Sledgehammer -- Fiction at Its Best

Looking for a good fiction book to read? Look no further! This medical thriller will have you glued to every page as the drama unfolds and an ER doctor must stop a biochemical nightmare from happening.

6 days … 6 days to stop an epidemic and convince the government that terrorists have indeed used smallpox as a weapon against us. When one of the terrorists shows up in the ER with symptoms, time is of the essence to convince higher ups and the government that indeed this is the dreaded once thought eradicated disease smallpox. If not for the quick action and prior medical expertise of the main character, Dr. Max Kroose, fatalities could be in the millions.

What makes the book even more interesting is that the events unfolding in the ER symbolize real events that occur in emergency rooms daily. The author, Dr. Paulo J. Reyes, is a practicing Emergency Room Doctor and First Responder to disasters in Los Angeles, California with a medical career spanning 25 years. His medical expertise helped to create a medical environment that medical personnel, fans of medical TV dramas, as well as all science fiction fans will enjoy. Added to that, the characters are well developed and passionate in their quest for answers. Although the book is fictional, it’s based on extensive research and leaves you questioning-could it happen today?

With today’s ongoing terrorists’ threats, the growing concern of a biochemical attack, and the fear of a global pandemic, this book shows you how situations like this would be handled. Would the government be prepared? Do we have enough vaccinations for everyone? Should we have voluntary vaccinations now? Questions you will want answers for.

To add this book to your collection, stop by our site http://www.pauloreyes.com/ Also, sign up to be an affiliate and start selling Sledgehammer on your site now. Science fiction at its BEST! This book has gotten three 5 Star Reviews. Get it now and see why.

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Dr. Reyes is an ER Doctor in California, First Responder and trained for disaster events. He has appeared on CNN. He is available for media interviews by contacting Diana at diana@pauloreyes.com or (954) 971-4025. Free to reprint article as long as bio remains intact.

Shop Online For Great Holiday Savings & Gifts Not Found Anywhere Else

Florida, November, 2005. Gas prices, great savings, and time restraints have sent more and more people to shopping online this year. Why not join them and get great gifts for the holidays without the hassle of malls and crowds? Here are some gift ideas for all your friends and family as well as business associates. Shop early this holiday season and then relax and enjoy the best the season has to offer.

The Gift of Books – Everyone loves to receive books during the holidays and these favorites are sure to please. Sledgehammer, a fiction thriller you won’t be able to put down. In this book you experience six days in the ER where terrorists have unleashed the biochemical smallpox and a hospital physician must stop its deadly spread. You grow fond of the characters and eager to find the cure. Check it out at http://www.pauloreyes.com. Or start the year out with a new business by ordering Virtual Assistant the Series, Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA. For the busy mom, how about a cookbook just for you -- Bizymoms Cookbook, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Why not put together a gift basket of different books you know your friends and family will love.

The Gift of Jewels – Exquisite Mother’s Bracelets with matching daughter’s bracelet, birthstone bracelets, charm bracelets, baby bragelets, and more for all those special women in your life. Stop by Bragelets at http://www.bragelets.com/ and also sign up for the Send a Hint Program to let your special someone know exactly what you want this year.

The Gift of Knowledge – This holiday season give the gift that just keeps on giving … knowledge. At Bright Apple Tutoring, http://www.brightappletutoring.com you can give a gift certificate for 4 to 6 hours tutoring for your children. Or better yet, give your friends the gift of starting their own tutoring business at http://www.hometutoringbusiness.com.

The Gift of Candles & Cards – At Patty’s Pretty Paper, http://www.mypattysprettypaper.biz/ennen/ find personalized holiday notecards with matching candles and stationery, plus so much more.

The Gift of Publicity – Whether you’re a large corporation or a small home-based business, your news is important. Ballyhoo Virtual Services offers publicity packages tailored to your individual needs. Visit http://www.ballyhoova.com to get your business the publicity it deserves.

Let your mouse do your shopping online this year. Mix or match these great products. For more information on any of these products, contact Diana at Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Happy Holidays!


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Diana Ennen has written numerous books on starting a business, does marketing and publicity and is available at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com or http://www.Publicity-VA.com or (954) 971-4025.

Preparing for the Next Terror Attack -- Are we ready?

Is the package at the Capitol an indication of what could happen?

California, October, 2005. Intelligence experts believe that it is only a matter of time before there is another terrorist attack in the U.S. Just today a suspicious package was found by the Capitol. Then you add in the recent scares in New York and Baltimore and the deadly terrorist bombings in Bali, Egypt, London and Madrid. These attacks are aimed at striking terror among millions of people. Of rising concerns is the fear that terrorists will use biological chemicals against us. What if this suspicious package contained a deadly chemical, such as smallpox or anthrax, are we ready? It appears not.

