O’Fallon, IL – March, 2008 When a Kansas City woman sought advice from The Today Show on supplementing her household income with a part-time job, Today’s Money 911 reporter Jean Chatzky topped her recommended work at home list with Virtual Assistant. Who would have thought? Finally, Virtual Assistants are gaining the respect they deserve.
Virtual assistants around the globe who have repeatedly promoted the industry as individuals and as groups are beginning to see an impact on their efforts. Virtual assistants have been talked about, written about, interviewed by, and seen in the likes of Entrepreneur, USA Today, Time, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Reader’s Digest, CNN News, and more. “We’ve come a long way from the deer in the headlights, wrinkled forehead look once received when offering up ‘I’m a virtual assistant,’ after being asked our profession,” states Kelly Poelker, Director of Academy of Virtual Professionals and co-author of the Virtual Assistant – The Series books. “Each and every article and interview put us one step closer to educating as many people as we can on what a virtual assistant is, and how a business can benefit from our services.” It’s an exciting time to start a virtual assistant business, but there are still a number of people just discovering the profession as a result of the growing media coverage.
“I couldn’t tell you the number of people who comment they have been doing this for years and just didn’t know it had a name,” shares Diana Ennen, Poelker’s co-author. Poelker and Ennen would know, too. They have helped thousands of virtual assistants get a foothold in the industry with their Virtual Assistant – The Series books, mentoring, and coaching. Over the years they’ve seen a constant increase in the number of colleges adding a virtual assistant program or course to their curriculum. For example, Red Deer College in Canada has been utilizing the book for many years. The authors state they are seeing about a 5-10% growth in the number of U.S. colleges adding VA programs each year. Most recently, Poelker founded Academy of Virtual Professionals, an online training center dedicated to educating virtual professionals whose signature course is a 16-week program based on the publications.
Poelker and Ennen are available for media interviews. To learn more about how to add Virtual Assistant – The Series to your college curriculum, to obtain a review copy or free sample chapter send an email to authors@va-theseries.com. For more information on upcoming classes at Academy of Virtual Professionals, go to http://www/AcademyVP.com.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Today Show - Become a Virtual Assistant
I hope you caught the Today Show this morning. In the Money 911 Segment, they discussed legitimate ways to learn extra money at home and topping the list was become a Virtual Assistant. The Virtual Assistant Industry is getting major press today, mainly because of the fact that it IS the perfect business to start today.
Our book Virtual Assistant The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA has been helping others start their business for the past several years. There's never been a better time. Email me for our free chapter. Also, email me for our free informational package. Also, stop by our forum at www.virtualassistantstartups.com. Also, CALL me if you'd like a free 10 minute coaching call to see if starting a VA business is right for you. (954) 971-4025. I want to see you succeed. Here's an article you might find beneficial as well.
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT TIPS TO SUCCESS
Virtual Assisting has become one of the most exciting and rewarding home-based businesses. What a privilege it is to be a part of such an evolutionary industry that continually grows and offers new opportunities and rewards for those coming into the business and those veteran pros as well. Marketing your Virtual Assistant business can be a rewarding adventure, providing you with permanent clientele and additional profits.
Here are some ideas you might want to explore:
Tip #1 - Fill a need. Be aware of what your clients need even before they tell you. What can you do that will make their business better? And don't limit yourself to just a few services, always be open for something new. For example, there are a lot of viruses going around the Internet these days Do you specialize in getting rid of these pesty things? That's really filling a need.
Tip #2 -- Find a mentor or a coach. (Shameless plug there). But I find when helping those I coach that even 1/2 hour a week can get them on the fast track to success. If you want to find out about our coaching, e-mail me.
Tip #3 - Market to Your Existing Clients: Your existing clients already know the caliber of work that you do so let them market for you. Always do your absolute best for them and they will keep you around for a long time and they will tell others.
