Looking for tips on growing a solid VA business?  Here we are sharing about good client relationships.

Also, isn’t this the greatest way to do an article.  You can take your article and have it made into a video.  Amazing!  If you are interested, contact Andrea Kali – www.amazingsalesvideos.com.   This is the new way to do article marketing.  Enjoy!

TOP TEN REASONS TO ATTEND THE IVAA LIVE SUMMIT IN PORTLAND

10.  You spend all year doing the virtual thing – time for a real face off. (One on one w/ your virtual buds)

9.    You’ve heard about the “Voodoo Donuts” and are TOTALLY READY to find out what the heck they are.

8.    The VA gurus will be there and you don’t want to be square. Many leading VAs attribute their success to attending the Live Summit

7.    Smooze fest, time to talk some smak with your fellow VAs

6.    You’re tired of being left out of all the latest Industry news and trends.  Did you hear about this thing called Facebook?  Amazing!

5.    Great info – so “learning” is not a 4-letter word

4.    You need your annual booster shot – that shot in the arm to get jazzed and rediscover why you still love your VA biz

3.    The chance to take part in history – This is the 10th year and one of the leading VA conferences

2.    You can’t wait for the goodies – Did you hear what was in those goodie bags last year?

And the #1 Reason to Attend Live Summit ….

1.    Who has more fun that we do? No one!  Last year’s programs totally knocked my socks off – I’m ready for Reaching New Peaks in Portland!

Find out more about the Live Summit and why 100+ of your colleagues feel it is the MUST ATTEND event of the year!

It reminded me so much of recent discussions in the Virtual Assistant Industry on who coined the term Virtual Assistant?  It’s been debatable since Day 1 it seems.  The only difference is back then it didn’t seem to matter much. We were all working hard just to get the word out there about what a VA is and does and why businesses absolutely need us.  I like so many spent years trying to educate others on the benefits of being a virtual assistant and I couldn’t be happier that today people just know what a VA is without me having to tell them.  Now I know we could go on and on about who coined it and I in NO way want to take away from that.  (And it’s not the purpose of this posting to do that.) For me, I’m just so grateful that someone did. What matters most to me is that now I have a business that I can be proud of and that can not only support my family, but give me something to do everyday that I love. And I can do it globally.

I kind-of like how the debate sparks memories of those beginning years for many.  I can vividly remember the first few times I heard the term.  It was not long after I was made aware that we no longer wanted to be called Home-Based Secretarial Services, as we weren’t secretaries anymore, we were word processors. (Although I still felt we were and are today. At that time many businesses still referred to their secretaries as secretaries and I was glad to be able to show them they could work at home.)  I had just written Words From Home: Start, Run and Profit from a Home-Based Word Processing Business. I felt so ahead of the game then and so excited about where the home-based industry was going.  Starting in 1985 I had went from people laughing at me and snickering when I told them I worked at home to people now actually saying, “that’s cool, how can I do it?”

And then talk began on the Internet (which even that was cool back then!) about this thing about being virtual.  I do think I first heard it on Liz Folger’s forum, but so am not sure.  I can remember then thinking, that’s exactly what I am.  Now with this new email thing (AOL- although it took hours to connect) and being able to send files online I can work anywhere. Just like so many of you will always remember your first client, for many of us old-timers, we can visually remember that first time we sent a file electronically.  Let me tell you, it ROCKED!

I really don’t remember when I converted over to being a virtual assistant.  All I do remember is that I wanted to know more and make it a point to find out as much as I could. I do remember clearly though after my interview came out in USA Today in 1997 about being a virtual assistant, just how confused people were. That article generated a lot of traffic and calls for me, but didn’t result in a lot of work.  Many just didn’t get it and honestly, I wasn’t the greatest at explaining it.  Fortunately I got better at it.

In the early 2000s is when I met up with Kelly Poelker.  She seemed to know it all about being a virtual assistant and I was thrilled when we decided to partner on a book together.  I was still more the “word processing gal,” but that didn’t seem to matter much. She brought me around. I think together the combination made for a better book because we were able to come at it from different angles.  Hard to believe VA the Series is in its 4^th edition.  How cool is that?

Anyway, my hope with this posting wasn’t to bore anyone, which I’m sure I did a few.  But more importantly just to be a reminder to be proud of how far we have come as virtual assistants.  I’m sure in the 2012 election you won’t even think twice when you say or hear tea party.  I hope in 2012 more and more will be shouting the praises of how cool it is to be a virtual assistant too.

Love to hear your comments!  What are your memories of those first few years as a virtual assistant?

