Working from Home Just Got Easier with Words From Home

Ft. Lauderdale, FL –If you can type and use the computer, take some advice and listen to some words from home. That’s the motivational book, Words from Home, Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business a complete reference guide on how to start, run and profit from a home-based word processing business. It’s 166 pages on everything you need to succeed and targeted to work-at-home moms with good secretarial skills. The advice comes from expert Diana Ennen.

In 1985 Ennen started her word processing business and was able to establish a full time client base within six months. In 1996 she wrote the first edition of Words from Home at the start of the growth of the virtual assisting industry. The book has recently been updated in its 2nd edition to meet the growth of new technology and advancements.

“Our goal with this book is to not only show how to start your own word processing business at home, but also how to do a brilliant job at it,” says Ennen. “You will take pride in the fact that your business will be a cut above the others. Anyone can run a home-based word processing business. What we want to show you is how to operate the best word processing business.”

Words from Home covers both word processing and virtual assisting and offers an opportunity to work with top professionals, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, authors, businesses, and students. Virtual Assistants or VAs as they’re called are highly skilled professionals who provide extensive marketing solutions, creative and innovative advertising campaigns, administrative support, proofing and editing and other specialized services for entrepreneurs, small businesses, authors and others who want to bring their business to a new level or market their books for greater value.

Topics in the book include tips on writing resumes, manuscripts, advertising and marketing; determining your rates; business operations; setting up a website; working with clients and on the internet; tips from the pros on what works and doesn’t work; and balancing family and business.

“Our book contains a lot of personal and hard-knocks trial and error experiences,” says Ennen. “What better way to learn how to start a business than to obtain first-hand knowledge from someone who has been there and succeeded.” In addition there are interviews with more than 40 word processors and profiles on each of them.

To get advice on starting a word processing business and to purchase Words from Home go to www.virtualwordpublishing.com. E-books also are available.

Contact: Diana Ennen
http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
http://www.virtualassistantstartups.com
(954) 971-4025
diana@virtualwordpublishing.com

Virtual Assistants Startups

Diana Ennen
President, Virtual Word Publishing
http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com
Author: Virtual Assistant – The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA & Workbook
(954) 971-4025


We all realize how virtual professionals have revolutionized the way we work today. Most businesses now count on their Virtual Assistants the same as they used to count on their secretaries. The good news is that it’s better now and they appreciate them all the more. They are able to secure the most experienced and qualified VA in the area needing the most help; there’s no need to train them; and of course they work on an “as needed basis.” Because they represent themselves and work for themselves, VAs often take the time to get the qualifications and skills they need. They seek to learn as much as they can on every aspect of their business in order to be profitable and a true asset to their clients.

As such, the potential today for VAs to be successful continues to explode. One area I find that is growing in leaps and bounds is the VA who specializes in publicity and marketing. There is a huge potential for this today as more and more well-known authors contend that one of the best ways to be successful is to hire a good VA.

Through the years I’ve changed my specialties often as I grew my business. I started out doing medical and legal transcription, word processing, and practically anything that needed to be typed. Then I focused on writing and marketing my own books. This led me to the where I am today. Now, my business primarily consists of book marketing, general publicity, copywriting, and my personal favorite, my own writing, as I’ve now authored five books. When I started 21 years ago, I never would have imagined this would be where my path would lead me. That’s why it’s so important to always grow in your business. Get trained and constantly explore new options that excite you and keep you motivated.

Publicity and marketing is thrilling to say the least. There’s such a great rush when your client gets recognized in national magazines, or a TV station picks up their segment. Or better yet, when your efforts start resulting in increased sales for them. That’s when it starts getting fun.

I’ve learned through the years what works and what doesn’t. One of my most successful tips is learning how to effectively follow-up. When clients get national attention, I go to work to make sure that everyone is aware of this. A press release immediately goes out to announce their accomplishment. It’s added to their website, and then the “real good ones” get added to their bio for article submissions. One example can be found on one of my client’s websites, www.hometutoringbusiness.com, and her press page.