A study listed in Archives of Internal Medicine showed 631 doctors, mostly medical residents, were given a test prior to completing an online training course. On the pretest, half the doctors misdiagnosed botulism, 84 percent misdiagnosed plague and a case of routine chickenpox was misdiagnosed as smallpox by 42 percent of the doctors. "We've got a dangerous gap here and we need a much clearer strategic game plan," said Shelley Hearne, executive director of Trust for America's Health, which tracks how well states are prepared for bioterrorism or pandemic.

In addition to the lack of bioterror knowledge in health care professionals, high-ranking officials in the US Health and Human Services Department have stated major concerns about the government's ability to deliver medicines in the event of a bioterror attack. In response to these concerns, steps are being taken to address these issues. To improve the delivery of medicines in the event of a national emergency some suggested steps include the delivery of medicines from local fire stations, police stations, and even via the US Postal Service.

In the book Sledgehammer, Dr. Paulo J. Reyes describes a Smallpox outbreak, and how rapidly the disease can spread, the potentially devastating effects of air-borne contaminants, and the potential for extremely large numbers of fatalities. The point in writing the book, according to Reyes, is to bring to light the high potential for bioterrorist attacks in the United States and to demonstrate how critical it is to develop emergency response strategies to handle the delivery of medicines and the medical treatment.

The combined efforts of the United States government and the medical community are crucial in preventing millions of deaths in the event of such a disaster. Despite global efforts to eradicate terrorism, the threat of a bioterror attack remains high. The United States must prepare emergency response strategies and develop effective means of delivering medicines to all parts of the country. Let’s prepare now so our nation can respond rapidly and effectively resulting in minimal damage and loss of live.

For information on Reyes book, Sledgehammer or current news on smallpox and current events, stop by Paulo Reyes site at http://www.pauloreyes.com

***
Contact: Paulo Reyes, M.D.
diana@pauloreyes.com
http://www.pauloreyes.com
(954) 971-4025

Client, Laurie Hurley gets TV time!

Not only did Laurie's press release, Tutoring Business Offers Unique Opportunity for Entrepreneurs get published on KVOA, Channel 4 in Tucson, see here... http://www.kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=3940534 but she also has an upcoming TV interview!

Way to go Laurie!

Diana Ennen
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

How to Build an Ezine List from Absolutely Nothing

Yesterday I was coaching a client who presented me with a not-very-unique problem. We’d just put the finishing touches on her website and blog, and were about to embark on promoting her new workshop series.

“Just one problem,” she said. “I have absolutely no one to promote them to.”

“Well, surely you have someone – like maybe a thousand? Or 500?” I asked hopefully.

“Nope,” she replied. “I have … like, zero.”

Wow. OK, I thought, let’s just put together some speedy and highly visible ways to get folks on your list. And as I thought about it, a number of excellent ways leapt to mind.

Here’s my foolproof way to build your list to thousands in a relatively
short time. (But you do have to do these steps... like, REALLY, honestly do them ... or it won't work.)

1. Get a kick-ass bonus. There’s just no other way to put it. Your bonus has to be something everybody wants and simply can’t resist. Mine for this newsletter used to be a list of '25 Top Self Help Literary Agents' which worked pretty well, except that this limited my market to self help authors.

Then I changed it to the more general ‘Suzanne’s Top 50 Media & Publishing Contacts’ and that works MUCH better. If folks want your bonus, they’ll also get your ezine – because you’ll be adding them to your list.


2. Hold a contest. Last spring I doubled my list and my web visitors by inviting 12 partners to help me put a $4500 Marketing Makeover contest. They all got lots of exposure, and I got lots of entries – almost 1500. And you can bet every one of those entrants got on my ezine list as well. I let them know that joining was the ‘price’ of entering the contest. And they were happy to do so!


3. Announce your contest or other ezine give-away event on prweb.com or any other press release submission service on the Web. But be sure to only plant press releases that are truly newsworthy, and thus likely to get press attention. Even if the media don’t use your words this time, they’ll hopefully file you as an expert for future use.



4. Give away a bonus for other sites to use based on your ezine. A popular web marketing technique is the special one or two-day promo that offers big bonus lists when you buy a certain product on those particular days. (I cover this promo technique in more detail in my e-book/binder, Get Known Now; How to Build Your Platform as a Self Help Expert.) So collect some of your best ezine essays, pack ‘em up in a downloadable PDF-based e-book, and offer it as a bonus these sites can use in their special promos.

