Hi
As many of you know, I've been working at home since 1985. I love it! Can't imagine doing anything else. However, I discovered recently I'm in a "work at home" fashion rut. I live in South Florida so most days it's capris and short sleeve tops or on Fridays shorts and a tank top (oh my!). Of course, when I go out and visit clients or network it's more professional, but with Virtual Networking, that's getting less and less.
When I took on a client last year, Jamie Yasko-Mangum, author of Look Speak and Behave, I was reminded how fun it was to dressed up. I started implementing changes to my wardrobe and to my daily routine then. What an amazing difference. I'm so much more productive. So much more creative.
This week, I have a big seminar coming up that I am attending at the end of the month, so off to shop I went. Several pairs of gorgeous heeled shoes later, I stopped. Once again I discovered, what a difference. Even walking around the house working with heels on, I am more productive. I feel awesome! Top of the world. I do publicity and writing, so I need to be creative and this helped give me that edge. Of course, it might be just in my head. But if it produces better work, that's AOK with me. And I'm sure my clients don't mind one bit either.
For those of you working at home in a work-at-home fashion rut, I encourage you to take the challenge. Get dressed up daily. Wear those heels. Put on that make-up. And see what a difference it can make.
I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Thanks!
Diana Ennen
Author: Virtual Assistant the Series
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
A Virtual Assistant New Year’s Resolutions
As you dive in 2008, here are some specific New Year Resolutions for Virtual Assistants. Hope you enjoy -- Diana Ennen
A Virtual Assistant New Year’s Resolutions
The Virtual Assistant Industry has grown in leaps and bounds this year and is soon on its way to becoming a household word. It used to be people would ask, “What is a virtual assistant?” Now, the question is more, “Who is your virtual assistant?” It brings to mind years past when if you mentioned you were starting a home-based business, people would look at you like you were nuts. Now operating a home-based business is not only accepted, but also highly regarded.
This past year, we saw amazing evidence of the power of virtual assistants (VAs) with more and more media coverage, well-known authors and celebrities singing our praises, and businesses and corporations alike commenting on how hiring a virtual assistant has helped them to achieve so much more success in not only their business, but personal lives as well. Thousands of qualified and dedicated entrepreneurs stepped up to meet that demand and now join the ranks of being one of us-a virtual assistant.
When thinking of the VA Industry, brilliance, cutting-edge technology, and enormous dedication comes to mind. This year lets take our Industry to new heights. Lets keep our proud tradition of being the best, and lets show the world, that they can’t do without us.
Here’s are several New Years Resolutions to help you achieve greater success with your business this year:
Resolution #1 -- Make a commitment to get to know two people within yourindustry on a more personal level every month. Answer back an e-mail addressed to a VA group with a personal, “Hi. How are you doing? I’m Diana Ennen.” Also, become active on VA boards. If networking locally, introduce yourself at a professional organization's meeting or a conference instead of just being in the background.
Resolution #2 – Take the time to organize your business and make it easier to run on a daily basis. If you haven’t done so already, invest in a 3-ring notebook and put all the valuable forms you use on a daily basis in there including all your marketing letters, follow-up client letters, proposals, portfolios, etc. By customizing these forms now, you have them available when a client contacts you and are then able to respond to that client immediately with the right professionalism that will convince them to use your services. Bottom line – You don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time.
If you’d like help on creating some of these forms, consider our latest book, The WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, available at http://www.corel.com in their Office Productivity/OfficeReady® Template Packs section. This VA Solution Pack contains a valuable 81 page e-book and over 70 templates you can use on a regular basis to start or grow a successful virtual assistant business. The Solution Pack was written by Diana Ennen with the help of several VA Industry leaders including Kelly Poelker, co-author of numerous other VA Books with Diana Ennen.
