|
Virtual Assistant Solution Pack -
This is now available in Microsoft
Word Format - email me for details.
Finally a complete solution for the busy Virtual Assistant.
81 page E-book and over 60 Valuable Templates
by Diana Ennen
This book & template set
enables entrepreneurs to successfully open their doors in no time,
easily expanding their client base, and is ideal for those already
in business who want to take their business to the next level. The
unique combination of its 81-page e-book and coinciding templates
enables entrepreneurs to quickly create everything from Corporate
Brochures and Newsletters, to Consultation Forms and Marketing
Letters. This ability to rapidly create impressive documents,
spreadsheets, or presentations, hassle free makes this an
exceptionally valuable tool.
The Solution Pack offers advantages for both those wishing to start
a virtual assistant business and word processing businesses alike.
Those wishing to use their secretarial skills to start their own
business will enjoy the detailed information provided as well as
proven methods for success.
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.
Some of the templates include:
Expense Budget
Income Statement
Start-up Budget
Invoice
Corporate Brochure
Newsletter
Business Card
Letterhead
Consultation Form
Price Sheet
Coupon
Flyer
Marketing Letters
Sample Brochures
Email me for details: diana@virtualwordpublishing.com
7 Reasons I Love Being a
Virtual Assistant
Sometimes it seems you can pick up a magazine or
book today or even turn on the news, without someone talking about the
Virtual Assistant Industry. I couldn’t be happier. We deserve this.
Virtual assistants have worked long and hard to gain the recognition
they are getting today and I know it’s only the beginning.
I’d love to share 7 reasons why I love being a
Virtual Assistant.
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.
If you think you’d like to join the ranks of
virtual assistant, email me.
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.
Work at Home Parents Enjoy
Many Benefits Including Being Able to Care for Sick Children
Margate, FL (May, 2008) Working parents
everywhere are realizing the extra benefits of working from home
including being there for their children when they are sick. In fact,
Diana Ennen, president of Virtual Word Publishing was recently
featured on CBS Channel 4 News in Miami,
http://cbs4.com/video/?id=53473@wfor.dayport.com on a
segment on working parents and handling sick children and states that
one of the biggest advantages to being self employed is the ability to
not send her kids to school sick.
Ennen states, “I’ve walked to school and seen the
agony on a parent’s face when they have had to drop their children off
at school ill, just because they couldn’t take time off from work.
Not only is it sad for the parents, but also the other children in the
classroom are now exposed to added germs as well. Changes need to be
made.”
Apparently lawmakers think it’s a good idea too.
Officials from 11 states are considering a bill that would make paid
sick days a basic labor standard. Even Presidential candidates Hillary
Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama were involved, coming out in support
of mandatory paid sick days. Also Congress may vote on the Healthy
Families Act, which would require businesses with fifteen or more
employees to give workers at least seven paid sick days per year.
These are changes that all should support.
However, businesses don’t need legislation to make a change. A simple
change in company policy is all that is needed to protect the health
and well being of their most valued assets, their employees and their
families. If companies allowed sick days for employees when they kids
were sick, we would see a dramatic drop in diseases, and also
employees would be more satisfied at work.
Some might also find it beneficial to do as Ennen
did and consider working from home. By staying at home, Ennen has
been able to work while caring for three children including her 10-
year-old daughter Amber. “My hours are my own and the flexibility is
just great,” said Ennen. Amber appreciates the added attention she
gets and has told me that one of the greatest things about me working
from home is that I’m there for her when she is sick. For her to
realize that is very gratifying,” added Ennen.
Ennen has been working from home since 1985 when
she decided to quit her job and start her own business as a virtual
assistant, writing press releases, marketing authors and their books
and offering virtual assistant and PR coaching. Ennen has written
several books about starting a virtual assistant business including
Virtual Assistant - The Series: Become a Highly Successful Sought
After VA and The Corel Word Perfect, Virtual Assistant Solution
Pack.
To read more about Ennen or view the CBS video
in more detail go to Ennen’s site at Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com
| 