It’s also important to follow-up with the reporters and let them know how much you appreciate the acceptance of your quotes. When you go the extra step to show them your appreciation, they remember you when the next article comes up and they need help with more quotes. Many reporters work for multiple magazines so one good ally can lead to lots of media exposure.

There also is a great demand today for VAs to help realtors with their marketing. Whether virtually or locally, you can make a substantial difference in a realtors’ bottom line. When I did marketing for a realtor several years ago, I always thought outside the box. Yes, we could send out mailers and announce new houses on the market, but I worked on ways to immediately capture the attention of those we market to. What will keep impress them enough, and stick with them, that when they found a need for a realtor, you are the one that first comes to mind? We decided part of our marketing campaign would be to take advantage of the holidays. Yes, many realtors did this, but we did it better. For Halloween we put small pumpkins with our business cards in the neighborhoods that we targeted. We also did the follow-up with a mailer that had the realtor in a costume and the ad read something like, “Does the prospect of selling your home SCARE you? It wouldn’t if you listed with Max Realty.”

We sent something for most of the holidays and even though the cost was high, they were easily offset by the profits the realtor received. But the best news was that he quickly became known as the “friendly realtor,” and the realtor that everyone wanted to do business with. We repeatedly heard that every holiday, our friends in the neighborhood looked forward to seeing what we would come up with next. I bet our magnets were on most of the families’ fridges in the neighborhood. How did we do that? Well, everyone sends the calendar magnets for New Years, but people get so many, they get lost. The real trick is to send that magnet when others don’t, like for Valentines Day or the start of the baseball season with the home teams schedule on it.

My business today is all about getting exposure. My PR hat is always on. I like to take any situation and turn it into good press for my clients and myself alike. As a result, I stay alert on current events. Whenever a story hits the press that any of my clients would have a connection to, I’ll send it right away. Having press releases already prepared for clients on their business is always a great help. I sign up for Google Alerts on their topic and then whenever a story is written on the issue, I’ll follow-up with our story to the reporter. It works!

As you can see, I love being a VA and am excited about the possibilities of our Industry. I do believe that some day the phrase Virtual Assistant will be just as popular as the term secretary, only with a more positive feel to it. Often secretaries weren’t proud of what they did, although they should have been, as most ran the offices and their employers couldn’t work without them. However, virtual assistants are a proud bunch and we should be. We’ve come a long way and that’s just the beginning. We are skilled, dedicated, and determined to spread the message of how we can and will make your business better.

On Your Mark-Get Set-Go!!!

You’re ready-You’ve finally got it-The top of the line computer with all the bells and whistles. It walks, it talks, it connects at the speed of sound, and has everything you’d ever need, plus some, but will it make you money? Absolutely!!! And we’re going to show you how!

There are numerous ways to utilize your computer for a home-based business. The key is finding the right one for you. First you need to consider your skills and expertise and most importantly, what you enjoy doing. Remember, it’s a combination of the three that makes for a winning business.

Those with good secretarial and Internet skills might want to consider word processing, whereas those with a flair for figures might prefer accounting or bookkeeping. For those who live on the web and love a good hunt, how about Internet researching. Then there’s always resume consulting, real estate transaction coordinators, etc. The possibilities are limitless and with the growth of the Internet, and the advancement in technology today, it just keeps getting better and better!

And now the really GOOD NEWS! These can all be tied into one business -- one industry that is growing at an unbelievable rate -- that can encompass all of these specialties, the VIRTUAL ASSISTANT INDUSTRY. Naturally you don't need to do all these specialties, but with no limitations, you can work worldwide for clients doing any of these.

This industry is regularly featured in the media in such well-known publications as Time Magazine and CNN News, to name just a few. Virtual Assistant businesses are also listed in many of the latest home-based business books and magazines in the top one or two of the top 10 home-based businesses to start.

What is a Virtual Assistant? Virtual Assistants provide service from a home office to anywhere in the world using their high-speed access, e-mails, fax machines as well as many web-based applications. They handle word processing, event planning, real estate transactions, legal briefs, medical transcription, Internet research, event planning, and so much more. The virtual revolution has truly begun and businesses are taking full advantage of the expertise of these professionals.

