Virtual Assistants Group

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Comment by Tobi Ann Cole on July 29, 2010 at 11:54pm

Would you consider helping me send some meals to 35 kids every month? I don't know if you know Wic, but he is 40 years old and retired. I started in his training program the other day and he is giving away his $10,000 in 30 Days course for free if we will just feed kids I lik his laid back tell it like it is style on his videos. If you are interested in helping out please click on this link. Thanks

Comment by Priya Saha on June 22, 2010 at 3:21am

WE ONLY ACCEPT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MEMBERS

With our program we give you all the support you need with this program and the training. Because of this we can only accept a certain amount of members to assure we offer the support needed for each member when needed.

Website http://Work-At-Home-Jobs.notlong.com

Comment by Priya Saha on May 31, 2010 at 4:03am

People Search niche engine to be a free people searches. About 30% of all Google and Yahoo searches are people ...

http://smartjobs.freetzi.com/freewebsite/

Comment by Coach Delisa on February 11, 2010 at 1:34pm

Hi I'm just starting my virtual assistant biz. I was wondering where to get or how to write up client contracts. Can someone point me in the right direction.

Comment by Diana Ennen on July 8, 2009 at 10:54am

Ready to start your own virtual assistant business? Here's some tips!

How To Start A Virtual Assistant Business

Setting up a virtual assistant business is relatively easy, but it's important to have a complete plan of action set out in advance. I'm a firm believer that the initial planning phase of a business is crucial to its success. This ensures that you don't leave any vital steps unaddressed and also prevents any unexpected surprises down the road. Therefore, I recommend first writing a complete business plan for your business. This plan doesn’t need to be anything technical, just how you plan to operate your business including advertising methods, pricing, business hours, equipment and supplies needed, etc.

The next step is to select the appropriate name. Take your time here as you want your business name to be an asset by appealing to your potential clients. Your name needs to clearly express what services you provide and not limit you if you choose to expand your business into other areas. Decide on a name that people would want to call if they have virtual assisting needs.

To operate a business you are required by law to have the appropriate licenses. This is your permit to do business locally. It's a simple procedure that doesn't require a considerable amount of time. Contact your city and county officials under occupational licenses for complete details or go online. Most VAs start out initially as a sole proprietorship and then might change later.

Now it's time to set up your bookkeeping. I find that the most important ingredient to keeping good books is keeping it simple. If it's easy to do, and doesn't require a lot of effort, I tend it do it more regularly. You will want to keep track of all your income and expenses. Save all receipts and pay all your expenses out of your business checking account. A software program such as Quickbooks is ideal for our type of business. Not only does it allow you to keep accurate records, but it also enables you to track exactly where the most money is coming from. This enables you to target your marketing efforts more in that area.

Now you must decide how much to charge. Don't undercharge your services. Many make this mistake. They feel if they price their services substantially below everyone else, they'll get more business. That's true--you might get more business, but you'll also be working outrageous hours and not making the kind of income you should. The average prices being charge today are between $35.00 and $100.00, depending on the specialty. I personally recommend starting no lower than $35.00/hr.

Now you need to get those clients. The key to successful marketing is to tell clients what benefits they will receive by answering their main question, "What's in it for me?" Keep in mind, you're not selling your services, you're selling the benefits of your services. What can you offer them that would make their business run more successfully? An example of this would be accurate dependable service done on an “as needed” basis.

It is also important to have an impressive marketing piece. Your brochures, letterhead, flyers, business cards, etc., should look sensational. Think back on what has caught your eye in the past. Now design your material with that in mind. The most important requirement is that it must be professional and convey that you are more than someone typing documents. Businesses want to deal with other professionals. They don't want to risk their work, and possibly their clients, on someone who is not. Let them know this is exactly what they will receive when they seek your services. Places such as Vistaprints offer affordable printing.

Once established, word of mouth is your best advertisement. When people get professional, accurate, and friendly service they tell others. If you offer such exceptional service, you can be assured that you will need to advertise only at the onset to get your business started. From then on, your repeat clients, and referrals from them, will keep your business thriving.

Recognition is also a key to success, whether it's through the press releases, articles, message boards, newspapers, chats, your website, radio or TV, when clients see your business repeatedly, they become familiar with your company and when the need arises, they will call you. Therefore consider where you can advertise that can keep your name out there.

Now that you’ve got the clients, you need to keep them. The best way to do this is to always provide them with more than they ask for. Go the extra mile on all assignments. Let them know that you value their business and are eager to help them succeed.