Continually tell them of new services or features. Send out a newsletter or even a tip of the week to keep your name in front of them. And when was the last time you called or emailed them "Hey, how are you doing? How's business going?" A personal, "What's been happening" call can or email can make a very favorable impression
Tip #4 - List Tips on Your Website: One of the ways to prove your expertise is to list on your website the things you know. This shows your clients and potential clients that you know what you are talking about. If you check out my site at www.virtualassistantstartups.com you can see some tips there. Also, check out the forum! We'd love to have you.
Tip #5 -- Add a P.S. to your Signature Line: We all know how important that signature line is for your business success. Here's a simple way to make it even more profitable--Add a P.S. to your e-mail messages. You can offer your clients additional discounts or let them know about a new service. Did you just get a new VA certificate? Tell them! This can be a perfect opportunity to perhaps toot your horn a little.
Market your way to success in your business! And lastly, enjoy your marketing. When clients see that you enjoy what you're doing, they want to do business with you.
Diana Ennen, Author of numerous books on starting a Virtual Assistant Business. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.
Our book Virtual Assistant The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA has been helping others start their business for the past several years. There's never been a better time. Email me for our free chapter. Also, email me for our free informational package. Also, stop by our forum at www.virtualassistantstartups.com. Also, CALL me if you'd like a free 10 minute coaching call to see if starting a VA business is right for you. (954) 971-4025. I want to see you succeed. Here's an article you might find beneficial as well.
VIRTUAL ASSISTANT TIPS TO SUCCESS
Virtual Assisting has become one of the most exciting and rewarding home-based businesses. What a privilege it is to be a part of such an evolutionary industry that continually grows and offers new opportunities and rewards for those coming into the business and those veteran pros as well. Marketing your Virtual Assistant business can be a rewarding adventure, providing you with permanent clientele and additional profits.
Here are some ideas you might want to explore:
Tip #1 - Fill a need. Be aware of what your clients need even before they tell you. What can you do that will make their business better? And don't limit yourself to just a few services, always be open for something new. For example, there are a lot of viruses going around the Internet these days Do you specialize in getting rid of these pesty things? That's really filling a need.
Tip #2 -- Find a mentor or a coach. (Shameless plug there). But I find when helping those I coach that even 1/2 hour a week can get them on the fast track to success. If you want to find out about our coaching, e-mail me.
Tip #3 - Market to Your Existing Clients: Your existing clients already know the caliber of work that you do so let them market for you. Always do your absolute best for them and they will keep you around for a long time and they will tell others.
Continually tell them of new services or features. Send out a newsletter or even a tip of the week to keep your name in front of them. And when was the last time you called or emailed them "Hey, how are you doing? How's business going?" A personal, "What's been happening" call can or email can make a very favorable impression
Tip #4 - List Tips on Your Website: One of the ways to prove your expertise is to list on your website the things you know. This shows your clients and potential clients that you know what you are talking about. If you check out my site at www.virtualassistantstartups.com you can see some tips there. Also, check out the forum! We'd love to have you.
Tip #5 -- Add a P.S. to your Signature Line: We all know how important that signature line is for your business success. Here's a simple way to make it even more profitable--Add a P.S. to your e-mail messages. You can offer your clients additional discounts or let them know about a new service. Did you just get a new VA certificate? Tell them! This can be a perfect opportunity to perhaps toot your horn a little.
Market your way to success in your business! And lastly, enjoy your marketing. When clients see that you enjoy what you're doing, they want to do business with you.
Diana Ennen, Author of numerous books on starting a Virtual Assistant Business. http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Enhance Learning . Enbrace Technology
Some exciting things happening with my co-author Kelly Poelker ... Read on ..
Enhance Learning... Embrace Technology!
Thinking Out of the Cube and Into the Tube
O’Fallon, IL — March 2008 — Business professionals around the globe are increasingly turning in their cubes for their tubes… tubes being their computers, of course, and other such technology. Why do in an office what you can do at home or from a more convenient satellite office? But how do you get started, what programs and software do you need? How do you communicate with your office staff, your support team, and even your assistant—who all want to be virtual, mind you?