Don’t forget juicy descriptive copy about your ezine, and a subscribe link at the end of your e-book. I’ve gotten hundreds of new readers this way, and plenty of hits on my sites.



5. Sponsor other people’s contests. Give away copies of your bonus (and ezine) to pertinent groups, contests, and conferences that request it, regardless of size. (Make sure their target market matches yours.) Simply run an announcement in your ezine that you’d be happy to sponsor comparable events. Ask them to provide a URL for an event description so you know it’s legit. Then offer up your gifts, and ask for a plug for your ezine on their site and in their materials (i.e. handouts, goodie bags, etc.) and for them to talk up your dazzling freebie, as well.



6. Give away something totally unique in your content. Who’s not
covering something important in your world? (And remember, your ezine can be really short.) One of my favorites – at www.tut.com (Totally Unique Thoughts) – is only a few sentences long. But it’s got GREAT pass-along value, and has a huge list of 40,000 because of it. Think about what info you could offer that would REALLY motivate folks to forward the email to friends. And make sure your 'Join Here' info is really prominent in each email.


7. Brevity is key. As Tut.com proves, brevity is key. Make sure your ezine doesn’t blab on forever but is so pungent, and boiled down to the essence that in our time-pressed era, anyone can make time for it.


8. Feature the bonus attached to your ezine in all of your email
signatures. Again and again and again. And be sure to make it sound
tantalizing AND hyperlink it. And while you’re at it, load the graphic of that bonus up high on the typelist (margins) of your blog with a direct link to sign up.


9. Consider Google Adwords or other pay-per-click search engine listings. Google’s got the biggest, and for many categories, the most expensive ads but you can’t beat the tra.ffic. (There’s some great information on how to manage this business at http://www.perrymarshall.com/google/ for f.ree pointers on how to use Google Adwords effectively.) And drop by my blog at www.painlessselfpromotion.com as I play with a Google campaign to build my list ... and post about the results.

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Download Suzanne’s free list of 50 Top Publishing & Media contacts at http://www.getknownnow.com/ . Drop by her blog at http://www.painlessselfpromotion/ for almost daily tips on how to get known now … the easy way!

Reprinted with permission from Suzanne
Want to reprint this article? Email Suzanne for permission at info@getknownnow.com She'll send along her bio to attach at the bottom. Thanks!

The Virtual Edge Newsletter - September Edition

Welcome to The Virtual Edge -- What a tremendous month we had. It was a difficult month with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita but a month of recovery and joy as well. I was so pleased to see so many come together and help us in our donations for the hurricane victims.

I'm now doing a regular segment on the CWAHM Talk Radio so be sure to tune in!http://www.cwahm.com/loudblog

We welcome our new clients!

Good news -- We will be sending out the newsletter now every month. We welcome your comments.


Diana Ennen

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Top Five Qualities a Parent Should Look For When Hiring a Tutor

Hiring a tutor can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you have never done it before. The following five qualities are the most important ones that you should look for when matching a tutor with a child:

1) Their ability to “connect” with your child and you.

2) Their teaching style – does it match your child’s learning style?

3) Their ability to be patient and empathic when your child is truly struggling.

4) Their reliability and dependability.

5) Their tutoring experience backed up by current references.

It is imperative that the tutor immediately makes a strong connection with your child. The tutor should use part of the first session getting to know your child by asking questions about their likes, dislikes, strengths and weaknesses. Setting the rapport is important so future sessions run smoothly and productively. The tutor should also be able to easily communicate with you after the session and give you adequate feedback regarding what he or she accomplished during the session.

If your child is a visual learner, the tutor should bring appropriate materials (a small white board, for example) so the learning process compliments your child’s learning style. Conversely, an auditory learner would benefit from reading out loud with the tutor or talking through math problems. A kinetic learner will need the sessions to be very hands-on and interactive.

There is nothing worse than a tutor giving up and getting angry with a child when the going gets tough. Patience is definitely a virtue and every tutor needs to posses this quality to put your child at ease. An inpatient person will have the opposite effect. Chances are good that your child will not want to be cooperative in the future with anyone who can’t relate to their problems. The reason you hired a tutor was to find someone who can repeat themselves numerous times if necessary or present information in a different way until it “clicks” with your child.

A tutor who is constantly late or just doesn’t show up without calling should immediately be terminated.