Resolution #3 – Define your definition of a virtual assistant. There is so much talk today on exactly what is a virtual assistant. Spend the time this year to focus on what you believe a virtual assistant is and what you believe your clients look for in a virtual assistant. Develop a mission statement with that definition. Try this, “At (insert your company name), we strive to provide you with the best (insert what that is) and to always meet and exceed your expectations. We are committed to (what?). This can be done while enjoying that eggnog this year, not too spiked of course. By developing your mission statement, you will find clarity, which will enable you to take your virtual assistant business to the next level. Also, if you have a mission statement from last year, it’s time to rewrite it and include where you are today with your business.
Resolution #4 – Get the steps to success down in writing. For those that have read our book, Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, you might benefit with our new VA The Series Workbook. It takes you step by step through operating a successful VA business, listing all your goals, development ideas, and also drives home exactly what you want your business to be. When you see it in writing, it helps you see where you want to go and how you want to get there.
Resolution #5 – Make an effort to keep your company name out there. Send out regular press releases, articles, newsletters, post cards, thank you notes, and frequent follow-up. Not only can this help your Google status, but it also gains you credibility as an expert.
As virtual assistants, being able to work without global boundaries has enabled us to work with clients anywhere. These steps can help you find the right balance for your next year is more prosperous than ever.
We wish you the best of luck in the coming year. May it be your best year ever with success, happiness, and the right family/work balance that allows you to enjoy every day with peace and serenity. Stop by any of our sites for additional information on how you too can become a successful Virtual Assistant.
*****************
Diana Ennen, Author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and New Accompanying VA The Series Workbook; WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, (http://www.corel.com) Visit Diana at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Free booklet available on starting a virtual assisting business, as well as several other great articles and tips.
Feel free to pass this article along as long as the author’s block is included.
A Virtual Assistant New Year’s Resolutions
The Virtual Assistant Industry has grown in leaps and bounds this year and is soon on its way to becoming a household word. It used to be people would ask, “What is a virtual assistant?” Now, the question is more, “Who is your virtual assistant?” It brings to mind years past when if you mentioned you were starting a home-based business, people would look at you like you were nuts. Now operating a home-based business is not only accepted, but also highly regarded.
This past year, we saw amazing evidence of the power of virtual assistants (VAs) with more and more media coverage, well-known authors and celebrities singing our praises, and businesses and corporations alike commenting on how hiring a virtual assistant has helped them to achieve so much more success in not only their business, but personal lives as well. Thousands of qualified and dedicated entrepreneurs stepped up to meet that demand and now join the ranks of being one of us-a virtual assistant.
When thinking of the VA Industry, brilliance, cutting-edge technology, and enormous dedication comes to mind. This year lets take our Industry to new heights. Lets keep our proud tradition of being the best, and lets show the world, that they can’t do without us.
Here’s are several New Years Resolutions to help you achieve greater success with your business this year:
Resolution #1 -- Make a commitment to get to know two people within yourindustry on a more personal level every month. Answer back an e-mail addressed to a VA group with a personal, “Hi. How are you doing? I’m Diana Ennen.” Also, become active on VA boards. If networking locally, introduce yourself at a professional organization's meeting or a conference instead of just being in the background.
Resolution #2 – Take the time to organize your business and make it easier to run on a daily basis. If you haven’t done so already, invest in a 3-ring notebook and put all the valuable forms you use on a daily basis in there including all your marketing letters, follow-up client letters, proposals, portfolios, etc. By customizing these forms now, you have them available when a client contacts you and are then able to respond to that client immediately with the right professionalism that will convince them to use your services. Bottom line – You don’t have to reinvent the wheel each time.
If you’d like help on creating some of these forms, consider our latest book, The WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, available at http://www.corel.com in their Office Productivity/OfficeReady® Template Packs section. This VA Solution Pack contains a valuable 81 page e-book and over 70 templates you can use on a regular basis to start or grow a successful virtual assistant business. The Solution Pack was written by Diana Ennen with the help of several VA Industry leaders including Kelly Poelker, co-author of numerous other VA Books with Diana Ennen.