And finally, enjoy your business. Many start their own business to spend more time with their family. It’s the perfect way to stay at home and still make an excellent income. Firmly set your hours and learn to say no. Remember it’s your business and often your dream come true. By learning your limitations, you can keep it a wonderful experience that both you and your family will enjoy.

Diana Ennen is the author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA, available at Amazon and other leading bookstores. She specializes in publicity and book marketing and is president of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/. Articles are free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.

Comment by Diana Ennen on August 21, 2008 at 3:14pm

Today is the DAY ... Join me as I talk PR

As many of you know I was featured on the Channel 4 News last week on starting a virtual assistant business. Also, recently we have been featured in Publix's Fall Magazine (available at Publix stores now), Miami Herald newspaper, Associated Press segment, Family Circle Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Readers Digest, etc. (A big shout out to my amazing co-author Kelly Poelker for her assistance too. I couldn't do this alone!)

I've also 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 we do it.

http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy

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.
Summer Speaker Series
DATE: August 21, 2008
TIME: 5:00 p.m. EST
LOCATION: http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy
If you can't make the call, the event is recorded so you can listen at your leisure.

Comment by Diana Ennen on August 13, 2008 at 7:37pm

We were thrilled to be interviewed for the CBS 4 News on a story on virtual assistants. Here it is.

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

Thanks!

Diana Ennen, www.virtualworpdublishing.com

Comment by Diana Ennen on August 4, 2008 at 7:54am

Hi

If you are thinking about starting a virtual assistant business or already have one .... say hi! We are just here to chat and support one another.

What's working for you?

What's not working for you?

What problems are you having building your business?

What successes are you finding?

Let us know. And we can help.

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Comment by Diana Ennen on August 1, 2008 at 11:22pm

There is a fabulous seminar going on this month and it will be fabulous for Virtual Assistants. I'll be speaking on publicity and marketing on the 21st. Here's the details.

Summer Speaker Series: Forty-Two Speakers in One Month!

Erin Blaskie, is hosting the first annual Summer Speaker Series featuring an amazing line-up of speakers including James Roche, Christina Merkley, Sheri McConnell, Alexis Neely, Allana Pratt, Lou Bortone, Viki Viertel, Lynn Scheurell, Kathie Thomas, Debbie LaChusa, Wendy Weiss, Terri Z, Donna Gunter, Diana Ennen (THAT’S ME) and so, so, so many more.

She’s featuring TWO speakers PER DAY for the entire month of August (not including weekends because really, who likes working weekends?) The best part is that this amazing series of speakers is priced VERY affordably. It’s going to be one of the hottest events of the summer.

Simply click through this link http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy and register today. You won’t be disappointed and I’ll be there to speak as well! I’ll be speaking on publicity and marketing … my favorite topics ever!

You can purchase a seat in one track, two tracks or get audio downloads included too (along with your live seat) so what are you waiting for! I’ve heard there is a cap of 200 people due to the bridge line and with the speakers involved, that won’t last long!

Visit http://tinyurl.com/6fmzcy and register now... ‘see’ you on the calls!

Diana Ennen, Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Comment by Diana Ennen on July 22, 2008 at 9:51am

Let's get this group a going!

I’d love to share 7 reasons why I love being a Virtual Assistant.

Share reasons why you love being a virtual assistant -- or even why you want to be a virtual assistant.

Here are mine ...

1- My clients. I get to work with some amazing clients and help them achieve success.

2- Control over my business. I love to know that I have the power to make it grow and am an active part of its success. I get to choose the clients I want to work with, the hours I want to work, and most importantly I get to say no as well.

3- To be part of the Virtual Assistant Industry. I’ve been blessed to be involved in the Virtual Assistant Industry since its inception. Every year I get to see it reach more media and get more attention.

4- To have the opportunity to use my skills and talents every day. I love what I do, and every day I get to wake up and do it again. If you talk to most entrepreneurs they will acknowledge passion is one of the most important aspects to success.

5- There is always something new. I’m an A Type Personality so I definitely need a challenge. I love the thrill of new clients, old clients that have become good friends, new challenges, and also having the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s business and success.

6- In addition to publicity and marketing, I also do virtual assistant coaching. I love to be able to take a VA with just a dream and turn it into a successful business.

7- I love to write and being a virtual assistant allows me to do just that. Whether it’s writing a press release or a media kit for a client, or a new book on the virtual assistant industry, my career choice has allowed me to do this.

Come on ... join me!
Thanks!
Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing, www.virtualwordpublishing.com

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