 68 pages of valuable information and forms needed to protect your business, home, and family. Every family needs this, not just home-based businesses.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Virtual Assistants in the News

We were featured on the CBS 4 News -- Working From Home Can Rake in Big Bucks

http://cbs4.com/consumer/economy.job.home.2.792216.html


Here's just some of the segment - but we hope you go to the CBS website and read the rest of the article and listen to the video as well.

"It's one of the fastest growing home based businesses and getting even bigger with the downturn in the economy and pink slips flying. We're talking about becoming a virtual assistant. Virtual assistant's or V-A's as they're known are independent contractors who work from home and offer clerical support, administrative help, sales assistance or personal services to companies large and small. These can be anything from typing, medical or legal transcription, website creation or marketing. "(etc.) http://cbs4.com/consumer/economy.job.home.2.792216.html (Read more on the CBS website and also watch the VIDEO)

BTW, that's one of my clients Cindy Doty, of Just Better Cleaning, www.justbettercleaning in the segment. I help with the marketing and another virtual assistant did their website, Nancy Brown of Virtual Gal Friday.

I think it's a great endorsement for the Virtual Assistant Industry! Would welcome your comments!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com, www.virtualassistantstartups.com

Friday, August 01, 2008

Back to School - We were featured in Local Paper

Hi

I hope you get a chance to check out the article my girls and I were featured in for the Miami Herald.
http://momsmiami.com/?a=profile&u=2&t=blog&blog_id=686

It was on back-to-school savings. We had a blast taking the shot. Nothing like getting to throw up school supplies in the air. The photographer who came out to take it was totally awesome.

Plus I think the article has some excellent back-to-school tips.

Here's some of the article ..

Diana Ennen considers back-to-school shopping a contact sport, an activity that you train for year-round -- not just in the final weeks of summer before school starts. While others fret over these tough economic times, the Margate mother of three has discovered that "it's easier to find bargains now. There are more sales and deals. You just have to be on the lookout for them.''

SHARE YOUR TIPS

Tell us your secrets for saving money on back-to-school shopping. And let other moms know about any sales you come across -- around town and online. Anyone who posts in this forum by Aug. 13 goes into a drawing for a $250 Target giftcard. And join the discussion on "greening'' your supply list here.a buck.

Ennen, who is also president of Virtual Word Publishing, is an avid coupon clipper, clearance aisle browser and thrift shop fanatic. She has signed up for emails from her favorite stores so she can be ready for the best sales; she searches for coupons on the Web; and she buys in bulk -- but only when it is actually cheaper. Saving money, she adds, is all about the planning.