Resolution #3 – Define your definition of a virtual assistant. There is so much talk today on exactly what is a virtual assistant. Spend the time this year to focus on what you believe a virtual assistant is and what you believe your clients look for in a virtual assistant. Develop a mission statement with that definition. Try this, “At (insert your company name), we strive to provide you with the best (insert what that is) and to always meet and exceed your expectations. We are committed to (what?). This can be done while enjoying that eggnog this year, not too spiked of course. By developing your mission statement, you will find clarity, which will enable you to take your virtual assistant business to the next level. Also, if you have a mission statement from last year, it’s time to rewrite it and include where you are today with your business.
Resolution #4 – Get the steps to success down in writing. For those that have read our book, Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, you might benefit with our new VA The Series Workbook. It takes you step by step through operating a successful VA business, listing all your goals, development ideas, and also drives home exactly what you want your business to be. When you see it in writing, it helps you see where you want to go and how you want to get there.
Resolution #5 – Make an effort to keep your company name out there. Send out regular press releases, articles, newsletters, post cards, thank you notes, and frequent follow-up. Not only can this help your Google status, but it also gains you credibility as an expert.
As virtual assistants, being able to work without global boundaries has enabled us to work with clients anywhere. These steps can help you find the right balance for your next year is more prosperous than ever.
We wish you the best of luck in the coming year. May it be your best year ever with success, happiness, and the right family/work balance that allows you to enjoy every day with peace and serenity. Stop by any of our sites for additional information on how you too can become a successful Virtual Assistant.
*****************
Diana Ennen, Author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and New Accompanying VA The Series Workbook; WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, (http://www.corel.com) Visit Diana at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Free booklet available on starting a virtual assisting business, as well as several other great articles and tips.
Feel free to pass this article along as long as the author’s block is included.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Happy New Year - So Thankful For Everything
Hi
I hope you all had a tremendous holiday and are looking forward to 2008 as much as I am.
This year I decided to blog more for fun and inspiration. So here goes.
As I sat yesterday watching the Gators play, I realized how good life was. I started my business when my son Jeremy was born (1985). He will now be graduating college this year. The University of Florida, the Gators. It really showed me ... My business has grown so much and I'm so proud of it. And my family has done the same and I'm so proud of them too. What a great feeling.
Jeremy and I along with his dad spent months and months deciding on a college. We are so concerned to make the right decision. Yesterday when I saw his enthusiasm I knew we had. The Gators lost, but that was okay. I spent the most awesome time together with the entire family. That is so what it is all about.
I had to reflect back on my business too. I think because I started my business to stay home with him, it's a natural thing. Back then I just wanted to make enough money to keep him out of daycare. And now look where were are. I love the Virtual Assistant Industry. I love being able to help others achieve success in it. I love the potential that new VAs have and how even seasoned virtual assistants can grow their business. The sky is just the limit. It's just something to be proud of. To be in an industry that is doing so well and hopefully to have some little part in that. I can remember being quoted in USA Today in 1997, "hire a virtual assistant." 10 years later, I'm in the January's issue of Family Circle talking about the same thing. It's tremendous to feel such passion for something.
2008, here we come!
Diana Ennen, www.virtualwordpublishing, www.virtualassistantstartups.com
I hope you all had a tremendous holiday and are looking forward to 2008 as much as I am.
This year I decided to blog more for fun and inspiration. So here goes.
As I sat yesterday watching the Gators play, I realized how good life was. I started my business when my son Jeremy was born (1985). He will now be graduating college this year. The University of Florida, the Gators. It really showed me ... My business has grown so much and I'm so proud of it. And my family has done the same and I'm so proud of them too. What a great feeling.
Jeremy and I along with his dad spent months and months deciding on a college. We are so concerned to make the right decision. Yesterday when I saw his enthusiasm I knew we had. The Gators lost, but that was okay. I spent the most awesome time together with the entire family. That is so what it is all about.
