Finally, I got my press release writen for my CBS 4 Segment. I was thrilled to be interviewed and get a chance to talk about the Industry I am so passionate about.
Here it is!
CBS 4 News Explores Thriving Virtual Assistant Industry –The Solution to a Gloomy
Economy.Margate, FL (September, 2008) With the downturn in the economy and pink slips a way of life today, more and more are turning to working at home. In fact, CBS4 News recently did a segment entitled “Working From Home Can Rake in Big Bucks”
http://cbs4.com/consumer/economy.job.home.2.792216.html in which it features the thriving virtual assistant industry and how becoming a virtual assistant can be the solution so many are looking for today.
As the segment states, “It's one of the fastest growing home based businesses and getting even bigger. Virtual assistants or VAs, 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.“
Diana Ennen of Margate, Florida was featured in the segment and states that after it aired she received a tremendous response from those who have been out of work and looking to supplement their income. Ennen states, “It has been fabulous to be able to help those in my community get back on their feet. One benefit of being a virtual assistant is that you can work globally so your local economy doesn’t affect you as much as you can secure clients from around the world. Also, in addition to the services CBS mentioned, you can also do publicity and marketing, bookkeeping, database management, etc. “
Ennen started her own company Virtual Word Publishing in 1985 offering her skills in publicity, online marketing and book promotions to clients. She has also co-authored a book Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA with the Founder of the Academy for Virtual Professionals, Kelly Poelker.
Both agree that starting a Virtual Assistant Business is truly one of the best ways you can survive in this gloomy economy. Virtual Assistants are independent contractors and their rates start at approximately $35 dollars an hour but can increase to $95 dollars an hour depending on the services you offer. Ennen says for those who want it, there's more work than you can handle.
Stop by Virtual Word Publishing at http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com for additional information on starting your own virtual assistant business or to find out more about the virtual assistant services we offer. Also, look to the Academy of Virtual Professionals at http://www.academyvp.com/ for their September classes.
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Disaster Preparedness - Tips You Need to Know
Hi
With Hurricane Hannah, Ike and Josephine looming and Gustav reaking havoc in The Gulf, I wanted to post my disaster preparedness article. As many know, I have a Sample Disaster Recovery Plan for anyone if they email me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.
Disaster Preparation For Your Home Based Business
Last week, the unthinkable happened. My inlaws came to town. Wait, that’s another story, let me start again. Last week, the unthinkable happened. My inlaws came to town AND the first day they arrived my Outlook program crashed. Now, I have your attention!
As a virtual assistant and publicist, I live via e-mail. I save all my client’s messages as they have the press releases, follow-up correspondence, media contacts, etc., attached. My whole life is there on Outlook and there it was - the error message of all messages - your Outlook has an error, fix it. So I went to work to fix it. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that my only solution was to reinstall Outlook. That meant that my e-mails would consist of whatever I had on back-ups, and nothing more. Gone! My business flashed before my eyes as I thought back on all those emails from clients, the press releases they had attached, the work they had sent me to do, etc., as you can imagine panic soon set in.
Fortunately, my story has a happy ending. I had done a manual back-up of my e-mail program three weeks earlier. Therefore, I knew that I would at least have that. And even better, I have my computer set up to do an automatic back-up of my entire system every few days. It had done a back-up 6 hours before my crash. Instead of losing all my e-mails, or at least three weeks worth, I lost only 6 hours. Life was good again.
I tell this story to emphasize the importance of disaster preparing your business. It can and will happen to you. We wish it would always happen to the other guy, but it just doesn’t. You need to do everything possible to make sure that the effects are minimal if you do have a computer crash, or any other disasters that can happen including theft, hospitalizations, natural disasters, and so forth.
Here are a few tips that I find very beneficial:
1. Back-up your system regularly. Set it for automatic, and hopefully during the night so that your computer isn’t slowed down while it backs up. Make this as much a part of running your business as answering e-mails to clients.