Corporate professionals, doctors, attorneys, etc., are realizing that they can rely on these professional VAs to keep their businesses running smoothly and often better than before because of their advanced training and knowledge. Lawyers are practicing law. CEOs are handling business and growing their business with the new technology we are showing them and realtors -- they are out their selling homes!! Everyone is happy.

How do you start a business? Here's just a few pointers!

Once you decide on starting a business, the first thing you’ll want to do is to write everything down. All your thoughts and dreams and how you plan to achieve them. Decide on the hours you want to work, the price you want to charge, the marketing you plan to implement, the equipment and supplies required, and your goals and visions for your business. This is your plan for success. This is essential. Too many leave this vital step out and then don’t have a clear focus for their business.

Then research and read everything you can on starting your business. Find out how the pros have done it and gain from their experience. Look to the Internet. Find message boards and chats that relate to the area that you want to go into. Often times these are managed by people who have been in business for years, the real pros, and are willing to share their experience. Not only will you gain their expertise, but also that of those who frequent the boards. These will be others who are starting a business, or who are succeeding in business, and willing to share their knowledge with you.

Do a search on the Internet for Virtual Assistant Businesses and associations. Find the common denominators. What associations do most belong to? What services do most offer? This is just research, but it will help in providing you ideas for what you want to do with your business. Look to their links page and check out their links. This is especially true for those organizational websites. Again, write down all your findings. Don't copy!!! You don't want to have what everyone else has. But this helps provide you with valuable information on the benefits of what a virtual assistant is and what a virtual assistant can do.

Sign up for newsletters! The knowledge is tremendous and the motivation well worth it!

Get additional training if necessary. Once you decide what you want to do, then find out exactly what other skills you will need to make it possible. Hire a coach or mentor. We do offer coaching at www.virtualwordpublishing.com.

With all your knowledge that you have now, and it all written down in your plan, you’re ready to take the next steps in starting a business, your business. Your dream! Enjoy and remember nothing is impossible as long as you give it your all.

As the Virtual Assisting Industry continues to grow, start your business now. It’s easy to do, destined for success, and enjoyable to operate! Now that’s my kind of business!

Diana Ennen

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Diana Ennen, Author: Virtual Assistant - The Series, Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA and New Workbook, Corel, Word Perfect Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, Words From Home: How To Start a Home-Based Word Processing Business, www.virtualwordpublishing.com, diana@virtualwordpublishing.com. (E-mail me for a free 20-page booklet on getting started.)

FINE TUNING YOUR BUSINESS -- IS IT TIME?

Many of you already are in established in business with your website already in place, your business cards tucked away securely ready for the next marketing opportunity, and your promotional materials, have your business cards, your web site designed,

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:

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 write a new book ... report ... give a teleseminar ... Tell them! This can be a perfect opportunity to perhaps toot your horn a little.

Continually search for new and worthwhile sites that offer tips on marketing. There are pros out there specializing in marketing. Let them guide you into making more profits.

Do something different with your marketing. Candy wrappers can be a perfect way to show your clients your uniqueness and catch their attention. You can get your company name and logo printed on them. If visiting local clients, prepare a "small package" with coffees/teas, your candy bar with your logo on it, perhaps a personalized pen, and of course, several business cards. Drop it off at new businesses in your area. How about the doctor that just changed locations or the new attorney that just graduated law school? You can send these out as well and are not confined to local clients. Many companies that specialize in candy wrappers offer the feature of providing business packages.

And don't forget those existing clients. When was the last time you called them up and asked, "Hey, how are you doing? How's business going?" A personal, "What's been happening" call can make a very favorable impression. If you're new in business and don't have existing clients yet, then let all your new or potential clients know that you truly care about them and their business. How do you do this? Listen. Really listen. Do some research and find out more about their business so when they talk about it, you understand and can add to the conversation. I've been in business for 18 years and my existing clients are my bread and butter. I make sure to take the time just to call and say "Hi." You'd be amazed how well received it is

Market your way to success in your business! See how doing things a little differently can make a big difference. And lastly, enjoy your marketing. When clients see that you enjoy what you're doing, they want to do business with you.

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Diana Ennen. www.virtualwordpublishing.com Author: Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought After VA