Virtual Assistants In the News

It's absolutely amazing the amount of press the term "Virtual Assistant" has received in just the past two weeks. I've seen it mentioned on the Today Show, Woman's World, (with excellent quotes from Michael Russer and one of the authors of the Two Minute Commute) and now today in US Daily News.

In the article today it mentioned if you are looking for a virtual assistant, type in Google the term Virtual Assistant. Isn't that incredible! That is great news for all VAs. How many businesses are going to do just that and hopefully find the perfect partnership.

I am so proud of our Industry and where it is today and that we (virtual assistants) are getting this recognition. It's been a group effort and I think all virtual assistants should take a minute and say, "Well done!" we are doing it.

In 1997 I was quoted in USA Today on a story on home-based businesses and I mentioned about becoming a virtual assistant. I can remember how many comments I got from everywhere, "WHAT!! What's that!" It was like back in 1985 when I started working at home and people would say to me "Sure you're working at home, cough cough, thinking I was really watching soaps and pretending to be working.

It might have taken ten or so years, but we did it. Virtual Assistants are front and center.

So, if you are as proud as me and would like to leave a positive comment on the Virtual Assistant Industry, please do. Also, please make sure to leave your website too. Why make it hard for clients to find us through Google. Blogging is so much easier.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen
Author: VA the Series
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Virtual Assistants – The Key to Successful Book Marketing and Promotions

Hi

I hope you enjoy some of my articles on virtual assistants & publicity. Please feel free to post your articles as well or send them to me to post. Thanks -- Diana Ennen

Finally, the answer self-publishers and published authors have been looking for to compete in the overwhelming and often oversaturated book publishing industry. They have found the solution for getting the same exposure and media coverage as those authors who are fortunate enough to work with top marketing consultants. They have found the one true answer in getting their book the recognition it deserves. Meet the Virtual Assistant!

Virtual Assistants (VAs) are highly skilled professionals who take the time to excel in their given field. They provide extensive marketing solutions, creative and innovative advertising campaigns, administrative support, proofing and editing capabilities, 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 results. VAs work globally, taking full advantage of all the connections of the online book networks, online publishing listserves, and other media outlets that are available to all who know where to find them. They utilize all their expert talents and superb writing abilities for book marketing and promotions, thereby helping entrepreneurs and authors achieve the success they deserve.

Diana Ennen, co-author of Virtual Assistant ~ the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA (http://www.VA-TheSeries.com) states, “Today’s Internet has opened the doors to successful marketing. Being able to send your books to other online bookstores, promote your books on other sites, contact publishers and editors of papers via e-mail, and just day-to -day tasks of getting publicity is now convenient and available for all to do. As an author myself, I know how important it is to provide that personalized attention to authors, so I make every effort to provide them that specialized attention and total commitment in marketing their books.”

Virtual assisting has also opened up the gateway for e-books and online bookstores. Virtual Word Publishing’s site has a virtual online bookstore and has experienced tremendous growth over the past few months. Self-published authors are getting exposure for their books and establishing themselves as successful authors and experts in their field. The bookstore currently has a wide variety of excellent books on many topics ranging from starting a virtual assistant business to successful tips on marketing your online business.

If you want to stop by the bookstore and see the many fine books, or list your book on the site, stop by today. You can download sample chapters or get research and information on publishing and virtual assisting as well. Simply the Best, that’s what you’ll find here.

***
Diana Ennen has written several books including, The Virtual Assistant Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA (co-author Kelly Poelker), Words From Home: Start, Run, and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business, and The Home Office Recovery Plan (co-Author Patty Gale) Contact Diana at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com or http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com/

Proven How To’s On Starting Your Own Virtual Assisting Business -- By Diana Ennen

Setting up a home-based 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. Nothing 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. Call others in your area and see what they are charging. The average prices being charge today are between $35.00 and $70.00, 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. E-mail me at diana@virtualwordpublishing.com for lots of free samples on obtaining clients.

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 Yellow Pages, message boards, newspapers, chats, or school bulletin boards. 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. Take advantage of your signature line and often add a P.S. to add emphasis.

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 and Workbook, Corel WordPerfect Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, www.corel.com and many more. Visit her at www.virtualwordpublishing.com. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.

A Complete Solution for the Busy or Aspiring Virtual Assistant

Margate, FL (May, 2007) For years, businesses have complained of needing more help around the office to meet the ever-increasing demands of running a successful company. The answer has finally arrived. Highly skilled Virtual Assistants are now on scene offering a global solution to the daily challenges of doing business. As the demand increased for qualified virtual assistants, so did the need for proper training and books on how to become a Virtual Assistant (VA). Corel has stepped up to plate to meet those needs with the release of their latest, WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack, now available at http://www.corel.com.

The WordPerfect® OfficeReady® Virtual Assistant Solution Pack has been designed with the small business owner in mind. It enables entrepreneurs to successfully open their doors immediately, easily managing their time, while expanding their client base. What makes the Virtual Assistant Solution Pack especially beneficial is the unique combination of its 81-page E-book and workable templates that assist everyday users in creating everything from Expense Budgets and Corporate Brochures, to Consultation Forms and Marketing Letters. The ability to rapidly craft impressive documents, spreadsheets, or presentations hassle free makes this an valuable tool for all VA Businesses.

The Solution Pack offers advantages for both those wishing to start a virtual assistant business and word processing businesses alike. Just some of the benefits include:

1. The ability to establish themselves as an expert in the Virtual Assistant and Word Processing Industry.
2. The information to help them prosper in their own niche, such as publicity, medical or legal transcription, web design, bookkeeping, and so many more.
3. The access to all the tools they need to succeed right at their fingertips. No need to reinvent the wheel every time they need an example of an invoice, etc.
4. Excellent information for the already established VAs to further expand their businesses.
.
The WordPerfect OfficeReady Templates were written in conjunction with Corel to assist millions across the globe in the ever-growing virtual assisting industry. The Virtual Assistant Solution Pack was designed with great care and precision by Diana Ennen, an VA Industry Leader and president of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com, with valuable contributions from several professional virtual assistants including her co-author of numerous other books, Kelly Poelker.

Virtual Assistants makes it easy for busy executives and small businesses to get the most out of their time without hiring part-time or full-time assistance or having to accommodate an additional person in their office. For Virtual Assistants, working from home means more flexibility in their schedules, and the ability to put their vast skills and experiences to use, earning a greater income.

The OfficeReady Virtual Assistant Solution Pack gives its users the proper tools to turn their independent small businesses into successful enterprises. So start your business today or grow your existing business by ordering your copy at the Corel site, http://www.corel.com.