I had to reflect back on my business too. I think because I started my business to stay home with him, it's a natural thing. Back then I just wanted to make enough money to keep him out of daycare. And now look where were are. I love the Virtual Assistant Industry. I love being able to help others achieve success in it. I love the potential that new VAs have and how even seasoned virtual assistants can grow their business. The sky is just the limit. It's just something to be proud of. To be in an industry that is doing so well and hopefully to have some little part in that. I can remember being quoted in USA Today in 1997, "hire a virtual assistant." 10 years later, I'm in the January's issue of Family Circle talking about the same thing. It's tremendous to feel such passion for something.
2008, here we come!
Diana Ennen, www.virtualwordpublishing, www.virtualassistantstartups.com
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Brain Gym Program for Schools
Hi
Our Client, Dr. Paul Dennison's, Brain Gym Program is getting recognized more and more throughout the United States for its role in elementary schools and their fitness programs. With the enactment of the requirement of 30 minutes of mandatory P.E. in schools today in many states, Brain Gym is becoming a part of school's daily schedule. Here is how one school in Michigan utilizes the Brain Gym Program.
http://blog.mlive.com/muskegon_chronicle_extra/2007/12/slideshow_brain_gym_exercising.html
If you would like information on Brain Gym, or their upcoming seminar in February, please contact me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.
Also, here is a press release with more details.
Brain Gym fortunately is also utilized at a school that my daughter Amber attends, Margate Elementary, with huge success. I'd love to one day see all schools have this program and my hope is to make that happen!
Thanks!
Diana Ennen --
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Dennison
www.braingym.com
(805)-650-3303
edukbooks@aol.com
Discovering Balance in Your Daily Life With The Brain Gym 101 Seminar
Ventura, CA (December, 2008) What does having more balance in life mean to you? It differs for everyone. For some it’s being able to focus more and stay organized on tasks. For others it’s reducing stress and learning how to relax. Yet, for many facing learning and behavior challenges, it can be successfully living with ADD, ADHD or Autism. Wouldn’t it be great to learn how to achieve this in just a few days? You can at the upcoming Brain Gym 101 Seminar in West Palm Beach, Florida. February 1 - 4, 2008. Are you living the life of your dreams? Are you doing the work you love? Are you and your children excited about learning and achieving to your potential? All of this and more are available to you when you have the Brain Gym Program working for you in your daily life.
If you’d like to discover an easy way to enhance your memory, organization, concentration and creativity, this workshop is for you. The Brain Gym 101 Seminar is an extensive 32-hour event presented by Dr. Paul Dennison, founder of the Brain Gym Program. The workshop is open to new students, Brain Gym 101 graduates, and those licensed Brain Gym instructors looking to further develop their Brain Gym skills. The course is centered on the simple, fast and fun 26-targeted movements that make up the Brain Gym Program. These movements consciously activate the mind/body system to release learning blocks and prepare your brain and entire nervous system for optimal learning. Participants are taken step by step through each movement with the detailed Brain Gym 101 Handbook as a guide.
The course promotes efficient communication between the brain and the rest of the body, increasing play and creativity and alleviating stress as it enhances performance, all ingredients for better balance in your life. The success of Brain Gym can be attributed to its effective movements, and balances, as well as to its addressing the physical skills of learning.
Since the 1980s the field of Educational Kinesiology, the study of movement and its relationship to learning, has touched people of all ages and cultures. Brain Gym has been introduced in homes, classrooms, businesses, and places of learning in more than 80 countries on all seven continents with rapid and often dramatic improvement in reading, writing, language and numerical skills. Many others use the work to profoundly enhance the quality of their attention and concentration, memory and organizational skills, athletic performance, and more. The popularity of brain exercises today supports the positive and dynamic effects of stimulating brain movements.
The workshop also explores the five learning principles central to Brain Gym Work. They include:
1) Draw Out: Intelligence is Inborn
2) Focus: Attention Follows Intention
3) Notice: We Learn What We Actively Experience
4) Move to Learn: Growth Is a Search for Balance, Imbalance a Search for Growth
5) Interconnect: Each of Us Is Affected by Each Other
Come and engage with others who believe movement is the key to whole brain learning and overall better health and well being. For more information please contact Dr. Patty Shackleford at 352.475.3311 or drpatty@pkconceptsinc.com. (Register Now). Stop by the Brain Gym site today to learn more about the Brain Gym Program, http://www.braingym.com. Dr. Dennison’s latest book, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning is available on Amazon and other leading bookstores.