Here’s more information. And check it out, the release even made it on Forbes and Entrepreneur. How cool is that?

Forbes

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/prnewswire/2010/08/31/prnewswire201008310805PR_NEWS_USPR_____PH56857.html

Entrepreneur Magazine

http://www.entrepreneur.com/prnewswire/release/290553.html

Entrepreneurs Explore How to Sharpen Technology Tools at the 5th Annual IVAA Online Summit

Reno, NV (August, 2010) On October 7th – 8th, 2010 the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA) will host its 5th annual online conference entitled, “Sharpening Your Technology Tools.” This year’s Summit is specifically designed to help new and seasoned virtual assistants and other entrepreneurs use technology to help grow and streamline a business. The Summit runs from 8:45 am until 4:00 pm (US EST GMT -5) each day with over 30 sessions available. Additional information can be found at http://online.vasummit.org/

Those attending can expect informative how-to tutorials from leading experts and classes provided on topics relating to technology, marketing and more. Topics include: Easy BlogSite Maintenance with WordPress, Simple Shopping Cart How-Tos, Cpanels-Discovering What’s Inside, and Beautifying your Website with Fonts, to name a few. The marketing sessions include classes on Top Marketing Tips to Take Your Business into 6 Figures, Establishing a Social Media Marketing Presence that Shines, and Marketing Magic Begins with the Right Tools.

This year’s Keynote Speaker is Arlene Johnson. Johnson is discussing SuccessMapping®, a strategy and step-by-step process that enables individuals and organizations to effectively execute and succeed with critical business objectives. Additionally, an exciting new feature this year is the addition of panels. Panel topics include building a multi-team business and project management software.

Since 1999, IVAA has been dedicated to the professional education and development of virtual assistants worldwide as well as educating the public about the function and services VAs offer. With over 700 members globally, IVAA is the premier industry association, setting standards for excellence and offering a myriad of courses leading up to formal certification (CVA). Hosting the annual online conference allows IVAA to reach a wide audience and continue the mission to educate and certify the best professionals in this growing industry.

Experience business growth today with tips from the pros and enjoy the fellowship of two days meeting and greeting with fellow virtual assistants and business owners. Registration is available to all Virtual Assistants, those interested in learning more about becoming a VA, as well as the general public.

IVAA is currently seeking businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities. For additional information on the IVAA Online Summit contact Donnette Cowgill, pressonline@vasummit.org for assistance. Register today at: http://online.vasummit.org/

The International Virtual Assistants Association

http://online.vasummit.org/

pressonline@vasummit.org
877.440.2750

Thanks!

Diana Ennen / @dianaennen / www.virtualwordpublishing.com

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.

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Virtual Word Publishing

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.

Starting a virtual assistant business is a great work-at-home business and the potential just keeps getting better and better.  In fact, some are citing that having a virtual assistant is one of your most important keys to success. 

Getting started is easy.  Fortunately, it’s not expensive either.  First of all you need a complete plan of action set out in advance.  This ensures that you don’t leave any vital steps unaddressed and will have a solid plan of action to succeed.  You don’t need anything technical, just how you plan to operate your business including advertising methods, pricing, business hours, equipment and supplies needed, goals, etc. 

You want to clearly define your business.  There are so many different areas you can go into as a virtual assistant so you need to decide with your skills and your experience what is the best for you.  Want some ideas of some services you can offer as a virtual assistant?  Here are a few. 

It’s important to find your own niche and really own it.

Now, that you have your business plan you need to decide on the name of your business.  One thing you need to make sure of is that you can legally have that name.  Often I’ve seen virtual assistants start their business and just grab a name and call it their own.  That doesn’t work well when someone else has already chosen that name, registered it, perhaps trademarked it, and has been using it for years.  First check and make sure that no one already has it, then test it out.  Is it easy to pronounce when you answer the phone? Does it sell you well?  Does it limit you?  Five years from now will you still feel proud of that name? Try it out on friends and ask their honest feedback.  Also, go to the various boards and mention it too.  For such an important decision it’s worth the effort. 

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 into either an LLC or S Corporation.

Now it’s time to set up your bookkeeping. 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.  The Virtual Assisting Industry is a very proud bunch and we want our clients and others to know that when you partner with us, you are getting a professional and one capable of making your business better.   Clients will pay well for making their business succeed.  Determine what you are bringing to the table. What specialty services such as web design or  publicity you offer, and then decide on a rate that is right for you.  Today, I believe the going rate is between $25.00 to $90.00 and more.  I’d love to see all virtual assistants start no lower than $45.00 an hour, but I know that’s not always possible.