Checking a tutor’s references is imperative. Written references should not be older than a year old and you should call the author of the letter anyway, just to confirm they wrote it. The best references are from individuals who have observed the tutor teaching or tutoring. Other parents who have used the tutor are the best references, but don’t dismiss your gut feeling about someone you are interviewing.

An extensive interview must be done to be sure you are selecting only top-notch teachers and tutors. You will want to conduct a thorough background and criminal check and call all of the references provided.

Most importantly, a visit to every home to meet the family before attempting to place a tutor is imperative. This complimentary visit proves invaluable when making a “match” with you child.

Bright Apple Tutoring Service, Inc. has been offering tutoring services above requirements are met and that you get only the best tutors. If you are looking for a tutor, or looking to start a career in tutoring, contact Bright Apple Tutoring Service, http://www.hometutoringbusiness.com, at 1.888.847.0033

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Laurie Hurley, President, Bright Apple Tutoring Service, Home Tutoring Business, www.hometutoringbusiness.com , http://brightappletutoring.com 1-888-847.0033. Laurie is available for media interviews, discussions on education and home-based business opportunities such as starting a tutor referral business.



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Direct Sales -- Getting Customers

Let's talk about stepping out of the WAHM zone and reaching beyond mothers in business to find a more target market of shoppers. This can be done in 3 easy steps:

Step one: Knowing your Customer

To find your ideal customer, you first have to know them. Other than the fact your future customer wants your products, what else do you know about them? Ask yourself some of the following questions:

1. What hobbies do your customers have?
2. Do they have children?
3. Do they prefer buying online or offline?
4. What are their fears/concerns?
5. What makes them happy?

Step two: Finding Your Ideal Customer

The next step is a piece of cake! Once you discover what your ideal customer's interests hobbies, and lifestyle is, finding them is the easy part. There are TONS of message boards, groups, newsletters, and websites dedicated to specific groups of people. You can do some research to find these places on Yahoo Groups, Ezine Directories, or just by searching.

Step three: Discover Your Own Interests

Take a minute to realize your own hobbies and interests. Do you like to read and sell coffee or candles? Join a message board that talks about books and get to know others there. Make sure to put your business in your signature line! Use a creative ad such as "Relax with a cup of (your company's name) coffee and a good book", or "Relax with a (company name) scented candle and a good book". Try and get as creative as possible so your signature line really stands out and makes other want to click.

Also be sure to ask yourself why you joined this particular business to begin with (aside from the money!). Sometimes this will give you ideas of where your customers could be. For example, if you joined a bath and body company because of your concern for the use of store brand soaps on your children, you may consider seeking out a group or message board of other mothers that share your same concern. Again, be sure to use signature lines targeted to those who your products are targeted to!

Of course this is just the beginning. While you may choose to pay for simple advertising on some websites and newsletters (and this is fine!), if you are involved in the community be respectful to the current members. Don't just place ads and leave, but instead get to know those in the community. Follow the rules as you should within any community - don't post with the assumption everyone will automatically buy from you. Build relationships, be helpful, and the sales will follow!

~Kara Kelso & Anita DeFrank~
http://www.DirectSalesHelpers.com
http://www.DirectSalesSuccessKit.com
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Don’t Want Another Wool Sweater This Year for Christmas?

Bragelets “Sent-A-Hint” Program Brings Your Gift Idea Right to Your Loved Ones E-mail
Sure, they love you and each year they try their best to find you the perfect gift. But let’s be honest, sometimes they need a little help. Here’s your chance to let your husband, parent, or special someone know exactly what you want. Sign up now for our Bragelet’s Sent-A-Hint feature and get the jewelry you long for at a price you can afford. You simply fill out the “Sent-A-Hint” form online at http://www.bragelets.com and your gift selection is e-mailed complete with ordering details.

Bragelets offers the finest in custom made jewelry including Mother’s Bracelets, Birthstone Bracelets, Name Bracelets, Charm Bracelets, plus so many more. Bragelets were designed because Moms Love to Brag. All styles all custom-designed to your unique personality with the finest sterling silver letters, 14K gold-filled beads, and Swarovski crystals.

For your holiday shopping, here are just a few gift giving ideas for all members of your family:
Gifts For Moms, Grandmas, Aunts Mother’s Bracelets - What a great gift idea for the mom, wife, Grandma or Aunt in your family. Our mother’s bracelets are as special as the names you have chosen for each one of your precious children. See how everyone marvels at the bracelet you wear with your children’s name on it.

Family Birthstone Bragelets® The perfect solution for moms with large families or Grandmas with lots of grandchildren. Make it a family affair with Mom and Dad’s birthstones on the outside and the children’s name in the middle.