Our Client, Dr. Paul Dennison's, Brain Gym Program is getting recognized more and more throughout the United States for its role in elementary schools and their fitness programs. With the enactment of the requirement of 30 minutes of mandatory P.E. in schools today in many states, Brain Gym is becoming a part of school's daily schedule. Here is how one school in Michigan utilizes the Brain Gym Program.
http://blog.mlive.com/muskegon_chronicle_extra/2007/12/slideshow_brain_gym_exercising.html
If you would like information on Brain Gym, or their upcoming seminar in February, please contact me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.
Also, here is a press release with more details.
Brain Gym fortunately is also utilized at a school that my daughter Amber attends, Margate Elementary, with huge success. I'd love to one day see all schools have this program and my hope is to make that happen!
Thanks!
Diana Ennen --
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Paul Dennison
www.braingym.com
(805)-650-3303
edukbooks@aol.com
Discovering Balance in Your Daily Life With The Brain Gym 101 Seminar
Ventura, CA (December, 2008) What does having more balance in life mean to you? It differs for everyone. For some it’s being able to focus more and stay organized on tasks. For others it’s reducing stress and learning how to relax. Yet, for many facing learning and behavior challenges, it can be successfully living with ADD, ADHD or Autism. Wouldn’t it be great to learn how to achieve this in just a few days? You can at the upcoming Brain Gym 101 Seminar in West Palm Beach, Florida. February 1 - 4, 2008. Are you living the life of your dreams? Are you doing the work you love? Are you and your children excited about learning and achieving to your potential? All of this and more are available to you when you have the Brain Gym Program working for you in your daily life.
If you’d like to discover an easy way to enhance your memory, organization, concentration and creativity, this workshop is for you. The Brain Gym 101 Seminar is an extensive 32-hour event presented by Dr. Paul Dennison, founder of the Brain Gym Program. The workshop is open to new students, Brain Gym 101 graduates, and those licensed Brain Gym instructors looking to further develop their Brain Gym skills. The course is centered on the simple, fast and fun 26-targeted movements that make up the Brain Gym Program. These movements consciously activate the mind/body system to release learning blocks and prepare your brain and entire nervous system for optimal learning. Participants are taken step by step through each movement with the detailed Brain Gym 101 Handbook as a guide.
The course promotes efficient communication between the brain and the rest of the body, increasing play and creativity and alleviating stress as it enhances performance, all ingredients for better balance in your life. The success of Brain Gym can be attributed to its effective movements, and balances, as well as to its addressing the physical skills of learning.
Since the 1980s the field of Educational Kinesiology, the study of movement and its relationship to learning, has touched people of all ages and cultures. Brain Gym has been introduced in homes, classrooms, businesses, and places of learning in more than 80 countries on all seven continents with rapid and often dramatic improvement in reading, writing, language and numerical skills. Many others use the work to profoundly enhance the quality of their attention and concentration, memory and organizational skills, athletic performance, and more. The popularity of brain exercises today supports the positive and dynamic effects of stimulating brain movements.
The workshop also explores the five learning principles central to Brain Gym Work. They include:
1) Draw Out: Intelligence is Inborn
2) Focus: Attention Follows Intention
3) Notice: We Learn What We Actively Experience
4) Move to Learn: Growth Is a Search for Balance, Imbalance a Search for Growth
5) Interconnect: Each of Us Is Affected by Each Other
Come and engage with others who believe movement is the key to whole brain learning and overall better health and well being. For more information please contact Dr. Patty Shackleford at 352.475.3311 or drpatty@pkconceptsinc.com. (Register Now). Stop by the Brain Gym site today to learn more about the Brain Gym Program, http://www.braingym.com. Dr. Dennison’s latest book, Brain Gym and Me: Reclaiming the Pleasure of Learning is available on Amazon and other leading bookstores.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Administrative Support Quote in Family Circle Magazine
Hi
I'm so happy to announce that thanks to Ellen Parlapiano, I was quoted in an article she wrote for the January issue of Family Circle Magazine, Mothers of (Re)intervention --
"Dee Ennen of Margate, Florida owns a home-based administrative support business and often displays marketing materials in office stores."