It is also important to have an impressive marketing piece. Your brochures, letterhead, flyers, business cards, etc., should look sensational.  I personally love VistaPrints at VistaPrints.com.  I can afford to get matching business cards, mailing labels, magnets, and even Christmas cards cheap.  This makes me look more professional as I have everything the same layout and because it’s so reasonable, I even have different styles for different clients.  Also, recently they added T-shirts to their line of products.  They will often have free giveaways of these.  I’ve gotten business T-Shirts and the results were exciting.

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.   As many of you know too, I have a free booklet and advertising letters I’d be happy to share on obtaining clients.

 One of the most important things is to get a professional website.  This will enable you not only to get clients through your SEO efforts, but also to show your clients your services and everything about your business.  You can’t have the same ole’, same ole’ here.  It needs to be unique and impressive.  Don’t just tell the client what a Virtual Assistant is?  Tell them why you should be their Virtual Assistant.

It’s also important to get listed on directories and with the various VA forums. 

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. 

 Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker are the co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook, and Virtual Assistant – The Series: Working Virtually, A Guide to Working Remotely as an Employee.  For complete information on starting your own VA business, stop by http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com.  Article is free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.

http://mypodcastharmony.com/avpnew/episode-29-lets-talk-marketing-show-notes/

Hope you enjoy it! Love to hear your comments.

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

Today’s Virtual Assistants need to take pride in their business and also to learn as much as they can about their niche, which is the specialty they have chosen to specialize in. One niche that I highly recommend is to offer publicity and marketing services to clients. This is an area that is growing in leaps and bounds as more and more authors, businesses, and other professionals realize the need to market their business to get good publicity. A business can expand tremendously when hiring a Virtual Assistant to help them spread the word about their products or services. Also, authors today aren’t aware that once they write a book, that’s when the real work begins. They need to get the word out about their book in order for it to be successful. That’s where a good Publicity Virtual Assistant comes in.

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 wants to do a segment on them and you helped them achieve this success. Or better yet, when your efforts start resulting in substantial increased sales for them. Clients will not only keep using your services, but also tell others about this new positive addition they have to their business. And best yet, you too get to feel that satisfaction as you are helping them achieve their goals.

One of my most successful tips is learning how to effectively use any publicity that a client receives. When clients get national attention in a magazine, newspaper, or TV Segment, or even on a popular website, it’s important to make sure that everyone is aware of this. A press release should immediately go out to announce their accomplishment. This release should be added to their website and also should go to all their local papers, radio stations, and TV networks. Media loves to highlight a success story of their locals, so make sure you get this out there as soon as you can. And you don’t have to wait for the publicity to happen. If your client lands a major TV segment, you can start sending this press out beforehand in order to get more media for when the event happens. You just want to make sure that the client is fairly confident the segment will air. Also, don’t worry if the segment gets bumped back, that often happens as breaking news takes priority. This can almost be a blessing, as then you get to do more publicity before the airdate.

It’s also important to follow-up with the reporters and let them know how much you appreciate the acceptance of your quotes for an article. 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 expert advice. Many reporters work for multiple magazines so one good ally can lead to lots of media exposure. Always keep your PR hat on. Learn to take any situation and turn it into good press for your clients and your business as well. Stay on top of current events and see if you have anything to offer. 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. How do you know about these events? Sign up for Google Alerts under the topics of interest and then whenever a story is written, you can follow-up with your press release or article to the reporter. It works! I also use ProfNet from PRNewswire, which allows me to get daily leads from major news outlets. You can also consider PRLeads.

It’s also important to learn how to write a good press release and article and also where to send those. Make sure that your press releases and articles are newsworthy and also something that interests the readers. When I write a release, I always think would I read this release? Would it interest me? If not, I doubt your target audience would be reading it either. Plus, be careful to sound too promotional. You can easily get your message across without sounding like an ad.

Publicity is a great niche for Virtual Assistants. To learn more stop by my site at www.virtualwordpublishing.com or contact me for a free 10 minute call on PR tips or my free PR Informational Package.

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Diana Ennen and Kelly Poelker are the co-authors of numerous books including Virtual Assistant: the Series, Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA and accompanying Virtual Assistant the Series Workbook, and Virtual Assistant – The Series: Working Virtually, A Guide to Working Remotely as an Employee. For complete information on starting your own VA business stop by http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and http://www.vatheseries.com. Article is free to be reprinted as long as the author’s bio remains intact.