2. Test that back-up. Just as important as backing up your system is knowing how to retrieve that information. It does differ on the type of back-up you perform. Test this out, before you need it. Also, write out complete instructions on how to restore backed up data and include this in your Disaster Plan. When you are stressed during a crisis, you need things as step-by-step and easy as possible. If you’ve already written complete instructions, you’ll be amazed how easy this can be.
3. Save a back-up copy offsite. It’s as easy as having a family member take your back-up CDs to work, or having a flash drive. I just feel better knowing that my hard work is going to be there when I get back, even if the unthinkable happened while I was away.
4. Do regular virus scans. Many feel that because they have a virus program that will alert them if a virus comes in via e-mail, they are safe. That could well be. However, I feel so much better after doing a virus scan and it telling me I’m AOK. Also, set this for automatic as well.
5. For important e-mails, copy and paste them into your word processing program. It takes a little extra effort, but can be easily done. Also, download files as soon as they arrive.
It’s also important to have a disaster recovery plan. It’s easier than you think and should be done the same as your marketing and business plans.
Here are some tips for that:
1. Business Continuity Plan – Plan ahead for all aspects of your business. It’s important to write down all your client contact information, where back-ups are stored, who your subcontractors are, the work normally done, etc. When you think about it, if something were to happen tomorrow, how good would you feel if you knew your clients, subcontractors, and business operations would be taken care of. It just provides the peace of mind you need.
2. While you’re writing, include a breakdown of family members, phone contacts, close relatives with complete contact information. We recommend additionally putting this on a 3 x 5 card for your younger children. And honestly, this isn’t just for us Floridians who experience hurricanes. The unexpected weather over the past months should tell you of the importance of this.
3. Keep an inventory of all your business furnishings, business equipment, software programs, passwords, etc. Also, keep receipts and photos. You’ll be amazed how once you do this and have it set up, it’s automatic when you get something new. You simply add it to your recovery plan. I make copies of all receipts and simply add it to an envelope in my plan.
4. Insurance information. Write down all your policies and coverage. In addition to having this information if you did need to file a claim, it also helps to see if you have enough coverage.
5. Medical information. The well being of yourself and family is of utmost importance. You need to write down all of you and your families medicines, doctors, medical conditions, etc. This section can literally save your life. Don’t forget to include drug dosages. Now you’re wondering why this is part of a business disaster recovery plan. But when you think about it, aren’t you the most important part of your business. That’s why this is so critical.
6. Have someone you totally trust who will be in charge of a copy of your plan. Send them the updated version regularly. Also, let others know who this is. When something happens, they know immediately who to contact to retrieve your plan.
I hope you have found these tips helpful. If you want more, and I hope you do, I’ll be speaking about this topic at our OIVAC convention in May. Disaster preparation is not a topic that is discussed often, but the ease of mind you will feel when you know you’ve protected your business will definitely make it worth the while. I look forward to seeing you all then.
###
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and Virtual Assistant Startups. http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.
With Hurricane Hannah, Ike and Josephine looming and Gustav reaking havoc in The Gulf, I wanted to post my disaster preparedness article. As many know, I have a Sample Disaster Recovery Plan for anyone if they email me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com.
Disaster Preparation For Your Home Based Business
Last week, the unthinkable happened. My inlaws came to town. Wait, that’s another story, let me start again. Last week, the unthinkable happened. My inlaws came to town AND the first day they arrived my Outlook program crashed. Now, I have your attention!
As a virtual assistant and publicist, I live via e-mail. I save all my client’s messages as they have the press releases, follow-up correspondence, media contacts, etc., attached. My whole life is there on Outlook and there it was - the error message of all messages - your Outlook has an error, fix it. So I went to work to fix it. However, it wasn’t long before I realized that my only solution was to reinstall Outlook. That meant that my e-mails would consist of whatever I had on back-ups, and nothing more. Gone! My business flashed before my eyes as I thought back on all those emails from clients, the press releases they had attached, the work they had sent me to do, etc., as you can imagine panic soon set in.