Academy of Virtual Professionals (AVP), a new online training center, has put together a two-part teleseminar to help aspiring virtual professionals transition into the world of technology. This high-level overview course is designed to help those who are secure with the technology used in the office, but aren’t quite sure how to take it on the road, work collaboratively, share calendars, access computers remotely, and so on. A teleseminar for a technology course? "I know it seems odd, but you have to walk before you can run," states AVP Director Kelly Poelker. AVP’s goal is to educate you on the tools that are available, not provide a how-to workshop—that’s a series of other courses planned at AVP. "Most anyone can pick up a phone and punch a few numbers without feeling intimidated," says Poelker.
Nora Rubinoff, At Your Service Cincinnati, is a veteran technology specialist and a regular speaker on the topic to the virtual assistant industry, as well as technologies in the corporate and private sectors. Nora is the epitome of an out of the cube thinker and has embraced the technology of the tube. She is the first to offer a course at AVP. Her Get a Grip on Technology two-part teleclass will be held March 18th and March 20th at 2:00pm EST. Registration is now open at www.AcademyVP.com,
For more information or for a media interview, contact Kelly Poelker, Academy of Virtual Professionals, at 888.256.6188 or email admin@academyvp.com.
Contact: Kelly Poelker, Director
http://www.AcademyVP.com
admin@academyvp.com
Tel: 888.256.6188 Ext. 2
Enhance Learning... Embrace Technology!
Thinking Out of the Cube and Into the Tube
O’Fallon, IL — March 2008 — Business professionals around the globe are increasingly turning in their cubes for their tubes… tubes being their computers, of course, and other such technology. Why do in an office what you can do at home or from a more convenient satellite office? But how do you get started, what programs and software do you need? How do you communicate with your office staff, your support team, and even your assistant—who all want to be virtual, mind you?
Academy of Virtual Professionals (AVP), a new online training center, has put together a two-part teleseminar to help aspiring virtual professionals transition into the world of technology. This high-level overview course is designed to help those who are secure with the technology used in the office, but aren’t quite sure how to take it on the road, work collaboratively, share calendars, access computers remotely, and so on. A teleseminar for a technology course? "I know it seems odd, but you have to walk before you can run," states AVP Director Kelly Poelker. AVP’s goal is to educate you on the tools that are available, not provide a how-to workshop—that’s a series of other courses planned at AVP. "Most anyone can pick up a phone and punch a few numbers without feeling intimidated," says Poelker.
Nora Rubinoff, At Your Service Cincinnati, is a veteran technology specialist and a regular speaker on the topic to the virtual assistant industry, as well as technologies in the corporate and private sectors. Nora is the epitome of an out of the cube thinker and has embraced the technology of the tube. She is the first to offer a course at AVP. Her Get a Grip on Technology two-part teleclass will be held March 18th and March 20th at 2:00pm EST. Registration is now open at www.AcademyVP.com,
For more information or for a media interview, contact Kelly Poelker, Academy of Virtual Professionals, at 888.256.6188 or email admin@academyvp.com.
Contact: Kelly Poelker, Director
http://www.AcademyVP.com
admin@academyvp.com
Tel: 888.256.6188 Ext. 2
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Trace Adkins - True Magic
Last night I went to the most amazing concert with my 14 year old daughter. We went to see County singer Trace Adkins. It was magical. I hope I never forget the feeling of looking over and seeing her rocking to "Ladies Love Country Boys" & Well All of Them. He was so 'real" and down to earth and it was just absolutely a night to remember.
When he sang "Arlington," I along with 1/4 of the crowd sobbed. You see him on GAC, but when you hear it live it moves you beyond words. Our soldiers are over their fighting for us. I especially was touched as my son is 22. I could be one of those military moms. Trace said, I hope my song helps those families that give so much. It does!
It was then I knew I needed to do more. I always give my books away free to military families if they write me, but what else can I do. Right now I don't know, but I hope this concert stays with me and I can report back soon that I am doing more too.
What a concert! What a night. What a way to spend some quality time with my daughter. I knew it meant a lot to her too when after we got home she said to me, "hey mom, wanna go shopping tomorrow." Clear the schedule, I'm there!