Gifts For Kids & Teens Lilbrags Just like their Mommy, little girls love jewelry. And what they love even more is seeing their name on it. Bring a smile to her shining face with a special bracelet designed just for her. Better yet, get a matching bracelet to match moms and make it the best holiday yet.

Charm Bracelets These are HOT, HOT, HOT and back by popular demand. They will delight any age group especially the preteens and teenagers. You’ll find so many great choices to choose from to fit all personalities.

Save your loved ones from wandering the malls at the last minute searching for the perfect gift. Sign up now for “Sent-A-Hint” and let them know exactly what you want this year. Don’t forget to do some shopping at our site too while you’re there for all your gift needs. Bragelets at http://www.bragelets.com , E-mail us for a free brochure at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com

Bragelets offers the finest in custom made jewelry. http://www.bragelets.com Robin Zell Owner, Diana Ennen, Publicity, (954) 971-4025, diana@virtualwordpublishing.com
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Virtual Assistants – The Perfect Work-at-Home Opportunity

With gas prices rising, many displaced from their jobs, and more and more businesses downsizing, comes the need for finding an alternative way to make a good income. One Industry that is increasing in popularly today, being rated one of the top 5 home-based businesses for 2005 by Entrepreneur Magazine last year, is virtual assisting. Becoming a VA allows you to work from anywhere in the world and requires little in the way of start-up costs or fees. The main requirement is the ability to type well and a good understanding of the Internet.
By definition, a Virtual Assistant or VA, is a highly skilled professional who provides administrative support and other specialized services to businesses, entrepreneurs, authors, online businesses, executives, sales professionals and others who have more work to do than time to do it. Many VA's also provide web design and maintenance, publicity and marketing, desktop publishing, word processing, and business start-up consultations. The services are endless depending upon the VA’s knowledge, skills and creativity.

"What started out in the 80’s as home-based word processors has grown into what we are seeing today," says Diana Ennen, President of Virtual Word Publishing. "Plus more and more clients are realizing the need to outsource their work and let a professional virtual assistant do it, so they can focus on that they do best, running their business.

Professionals realize they can make more money by utilizing our services. We take care of not only running their office, but also implementing new marketing campaigns, sending out newsletters, follow- up with clients, etc.”

Virtual assistants also they have a solid understanding of the latest tools to make a business succeed. One example is blogging. We all know that it is essential for a business to have a blog today to succeed, yet many businesses don’t have the time to create and maintain a blog. A good virtual assistant will handle that for you keeping it up to date. Other areas of expertise include search engine optimization. Virtual assistants can optimize your website so it rates high on Google and others and your potential clients find you easily. Ennen, along with co-author Kelly Poelker have written, "Virtual Assistant ~ the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. It has the endorsement of work-at-home experts Priscilla Huff and the Mompreneurs® as well as a number of others and has helped thousands over the years start their own thriving business. Virtual Assistant The Series is also the primary textbook for the Red Deer College- Canada VA Certification Program in Canada, Owens College, and several other large colleges, and is required reading for students of "Virtual Assistance U" -- an online training center for virtual professionals. For free information on starting a virtual assistant business or to find a qualified virtual assistant, stop by Ennen’s new site, Publicity-VA.com. You’ll also find publicity tips, free booklets on obtaining clients, and sample letters and chapters from their book. Start today in the successful career you’ve been longing for – a home-based virtual assistant business.

Diana Ennen is the author of several books including: Virtual Assistant the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, Words From Home, Start, Profit and Run a Successful Home-Based Word Processing Business and Home Office Recovery Plan: Disaster Preparedness for Your Home-Based Business http://www.virtualwordpublishong.com Contact her at Diana@virtualwordpublishing.com
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Home Office Recovery Plan -- Disaster Preparedness Book
Now more than ever you need to prepare your home business in case of a disaster. Order your copy of our book now and say $2.00 -- http://www.homeofficerecoveryplan.com

Our Price: $17.95 USD
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Sledgehammer - Science Fiction Thriller
Sledgehammer -- A Science Fiction Thriller -- Now Published by Virtual Word Publishing!
Order today and get FREE copy of Bizymoms Cookbook
Our Price: $14.95

Click here to find out more!

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Quick Links...

Publicity-VA.com

Letting Go of Stuff - Darren Johnson

Sledgehammer - Fiction Book

Bragelets - Custom Jewelry - Mother's Bracelets

Virtual Word Publishing

Direct Sales Success Kit