Fortunately, my story has a happy ending. I had done a manual back-up of my e-mail program three weeks earlier. Therefore, I knew that I would at least have that. And even better, I have my computer set up to do an automatic back-up of my entire system every few days. It had done a back-up 6 hours before my crash. Instead of losing all my e-mails, or at least three weeks worth, I lost only 6 hours. Life was good again.
I tell this story to emphasize the importance of disaster preparing your business. It can and will happen to you. We wish it would always happen to the other guy, but it just doesn’t. You need to do everything possible to make sure that the effects are minimal if you do have a computer crash, or any other disasters that can happen including theft, hospitalizations, natural disasters, and so forth.
Here are a few tips that I find very beneficial:
1. Back-up your system regularly. Set it for automatic, and hopefully during the night so that your computer isn’t slowed down while it backs up. Make this as much a part of running your business as answering e-mails to clients.
2. Test that back-up. Just as important as backing up your system is knowing how to retrieve that information. It does differ on the type of back-up you perform. Test this out, before you need it. Also, write out complete instructions on how to restore backed up data and include this in your Disaster Plan. When you are stressed during a crisis, you need things as step-by-step and easy as possible. If you’ve already written complete instructions, you’ll be amazed how easy this can be.
3. Save a back-up copy offsite. It’s as easy as having a family member take your back-up CDs to work, or having a flash drive. I just feel better knowing that my hard work is going to be there when I get back, even if the unthinkable happened while I was away.
4. Do regular virus scans. Many feel that because they have a virus program that will alert them if a virus comes in via e-mail, they are safe. That could well be. However, I feel so much better after doing a virus scan and it telling me I’m AOK. Also, set this for automatic as well.
5. For important e-mails, copy and paste them into your word processing program. It takes a little extra effort, but can be easily done. Also, download files as soon as they arrive.
It’s also important to have a disaster recovery plan. It’s easier than you think and should be done the same as your marketing and business plans.
Here are some tips for that:
1. Business Continuity Plan – Plan ahead for all aspects of your business. It’s important to write down all your client contact information, where back-ups are stored, who your subcontractors are, the work normally done, etc. When you think about it, if something were to happen tomorrow, how good would you feel if you knew your clients, subcontractors, and business operations would be taken care of. It just provides the peace of mind you need.
2. While you’re writing, include a breakdown of family members, phone contacts, close relatives with complete contact information. We recommend additionally putting this on a 3 x 5 card for your younger children. And honestly, this isn’t just for us Floridians who experience hurricanes. The unexpected weather over the past months should tell you of the importance of this.
3. Keep an inventory of all your business furnishings, business equipment, software programs, passwords, etc. Also, keep receipts and photos. You’ll be amazed how once you do this and have it set up, it’s automatic when you get something new. You simply add it to your recovery plan. I make copies of all receipts and simply add it to an envelope in my plan.
4. Insurance information. Write down all your policies and coverage. In addition to having this information if you did need to file a claim, it also helps to see if you have enough coverage.
5. Medical information. The well being of yourself and family is of utmost importance. You need to write down all of you and your families medicines, doctors, medical conditions, etc. This section can literally save your life. Don’t forget to include drug dosages. Now you’re wondering why this is part of a business disaster recovery plan. But when you think about it, aren’t you the most important part of your business. That’s why this is so critical.
6. Have someone you totally trust who will be in charge of a copy of your plan. Send them the updated version regularly. Also, let others know who this is. When something happens, they know immediately who to contact to retrieve your plan.
I hope you have found these tips helpful. If you want more, and I hope you do, I’ll be speaking about this topic at our OIVAC convention in May. Disaster preparation is not a topic that is discussed often, but the ease of mind you will feel when you know you’ve protected your business will definitely make it worth the while. I look forward to seeing you all then.
###
Diana Ennen is the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and Virtual Assistant Startups. http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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