Thank you Ellen!
I have done this marketing technique for my virtual assistant business for years with great success. I hope you find it successful as well.
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
I'm so happy to announce that thanks to Ellen Parlapiano, I was quoted in an article she wrote for the January issue of Family Circle Magazine, Mothers of (Re)intervention --
"Dee Ennen of Margate, Florida owns a home-based administrative support business and often displays marketing materials in office stores."
Thank you Ellen!
I have done this marketing technique for my virtual assistant business for years with great success. I hope you find it successful as well.
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Monday, December 17, 2007
Goodbye to a legend - Dan Fogelberg
Hi
Today I sadly read the news that Dan Fogelberg had died.
He was one of my all time favorites. I have finished writing many of my books with his "Run for the Roses" song. It was my theme song for inspiration when I got tired of looking at the book and just wanted to be done. My family would hear it over and over and over and over. They would joke that they knew I was close to being done when they'd hear me do this. When I recently started on my exercise journey, that's the inspiration as well. In fact, throughout life when I needed the inspiration, that was my song.
I'd wake up in the morning to his song "To the Morning." Peace, Joy, Serenity. Often times the stress of the upcoming day would just leave as I listened. If in the afternoon, I was having a bad day, I'd listen. Take 5 and reboot. I'd feel better. He had that power.
I was fortunate enough to see him in concert once. It was the best. This weekend I even thought about it quite often as I prayed to get tickets to Hannah Montana for my daughter. Unfortunately those sold out in 3 minutes. Even though Amber had me practice typing to be quick to order (I type like 160 wpm, but that wasn't fast enough). I'll get it next time. I thought how much that concert meant to me and how much I wanted her to have that experience. I truly had no idea he was even sick.
I remember when I met my husband I had a picture of Dan Fogelberg on my desk at home. For months he wondered "who this guy was." Never asking. I just assumed he knew as often as we talked about and listened to his music. He finally one day said, "are you ever taking that guys picture down." We are now celebrating our 24th Wedding Anniversary Christmas Eve.
For all those who love Dan as much as I did, stop and say hi and leave a comment.
Good bye my friend! - Diana
Today I sadly read the news that Dan Fogelberg had died.
He was one of my all time favorites. I have finished writing many of my books with his "Run for the Roses" song. It was my theme song for inspiration when I got tired of looking at the book and just wanted to be done. My family would hear it over and over and over and over. They would joke that they knew I was close to being done when they'd hear me do this. When I recently started on my exercise journey, that's the inspiration as well. In fact, throughout life when I needed the inspiration, that was my song.
I'd wake up in the morning to his song "To the Morning." Peace, Joy, Serenity. Often times the stress of the upcoming day would just leave as I listened. If in the afternoon, I was having a bad day, I'd listen. Take 5 and reboot. I'd feel better. He had that power.
I was fortunate enough to see him in concert once. It was the best. This weekend I even thought about it quite often as I prayed to get tickets to Hannah Montana for my daughter. Unfortunately those sold out in 3 minutes. Even though Amber had me practice typing to be quick to order (I type like 160 wpm, but that wasn't fast enough). I'll get it next time. I thought how much that concert meant to me and how much I wanted her to have that experience. I truly had no idea he was even sick.
I remember when I met my husband I had a picture of Dan Fogelberg on my desk at home. For months he wondered "who this guy was." Never asking. I just assumed he knew as often as we talked about and listened to his music. He finally one day said, "are you ever taking that guys picture down." We are now celebrating our 24th Wedding Anniversary Christmas Eve.
For all those who love Dan as much as I did, stop and say hi and leave a comment.
Good bye my friend! - Diana
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