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
When he sang "Arlington," I along with 1/4 of the crowd sobbed. You see him on GAC, but when you hear it live it moves you beyond words. Our soldiers are over their fighting for us. I especially was touched as my son is 22. I could be one of those military moms. Trace said, I hope my song helps those families that give so much. It does!
It was then I knew I needed to do more. I always give my books away free to military families if they write me, but what else can I do. Right now I don't know, but I hope this concert stays with me and I can report back soon that I am doing more too.
What a concert! What a night. What a way to spend some quality time with my daughter. I knew it meant a lot to her too when after we got home she said to me, "hey mom, wanna go shopping tomorrow." Clear the schedule, I'm there!
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
The Great Florida Blackout -- Are You Prepared
The Great Florida Blackout should be a reminder to everyone that it doesn't take a hurricane or tornado to disrupt our business. Are we prepared? Here are some tips to help!
****
The Florida Blackout is just one reminder of what can happen in an instant. It doesn't take a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado to disrupt your business. Are you prepared?
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 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 Four – 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.
Stop by our site for a free sample of the Home Office Recovery Plan at ww.virtualwordpublishing.com. Prepare Now. Relax Later
****
The Florida Blackout is just one reminder of what can happen in an instant. It doesn't take a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado to disrupt your business. Are you prepared?
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 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 Four – 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.
Stop by our site for a free sample of the Home Office Recovery Plan at ww.virtualwordpublishing.com. Prepare Now. Relax Later
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Actress Joins Others in Fight Against Hospital Mishaps
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact:
Alicia Cole
www.aliciacole.com
mizcole2@aol.com
818-379-9679
Actress Joins Others in Fight Against Hospital Mishaps
Sherman Oaks, California (February, 2008) Actress Alicia Cole, a working member of the Screen Actors Guild for 14 years, is known for the many portraits of doctors and nurses, including roles on General Hospital, Young and the Restless, and more. But a year ago, Cole switched from playing a doctor to becoming a real-life patient after contracting Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF), ‘Man-eating Flesh Disease’. This lead to six additional surgeries and countless close calls. This also lead Cole to stage a fight to bring awareness of this disease and to the rise in preventable hospital acquired infections.
John Ritter’s untimely death and Dennis Quaid’s family tragedy are just two prime examples of the increase in hospital mishaps today. It is estimated that staph infections alone kill approximately 100,000 Americans in hospitals annually. Someone has to speak out. And Cole is doing just that.
Cole’s plight began on Aug. 15, 2006 upon entering the same top-rated San Fernando Valley hospital that treated fan favorite John Ritter. Following a minor procedure, Cole was scheduled to be home in two days, in time for the start of the new television season. That never took place. On Aug. 20 during a routine dressing check, a small black dot was noticed near the surgery incision. This soon developed into a quarter-sized pustule that would lead to the traumatizing diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis.
The events that transpired next for Cole are not for the squeamish. The graphic and painful depiction of flesh-eating disease cannot and should not be detailed in a news release. However, the topic must be discussed in order for change to be made and lives to be saved. To view the ravaging effects of this disease go to Cole’s site at http://www.aliciacole.com.
Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is a bacterial infection that attacks the soft tissue and fascia. In order to contact the bacteria, it needs to be introduced into the body. Thereby, NF often occurs through complications from surgery or infections from hospitals. Unfortunately for Cole not even the most powerful antibiotics used to fight the SuperBug MRSA or Vancomycin were able to help her.
After Cole’s official diagnosis was confirmed, a nurse later shared that Cole was the third patient with NF disease and the only one to survive. What is even more frightening is that during much of Cole’s hospitalization, Cole was never placed in strict contact isolation; no gloves, masks or gowns were worn by the nurses and doctors in the ICU.
“I vowed, if I am able to survive this, I will dedicate myself to insuring that no other family has to endure the trauma and burdens inflicted by a preventable hospital infection.” Cole now advocates nationally for safer healthcare and public reporting of hospital infection and death rates. Cole was the first member of the public to share her story and address Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Committee on Hospital Associated Infections created by Senate Bill 739.
Cole recently founded the Alliance for Safety Awareness for Patients (ASAP) to educate and protect patients. ASAP works with established advocacy groups, healthcare providers and legislators to strive to reduce the spread of preventable hospital-acquired infections by empowering the public to make informed decisions about healthcare issues.
In Cole’s case, mistakes were made. Lives were changed. And Alicia Cole will not see the inside of a TV studio for quite some time. However, Cole’s star status could bring the much-needed publicity for hospital and government officials to take note and pass important legislation for patient protection. Stop the disease. Make a Difference. Go to www.aliciacole.com for more details. Alicia Cole is available for media interviews by contacting Alicia Cole at mizcole2@aol.com.
Contact:
Alicia Cole
www.aliciacole.com
mizcole2@aol.com
818-379-9679
Actress Joins Others in Fight Against Hospital Mishaps
Sherman Oaks, California (February, 2008) Actress Alicia Cole, a working member of the Screen Actors Guild for 14 years, is known for the many portraits of doctors and nurses, including roles on General Hospital, Young and the Restless, and more. But a year ago, Cole switched from playing a doctor to becoming a real-life patient after contracting Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF), ‘Man-eating Flesh Disease’. This lead to six additional surgeries and countless close calls. This also lead Cole to stage a fight to bring awareness of this disease and to the rise in preventable hospital acquired infections.
John Ritter’s untimely death and Dennis Quaid’s family tragedy are just two prime examples of the increase in hospital mishaps today. It is estimated that staph infections alone kill approximately 100,000 Americans in hospitals annually. Someone has to speak out. And Cole is doing just that.
Cole’s plight began on Aug. 15, 2006 upon entering the same top-rated San Fernando Valley hospital that treated fan favorite John Ritter. Following a minor procedure, Cole was scheduled to be home in two days, in time for the start of the new television season. That never took place. On Aug. 20 during a routine dressing check, a small black dot was noticed near the surgery incision. This soon developed into a quarter-sized pustule that would lead to the traumatizing diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis.
The events that transpired next for Cole are not for the squeamish. The graphic and painful depiction of flesh-eating disease cannot and should not be detailed in a news release. However, the topic must be discussed in order for change to be made and lives to be saved. To view the ravaging effects of this disease go to Cole’s site at http://www.aliciacole.com.
Necrotizing Fasciitis (NF) is a bacterial infection that attacks the soft tissue and fascia. In order to contact the bacteria, it needs to be introduced into the body. Thereby, NF often occurs through complications from surgery or infections from hospitals. Unfortunately for Cole not even the most powerful antibiotics used to fight the SuperBug MRSA or Vancomycin were able to help her.
After Cole’s official diagnosis was confirmed, a nurse later shared that Cole was the third patient with NF disease and the only one to survive. What is even more frightening is that during much of Cole’s hospitalization, Cole was never placed in strict contact isolation; no gloves, masks or gowns were worn by the nurses and doctors in the ICU.
“I vowed, if I am able to survive this, I will dedicate myself to insuring that no other family has to endure the trauma and burdens inflicted by a preventable hospital infection.” Cole now advocates nationally for safer healthcare and public reporting of hospital infection and death rates. Cole was the first member of the public to share her story and address Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Committee on Hospital Associated Infections created by Senate Bill 739.
Cole recently founded the Alliance for Safety Awareness for Patients (ASAP) to educate and protect patients. ASAP works with established advocacy groups, healthcare providers and legislators to strive to reduce the spread of preventable hospital-acquired infections by empowering the public to make informed decisions about healthcare issues.
In Cole’s case, mistakes were made. Lives were changed. And Alicia Cole will not see the inside of a TV studio for quite some time. However, Cole’s star status could bring the much-needed publicity for hospital and government officials to take note and pass important legislation for patient protection. Stop the disease. Make a Difference. Go to www.aliciacole.com for more details. Alicia Cole is available for media interviews by contacting Alicia Cole at mizcole2@aol.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
